Forde defeats Caribbean number one at Southern Games
But places second to Trinidadian
Stabroek News
March 30, 2004
Top local middle-distance athlete Cleveland Forde realised his dream over the weekend in Trinidad and Tobago when he defeated the Caribbean number one, Vincentian Pamenous Ballantyne in the 5000-metre at the Southern Games meet staged at the Guaracara Park.
According to Forde's manager/coach Leslie Black, Forde placed second to Trinidad's Curtis Cox while Ballantyne finished fourth behind Trinidadian Richard Jones.
Cox won in a time of 15 minutes 20 seconds (15.20) while Forde returned 15.23.
According to Black, Forde suffered a slight leg muscle injury shortly before leaving for Trinidad, which he did not want to aggravate since he has been selected to defend his Junior Carifta Games' 5000-metre title in Hamilton Bermuda in another two weeks.
Black said Forde complained about the number of trials he had to participate in before being selected for the Southern Games as well as the Junior Carifta Games and blamed the injury on the many trials.
Black said while he congratulated Cox on winning over the weekend, Forde still has a better time for the distance. He said he knew if Forde did not have an injury, the result might have been different. Forde defeated Cox last year over the same distance in St Lucia.
According to Black, quite a few Trinidad athletes who have been selected for this year's Junior Carifta Games were on show at the Southern Games.
Forde is of the opinion that Guyanese athletes can win at least eight medals in Bermuda if they are given the opportunity to participate in the Junior Carifta Games.
Black said Forde named Alika Morgan, Leanna Doris and Delcie Dick as three local athletes who could make Guyana proud at the Junior Carifta Games.
On Forde's behalf, Black extended thanks to Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd for making his participation in the Southern Games possible.