The nation’s top sports administrators yesterday turned out in full to welcome home Guyana’s Commonwealth Youth Games heroes following their exploits in Trinidad and Tobago.
Greeted with flowers and rhythmic drumming, the Youth Commonwealth Games contingent which represented Guyana in the Twin-Island Republic, returned to a patriotic welcome yesterday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The standout teen athletes who earned four medals at the Games punctuated by the 4x400m gold and meet record, were welcomed home by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, head of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Amanda Hermonstine, proud parents, well-wishers and media operatives.
“Welcome home!” were the first words spoken by Minister Ramson Jr., who, went on to state that he and the government was proud of the achievements of the outfit.
Ramson Jr., who, delivered the feature address added, “You are deserving, you have made us proud, you have made the nation proud.”
At the seventh edition of the August 4-11 Games, Team Guyana was represented by five track and field athletes and three swimmers.
Tianna Springer was the country’s most celebrated and decorated one, earning two gold medals in her games debut. The 15-year-old stormed to victory in the women’s 400m final and then returned to anchor the mixed 4x400m team to the top of the podium in a record time.
There were the first gold medals earned by a local athlete since the games started 23 years ago.
Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson and Javon Roberts were the other three member of the record breaking quartet. Austin and McPherson also achieved individual glory in the men’s and women’s quarter-mile event. Austin finished with the silver while McPherson copped bronze.
Said Ramson Jr. “It’s a special feeling to know that you can leave our country and show the world that we are capable of being the best.”
The Minister added, “You have shown that you have the ability to beat the best in the world and what you are doing is bigger than just yourself. When you represent Guyana whether you won or lost, we are all still proud. All of us vicariously, we also get to say that we are the best.”
Ramson Jr., concluded by stating that the government will continue to make investments to ensure the success of its citizens and added that it is always an “honor and a privilege” to welcome back home athletes after successful international duties.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle pointed out that he has “seen a rise in the performances of our young athletes” singling out Springer who has won three international gold medals in less than six months.
Springer, finished atop the podium in her 400m races at the CARIFTA Games in The Bahamas, the South American U-20 Championship in Colombia and the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Twin Island Republic.
“It shows what can happen if we have a good plan and work that plan,” said Ninvalle.
“The ministry, the National Sports Commission and by extension government will be here to walk with you to put that plan into practice and deliver and continue to make this nation proud,” Ninvalle added.
At the welcome ceremony, brief congratulatory remarks were also made by Munroe and Hermonstine.
There was also a steel pan rendition, an ode to the success in Trinidad and a dance performance by the Riverside Angels. (Emmerson Campbell)
