British Olympic Silver Medallist Phil Brown has disclosed that one of the greatest wishes of Guyanese athletes is a rubberized international athletics track.

According to the Olympian, during a recent discussion with some of Guyana's top athletes, he had asked them what they needed to make the next big `step' in athletics and the resounding answer he got had been, an all-weather athletics track.

Brown says this facility will in time prove to be an important investment Guyana can make because it will help to improve the `lot' of local athletes. He said that facility may be a little way down the road but will try his best to assist in the meanwhile in several other areas such as training, coaching and the provision of athletics gear.

This is Brown's second trip to Guyana and he told Stabroek Sport that he `jumped' at the opportunity to return because his stay here the first time was unforgettable. The British athlete said that he had heard about `labba and creek water' and made sure he had some before he left, smilingly adding that that was an experience he will never forget.

In 2000, Brown had visited these shores as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme for young people. The athlete said that he found the enthusiasm of the Guyanese athletes especially refreshing and this has inspired him to try and find many ways in which he can help in the future.

According to him, "I'm dedicated not to let their goodwill down!"

British High Commission-er Stephen Hiscock in brief remarks told the media that all Guyana was proud last year when Alian Pompey won a Gold medal at the Commonwealth games and said that with the right facilities and equipment Guyanese athletes can do well. After his brief presentation he presented president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Guyana (AAAG) Claude Blackmoore with a cheque for an undisclosed sum towards assisting the organization in carrying out its work this year. The High Commissioner said that the AAAG was a wonderfully organized body with well-streamlined plans.

Blackmoore in brief remarks thanked the British official and said that his organization was glad to be associated with the visit of Brown. He mentioned that they had had three days of hectic coaching clinics in Blairmont, Georgetown and with the Guyana Police and Defence forces. Yesterday they were to have sessions with club athletes.

Richard Cox an official at the British High Commission who organized Brown's visit told Stabroek Sport that the Commission will be trying its best to get other British athletes to visit Guyana and to offer their services as well as help in other areas.

He added that in April the British government would be offering an intensive three-week fully paid coaching and training program for athletes from the Caribbean region and Guyanese athletes would be included.

The official said that sport is for everyone and this is part of the philosophy they are trying to promote.