Guyana's first ever women's Commonwealth Games gold medalist Aliann Pompey was honoured with The Mayor's Medal and Plaque at a Civic Reception held in her honour at the Promenade Gardens yesterday.
Pompey who won the women's 400-metre event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, last month, was honoured by Georgetown's Mayor Hamilton Green and Councillors yesterday.
Addressing the gathering which included Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Gail Teixeira, Minister of Health Leslie Ramsammy and Guyana Olympic Association president K. Juman Yassin among other dignitaries, city councillors and well wishers, Mayor Green suggested that Minister Teixeira and Yassin among others do much more to promote athletics. "It doesn't cost a lot, but it requires young people with commitment in and out of school to train hard, to eat properly and to keep themselves fit.
"I want to say to Aliann, that this gold must be regarded by you as merely an initial adventure, we look forward that as you go back to your training, to set your sights and know that the target is an Olympic gold and I promise that when that happens, the government of Guyana and the municipality and people of Guyana will turn out in thousands to bring you in a royal chariot from Timehri to Georgetown, so that you can celebrate in royal style," the former prime minister said.
In her welcoming remarks, chairperson Pat Chase-Green reminded those present that the occasion was one to pay tribute and say thank you to a person who through her athletic prowess, had brought much pride and joy to all Guyanese.
Chase-Green pointed out that `The Mayor's Medal' is presented to persons who have demonstrated outstanding abilities in a particular field or endeavour.
Minister Teixeira who had breakfast with Pompey and her father yesterday, said the occasion gave her the opportunity to understand why Aliann did so well.
Minister Teixeira pointed out that sports is a unifying factor in many countries like it is in Guyana. She said many Guyanese are disheartened by the fact that they were unable to see Pompey's victory on television.
"I'm really impressed with Mr. Pompey's dedication and the rapport he has with his daughter. Many fathers do not have that kind of closeness and relationship with their children and so I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Mr. Pompey and family have contributed to Aliann's development as an athlete and as an individual," Minister Teixeira stated, adding "many people feel that an athlete can go and run without being prepared, that it is only a matter of luck. Aliann is an example of dedication, discipline, courage, strength, commitment and sacrifice."
Yassin in his address stated "we are very happy and proud of the success and glory Aliann has brought, not only to herself but to Guyana."
"The minister made a very significant point when she said Aliann worked very hard, but she had to work basically on her own, she had to study, work and train, and with this success, I sincerely hope she will have all of Guyana behind her now, so that she will not have to work that hard, so that she will be able to concentrate more on her training and athletics," Yassin stated, adding "and I sincerely hope that before she leaves Guyana, we will be able to work out some arrangements, so that she will feel comfortable in her training," Yassin declared.