The Guyana Committee of Service (GCS) yesterday rewarded some of its executive members and also chipped in to help offset surgical expenses for renowned amputee sportsman, William ‘The Conqueror’ France.
During a simple ceremony at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion, France, the founder of the Differently Abled Athletics Club was presented with financial assistance to aid with his corrective eye surgery later this month in Trinidad.
France requires $1.2M to cover the expenses of the operation. After receiving $1M from the government and the undisclosed sum from the GCS, France who has represented Guyana in several marathons internationally was thankful to his benefactors.
Meanwhile, presentations were also made to track and field stalwarts, Leslie Black and Alisha Fortune. Fortune will represent the nation at the World Masters Indoor Championships. Black, a long standing coach and Fortune are both executive members of the GCS which was founded in 2016. Black, was recently bestowed with the Golden Arrow of Achievement.
The Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) is the fourth highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana and is awarded to any citizen of Guyana who has performed an outstanding and specific act of service or achievement of an exceptional nature, or is given for long and dedicated service of a consistently high standard in responsible offices, local government services, social and voluntary services, industry or trade unions, or in any other area of public service.
The GCS recognized Black yesterday for his achievement with a small token.
Fortune who needs $800,000 to represent Guyana at the March 24-30 Championships in Poland, was also a recipient of an undisclosed sum from the GCS.
Fortune who was a triple gold medalist (100m, 200m and 400m) in 2015 at the outdoor version of the meet in France, followed up with two silver medals and a gold medal last year in Spain.
With the help of the GCS, she will be looking to once again secure podium spots while in Poland.
