National high jump record holder, Robert Bynoe yesterday donated a quantity of running shoes to the Super Upcoming Runners Track Club, Titans United Athletic Club and the Running Brave Athletic Club.
The simple, but significant presentation, was made to members of the clubs at the headquarters of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) on Light Street.
Set in April of 1995, Bynoe’s 2.17 metres high jump record, 25-years later still firmly stands.
The former Savanah State University standout, who now resides in the USA, was adamant that it was because of his foundation in Guyana and all his life-lessons as an athlete, that he decided to ‘pay it forward’.
“As a young man, not coming from the wealthiest of families, I was happy to have my talent recognized and fostered by some very generous people that helped me along my journey; without them, I may not have existed. That is why I’m delighted to make this presentation to the young athletes,” Bynoe stated.
Bynoe, a former student of St Rose’s High School, dominated the high jump division at the National School’s Championships. His leap of 2.03 metres, while competing for North Georgetown/District 11 is yet to be erased from the record books.
“I fully understand the needs of our local athletes and I know first-hand what education and opportunity can bring. I stand here today having benefited from the Amateur Athletics Association of Guyana’s network, the organization’s resourcefulness, diligent coaches and a lot of improvising on my part due to the lack of facilities,” Bynoe said.
Bynoe, 44, who went on to have an outstanding career representing the oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Georgia, said he’s “happy to see that we’re turning the corner in a different era and the athletes have a lot more going for themselves and support today. I hope that this donation will help the athletes get to the next level, be competitive and also encourage other former athletes to pay it forward.”
Meanwhile, AAG head, Aubrey Hutson, thanked Bynoe for his contribution to the clubs and athletes, whilst calling it “timely,” adding “right now we’re into the cross country season so they’re going to come in very, very handy for athletes who will be going out there to train and compete.”
“We’re very honoured to know that we have in our presence, still the record holder at High Jump. What we’re looking for in this sport are people that our athletes can reach out to and see these people who we have as our record holders” said Hutson
Hutson concluded by starting that the AAG, in an effort to preserve the rich history of Track and Field in Guyana, will be “moving into a realm now where we will have portraits of our athletes put up into the schools that they’re coming from, so St Rose’s High School will be blessed with a portrait of Robert Bynoe, the National Record Holder at High Jump.”
Bynoe who is employed in the Oil and Gas sector in the US for a number of years, disclosed that he is hoping to use his resources to become a firm benefactor for the development of Track and Field in the 592.
