Cyclists honoured at impressive ceremony
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
March 18, 2003
Local cyclists who performed outstandingly in National Sports Commission’s (NSC) coach Hassan Mohammed’s programmes during the past year, were honoured on Sunday at an impressive ceremony sponsored by the Ricks and Sari Group of Com-panies.
The event which was held at Ricks and Sari’s head office, Sherriff Street, saw 23 cyclists as well as three administrators receiving awards.
In delivering the feature address, Director of Sports Neil Kumar, thanked Ricks and Sari’s Managing Director Regan Rodrigues and his company for hosting the ceremony and sponsoring the many cycle races over the years.
Kumar stated that the ceremony is especially important, since it is something that brings cyclists, parents and administrators together. “It also eases the stress” Kumar said.
According to Kumar, if Mohammed was not around, there would have been little or no cycling in Guyana. “The cycling federation needs to get their act together like the cricket and squash associations” Kumar stated.
He used the opportunity to speak briefly on HIV/AIDS, and said money is needed to fight the dreaded disease.
With regards the acquisition of a cycling track, Kumar declared “If the PPP/C can’t give you a track, no one else can”.
Morris Robello who chaired the proceedings, called on the Guyana government and the business sector to do more for the sport.
The former national cycling champion reminisced on his past as a cyclist and called on Kumar to ensure Guyana gets a cycling track “cycling will not go anywhere if there is no track” Robello stated.
Robello used the example of the Kenyan cricket team making it to the semi-final stage of the Cricket World Cup and called on the Government and business houses to take a leaf out of their (Kenya) book.
Rodrigues, himself a former cyclist, questioned why more businesses do not sponsor the sport. He said Ricks and Sari is trying and will continue to try sponsoring cycling in Guyana. “I really love cycling” Rodrigues declared.
Mohammed reminded those present of Ricks and Sari’s involvement in cycling and the awards ceremony which was initiated by himself and Rodrigues in 1990. It was however halted in 1997 for reasons unknown.
Guyana Cycling federation president Ernest Seibs thanked Ricks and Sari for sponsoring the ceremony.
Those cyclists who participated in the National Park programmes last year and were honoured on Sunday are; Jude Bentley and Leer Nunes (school boys and novices), Jorge Emmerson and Marlon Williams (juveniles), Shane Boodram and Albert Philander (racing cycle boys 12-14 years), Linden Blackman and Deon David (veterans under-45 years), Aubrey Greavesande and Monty Parris (veterans over-45 years), John Hamilton and Roopesh Beechand (upright), Troy Davilar and Sherwin Logan (mountain bikers), Romario Bhagwandin and Johnathan Fagundes (BMX boys 6-9 years old), Geron Williams and Christopher Mackintosh (BMX boys 9-12 year old), Ron Santos and Javed Mohamed (BMX boys 12-14 years old), Ashley Lall and Sherri Ann Deabreu (BMX girls 6-12 years old).
Mackintosh also received a special award for his outstanding performance in Trinidad and Tobago last year.
The Carlton Wheelers cyclists who were honoured are; Junior Niles, Shane Boodram, Darren Alleyne, Ron Santos and Richard Rohoman.
Former GCF president Ulric Pollydore was one of three persons who received special awards.
