September 7, 2003

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and former Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis has urged parents to support their children’s sports career.

This call was made yesterday at the National Park, when Lewis, a former first- division cricketer was addressing cyclists, parents and well wishers at the conclusion of the NSC’s 10-race cycle programme.

“Some parents do not know what it means to support children. The parents play a very important part in the development of sports in a country,” Lewis stated.

The 62-year-old Lewis used the opportunity to reminisce on his days as a young cricketer and gave examples of his father’s support. He also reminded those present of former national cyclists that have done Guyana proud in years gone by. “I don’t think anyone should be involved in a sport and not know the history of that (particular) sport,” Lewis noted.

The former Queen’s College and Guyana National Service spin bowler called on the older cyclists to come forward and assist the younger ones. “I want to know who will replace Hassan Mohammed (national coach and organiser of yesterday’s event)” Lewis wondered aloud.

The NSC head said he would like to see his organisation placing more emphasis on youths and the various associations taking up from the NSC.

Lewis congratulated the winners and the organisers for staging a successful programme.

Yesterday’s feature 35-lap event was won by Vinesh Narine in a time of one hour 25 minutes 03.37 seconds. Second was Marlon Morrison, while Leer Nunes, Roopesh Baichan and Linden Blackman placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Narine also captured three of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs, while Warren McKay and Gerald Fowler won two each. The other prime went to Morrison.

In other results, Shane Boodram won the juvenile 10-lap race from Daramanand Ruderdeo and Albert Philander respectively.

Royston Anderson finished first in the boys 12-14, three-lap racing bike event from Judah Klass and Aziz Khan respectively while David Davidson crossed the finish line first in the five-lap race for upright cyclists. Second was Maurice Fagundes and third, Matthew Jordan.

The veterans five-lap race for riders under-45 years of age was won by Linden Blackman. Virgil `Dumb Boy’ Jones was second and Clement Douglas third while Patrick Santos won the over-45 age group from Keith DeAbreau.

In BMX action, Romario Bhagwandin won the 6-9 years age group from Mario Providence and Jason Pollydore respectively while Geron Williams was first among the 9-12 years age group. Chris Persaud was second and Jonathan Fagundes third.

The one-lap BMX race for girls 6-12 years old was won by Ashley Lall. Second was Sherri-Ann DeAbreu and third, Crystal Blackman.