Forde eyes Caribbean Games

Cleveland Forde is perhaps the only locally-based athlete to have qualified in three events for the upcoming inaugural Caribbean Games and according to the leading performer, his preparatory work in still ongoing.

Forde has comfortably qualified for the 1500m, 5000m and half marathon, despite his expressed displeasure in competing in the latter event at the prestigious competition that is perceived as the Caribbean’s elite athletic platform.

Cleveland Forde

Pompey competes on Penn’s World All–Star team

Aliann Pompey (50.79) (Photo by Patrick Haynes)

– ran fastest split on 4×400m anchor leg

Guyana’s Aliann Pompey continued her fertile form when she sprinted to the fastest split time on the World All–Stars team at the 2009 Penn’s Relay Championships at the world renowned Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Pompey told Kaieteur Sport via email that she was happy with her performance and hope the good form will continue through the world championships. “I am happy with my run so far this year and I hope it continues,” she said. Guyana’s only Commonwealth Track and Field gold medallist competed on the universal team with Cydonie Mothersill, Ajoke Odumosu and Clora Williams. The team placed the All–Star unit in fourth despite Pompey’s heroics.

Pompey completed the anchor leg in 50.79 seconds which was one of the fastest times on the day. Mothersill came from the Cayman Islands, Ajoke from Nigeria, Williams from a powerful Jamaica squad and Pompey from Guyana.

The team placed fourth in the United States of America versus the World category where the red, white and blue had two teams among the top three. Pompey continued her rise to the top of the world with her phenomenal run.

USA Red’s Monica Hargrove (51.9), Natasha Hastings (51.0), Allyson Felix (49.64) and Sanya Richards (50.52) won the event at Saturday’s event with 3:23.08 seconds while a long time foe, Jamaica finished second.

Nichiesha Wilson (53.1), Rosemarie Whyte (50.4), Novlene Williams–Mills (50.22) and Shericka Williams (50.88) represented Jamaica in a time of 3:24.57. USA blue team was third in a time of 3:26.50 on Saturday.

The USA’s Blue team: Dominique Darden, Shana Cox (51.4), Sheena Tosta (51.07) and Monique Hennagan (52.55) were third in 3:26.50 while Pompey on the World All–Star unit, anchored to a 3:27.42 fourth place finish with 3:27.42.

Saul is new 100m male champion

Michael Saul came with a point to prove and his subtraction would have been the absence of rival Rawle Greene, who because of an injury, opted out of the competition and did not compete in the National Senior Championships yesterday.

CLOSE CALL FOR SECOND!!! Michael Saul (right) points to the media after winning the Men’s 100m Final at the Police Sports Club Ground yesterday. From left, Keith Roberts, Kenneth Semple and Triston Joseph lean for second place consideration.

Juniors impress at AAG Senior Championships

– Saul, Harlequin, Scotland among top performers

Cleveland Forde

By Edison Jefford
Triston Joseph continued his impressive season on Sunday at the Police Sports Club with his blistering performance in the 200m when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) staged its 2009 National Senior Championships.

Michael Saul

The national junior sprinter came off his double gold medal showing at the Inter–Guiana Games the previous day to win the senior 200m race in 22.00, which was unofficially his personal best time in the marquee half lap event.
He shaved 40 split seconds off his 22.40 seconds Guiana Games win, helping junior rival, Chavez Ageday to second with 22.20.
Franken Mercurius was third in 22.50 as the junior athletes completely dominated the senior race.
Guiana Games 200m bronze medallist, Dellon DeAbreu finished fourth in a sub-standard 23.00. Michael Saul, who had won the 100m earlier, eased his advance toward the front of the race with approximately 50m remaining.

Alisha Fortune

Kaieteur Sport learnt afterward that Saul was not too keen on entering the event.
He won the 100m in 10.60 seconds. Kenneth ‘Beast’ Semple was second in that event with 10.70 while Joseph finished third in a time of 10.80.
Junior athletes with their under–20 years winding down continued their impressive show when Mercedes Forde, Neisa Allen and Nadine Rodrigues battled for supremacy after the veteran Alisha Fortune comfortably won the 100m.
Fortune allowed her track shoes to do all the talking with her usual dominant run in 12.00 leaving senior debutant, Leota Babb, who had known fantasies of dethroning Fortune on Sunday, in second with 12.30. Allen was third in 12.80.

With Fortune opting out of the 200m race, the junior female sprinters amused enthusiasts in a closely fought race even though their talented counterpart, Roxanna Rigby could not participate because of her aggravated ankle injury.
Forde and Allen raced out of their blocks ahead of the field with no sign of regression on a damp track after intermittent light showers had caused a brief lull. Rodrigues joined the two frontrunners as final hustle intensified.
However, at the end of the race, Forde had a 25.10 seconds time for first place. Rodrigues had to settle for second after her Guiana Games gold medal in the event, with 25.30 while emerging talent, Allen placed third in a 25.70 time.
Forde had previously won the women’s 400m in 1:01.40 with Tiffany Smith second with 1:02.10; Delie Williams was third in 1:06.30. Wayne Harlequin (49.90), Trevor Scotland (50.80) and Phillip Drayton (51.40) finished in that order in the men’s race.
In one of the most anticipated races of the day, Harlequin, Scotland and a junior luminary Ricardo Martin braced the start line for the men’s 800m race. The pre–race chat was that Martin had enough momentum to beat the seniors.
The junior middle distance star entered the race against the background of Carifta Games silver medal, Guiana Games double gold medal and qualification for the World Youth Championships to be staged in Italy in July.
However, Scotland and Harlequin had their own ‘beef’ and were not prepared to allow the junior athlete to intervene.
The race started with a heated pace but after the first lap of the now considered ‘sprint distance’ the leaders emerged.
Scotland rushed to the front with Harlequin in second and Martin third. Ironically, by the end of the race the positions of the three athletes were the same. Scotland won in 1:58.80 while Harlequin ran 2:01.20 and Martin 2:02.90.
Ashanti Scott won the women’s version of the race in 2:30.90 as a loner since there was not other competitor in the event. Stacey Wilson had started the event but dropped out after the first lap leaving Scott to run alone.
Guyana’s current and most successful distance athlete, Cleveland Forde also impressed a fair sized crowd with his 5000m run.
Forde seemed compact and precise throughout the event that he completely dominated on Sunday.
He ran 15:15.20 while Kelvin Johnson completed the course in 16:27.30 for second and junior, Jonathan Fagundes 16:44.40 for third. Lionel D’Andrade was noticeably absent from the race though he had entered to compete.
Field Events Results
Men Javelin Throw: Terrence Johnson (44.73m), Larry Josiah (39.74m) and Royston Ross (38.23m).
Women Javelin Throw: Stacey Wilson (31.30m) and Phillycia Burke (23.28m); there were only two competitors in that event.
Men Long Jump: Leon Bishop (6.38m), Japheth Hackett (6.35m) and Marlon Moshette (6.02m).
Women Shot Put: Anneisa DeAbreu (10.00m) and Lawanda Whaul (7.89m); there were only two competitors in this event.
Men Shot Put: Ronald Payne (14.24m), Ross (13.20m) and Johnson (12.92m).
Women Discus Throw: Lashauna Benjamin (26.60m), Burke (26.07m) and Whaul (25.63m).

Guyana were crowned the 2009 Inter Guiana Games Track and Field Champions, after dominating both days of competition hosted at the Eve Leary Sports Complex and the Young Men’s  Christian Association (YMCA) grounds.

Girl Power! Nadine Rodrigues (wearing 1002) approaches the finish line to take gold ahead of team-mate Roxanna Rigby (far right) in the female 200m on day two of the IGG Track and Field Championship, Suriname’s Danielle Clark (2nd r) claimed bronze. (Orlando Charles Photo)

Guyana accumulated a mammoth 299 points in the 28 contested events winning both the male and female categories with 156 and 143 points respectively.

Suriname finished second with a combined score of 184 points (Female 90p, Male 94p) and French Guiana third with a total of 149 points (Female 81p, Male 68 points).

A total of 23 medals was claimed from the final 16 events by the reigning champions, who dominated the second and final day yesterday as they had done on the first.

The track events began with the 800m where Guyana again overpowered the opposition in both categories.

Jevina Straker and Ricardo Martin both claimed their second gold of the championship when they won the male and female 800m in times of 2:24.70 and 2:04.50s while their team mates Janella Jonas (2:26.30s) and Kevin Bailey (2:06.90s) picked up their second individual silver medals.

Suriname’s Genelva Diko (2:34.80s) and Xaviero Cleve (2:09.60s) finished third in the male and female 800m respectively.

Treiston Joseph who ran a time of 22.4s in the male 200m endured a tough race, challenged closely by French Guiana’s Alan Alias (22.5s) Joseph held on for victory to claim the IGG Sprint Double for the second consecutive year while his team mate Dellon DeAbreau finished third with a time of 22.8s.

The Guyanese dominance continued on the track when Nadine Rodrigues (25.2s) and Roxanna Rigby (25.4s) won the female 200m ahead of Suriname’s Danielle Clarke (26.0s).

Guyana stamped their authority in both 4×400m races just as they did in the 4×100m, Suriname finished second in the female 4×400m and French Guiana third while French Guiana came second to Guyana in the male category and Suriname third.

Suriname’s Ilsida Toemere outclassed the field in the female 3000m, clocking a time of 12:12.9s for victory while Guyana’s Tisha Grimes (13:32.6s) and Toshawnna Doris (13:43.8s) finished second and third.

Suriname’s Ilsida Toemere crosses the finish line unchallenged in the female 3000m on the final day of the Inter Guiana Games Track and Field Championship at the Eve Leary Sports Complex Ground yesterday. (Orlando Charles Photo)

The male 5000m was ruled by Guyana’s Jamal Chisholm who ran a time of 12:14.7s for victory to defeated Suriname’s Regill Touwslager (17:35.5s) and Xaviero Simison (12:39.7s).

Winston Caesar and Marlon Moshette claimed gold and silver for Guyana in the male Triple Jump but Moshette was able to reverse the position and defeat Ceasar to win the Long Jump.

In other results Suriname’s Yves Kakie and Romario Doorson won the Male Discus Throw with efforts of 30.68m and 29.08m and Obie Haddaway (27.82m) from Guyana claimed bronze while Lashanna Whaul (Guy) recorded a distance of 28.18m to defeat FG’s Samanta Sewgobind (23.92m) and Naomi Mousse (21.22m)

Shinead Emmerson and Whaul with throws of 8.85m and 8.06m won gold and silver in shotput for the hosts, and French Guiana’s Samanta Sewgobind (6.61m) claimed bronze and Kakie (12.04m) and team mate Eartwin Weekers (11.26m) claimed gold and bronze while Vallon Adams (Guy) claimed silver for Guyana with a throw of 11.62m.

Guyana emphatically retain title

By Edison Jefford

Ilsida Toemere

Guyana took no prisoners yesterday, extending their dominance on the opening day of the Inter–Guiana Games’ Athletics Championship to retaining the coveted title on the second day of competition at the Police Sports Club Ground.
Guyana amassed 277 points after the tabulation of the points minus the long jump events that were ongoing at another venue late yesterday afternoon. Suriname ended second with 166 points while French Guiana was third with 141 points.

Ricardo Martin

French Guiana and Suriname made enterprising starts to the day’s proceedings with wins in the triple jump and discus events. But the early momentum was not enough to stop the Guyanese from pummelling their opposition later.
Consuella Menig jumped 11.54m to help Suriname to its first gold medal of the day in an easy win over French Guiana’s Sergine Elmo (10.85m) and Larissa Galas (10.74m). The host country did not get on the medal podium.
However, in the boys’ version of the event, Winston Caesar sprang his way to triumph in 13.81m to salvage pride. Following that attempt, Marlon Moshette then landed a 13.57m jump to give Guyana the first two positions. Suriname’s Rondall Napo was third with a best jump of 13.28m at YMCA, Thomas Lands.
Menig followed up her performance in the morning with another gold medal 5.25m jump in the girls’ long jump event. Guyana’s Natasha Doris finished second with 5.22m while Elmo added bronze with a jump of 5.06m.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!! Guyana

Guyana’s Moshette and Caesar continued their rivalry in the boys’ long jump event when they jumped 6.38m and 6.29m for first and second places respectively.
Suriname’s Bondi Misasi was third with a best jump of 6.12m.
In the events that were held at the Police Sports Club, Suriname’s Yves Kakie had a best throw of 30.68m to emphatically win the boys’ discus event with countryman, Romario Doorson finishing second with a throw of 29.08m. Guyana’s Obie Haddaway was third in the distance with a 27.82m throw.
Kakie returned later in the day to add another gold medal to his haul in the boys’ shot put competition. The Surinamese threw 12.04m ahead of Guyana’s Vallon Adams (11.62m) and Suriname’s Earwin Weekers (11.26m) respectively.
But Guyana’s Shinead Emmerson then threw 8.85m to win the female version of the shot put event, defeating nemesis Lashanna Whaul (8.06m) and French Guiana’s Samanta Sewgobind (6.61m) in that order in the event.
The win was much reprieve for Emmerson, who had lost the discus throw on the previous day of the competition. Whaul took that event with an 18.18m throw with Sewgobind in second with 23.92m. French Guiana’s Naomi Mousse was third with 21.22m.
Suriname’s Ilsida Toemere devastated the field in the girls’ 3000m race to win in 12:12.9 seconds ahead of Guyana’s Tisha Grimes (13.32.60) and Toshawnna Doris, who finished a distant third in 13.43.80.
Guyana’s Carifta Games gold medallist, Javina Straker won the girls’ 800m in a time of 2:24.70 with counterpart, Jenella Jonas in second with 2:26.30. Suriname’s Genelva Diko finished third in 2:34.80 in the event.
Following Straker’s double gold medal performance after winning the 1500m on day one, Ricardon Martin in a similar fashion, raced to his second gold medal in the boys’ version of the 800m event in a blistering time of 2:04.50. Guyana’s Kevin Bailey was second in 2:06.90 while Suriname’s Xaviero Cleve took third in 2:09.60.
Sprinter Nadine Rodrigues, in her first individual event of the contest, turned the table on local rival Roxanna Rigby in the girls’ 200m event. Rodrigues flew out of her blocks to complete the distance in a time of 25.20.
Rigby, sporting a bandage around her right ankle, was second in 25.40 while Suriname’s Danielle Clarke was third in 26.00. The race was the only sprint event on the day and certainly got the attention of most enthusiasts.
Triston Joseph completed his famed double when he held off a strong challenge from the French Guiana’s Alan Alias down the backstretch in the boys’ 200m contest. He won the race in 22.40 while Alias had a 22.50 time. Joseph had also won the 100m on the opening day. Local Dellon DeAbreu was third in the 200m in 22.80.
Guyana’s Jamal Chisholm won the boys’ 5000m in 17:14.70 ahead of Suriname’s Regill Touwslager (17:35.50) and Xaviero Simison (17:39.70). The 2009 host won both 4×400 races to bring the curtains down on the event.

Unstoppable Guyana sprint away with IGG athletics title
By Storme Moore

No way!! Treiston Joseph denies Alan Alias in the 200m.

The local athletes were an unstoppable force yesterday as they romped to victory in nine of the twelve events that were contested.

Sprint wonder Treiston Joseph did his country proud in the blue ribbon 200m event as he silenced the threat of French Guiana’s Alan Alias.

Joseph won the event in a time of 22.40s while Alias who was hot on his trail clocked 22.50s upsetting 400m champion Dellon DeAbreu who timed in at 22.80s.

Guyana swept the event in both the male and female categories as Nadine Rodrigues sprinted to the finish in a time of 25.20s ahead of teammate Roxanna Rigby (25.40s) and Suriname’s Danielle Clarke (26.00s).

One of the most impressive feats of the day, however, was the outstanding performance by Suriname’s Ilsida Toemere in the female 3 000m event. She took an unchanging lead in the third lap which saw her ultimately finish in 12:12.90s completely obliterating the second and third place Guyanese athletes Tisha Grimes and Toshawnna Doris, who clocked 13:32.60s and 13:43.80s respectively.

The 800m exhibited a portion of Guyana’s pride and joy as Carifta medallists Ricardo Martin and Javina Straker stepped up to the plate and proved themselves. Martin who finished in 2:04.50s beat out Kevin Bailey (Guy) 2:06.90s and Xaviero Cleve (Sur) 2:09.60s.

Straker and Janella Jonas took the race in first and second places respectively timing 2:24.70s and 2:26.30. Suriname, however, also had a say in this event as Genelva Diko came third in a time 2:34.80s.

The discus and shot-put were also very competitive as the wins alternated between the three countries. Lashanna Whaul won the discus throw for Guyana with an effort of 28.18m while Surinamese Yves Kakie carried it away for the males with his impressive throw of 30.68m. Kakie also claimed the shot-put (12.04m) while Shinead Emmerson included Guyana in the wins with her 8.85m throw.

Dellon DeAbreu brings home the gold for the 4x400m relay team (Sonell Nelson photos)

Guyana closed out on a high, taking both of the relay races as the male and female teams were untouchable.

The males, who were Frank Mercurius, Kevin Bailey, Ricardo Martin and Dellon DeAbreu, clocked a time of 3:35.00s. The female team comprised Nadine Rodrigues, Letitia Myles, Javina Straker and on anchor leg was Shannah Thornhill. They finished in a time of 4:12.80s.

The final results put Guyana in first place with a total of 177 points, Suriname took second with 166 points and French Guiana brought up the rear with their aggregate of 141 points.

… on  Inter- GUiana Games opening day

Guyana got off to a prolific start in track and field when the 42nd Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) kicked off yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary as  they left their rivals from French Guiana and Suriname trailing in  their wake.

Guyana’s Dellon DeAbreau (R) claims gold for his country after crossing the finish line ahead of the competition in the male 400m on the opening day of the 42nd Inter-Guiana Games at Eve Leary Sports Complex ground, yesterday. (Orlando Charles photo)

Led by their three CARIFTA Games medallists, Jevina Straker, Jonella Jonas and Ricardo Martin, the Land of Many Waters accumulated 99 points after the completion of ten of the twelve events which were carded for the day, earning 17 medals (nine gold, four silver and four bronze) in the process.

Straker who claimed Guyana’s lone gold medal at the CARIFTA Games in the 1500 metres, repeated her performance in the event, running 5:07.30s. She was able to hold off a stiff run from Jonas who finished second (5:07.90s) while Suriname’s Genelva Diko finished third with a time of 5:21.40s.

Jonas and Straker who clocked times of 4:42.89s and 4:45.05s at the CARIFTA Games commanded the race from the start and coming down to the final 100m Jonas made her move on Straker who had the inside but it was to no avail as Straker opened her stride to put some distance between herself and her teammate before crossing the finish line.

Guyana’s Dellon DeAbreau (R) claims gold for his country after crossing the finish line ahead of the competition in the male 400m on the opening day of the 42nd Inter-Guiana Games at Eve Leary Sports Complex ground, yesterday. (Orlando Charles photo)

World Youth  Championship-bound Martin showed his dominance at the games when he and his teammate Kevin Bailey stamped their authority in the male 1500m and stopped the clock in times of 4:24.30s and 4:29.20s respectively ahead of Regill Touwslager (Suriname) who finished third with a time of 4:31.20s.

The Guyanese spectators were  brought to their feet when the IGG defending male and female 100m and 200m champions, Treiston Joseph and Roxanna Rigby, who are also considered  IGG’s fastest man and woman retained those accolades with both winning their 100m races yesterday in times of 10.7s and 12.0s.

Joseph was challenged closely by teammate Okene Stuart who clocked 11.0s for the second spot while Suriname’s Astayo Leeflang grabbed third in a time of 11.4s and  Danielle Clark (Suriname) and Deja Smart (Guyana) trailed Rigby for second and third with times of 12.4s and 12.9s in that order.

A confident-looking Guyana team marching past the main pavilion at the Eve Leary ground yesterday to a standing ovation. (Orlando Charles photo)

After the race, Joseph stated he was not happy with his preparation leading up to the games but nevertheless he put his best foot forward. “My preparation was not what I actually wanted to do because of the bad weather but I did manage to go through the paces and came out and did my best.”

“Me and my coach did get to put in some work but it was not much. I didn’t get much practice for the 200 metres but tomorrow (today) I just have to stay focused on my race and hopefully it will be enough to come out on top,” he added.

Host Guyana got their motivation after winning the first two events for the day, which were the 400 metres male and female races.
Dellon DeAbreau ran a time of 52.90s to claim the male event ahead of Junior Thallon (54.10s) of French Guiana and his teammate Frank Mercurius (54.30s).

In the female category, Shaunna Thornhill (1:01.00s) raced ahead of Suriname’s Roma Van de Vloot (1:01.09s) for the gold while her partner Letitia Myles (1:02.20s) was third.
Clean rivalry

Home Alone! Guyana’s Jevina Straker (R) and Janella Jonas (L) storm home unchallenged in their IGG 1500m race at the Eve Leary Sports Complex ground, yesterday. (Orlando Charles photo)

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony in  delivering his charge to the athletes thanked them for continuing the  rich history of sportsmanship and clean rivalry at the IGG games and hoped that the event can grow from strength to strength over the years.

He also said that from this year onwards, the three sports ministers will play a more active role in the games which will see the event becoming a bigger affair.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who officially declared the games open, stressed on the cultural barriers that the IGG event breaks, bringing three countries that speak three different languages together.

What was most important, the Prime Minister stated, was the initiative to ensure that the games have equal participation from  both males and females.

He said that sport within the Caribbean has been dominated by males only in recent years and for the IGG event to see the females coming onboard shows the growth in the games.

Guyana’s IGG 100 & 200 metres champion Treiston Joseph lighting the Games torch (Orlando Charles photo)

It’s  traditional that before the action begins at the games, the national anthem of the three countries must be played and the hoisting of the respective country’s flag as well.

However, while the French anthem was played and the flag was gracefully hoisted, the trouble began when it came to the Surinamese as the French anthem was played instead causing some unease as the Dutch began to speak up loudly in their native language before resorting to singing their anthem.

And when it came to the host country, the coordinator could not find the anthem and the Guyanese athletes too became  unsettled, but President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Colin Boyce used his initiative and raced over to the area where the Police Force band was and had them play the national anthem.

In the meantime, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Conrad Plummer who was also the master of ceremonies downplayed the snafu by  ‘cracking a  joke’ as Guyanese say in the vernacular.  It was well received by the athletes and their delegations and they got right down to the business of the games.

GUYANA DOMINATES FIRST DAY

Led by the Guyana contingent, French Guiana and Suriname (below) take part in the March Past at yesterday’s opening at the Police Ground, Eve Leary.

By Edison Jefford
Shaunna Thornhill, Roxanna Rigby, Dellon DeAbreu and Triston Joseph gave local fans much to scream about at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary yesterday as Guyana completely dominated day one of the athletics competition.

The first phase of the 2009 InterGuiana Games (IGG) got underway yesterday when a fleet of national junior track and field athletes stormed the Police Sports Club Ground yesterday following an opening ceremony. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds delivered the main address and took the salute at the March Past of the teams along with representatives of French Guiana and Suriname and Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony and Director of Sport Neil Kumar. Guyana’s Michael Bowman opened the medal hunt for the locals when he threw 45.10m to win the boys’ javelin throw ahead of French Guiana’s, Alan Alias (44.30m) and team mate, Vallon Adams, who tossed the iron ball 42.90m.
Thornhill then went into action in the girls’ 400m when she ran from behind to catch her leading counterpart, Letitia Myles (third in 1:02.20) to win in 1:01.00 while Suriname’s Roma Van de Vloot finished second in 1:01.90.

The Suriname Contingent

With Guyana winning two gold medals on the trot, DeAbreu kept the country in defence of its athletics title when he easily disposed of his opposition in the boys’ version of the 400m race with a time of 52.90. French Guiana’s, Junior Thalon was second in 54.10 while Guyana’s Frank Mercurius was third in 54.30.
French Guiana’s Alexie Alais won the girls’ javelin throw with a toss of 33.10m, giving Guyana its first second place finish of the day when Lisa Bowman threw 28.10m. French Guiana’s Jocelyne Violanes was third with 26.30m.
Rigby raced to a 12.00 time to win the marquee girls 100m ahead of Suriname’s Danielle Clarke, who clocked 12.40. Rigby’s team mate, Deja Smartt placed third in the race with a time of 12.90 to continue Guyana’s consistency.

Local star, Triston Joseph gave Guyana a double in the race when he fired to a 10.70 time in the boys 100m race. Joseph carried his counterpart, Okeme Stewart (11.00) to second place while Suriname’s Astrayo Leeflang (11.40) was third.
Joseph, who has been the most dominant junior 100m sprinter for the last two years and a defending Guiana Games champion, told Kaieteur Sport that he enjoyed the race and it was what he expected since working on his technique.
“I worked on some technical aspects prior to the event. I am completely satisfied with my run here today and I am looking to continue in this good form,” Joseph said, adding that he wants to graduate to the Pan American Junior level.

The French Contingent

After Joseph’s heroics, Carifta Games gold medallist, Jevina Straker ran from behind to capture the girls 1500m race in 5:07.30 ahead of local rival, Jenella Jonas (5:07.90) and Suriname’s Genelva Diko, who came third in 5:21.40.
Straker’s entertaining run was supported when Carifta Games team mate, Ricardo Martin devastated his opponents in the male version of the race in 4:24.30, leaving counter part, Kevin Bailey to fight for second in 4:29.20. Suriname’s Regill Touwslager was third with a time of 4:31.20 at the Police Ground.
With Guyana taking most of the top medals on the opening day, it was time for the much anticipated 4×100m relays where the host country again used the opportunity to extend its earlier dominance in the track and field competition.

Guyana’s team that comprised Smart, Myles, Rigby and Nadine Rodrigues won the easily in 50.00 seconds with French Guiana in second with 52.00 and neighbouring Suriname in third with a distant 53.20 time in the event.
The local male 4×100m team that included Mercurius, DeAbreu, Stewart and Joseph had an even more convincing win with 43.30 seconds ahead of French Guiana (46.90) and Suriname (47.80) to wrap up the day’s competition.
The second day of the athletics competition begins today at the same venue from 10am.

Guyana take command on first day of IGG Track and Field
By Storme Moore

By a nose!! Treiston Joseph is seen here taking the 100m for Guyana as Okeme Stewart crossed the finish line just behind him in second place.

In the 400m, which was the first event of the day, Shannah Thornhill stomped to a commanding victory in 1:01 secs as Romona Van Veldt of French Guiana chased her down with her timing of 1:01.9 secs and Guyanese Letitia Myles closed out the medal contention coming third with her time of 1:02.2 secs.

The Guyanese athletes blew the competition away in consecutive events as Dellon DeAbreu took the 400m for the males in a blistering 52.9 secs which saw him finish metres ahead of his competition, French Guiana’s Thalon Junior trailed him with his 54.1 secs as Frank Mercurius of Guyana took the third spot in 54.3 secs. The 100m was no different as Treiston Joseph (Guy) hammered his way down the straight to clock the only sub 11.00 secs timing of 10.7 secs.

Shannah Thornhill crosses the finish to take the 400m. (Sonell Nelson photos)

Roxanna Rigby effortlessly won the event in 12.0 secs followed closely by teammate Deja Smartt with her timing of 12.1 secs, Suriname’s Danielle Clark’s challenging attempt was to no avail but clocked 12.4s to take third place.

Carifta silver medallist Ricardo Martin (Guy) took the 1500m, which brought on a thunderous roar of applause, in a time of 4.24.3 secs as Kevin Bailey copped silver for Guyana in 4.31.2 secs. Javina Straker and Janella Jonas clocked respective times of 5:07.7 secs and 5:07.9 secs to take the girls’ 1500m in first and second ahead of Suriname’s Genella Diko (5:21.4 secs).

Suriname’s S. Boschman took second also with 1.65m, which was due to his acquiring more fouls than Alexander, and Wusley St Fort included French Guiana in the standings with his height of 1.60m.

Inter-Guiana Games 2009 begin with rousing opening ceremony
By Storme Moore
YESTERDAY’S opening ceremony of the Inter-Guiana Games saw the continuation of a 42-year-old tradition of respect, excellence, fair-play and the all-around healthy competitiveness of the three Guianas.

Representatives from all three countries expressed their pride, elation and anxiety at this opportunity to carry the pride of their nations on their shoulders; they also tried their best to instil the gravity of this undertaking which is believed to be not only a sporting event but also a meeting of friends.

At the ceremony the administrators of sport in Guyana opened their arms in warm welcome to our neighbours from Suriname and French Guiana. Master of Ceremonies Conrad Plummer, who is also the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) expressed his delight at hosting the games this year and, in a bit of humour, issued the challenge to the opposing teams.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, in his address related that these Games, which brings together the three countries, have a broader role to play in our national development and also in the development of the international relations with our continental neighbours.

According to Anthony the Inter-Guiana Games serves as a vehicle for cultural cohesion and understanding since the interaction that stems from the collaborative effort of the athletes, coaches and officials from the three nations will aid in the betterment of all.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar joined him in giving thanks to Suriname and French Guiana for playing their part in making this year’s Inter-Guiana Games possible. “Enjoy the sports and have fierce competition,” said Anthony who, in closing, reminded the visitors to enjoy the splendour that Guyana is.

“It is good to see my old friends from Suriname and French Guiana,” proclaimed Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who said that in this respect the games serve him personally.

“I bid you a warm welcome to Guyana” were his words as he gave the official sanction to get the ball rolling. He shed some light on the great strides he has seen in the IGG over the years and made a reference to Guyana’s first female football team to participate in the games.

He said that this made him nostalgic of his days at school when girls playing football was not a common sight and so the fact that we now have female footballers representing us at an international event is evidence of the great advancement since the inception of the IGG in 1967.

The Prime Minister also stated that students were invited from various schools to share in this experience in order for them to enjoy the camaraderie in sports.

He applauded the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for their success in coming together as a whole to proudly represent Guyana.

In concluding he remarked that it is his desire to have a competition free of ‘acrimony and bitterness’.

A representative from the governing body of sport in French Guiana gave his endorsement saying, “Enjoy these Games and let the best team win.”

This was reinforced by a Surinamese representative who encouraged all youths to be physically active and to practise good sportsmanship, as in the competition they will have to deal with both victory and loss.

The National School of Dance hailed the opening of the prestigious event with a performance which was followed by the symbolic lighting of the IGG torch and the athlete’s oath which was given by Guyanese team member Roxanna Rigby.

Morgan could miss Colorado Springs stint

- Greene, D’Andrade on reserve

Alika Morgan’s place among the athletes that were selected for an intense training stint in Colorado Springs is now in doubt following her recent ankle injury, which in essence, led to her underperformance at the Junior Carifta Games.
The National Sports Commission double ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ was named among a four–member team that includes fellow distance athletes Kelvin Johnson and Cleveland Forde and national sprint queen, Alicia Fortune.

However, when asked at a recent Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) media briefing if she will be attending the training stint at the facility in the United States, Morgan could not give a definite answer based on her fitness.
“My coach will have to answer that,” she said, following the question of if her injury will heal sufficiently in time for the rigorous stint. Morgan admitted at the forum, when asked, that she is “not a 100 percent” physically in shape.

Though details of the programme are sketchy, President of the AAG, Colin Boyce stated that it is not in the best interest of the country to send an injured athlete to the event. As a result, preventative systems will be put it place.
“I will not want to send an injured athlete since the country’s reputation would be at stake at the event that promises to be intense,” Boyce had revealed at the press conference. He further stated that a medical examination will be done.
As of the time of the media event on Friday, the only information the AAG disclosed was that arrangements were being made through the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for the four athletes that were identified for the US stint.

It was also made public that distance athlete, Lionel D’Andrade and national senior sprint champion, Rawle Greene, were named reserves. Therefore, if Morgan does not participate in the event, one of those athletes will take her place.
Boyce told Kaieteur Sport that much has not changed on the Colorado Springs training activity since the press conference. “I have to call Juman Yasin (GOA President) to find out about that and the Caribbean Games,” he said.
The athletic association chief executive indicated that systems are being implemented to ensure that Morgan is medically certified fit before Colorado Springs. He informed that neutral doctors have agreed to do her MRI Scan.
Apart from the Scan, it was also revealed that a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is being consulted on the athlete. Boyce said that neutral doctors are required to have an authentic medical report on Morgan.
(Edison Jefford)

Guiana Games athletics team will not be encamped

 By Edison Jefford

While preparations for the staging of the athletics competition of the Inter–Guiana Games are on stream, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce has expressed disappointment over non–encampment.

Colin Boyce

Following a meeting with Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, yesterday morning, Boyce told Kaieteur Sport that he was peeved at the discovery that the national athletes will not have the encampment opportunity ahead of the Games.

“I was campaigning for the athletes to be encamped so that they can be familiar with each other and gel as a team,” Boyce said, adding that Kumar told him that it was too costly to have all the athletes encamped for the competition.

The AAG President indicated that he was disappointed because as much as the discipline, track and field, is one of the most important of the Games, he felt that it should have been treated better at the National Sports Commission.

“They [the commission] can depend on track and field to bring home the championship trophy. They ought to treat the sport better,” Boyce said after revealing that only out–of–town athletes will be encamped for the Guiana Games.

The encampment phase of the Games is one of the traditional aspects of the event where the national athletes take time to interact and unite as a team. The previous camps were usually held at the YMCA in Thomas Lands.

Guyana will host the initial stage of the Guiana Games including track and field, football and swimming from Friday. The track and field competition will be the first discipline on display at the Police Sports Club Ground.

The other disciplines represented at the Games are basketball, volleyball and cycling. The second phase is billed for Suriname later this year. Boyce told this newspaper yesterday that systems are being implemented for the Games.

“We are trying to get things in place. We’ve already cut the ground and we are preparing to welcome the teams on Thursday [tomorrow],” Boyce said, adding that local athletes should all be present at the host venue tomorrow.

Initially, the team was expected to undergo training together with Raymond Daw as their national coach but that did not materialise since athletes were not encamped for the meet. The team consists of 28 male and female athletes.

-aiming to become a good student/athlete

Fifteen-year-old Jevina Straker says that even though she was denied a chance of competing at the 6th IAAF World Youth games this year, she is not deterred and will use it as a motivating factor to do even better in the future.

Jevina Straker posing with a few of her trophies and medals at home yesterday. (Rawle Toney photo)

Competing at the just concluded 38th Junior CARIFTA games in St Lucia, the Tutorial High school student grabbed Guyana’s lone gold medal at the championships. Along with Ricardo Martin who took silver in his race and Jonella Jonas bronze in Jevina’s race, Straker made her qualifying time in the Girls under 17 800 metres running 2:14.74 as compared to the games qualifying time of 2:16.00 She was then the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) automatic choice after it was explained by President Colin Boyce that the IAAF had offered Guyana two athletes and one official for the championship because they were considered a non-qualifying nation.

But Straker received a shock on Friday when she was told that she was too young to compete at the World Youth championship because she was born in 1994 and had to have been born between 1992 and 1993 to be eligible.

Yesterday, the Meadow- brook Gardens resident spoke with Stabroek Sports. She’s naturally upset and disappointed because after learning that she had qualified to compete at the World championship, she was overwhelmed with joy. She said the disturbing news that followed made her feel as though a part of her was lost.

“Well yes I am very much disappointed but even though I am, there is nothing I can do, its not an AAG games, it’s the IAAF, so if they say I’m too young, then all I have to do is accept and just work harder so that I can make up for it by making the next youth games” said Straker.

Jonas will be taking the place of Straker at the Games and since the two are friends as well as club mates at the rising star track club, she wished her all the best. “I know that Jonella will do well because she is a good athlete so I want to wish her all the best”.

Jevina’s mother Patricia Straker says that she too was a bit downcast after hearing that her daughter was not eligible.

“I know how hard my daughter trained and work before going to that games and myself along with her father, we are very supportive of her where athletics is concerned and I am very disappointed but then I know that there was nothing the AAG could have done, it’s an IAAF meet so all they have to do is follow the rule and work harder next time around” said Mrs. Straker.

According to the fourth form student, this would give her more time to focus on her academics and still keep the focus of making it next time around.

“I have plenty time and plenty games to come, so I will be aiming at bettering my time because by then I will be moving up to a tough category which is under 20”.

“I also have to balance my school work and that is very important right now because next year I will be writing my CXC and nine subjects. But right now I’m looking at doing good at the Inter Guiana Games this weekend and better my timing and so on” said the soft-spoken teenager.

Her mother also said that it will be a bit difficult on her daughter since she will have to also balance the rigours of training and her books.

She is a strong advocate of her offspring becoming a balanced student/athlete. “As a parent I try my best to make her feel comfortable. I would let her know that she needs to be a good student because sports is not all and so far she has been doing fairly well in school.”

“Presently she attends lessons and she trains from 4:30 am to 7:00 am and when she comes home from lessons or school I would enquire about what was done and so on you know….and try my best to keep her on the right track….her father also does his part, he does the same as me because as parents we want her to accomplish both on and off the track”.

Jevina who runs the 400, 800 and 1500 metres races says that apart from becoming one of Guyana’s best athletes, she wants to become an architect or a pharmacist.

…too young for Italy championships

Jevina Straker, Guyana’s lone gold medallist at the recent Carifta Games won’t be going to the world junior championships in Italy this year after all as she is too young.

This was revealed yesterday when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a press briefing with members of the team from the 38th Carifta Games held in St. Lucia to officially congratulate them. The briefing was held at the Guyana Olympic House.

A squad of nine departed from Guyana on April 7th for the four-day games which ran from April 10–13.

Present at the ceremony was U-17 Female 1500m gold medallist Straker, Janella Jonas and Ricardo Martin along with Guyana’s premier female middle distance and distance athlete Alika Morgan, a medal hopeful, who was unfortunate not to land a podium position in this her final Carifta year due to an injury.

At the conclusion of the games Straker and Jonas who grabbed Gold and Bronze in the U-17 female 1500m respectively and Martin who captured Silver in the same distance in the male category automatically qualified based on their times for the 2009 IAAF World Junior Championship which is scheduled to be held in Italy in July.

However, Straker suffered a misfortune when the AAG were alerted by the International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) that their lone Gold Medalist was too young to participate in the prestigious games.

Straker who won in a time of 4:42.89s ahead of Jamaica’s Petrene Plummer (4:43.65s) and fellow compatriot Jonas (4:45.05), was born in 1994 and had to be born in 1992-1993 to be eligible to compete in Italy.

Jonas will now take Straker’s spot and she will represent Guyana alongside Martin.
At the press briefing, First Vice President of the association, Cornel Rose disclosed that Guyana had a fourth World Champs qualifier, Chavez Ageday. He qualified in the male U-17 200m with a time of 22.77s against 22.9s.

However, the IAAF which will be providing the airfare for the qualified athletes gave Guyana a quota of two athletes, one male and a female, even after the AAG contacted them after making the discovery that Ageday was also eligible to participate.

Morgan’s injury

Morgan sustained an ankle injury leading up to the Carifta Games and her foot was in a cast for 24 days. When it was removed she had approximately nine training days, according to her coach Leslie Blackman.

“I was not one hundred percent fit because I was not doing the training I was suppose to before the tournament because of my injury but I wanted to run mostly because it was my final year to compete at Carifta”, Morgan stated.

“My injury was the cause for not being able to medal but I performed at my best when I went out to run. During the races my ankle did not hurt and I thought my performance was good enough although I did not have enough time to prepare”, she added.

Morgan just missed a podium finish in the 3000m race when she placed fourth and grabbed a seventh place finish in the 1500m.
Even though not fully recovered from the injury Morgan has made it clear that she will be competing in the Inter-Guianas Games next weekend.

More clarity on Morgan’s injury

Black said she wanted to run

WE'RE BACK!!! AAG President, Colin Boyce (seated, centre) takes a photo opportunity with the 2009 Carifta Games medallists, (r-l, standing) Ricardo Martin, Jevina Straker and Jenella Jonas with Coach Leslie Black. Also seated (from left) are manger Wendy Doris and AAG vicepresident, Cornel Rose.

By Edison Jefford
Alika Morgan said she would not implicate her coach, Leslie Black when President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce held a press conference at Olympic House yesterday to debrief the media on various issues.
“I was not 100 percent. I was not doing the training I should have done due to the injury. I was at the Games and people were asking me if I am not a former medallist and I told them I have an injury,” Morgan stated yesterday.

The current national ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ was referring to the threatening injury of her ankle that almost left her off the national team. However, her performances were not as dominant as her two previous appearances.
Morgan’s injured attendance at the prestigious meet has raised many questions about the future of the top athlete’s career, which the aggravation of the serious injury could have easily undermined at the Carifta Games in Saint Lucia.
Kaieteur Sport asked Morgan if she would blame her coach for the oversight of allowing her to compete with an injury and she said: “No, I would not blame him; this year is my last year as a junior and anyone would want to run”.
Boyce reiterated his previous position that the athlete should have undergone a thorough medical examination. He observed that the AAG missed the mark in that regard but made it clear that the blunder will not recur in the future.

“If it’s known that a [national] athlete is injured before a major meet, I think it is only fair to put that athlete through a medical examination to certify whether or not that athlete is fit enough to compete,” the AAG head told the media.
In addition, Boyce said that while steps will be taken in that direction, the association will also require the medically certified athletes to privately undergo trials, which will also aid the association’s intelligence function on athletes.
“Sometimes a doctor can say that an athlete can run because they are fit but then the time that athlete would have spent recovering means that they would have lost some physical fitness. We want to be sure on both counts,” he said.
“We knew she (Morgan) was injured but knowing the kind of calibre athlete that she was, we expected her to perform. I had counted her in the medals for Guyana,” he continued at the picturesque Olympic House in Queenstown.

Arriving at the meeting in time to field a few questions, Black indicated that Morgan did not complain about pain during training, which gave the impression that she had fully recovered from the recurring ankle injury.
“She never cried out for pains. I asked her during training how she felt and she said good. It was her last year as a junior athlete and up to two days before we left she did not complain because she wanted to run,” Black said.
According to Black, who indirectly threatened to quit athletics over this furore, the AAG should have said that they were not satisfied with mere speculation over Morgan’s fitness thereafter requesting medical certification on the injury.
“The President of the AAG [Boyce] should have said that he was not satisfied with what I told him and should’ve gone to consult a doctor,” Black believed, adding that “he has to decide with his family” if he will continue coaching.

The issues surrounding Morgan’s injury raises ethical questions about the priorities of her management since it was clearly not in her best interest to compete without fully allowing the fracture to heal and repair before athletic activity.
Morgan’s best performance at the Carifta Games was her fourth place finish in the 3000m under-20 girls’ race where she ran a terribly off 10:59.81 seconds. The dual Sportswoman of the Year’s personal best time in that event is 10.11.00.
Junior Carifta Games’ gold medallist, Jevina Straker, silver medallist, Ricardo Martin and bronze medallist Jenella Jonas also attended yesterday’s press conference. The team came into Guyana Thursday after the meet ended Tuesday.

Ricardo Martin and Jevina Straker will both have their dreams of competing among some of the world’s best athletes come through, after it was announced that the two will be representing Guyana at this year’s 6th IAAF World Youth Championship (WYC), billed for Italy from July 8-12.

Jevina Straker

Ricardo Martin

Straker who struck Guyana’s only gold at the just concluded Junior CARIFTA games, made her time competing in heat three of the Girls under 17 800M clocking 2:15.86 as compared to the WYC time of 2:16.00. Martin also made his time running in the 800 metres under 17 race.

Initially, apart from Straker and Martin, Jonella Jonas also made the youth games qualifying for the 800 metres as well, running 2:15.

However, according to the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce Guyana is considered as a ‘non-qualifying nation’ by the world governing body for athletics, the IAAF and as such its quota of athletes is minimal.

Boyce explained that the IAAF had informed that given their position, they would be allowed one athlete and two officials at the games but after some negotiations Guyana was offered two athletes (one male and one female) and one official.

He said that the two selectees were automatic since Martin was the only male and Straker was the only gold medallist for Guyana at the games. However he said that negotiations are still ongoing to see if they can send Jonas to the games as well. All expenses for the athletes for the games will be paid for by the IAAF.

“I think that our athletes had performed well at the championships in St Lucia and us making sure that a large contingent was sent to the games paid dividends since we have three athletes qualifying for the Junior World Athletics Championship”, said Boyce.

This is the first time that Guyana will be sending more than one athlete to the championship. It has never medalled.

Ever since the inception of the games the land of many waters has always been represented except for 2007. Dax Danns was the last athlete to represent Guyana, competing in the 200 and 100 metres races and placing 4th and 5th respectively.

Accomplished D’Andrade returns from Trinidad

Eyes AAG Senior Championships, Caribbean Games

Lionel D'Andrade

By Edison Jefford
An accomplished Lionel D’Andrade returned from Trinidad and Tobago Tuesday where his outstanding performances helped him believe that he can be among the top athletes at the quickly approaching Caribbean Games.

D’Andrade told Kaieteur Sport that he is back in Guyana for the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) National Senior Championships scheduled for next weekend and that he is expected to return to Trinidad after that meet.
“I have three 5k runs next month and all I am doing with these 5k is trying to improve my speed for the half marathon at the Caribbean Games,” D’Andrade indicated, adding that he believes that he can perform well at the event.
The qualifying time for the half marathon at the Caribbean Games is 1hr and 20 minutes but D’Andrade is of the view that he can better that standard by 10 minutes. He said that he don’t have a personal best time in the race.

“I don’t even have to train to run that time. And not me alone, I think Cleveland (Forde) and Kelvin (Johnson) can run that easily,” he boasted, while stating that the local trio may have to qualify automatically for the event.
“We may have to be automatic qualifiers since there is no half marathon in the Caribbean before the Games. I have to talk with Mr (Colin) Boyce (AAG President) to find out how he intends to deal with our situation,” he continued.
The top distance athlete believes that his performances in Trinidad, so far, augur well for the future since they were done early in the year. He said that he will reach his peak form in time for the inaugural Caribbean Games in Trinidad.

In the absence of adequate competition locally for distance athletes, D’Andrade among a host of other Guyanese athletes, often storm Trinidad to campaign. Other athletes from various Caribbean countries also do the same. D’Andrade placed second in his first event this year, the TUTA 10km race and returned a seventh place finish at the prestigious Trinidad International Marathon before topping the field in the Ministry of Community Development 5k run.
His decent form continued with a second place finish in the first race of the Kiss Road Race Series, which was followed with another second place at the 2 ½ mile distance race around the Savannah and first in the 5km Bishops run.

Before returning to Guyana, D’Andrade finished fourth in the 5000m at Southern Games and sixth in the 1500m. He also won the Rodney 5km race. The top athlete had told this newspaper that he prefers road races as opposed to the track.
He thanked his primary sponsor, Yadram Rajkumar, General Manager of General Industrial and Supplies Limited for his continued support.

Did Black conceal Morgan’s injury?

Colin Boyce

Leslie Black

Alika Morgan

By Edison Jefford
President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce has expressed his disappointment over the performances of ‘Sportswoman of the Year’, Alika Morgan at the recently concluded Carifta Games in Saint Lucia.
Boyce told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that while her performance was attributed to the fact that she sustained an ankle injury earlier this year, he had included the top athlete among the medals for Guyana at the junior competition.
“Frankly speaking, I am disappointed that Morgan did not medal. We did not carry out a proper check to see if she was physically fit to get on the medal podium but I would not describe that as an oversight,” Boyce indicated.

Guyana depended on new regional stars, Javina Straker, Janella Jonas and Ricardo Martin for more medals at the Carifta Games after the trio gave the country one gold and two silver medals on the opening night of the event.
Boyce said that he believed that Guyana could have won six medals if Morgan was given adequate medical attention. “I don’t want to blame it on her coach but I particularly asked about her fitness before she departed,” He recalled.
Morgan’s best performance at the Carifta Games was her fourth place finish in the 3000m under-20 girls’ race where she ran a terribly off 10:59.81 seconds. The dual Sportswoman of the Year’s personal best time in that event is 10.11.00.

According to the AAG President, Morgan had two weeks’ rest following the Inter-Guiana Games trials and that he believes also contributed to her poor performance at the Games where she is a defending silver and bronze medallist.
“We should have ensured that we got her certified medical attention. We overlooked that with the perception that she is a former medallist. We really had high hopes of her getting medals but it did not materialise,” Boyce lamented.
Despite attempting to take the wrap for Morgan’s mishap, the AAG boss was asked if the athlete’s coach, Leslie Black, who is also an AAG Committee Member, properly undated the association on her availability to compete.

If Black knew that Morgan’s injury was too serious for her to compete but concealed that information from the AAG for the benefit of exposure and competition, new questions about his role as a club and now national coach will arise.
“I don’t want to blame him but nothing was said. When I spoke to him before the national team departed, he said the injury would not affect Morgan. It was a learning lesson that we will ensure does not recur,” the AAG head noted.
Asked why congratulatory messages from the AAG to those athletes that medalled were not circulated, Boyce said that the association was waiting on the results from the other athletes to issue a general statement.
The ten Guyanese athletes that participated at the Junior Carifta Games are expected into Guyana today and a formal press conference is to be held later. Black had travelled with the team as national coach.

-top three also qualified for Italy games

By Rawle Toney

Guyana’s lone gold medallist in the 38th Junior CARFITA Games Jevina Straker is overjoyed about her victory and proud to have snagged the top prize for her country as well as the opportunity to participate in the World Youth Championships (WYC) in Italy.

Jevina Straker

The 14-year-old emerged the winner when she clocked 4:42.89 in the Girls Under-17 1500 metres beating Jamaica’s Petrene Plummer (4:43.65) and fellow Guyanese Jonella Jonas (4:45.05) at the George Odlum Stadium in St Lucia.

In a telephone interview with Stabroek Sport from St Lucia on Sunday, Straker said she was elated because “I worked hard to get here and to win gold in my first time at the games makes me feel really special.”

The Tutorial High School student said too, “I feel special by winning Guyana’s only gold medal.”

Describing her run, the diminutive athlete said, “When I started I know that I had to run real hard because I heard about the Jamaicans and so on and then I had two of them in my race, so I know I had to run real hard.” She said too she had a good start and was full of energy which made it very easy. The champ said, “I know that I had to run hard against Jonella as well because she is very good but after in the last lap somehow I got more energy and sprint away ahead of the girl from Jamaica.”

Straker was also high in praise of her coach Leslie Black for providing much needed encouragement. “I would like to thank my coach because he was there for me and supported me well. He talked to me throughout the race shouting from the stands….this made me feel great and I listened to everything he said and I was able to win,” the fourth-former said.”

Meanwhile, Black commended his athletes. He said what was remarkable was that they all listened to his instructions and executed them well. “I thought our team did well even though we didn’t get plenty medals, all the athletes performed at their best. I say this because I know how they run locally and to me they have all improved,” he said. Regarding Straker’s win he said, “she really surprised me because of how she performed…she listened to me and did exactly what I told her and she came out on top in the 1500 metres.”

Other than Ricardo Martin and Alika Morgan, none of the other athletes have ever competed at the Junior CARIFTA Games, and this team’s performance showed that they are ready to take on the region’s best athletes. Black said that the athletes seemed different and more purposeful compared to when they competed on the local scene.
Double victory

Guyana finished the Games with three medals from the ten athletes that participated; additionally, Straker, Jonas and Martin have all qualified for the WYC set for Italy in July. The three all made the required times for the Under-17 800 meters prompting a delighted Straker to say she feels she has won two medals because she has qualified for the WYC. Straker also said she hopes the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) can make her dream of attending the games a reality.

Black echoed these sentiments adding that the AAG owes the athletes the chance to compete further afield. He told Stabroek Sport that since the new executive was installed he has been trying to persuade president Colin Boyce to allow a large contingent to attend the CARIFTA Games in order to capitalise on the opportunity to enhance themselves. “I feel with the three athletes making the timings for the World Youth Championship, it would open the eyes of the AAG to send plenty athletes to games like these because you can never tell when an athlete will have their breakout point as in case of Ricardo, Javina and Jonella,” Black said, adding “I just hope now that they reward them by sending them to the games so that they can continue to excel.”

Black said too that more opportunities should be made available to Martin who hails from the Rupununi. He said Martin should be relocated to Georgetown so that he can participate in more outings abroad, particularly since he performed so well at the Games.
Synthetic track

Guyana was one of the few countries at the Games whose athletes don’t use a synthetic track. This has been a growing problem for local athletics since many persons believe that the time has passed for competitions on grass tracks. The AAG has also spent a number of years trying to remedy the situation.

Black, who has been around the sport for about 20 years, said he met the person who laid the track at the George Odlum stadium and was advised about how it could be done in a cost-effective way. “I was told that we don’t need a stadium to have a rubber track…we can start by having a few bleachers and then build around that as time [goes] by,” he said. Black said too he collected the person’s contact information and intends to pass it on to the AAG to push his efforts to ensure that Guyana’s athletes have the best facility. “I was amazed to [see] how we adjusted to the track and if only we can have one in Guyana, people in the Caribbean would be amazed at what we can and will produce,” Black said.

- Jamaica most dominant

By Rawle Toney

The Golden Arrowhead did not fly from the podium on the fourth and final day of the 2009 Junior CARIFTA Games in St Lucia as Javina Straker, Jonella Jonas and Ricardo Martin all failed to medal.

Javina Straker will return to these shores happy, following her gold medal run in the girls’ Under-17 1500m.

Competing at the George Odlum Stadium, Martin finished fifth in a closely contested boys’ under-17 800 metres (m), running a time of 1:57.93, while Straker (2:22.10) and Jonas (2:23.70) who were both competing in the girls’ under-17 800m had to settle for sixth and seventh places respectively.

At the end of the four-day regional athletics championship, Guyana’s ten-member contingent mustered three medals.

Straker won gold in the girls’ under-17 1500m), Martin took silver in the boys’ under-17 1500m and Jonas settled for bronze in the girls’ under-17 1500m.

However, a lot of positives came out of the tour which was led by Coach Leslie Black, as three athletes made the qualifying times for the IAAF World Youth Champ-ionship which is set for Italy from July 8-12.

Straker and Jonas both qualified for the girls’ under-17 800m after running 2:14:74 and 2:15:86 respectively and beating the games qualifying time of 2:16.00. Martin made his time in the 800m as well after running 1:57.93 as compared to the world youth championship minimum time of 1:58.00.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s athletes accentuated their regional dominance with a sweep of all the 200m and three of the four 1600m relay titles in a riveting climax to the 38th CARIFTA Games.

In striding to an awesome 25th consecutive medal-topping display at the regional meet, the Jamaicans gathered 67 medals — 39 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze – well ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, whose team garnered nine gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals.

Straker strikes gold for Guyana

- Martin (silver), Jonas (bronze) also medal

Jevina Straker

Ricardo Martin

Guyana’s Under-17 middle distance star, Tutorial’s Jevina Straker, struck gold in the 1500 metres at the 2009 Junior Carifta Games which is being held in Castries, St. Lucia.
Straker finished in a time of 4:42.89 to capture the top prize from Jamaican Petrene Plummer and another Guyanese Janella Jonas, who claimed the bronze medal.
Guyana secured another medal this time through U-17 athlete Ricardo Martin, who came home second in the Boys 1500 metres event to give the ‘Land of Many Waters’ its third medal of the championships.

Girls 1500 Metre Under 17
Finals
1 Straker, Jevina Guyana 4:42.89
2 Plummer, Petrene Jamaica 4:43.65
3 Jonas, Janella Guyana 4:45.05
4 Thompson, Carla Jamaica 4:48.93
5 Adams, Shani Barbados 4:49.50
6 Collymore, Dawnel Trinidad & Tobago 4:50.89
7 Bean, Taylor Ashley Bermuda 4:51.63
8 Wilson, Antonia Grenada 4:53.23
9 Lewis, Jewel Antigua & Barbuda 5:08.73
10 Vitalis, Cassie St. Lucia 5:12.38
11 Vrolijk, Jennelaine Aruba 5:14.58

Boys 1500 Metre Under 17
Finals
1 DA Costa, Waquar Jamaica 4:05.02
2 Martin, Ricardo Guyana 4:06.05
3 Simons, Trey Bermuda 4:06.56
4 Pamphile, Rolstan St. Lucia 4:12.61
5 Carey, J. Audley Bahamas 4:13.74
6 Wright, Callum Barbados 4:15.65
7 London, Mark Trinidad & Tobago 4:19.33
8 Vidal Jr., Silverius St. Lucia 4:23.07
9 Landeau, Nicholas Trinidad & Tobago 4:26.85
10 Mouchette, Juma Bermuda 4:33.39
11 Sital, Chavez Guyana 4:37.70

By Rawle Toney

The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) have released the names of the athletes who will represent Guyana in their two disciplines at the Caribbean Games set for Trinidad and Tobago from July 16-18.

Marian Burnett – Two-time Olympian.

The games which will be held every four years just like the Olympics will have some of the Caribbean’s best athletes competing in athletics, boxing and lawn tennis.

It was reported in Monday’s edition of the Kaieteur News that since the announcement of Guyana’s participation to the inaugural event by President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K. A. Juman Yassin the athletes selected for the three sports was a mystery.

However the two associations have  rushed to the defence of the GOA stating that the report was misleading since they had both submitted their names since late February.

Cleveland Rock - Junior Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist.

By Rawle Toney

Top junior athletes left here  yesterday for St Lucia where they would be representing Guyana at the 38th Junior CARIFTA Games from April 10–13.

Bon Voyage! Athletes and officials of the AAG posed for this Orlando Charles photo before departing yesterday for the Junior CARIFTA Games to be held in St Lucia from April 10-13.

Alika Morgan, Ricardo Martin, Johnathan Fagundes, Jamaal Holder, Chavez Sital, Chavez Ageday, Jonella Jonas, Ayanna Graham and Tiffany Carto comprise the team which will be under the guidance of coach Leslie Blacks and manager Wendy Doris. It is the largest contingent to represent Guyana at the Games in recent years.

And Blacks said that he’s optimistic that the team will do well since in his view it is one of the better composed CARIFTA games squad that has ever been put together.

Junior and Senior Sportswoman of the Year Alika Morgan and Ricardo Martin are the only two athletes who have represented Guyana before at the games with Morgan being the more successful, winning  a bronze and silver medal last year in the 1500 and 3000 meters races respectively.

According to Blacks, even though Morgan and Martin are expected to do well, he is certain that the new faces will perform at their best.

“People always say that Guyana’s best chances of medaling at any games not only at CARIFTA, is through their distance athletes and it has been proven over the years, but we have some very good sprinters as well, who I think will go out there and do good,”  the team coach said.

He also noted that Morgan who has won five medals in her three performances at the games is not at her best physically since she is still recuperating from a broken ankle.

Blacks was also adamant that South American Youth Games bronze medalist Jonella Jonas is a strong medal contender in the Under-17 800 and 1500 meters races since she has been unstoppable on the local circuit.

Meanwhile President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Colin Boyce said that after all the drama that unfolded regarding sponsorship of the team to the event, he is elated that Guyana could send a large contingent.

According to the AAG President, he is certain that the athletes who were selected will do well at the games.

When Boyce, a Guyana Police Force officer,  took office after the AAG elections, he had said that only the best athletes would be selected to represent Guyana and once an athlete was doing well on the local scene, that athlete would be given a chance to do so internationally.

The Junior CARIFTA games team, Boyce said, is testimony of the AAG’s mandate and this approach would be continued across the board.

Twenty-five other countries are expected to join host St Lucia for the games at the George Odlum Stadium.

We may not be top contenders, but I expect a few medals - AAG President

President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) Assistant Superintendent Colin Boyce told the media that while he knows that Guyana will not be top contenders to secure the most medals due to our small contingent, he expects the team to return home with a few.

President of the AAG Assistant Superintendent Colin Boyce (left) and General Secretary Claude Blackmore (right) pose with the squad and Coach Leslie Black (second from left) at Olympic House yesterday.

Carifta Games squad off to St Lucia
A TWELVE-member team departed for St Lucia yesterday to participate in the 38th edition of the annual Carifta Games, to be held from April 11 to 13 at the George Odlum National Stadium.

Seeking Carifta glory! Guyana’s contingent of athletes before they left Guyana yesterday at the Olympic House. (Adrian Narine photo)

Also on the team is Guyana’s 2008 Sportswoman-of-the-year Alika Morgan, who will be participating in the 1500m and 3 000m in the U-20 category. Meanwhile, over the years Guyana’s showing at this event in Trinidad & Tobago, especially in the sprint events has been uninspiring.

Over the longer distances however, Guyanese athletes have been able to give better accounts of themselves. So the likes of Jevina Straker, coming off a Hampton Games gold medal performance in the 800m, Janella Jonas, Jonathan Fagundes, Chavez Sital and Jamal Holder can create some discomfort for the other athletes abroad with an upset or two.

However, one cannot rule out the talented Police Youth Club sprinters Tiffany Carto and Ayana Graham along with the budding Chavez Ageday who have been running fast times on grass.

Therefore, there is the possibility that they will improve their personal-best times on the synthetic track at the national stadium in St. Lucia.

The twelve-member delegation includes coach Leslie Black and manager/chaperone Wendy Doris, sprinters Ayanna Graham, Tiffany Carto and Chavez Ageday; middle and distance athletes Jevina Straker, Janella Jonas, Ricardo Martin, Chavez Sital, Alika Morgan, Jonathan Fagundes and Jamal Holder.

AAG names IGG Track and Field team

After their rain affected trials on Sunday, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has identified 28 junior track and field athletes, 14 males and 14 females, to represent Guyana at the upcoming Inter–Guiana Games (IGG).

Lawanda Whaul

Winston Caesar

The team was selected immediately after the trials but protocol did not allow the AAG to disseminate the names of the athletes before yesterday since the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport had to be appropriately informed.

President of the AAG, Colin Boyce told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that Guyana is usually dominant in the track and field events. He said that the strength of the team identified is to help Guyana advance in the point system overall.

“It’s a point system and we want to ensure that our discipline comes out on top. Guyana will dominate both the male and female events,” Boyce said, adding that 18 points are up for grabs in the IGG track and field competition.

The other sport disciplines represented at IGG are football, basketball, volleyball, cycling and swimming. Guyana is expected to host the initial stage that includes track and field, football and swimming during April 24–27.

The athletics competition is set for April 24 and 25 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary. “We have an entitlement of one additional male and one additional female athlete as the host country,” Boyce informed yesterday.

He pointed out that based on the events that are to be contested, the AAG selection panel had to ensure that the best athletes suited for more than one event was given the distinct opportunity to represent their country at the Games.

Letitia Myles

Dellon DeAbreu

“We had to take into consideration the relay events so we had to kind of perm the team,” the AAG boss said. He was keen to observe that junior sprint sensation, Triston Joseph and distance queen, Alika Morgan will lead the team.

Joseph takes controversial 100m at IGG trials
… rain hampers athletes
By Storme Moore
TREISTON Joseph got what some deemed an undeserved first place in the 100m finals at the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) trials held Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

The finish of the controversial 100m at Sunday’s IGG trials.

While it appeared that Joseph was beaten by Okeme Stewart, who dipped a bit too early and was nowhere near the finish line, uproar erupted from the spectators and the judges however fingered Joseph as the winner while some were still convinced otherwise.

The final time of 10.7 secs got Joseph a monetary prize of $15 000 and a spot on the IGG team while Stewart clocked 10.9 secs ahead of Delon DeAbreu’s 11.1 secs.

Joseph also won the 200m in a time of 22.0 secs with DeAbreu once again trailing in his footsteps with his timing of 22.6 secs just ousting Frank Mercurius (22.8 secs) for the second spot.

Roxanna Rigby won the female 100m in 11.7 secs beating Deja Smartt who clocked 12.2 secs and Tiffany Carto who clocked 12.7 secs.

She also won the 200m in a blistering 25.2 secs completing a sprint double and copping the two spots for the female sprint events. Nadine Rodrigues clocked 25.3 secs in a close second-place finish ahead of Nisha Allen (25.8 secs). Javina Straker was the winner of the female 800m race in 2:21.4 secs while her male counterpart was Ricardo Martin who clocked a timing of 2:03.4 secs.

Johnathan Fagundes claimed the 5 000m which he finished in 18:20.7 and Alika Morgan won the 3 000m, which was run off during a sudden downpour. She clocked 11:34.6 ahead of her sibling competition Toshawnna and Leanna Doris who ran 12:45.9 and 13:24.0 respectively.

After the rain the meet continued with the 400m which was won by Shannah Thornhill in the female category in a time of 1:01.2 while Frank Mercurius, who clocked 52.8, copped the win for the male category.

A disappointed Carlwyn Collins was forced to discontinue the race as he was suffering from a bothersome hamstring injury.

The bout of inclement weather rendered the facilities unsuitable for competition but the event pressed on. Competitors faced hazards such as the soggy track and swampy long jump pit that lay in the aftermath of the sudden shower.

While there were a few mishaps no serious injuries were sustained and many of the athletes hold the conditions at fault for the shortcomings in their performances.

Caribbean Games selection shrouded in mystery

In just 68 days time Guyana will hopefully join 25 other regional territories that will congregate in Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the inaugural Caribbean Games which will be held from July 12-19.

Phillip Squires

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan

It will mark the first time that many people in the region get to see most of the regional stars in action since they dominated the last Olympics which was held in Beijing, China and it is sole for this reason that the Organizers have emphatically stated that individual countries should attempt to send their best athletes to the Games.

Athletes will compete in five sporting disciplines - boxing, netball, tennis, track & field and volleyball and among those expected to be there are Jamaicans sprint stars Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser and Trinidadians Richard Thompson and Darrel Brown among others.

The Organisers have already promised that all the top athletes from the region will be at the Games, come July.

Sometime ago, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President K.A Juman Yassin disclosed that Guyana will be sending representatives in three disciplines (boxing, tennis and track & field), but with just over two months left, no word on the likely composition of any of the respective teams has been forthcoming.

Alisha Fortune

Rawle Greene

Why should the selection of the respective teams remain shrouded in mystery even at this late stage? It is because there is no intention to pick local athletes.

These are the legitimate questions that need to be answered by those responsible for choosing members to represent Guyana in the three disciplines.

The selection of teams by certain sports officials seems to always leave latitude for critics to confront and question their sincerity and of course with merit.

Why can’t they just name a set of probable candidates and thereafter provide the best possible opportunities for them to qualify to make the Games eligibility guidelines.

Again, there appears to be no effort to select locally-based athletes who’re making the same if not more sacrifices than those based overseas.

Clevon Rock

Junior Carifta team in need of urgent funding

–as AAG includes Graham, Fagundes

Leslie Black

Alika Morgan

By Edison Jefford
The national junior athletics team that was selected to compete at the Carifta Games over the Easter weekend in Saint Lucia is lamenting the lack of adequate funding for the event where Guyana has positive medal chances.
Initially, eight athletes were released to Kaieteur Sport that had revealed, on the contrary, that the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) was actually scrutinising ten athletes for the prestigious regional junior track and field event.
Apparently, the other two athletes, Jonathan Fagundes and Ianna Graham had impressed the selection committee subsequent to the AAG Carifta Games trials and are now part of the official national junior track team.

The other eight athletes include 2008 National Sports Commission ‘Sportswoman of the Year’, Alika Morgan, Jenella Jonas, Jevena Straker, Tiffany Carto, Jamaal Holder, Ricardo Martin, Chavez Sital and Chavez Ageday.
However, while the medal prospects of the athletes seem favourable, particularly in the distance events, Coach Leslie Black has noted the urgent need for funding for the team that is expected to depart Guyana sometime next week. “The team is in some trouble. We need assistance. We are waiting on the Government to see what will happen. My biggest fear at the moment is [the lack of] sponsorship,” Black told this newspaper in an impromptu interview. Black, who will be travelling with the team as Coach, said that all the athletes selected to represent the country has the potential to win medals. “We think that all the athletes have a good chance but we need sponsorship,” he reiterated.

The former coach of national distance star, Cleveland Forde, has five athletes on the team in the form of Morgan, Jonas, Straker, Fagundes and debutant, Sital. Black indicated that none of the athletes should be left behind.
President of the AAG, Colin Boyce told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that the association had received a commitment from Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, who was to further take up the matter with the minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.
“Kumar promise us some money but we need additional sponsorship because our athletes will be in the island two days before and two days after the meet as a result of the flight arrangements we got,” the AAG head explained.

Jonathan Fagundes

Chavez Sital

According to Boyce, the host country is only covering accommodation for athletes during the event. He indicated that he had also requested airport tax waivers among other benefit from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
“Once everything goes well, we will be able to go. By this [yesterday] afternoon, we will be in a better position to pronounce,” Boyce, who had made his ‘reward for performance’ policy known when he took office, informed.
The new AAG head had made it clear that he will attempt everything possible to deviate from the old paradigm of sending one and two athletes to major meets. Boyce’s aim is to maximise Guyana’s participation as part of development.
One parent, David Sital, said that he is trying every possible option to ensure that his son, Chavez, makes a comfortable debut at the Games. When contacted, Sital said that he has gotten some support but not enough to talk about.

“We are trying to see what else we can get. He is going to go. We are looking to see what else we can get for him. I don’t believe we should stifle our young athletes,” he lamented, while urging Government to support the national team.
Sital said that his son is not the only athlete short of funding. According to the parent, the other athletes have complained as well. “We are not getting sponsorship and all of us are complaining,” the ardent enthusiast told this newspaper.
With the increase of regional and international meets, local athletes are seeking exposure at those forums in an effort to increase their general development. However, without the necessary sponsorship those dreams are fleeting.

D’Andrade wins Bishop 5k in Trinidad

– Forde misses at Southern Games

Cleveland Forde

Guyana’s leading male distance athletes opened their tender toward qualification for the upcoming Caribbean Games with dominant performances in two separate meets in the games’ host island of Trinidad and Tobago yesterday.
Lionel D’Andrade blistered the field in the Bishop 5k road race early yesterday morning to win in 15:58. His performance left another national distance runner, Dennis Horatio in second with 16:32 while Nicholas Lando was third in 16:45.

Dennis Horatio

The Guyanese athletes had stormed the island in wake of the qualification requirements for the Caribbean Games. It is hoped that these regular high level competitions will help them prepare for the prestigious event.
The Bishop 5k left D’Andrade little time to recover for the 1500m at the Southern Games later in the day. However, Cleveland Forde did Guyana adequate justice in the race when he finished a close second behind Gavin Nero.
Forde, who travelled right into the race from Guyana, was present to collect a local award Friday night. He completed the heated 1500m race in 4:00.53, which were split seconds behind Trinidadian, Nero’s winning 4:00.02 time.
Arguably one of the region’s most successful distance athletes, Pamenos Ballantyne was third in the race with 4:02.99. D’Andrade merely managed sixth with a distant 4:20.00 while Horatio was reportedly too tired to compete.

Lionel D’Andrade

“I could not make it in the 1500m because of the [5k] race this morning and besides, I don’t do too well on track. I am basically a road race runner,” D’Andrade told Kaieteur Sport from Trinidad and Tobago yesterday evening.
He said that he is looking forward for the 5000m race today where D’Andrade, Forde and Horatio will lead Guyana’s challenge against Nero, Ballantyne and the remainder of the region’s top athletes when the Southern Games continue.

According to reports, Lionel D’Andrade won the men’s 5 000-metre race ahead of his Guyanese compatriot Dennis Horatio, while Kenya-trained athlete Cleveland Forde settled for second to Trinidad’s Gavin Nero in the men’s 1500-metre event.

All three locals were down to contest the men’s 10 000-metre race last evening.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport via telephone yesterday, Forde said he narrowly missed winning the 1500-metre race.

“I think I kicked too late” Forde said, adding, when the race started, a Jamaican athlete broke away and opened a big lead but with two laps remaining, St Vincent’s Pamenous Ballentyne went to the front and increased the pace, but with approximately 100-metre before the finish line, Nero and himself (Forde) overtook Ballentyne, but “I kicked too late and Nero went on to win.”

D’Andrade clocked 15 minutes 58 seconds (15:58) in winning the 5000-metre race, while Horatio returned (16:15).

Nero’s winning time for the 1500-metre race was 4:00.02 while Forde registered 4:00.53 (Michael DaSilva)

D’ Andrade, Johnson and Jonas are runners-up

National distance athletes Cleveland Forde and Alika Morgan were named male and female 2008 athletes-of-the-year respectively when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held its annual awards ceremony at Olympic House Friday evening.
And for the first time the AAG had a tie in the runner-up position for the male award with Kelvin Johnson and Lionel D’ Andrade taking the spot together  while Janella Jonas was adjudged runner-up in the female athlete-of-the-year award.
Morgan and Forde enjoyed much success in 2008 winning several events both locally and around the Caribbean. They were both recipients of the prestigious National Sports Commission (NSC) Sportsman and Sportswoman-of-the-Year awards with Ford winning in 2006 while Morgan secured the double in the Junior and Senior categories last year.

President of the AAG Colin Boyce lauded the two athletes for their achievements over the years and he also charged them to continue improving.

Premier sprinters bemoan lack of attention, support

- says they are dedicated, determined and willing

Alisha Fortune

Rawle Greene.

By Rawle Welch
Guyana’s two premier sprinters Rawle Greene and Alisha Fortune are up in arms about the lack of support that is absent even as they begin to intensify preparations for the upcoming inaugural Caribbean Games which will be held in July in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to the sprinters, who were seen going through their paces yesterday at the National Park, there seems to be a lack of attention and support from the relevant authorities and this development has hampered their preparations somewhat.

“We need some more support and attention, especially from the business community as we try getting ourselves adequately prepared to first meet the qualifying times and subsequently perform to our optimum at the Games,” Fortune told Kaieteur Sport.
She said she felt now is the time for those responsible for the team to start putting things in place to ensure that the team selected to participate at the Games is both mentally and physically ready to compete against their regional counterparts.

The pair was seen going through some strengthening and endurance workouts under the guidance of coaches Julian Edmonds and Sham Johnny and they indicated that the current regimen is to ensure that they are fully prepared for the anticipated rigorous competition.
“Our coaches have worked out a programme for us that will ensure that we do not peak too early, but have a lot in store if we’re selected to attend the Games,” Fortune stated. The sprint queen said they were very pleased with the amount of Meets that have been planned ahead of the Games and commended the new executive for putting together such a calendar.

She, however, called on the sport’s administration to have the prospective athletes encamped very early which could provide the sort of setting to keep them focused.
Fortune bemoaned the fact that they both have to work and train which according to her is extremely difficult to do, especially when you factor in the magnitude of the Games.
Commenting on the manner in which the sport is seen locally in terms of financial support, Fortune said that many persons are more inclined to support cricket, but she envisages that in a few years athletics will overtake it.
“We have an abundance of athletic talent right here, but no one is looking in our direction.”
“We have to find all the necessary equipment to prepare for competitions and when you take into consideration that an athlete usually needs at least four (4) pairs of running shoes, you ask yourself how they can survive in the sport.”

The outspoken athlete who has shown the dedication and commitment over the years, including making huge sacrifices to represent her country revealed that very often she has to give a few junior athletes running shoes so that they remain in the sport.
“It is hard, but when you see the talent, you are forced to do so to ensure that the potential witnessed remain in the sport,” she mentioned.
Fortune also touched on the sub-standard facility that they have to train on in preparation to make the qualifying times which she stated was nothing short of terrible.
“It is very dangerous for us to train on a track that is very uneven and every day you risk being injured and having your dreams shattered.”

“We are at a major disadvantage when compared with other Caribbean athletes in every regard, so many things are wrong with the sport,” Fortune dejectedly commented
Among the missing components that she mentioned were a gym to exercise and do strengthening and a masseur, personnel that is readily available to athletes competing at a certain level.
“We are willing, dedicated and determined to reach the international level, but so many important aspects are missing.”
Meanwhile, Greene echoed similar sentiments expressed by his training partner, calling on the authorities to understand the importance of ensuring that whichever team is selected get the necessary support which will enable them to do their best.
Kaieteur Sport wishes both athletes the best of luck in their endeavours.

AAG names Junior Carifta Games team

sponsorship determines who travels

By Edison Jefford

The Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) named an eight–member team yesterday for the upcoming Junior Carifta Games in Saint Lucia over the Easter Weekend but has also stated that sponsorship will determine who finally attends.
Those included in the squad after the AAG trials two weeks ago are current Sportswoman of the Year, Alika Morgan, Jenella Jonas, Jevena Straker, Tiffany Carto, Jamaal Holder, Ricardo Martin, Chavez Sital and Chavez Ageday.
The eight athletes were named following an AAG meeting yesterday. The athletes, while identified to attend the prestigious junior track and field meet, will know whether they will participate at the competition pending sponsorship.
President of the AAG, Colin Boyce told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that he has spoken with Director of Sport, Niel Kumar to garner assistance on the facilitation of waivers of airport taxes and contribution toward air tickets.
“The Director of Sport is supposed to talk to the minister [of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony] to see how much assistance we can get. Based on that we will know how much of those athletes will travel,” Boyce informed.
Ever since Boyce came to the fore of the AAG earlier this year, he has been insisting that they will try to ensure maximum participation at regional meets. He reiterated that yesterday when this newspaper contacted him for a comment.
“The entire focus is to ensure that the entire team goes. Based on the development meets and the [Carifta] trials, most of the athletes that we have put together stand a good chance of medalling at the Carifta Games,” he said.
Boyce said that the AAG will expose most of the under-17 athletes to the sprint events in an effort to ensure a balance of participation. He indicated that the team is strong in the middle distance events but the sprinters also need support.
“All of them are good prospects. We are exposing the sprinters to see if they can come good,” he noted, adding that he expects the seasoned performers like Morgan and Martin to do well but the other athletes must also perform.
This newspaper had learnt from a source that ten athletes were initially identified for the Saint Lucia meeting.
However, the two that were supposedly axed from the squad could not be ascertained as at the time of this interview.

Junior athletes storm Carifta Games trials

– existing rivalries continue

Guyana’s foremost junior male sprinters, Dellon DeAbreu and Triston Joseph persistently continued an existing rivalry yesterday at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s Junior Carifta Games trials, which was held at Enmore.

By Kizan Brummell

Tiffany Carto and Treiston Joseph of the Police Sports and Royal Youth Movement clubs respectively, carted off the female U18 and male U20 sprint doubles at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AGG) National Youth/Junior Championships at the Enmore Sports Club ground yesterday.

Carto won the 100m and 200m in times of 12.80s and 26.80s ahead of Ruralties Deja Smartt and fellow club mate Maliyka Francois in the 100m  and Ianna Graham and RYM’s Thornhill Shannah in the 200m.

Joseph continued his terrific form claiming his victories with times of 10.80s and 22.80s defeating PSC’s Dellon DeAbreau (11.20S) and New Amsterdam Track Club’s Okeme Stewart (11.20) in the 100m before coming back  to `settle’ Franken Mercurius (23.00s) and club mate Timothy Doris (23.20s) in the 200m.

Ruralites Chavez Ageday clocked 11.00s to win the male U18 100m ahead of NATC’s Cortez Fraser (11.10s) and RYM’s Jumoke David (11.40s).

NATC’s Roxanna Rigby (25.70s) won the female U20 200m ahead of RYM’s Mercedes Ford (26.00s) and Running Brave’s Nadine Rodriques (27.00s).

PSC claimed both 400m U18 categories when Letitia Myles completed her race in a time of 1:02.20s while Carlwyn Collins’ time of 52.50s scorched the field.

Jamaal Holder of NATC defeated Ruralites Shemroy Harry in a time of 18:46.10s in the male U20 5000m while Rising Stars’ Chavez Sital was victorious in the male 3000m U18 clocking 10:29.30s.

Rising Stars’ Jevina Straker outdid club mate Jenella Jonas in the U18 800m with a time of 2:26.30s but Jonas reversed positions in the 1500m, defeating Straker in a time of 5:26.30s.

Enmore Track Club’s Ricardo Martin remained persistent winning the U18 800m and 1500m with times of 2:06.00s and 4:45.50s respectively while premier junior 800m champion Philip Drayton dropped out just about 350m into the 800m race.

PSC’s Kevin Bailey, who pressured Drayton early in the race, won in a time of 2:06.90s while Shebekie Prince won the female 800m U20event with a time of 2:40.80s.

In other results, Silver Bullets’ Kimberly Doris won the female U18 Javelin with a throw of 16.77m while Ruralites’ Keshon Shepherd won the male category with a throw of 38.45s.

NATC’s Mercurius clocked a time of 52.70s in the male U20 400m and Jamaal Holder won the 1500m U20 in a time of 4:53.80s.

AAG Carifta Trials shifts to tomorrow

– Boyce says it’s more economical

Colin Boyce

By Edison Jefford
The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Junior Carifta Games Trials initially set for today and tomorrow at the Enmore Community Centre Ground will now be held on the latter date alone following an AAG technical meeting.
President of the AAG, Colin Boyce told Kaieteur Sport yesterday that the decision was made to have the competition condensed into one day following the rate of registration and the economic constraints of some participants.
“We will now hold the trials on Sunday [tomorrow] alone since it did not look practical to have the teams from Corentyne and Linden for instance, travel two [consecutive] days to Georgetown to compete,” Boyce said.

In addition to the economic costs attached to travelling, Boyce informed that athletes for the meeting were being registered at a slow rate, which did not impress the AAG that had set a Thursday deadline for entrants. He said that the association was forced to extend the deadline to yesterday afternoon and all the clubs were informed of the new development. Boyce also indicated that the clubs will be notified of the one–day meeting.
“Up to Thursday, we had athletes from seven of the 10 registered clubs. We intend to call the remainder to query about their athletes if we see that they are not registering,” Boyce, intent on ensuring mass participation, said.
The new AAG boss informed that there are another four clubs pending AAG registration and five clubs floating. He said that these clubs are allowed to participate because they are affiliated to the AAG until their full accreditation.

The majority participation at the AAG trials makes for interesting competition where a new breed of junior athletes emerges. These athletes will be given equal opportunities to compete for places on Guyana’s national team.
Boyce had indicated in a previous interview with this newspaper that his administration will be keen to reward performance. He said that steps will be taken to ensure that the lack of sponsorship does not hinder top athletes.
“This is just one of the meets that will be used as a yardstick for selection. We also have the Inter–Guiana Games and Linwest Games where we will basically be monitoring the performances of athletes,” he said yesterday.

Greene beaten at AAG Development Meet

It was fiery, it was quick and discernible. The open male 60 metres marked the highlight of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Development Track and Field Meet that initiated the 2009 Season under new management.

Rhondel Adams (second, left) leans for a thrilling finish ahead of Kenneth Semple (third, left) and Rawle Greene (fourth, left) respectively after Greene strained a quad muscle on the finish line.

It seemed as though national senior male sprint champion, Rawle Greene did not get the desired start and found himself struggling toward the end of the race, which climaxed with a left quad muscle strain on the finish line.

Track officials later revealed that Greene was beaten into third place in the steamy race with a time of 6.55 seconds. Royal Youth Movement’s Rhondel Adams won in 6.51s with Kenneth Semple second in a 6.53s time.

“I can’t question the judges but I feel like I didn’t lose the race though I pulled up before the finish. I expected ‘Beastie’ [Semple] to be ahead of me when I started because he is an explosive starter,” Greene said yesterday.

The top sprinter, who is looking to improve his times ahead of the Caribbean Games, told Kaieteur Sport that he was not doing any speed work ahead of the meet since it is improper for him to peak so early in the season.

“This is February, I wasn’t doing any speed work; I am preparing for later in the season. I can’t afford to peak at this time. My real pressure is trying to get my time down but I am satisfied with my running,” he declared.

Asked how serious his quad injury is, the national sprinter indicated that while it is not as threatening, he is struggling to walk normally. “It’s hurting me, I hope when I go to the physiotherapist it is not serious,” Greene optimised.

In another scorcher on Saturday, Trevor Scotland eased his way to a commanding win in the open male 600m race after Jermaine Pilgrim and Ryan De Peazer had set a stunning pace for approximately 400m of the event.

Scotland used his experience against that of the other competitors to come away with the win after opting to remain with the pack while Pilgrim and De Peazer shot to the fore and subsequently dropped out of the race.

Rivalry was endemic on the sunny and ‘fun day’ atmosphere at the Police Sports Club as the leading athletes and rising stars look to improve their condition ahead of what is to be a very hectic year for local athletics.

Running Braves Athletics Club’s ‘Super Twins’: Shemaine and Shequane Daniels, made their initial mark in the under–15 girls 60m where they placed first and second in that order in times of 8.29 and 8.40s respectively.

Running Braves’ ‘Super Twins’: too innocent to be so lethal on the track! Shemaine and Shequane Daniels.

The track and field season got off to a terrific start yesterday as the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) hosted the second scheduled Development Meet for the year on the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) calendar of events at the Eve Leary Sports Complex Ground.

The athletes had a taste of the track for the first time yesterday and made the most of it.

Regular campaigners such as Alika Morgan, Treiston Joseph and Jervina Straker romped to victories while a few had not the best of days.

The action got underway a little after 10am with a few middle distance races then rolled into the 60-metre excitement.
 
Guyana’s premier sprinter Rawle Greene had to settle for third after finishing with a time of 6.55s in the male 60m behind Rhondell Adams and Kenneth Semple who ran times of 6.51s and 6.53s respectively.

Adams recorded another victory when he dominated the men’s 150m event with a time of 16.72s ahead of PPYC’s Patrick King (16.80s) and Royal Youth Movement’s (RYM) Leon Bishop (16.93s).

Alisha Fortune continued her superb record in Guyana winning the women’s 60m and 150m in times of 7.54s and 18.72s  ahead of Leota Bobb who finished second in both events with times of 7.55s and 19.46s respectively.

RYM’s Timothy Doris and Joseph recorded victories in the male U-20 60m and 150m clocking times of 6.65s and 16.68s respectively.

Dellon de Abreu of PPYC’s placed second in both U-20 events with times of 6.70s and 17.03s respectively while Road Runners’ Dwayne Massay was third in 6.92s and 17.39s.

New Amsterdam Track Club’s (NATC) Roxanna Rigby won the female U-20 60m and 150m with times of 7.65s and 19.17s respectively while RYM’s Mercedes Ford and Nadine Rodrigues grabbed second and third places in the 60m.

However Rodrigues, who also won the female U-20 300m finished second in the 150m ahead of Nesia Allen.

Junior middle distance champion Philip Drayton of the RYM walked away with victories in the Male U-20 300m and 600m clocking times of 36.54s and 1:27.67s.

Twin-sensations Shomene and Shaquan Daniels made their presence felt in the U-15 female races.

Shomene won the 60m and 300m while Shaquan grabbed two second and a third place finish in the 60m, 150m and 300m respectively.

PPYC’s Trevor Scotland won the men’s 600 with a time of 1:24.40s ahead of NATC’s Mark Edwards and RYM’s Odel Adams who clocked 1:27:47s and 1:28:48s respectively.

Edwards returned to win the men’s 300m in a time of 36.42s ahead of PPYC’s Derwin Eastman (36.47s) and RYM’s Wayne Harlequin (36.56s).

Also in the winning lane were PPYC’s and RYM’s Ianna Graham and Michael Williams who won the girls’ and boys’ U-15 150m and Oladele Manifold (PPYC) who won the U-15 male 60m.

Williams also was the winner of the U-15 male 300m.

St. John’s Lionel Manifold won the U-17 male 60m while Tiffany Carto (PPYC) stormed to victories in the U-17 female 60m and 150m and NATC’s Andre Josiah won the male 300m in the same category as Carto.

Athletics Coach tackles major undertaking

- seeks government assistance to use part of Durban Park

If the Vice President of the Bedford All Stars Sports Club, Wayne Walcott, gets his way, local athletes will soon have a spanking training facility with modern equipment.

Wayne Walcott

This follows a request by Walcott and other sports enthusiasts, to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn for use of a plot of land on the Durban Park to construct the facility. The request was also carbon copied to the Minister of Sports, Frank Anthony.

Walcott has since received a reply from Mr Benn informing him that the matter is receiving attention. Mr Benn has also informed him that he has forwarded the letter to Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, for consideration. The Bedford All Stars executive is now making an impassioned plea to the sports authorities to expedite matters so that works on the project can begin as soon as possible.

A plot of land on the Durban Park totaling some 2 acres has been identified for the project. The facility would be built west of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). The area is currently covered with thick bushes but Walcott said that Minister Benn has promised to clear the area once the relevant approval has been given.

Quizzed on the funding of the facility Walcott revealed that he has spoken with several businesspersons and they have committed themselves to the realization of the project. He said that works would begin as soon as he receives approval from Kumar’s office.

The current state of Durban Park, which is overgrown with bush.

P&P Insurance assists young athlete

To train with Mensfist Pioneer Athletics Club in T&T for Caribbean Games

P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Limited recently made a contribution of $50,000: to Jermaine Pilgrim, an athlete with the Royal Youth Movement & Sports Club.

Head of P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Limited Bishwa Panday (left) handing over the cheque to Jermaine Pilgrim.

Boyce ingeniously outlines national selection policy

Congratulates Morgan on recent achievement

Colin Boyce

By Edison Jefford
While congratulating sportswoman of the year, Alika Morgan and hinting that the leading female distance athlete must be given scholarship opportunities, Colin Boyce ingeniously outlined his selection policy yesterday.

Boyce, who took over the presidency of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) from Claude Blackmore, told Kaieteur Sport that Morgan’s performances last year were truly outstanding, which merit national selection.

Morgan also won the junior sports woman of the year award after finishing runnerup in both categories the previous year. The athlete’s disappointment in 2007 made her more determined to dominate last year.

“Her performances were very outstanding in comparison to other persons. She is eligible for both awards and once she continues performing she will always merit national selection,” the new AAG President said.

In addition, Boyce generalised the concept of good performance equals national selection when he said: “once you perform, I don’t have a problem,” in a sublime message to all athletes that dream of representing Guyana.

The policy was a clear break from the traditional penalty that performing athletes faced in the previous administration. Boyce made it clear that he will be attempting to have the country fully represented at international meets.

He said his first challenge is the upcoming Caribbean Games where he has learnt through the grapevine that eight names were submitted to the Local Organising Committee for the Trinidad and Tobagobased competition.

If it is indeed a fact, the submission of only eight names is besides the intention of Boyce, who indicated that he would like to see more athletes participate, including relay teams of which moves are ongoing to ascertain.

“I think it might be a good move to send some local athletes overseas for training prior to the Caribbean Games. This will help them adjust to the rubber and so on and also help them qualify for the July event,” he observed.

Alika Morgan

Understanding the challenges of local athletes training and competing at home on grass, Boyce said: “Its going to be difficult for local athletes to just qualify for the Caribbean Games with just months before the event.”

Therefore, attempts to have athletes exposed overseas prior to the Games, can only serve as crash courses and even Boyce recognised that point when he argued that the previous administration should have already gone that route.

“What I am saying is that since last year, if they were really serious, they should’ve sent a select group of athletes overseas to try and bring them up to standard,” the plainspoken AAG boss told this newspaper yesterday.

“Those (qualifying) standards are not easy for us, if we intend to send a strong contingent that includes some local athletes, we will have to get the support of Government and other major stakeholders,” he pleaded.

Against that background, Boyce said that he intends to pursue sending athletes overseas for training before the Games.

“We are looking at all the aspects,” he said, adding that a bigger contingent is definitely the objective.

Pompey restructures training, sets goals

An early forecast seems to suggest that Guyana’s leading quarter–miler Aliann Pompey is focused on turning out top performances this year in a lengthy career that was filled with major setbacks including lack of sponsorship.

Aliann Pompey

Pompey’s major achievement to–date remains her Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in Manchester, England in 2002, but the top athlete believes that her current world leading 400m time is a step in the right direction.

The outstanding Guyanese athlete said that she has set herself new goals, taking timeout from her busy schedule that included a narrow miss at the 2009 Millrose Games to speak with Kaieteur Sport via email yesterday.

“I have restructured my training and set intermediate goals. How and when I [will] reach those goals determine how I go forward. My world leading time is something that lets me know I’m going in the right direction,” Pompey said.

Apart from Pompey’s split–second loss in the 600 Yard race at the Millrose Games, there was an arresting dominance at the New Balance Games in New York two weeks ago in the 400m, which became the best so far this year.

Pompey completely demolished her opponents in a 51.85 seconds victory at the Armoury Track and Field Centre in a performance that broke her 52.17 seconds national indoor record that was set six years ago in 2003.

The dual benchmark performances were a sort of reprieve for the athlete, who had barely missed out on a place in the final at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China last year where her disappointment made Caribbean headlines.

“I have been fortunate to have my friends and family, both in Guyana and the USA, who have supported me emotionally over the years,” she said, adding that she has a “mutually beneficial relationship,” with the local Olympic body.

Asked what she thinks is primarily affecting the growth of athletics in Guyana and what advice she would give to national sprinters, Rawle Greene and Alisha Fortune, Pompey pointed to the need for “serious investment”.

“Whether it is monetary or professional, development couldn’t hurt. Jamaica was once in the same situation as Guyana is now when it comes to athletics. I always wish the very best for my compatriots,” she indicated.

She said that she has not spoken to Fortune very much but is in contact with Greene on a few occasions. According to Pompey, she has been very busy with work apart from training and taking care of her family.

“In general I [would] like to say that I put 100 percent into everything I do [and] no one can argue my dedication and effort and that’s enough for me,” the three–time Olympian and national record holder intimated.

Pompey did not say whether or not she will represent Guyana at the upcoming Caribbean Games in Trinidad and Tobago but based on her ambassadorial record, she has never refused an invitation to represent her country.

Posted by Codgie | February 1, 2009

After a modest start to the 2009 indoor season, Codrington Enterprises’ athlete, Aliann Pompey, has cranked up her performance a few notches, running a fast 400m at the Armory in New York as well as a fast 500m race. Here she leans for the line at the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden on January 23rd.

 Flash Results, Inc. 
                                                102nd Millrose Games                      
                                  Madison Square Garden, New York, NY  - 1/30/2009        
                            
                           Event 15  Women 600 Yard Run
                           ===============================================================
                               Name                    Year Team                    Finals
                           ===============================================================
                           Finals                                                         
                             1 Monica Hargrove              USA                    1:19.50
                             2 Aliann Pompey                GUY                    1:19.51
                             3 Clora Williams               JAM                    1:22.86
                             4 Marian Burnett               GUY                    1:22.90
                           

A former NCAA indoor champion, the 30-year-old physical trainer was an Olympic semi-finalist in the 400m in Beijing last year.
Pompey told the Armory’s Chris Hunt, “I haven’t run indoor in five years. I was wondering if I could do that. I felt like I could (run a personal best) today.” And, she certainly didn’t leave much doubt. At the bell she was almost 30 metres ahead of her opponents and showed little sign of fatigue for the final circling to the tape. Her distant bridesmaids were Sophia Smellie (54.94s), Nicole Dumpson (55.01s) and Alyssa Aiken (57.68s).

With a few early slugs in the barrel during this winter, Pompey was on target to hit her mark. The Pisces-born athlete easily swam through all her competitions, including a decisive win in Saskatoon, Canada against a star-studded field, and a smart win in the seldom-contested 500m at New York’s Gotham Cup, two weeks ago. There, she posted a runaway 1:09.37 for the win, and a positive signal for a Millrose Games appearance at 600y, this month. She had said that really gave her confidence that for the performance.

Her 53.48s in the Canadian meet (Knights of Columbus Indoor Games) relegated to second place, the defending champion and 2002 African 200m and 400m champion Kaltouma Nadjina of Chad (53.68s). It was the first of the season for the three-time Olympian who is still seeking a sponsor; and part of her decision to do the indoors comes from how well she’s training with her long-time coach.

A report from the meet states that Pompey sees the indoor circuit as important to make the connections with meet promoters and to nail a ‘shoe contract’.

She lost her funding after being injured and was working full-time during her Olympic year, which may have cost her her goal of making the final at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Pompey had got to the semi-finals and finished an eye-opening 11th (overall) in the 400m in a tough field of 50.

Coincidentally Pompey’s record run at the Armory comes at a time when the famed track facility is celebrating its centennial with a daily countdown of its 100 greatest moments. Listed at #79, the Guyanese star is honoured for running her country’s previous national 400m record there on February 28, 2003.

The December 23rd honour plate on ArmoryTrack.com reads: Aliann Pompey sets the Guyanese national indoor record for 400 meters, running 52.17 at the NYU FastTrack meet. A year later she set the outdoor record of 50.93, a time she equaled in the Olympic semifinals in Beijing in 2008.

Pompey had an extraordinary record, competing in 3 Olympics and 7 World Championships for Guyana. She won the NCAA indoor championship in 2000 for Manhattan College and won the Commonwealth Games 400 in 2002. In January 2006 she ran 1:09.55 for 500 meters, setting an Armory record that still stands

Pompey sets Guyana national record in 400

Morgan expresses elation over national award

– makes case for coach, Black

By Edison Jefford
Recently adjudged Sportswoman of the Year, Alika Morgan yesterday expressed elation over the award while making a case for her coach Leslie Black, who she said has consistently produced outstanding athletes.
“I always feel I am a winner. I will like to thank God for what he has done for me over the seven years,” Morgan, who copped both Sportswoman and Junior Sportswoman awards, told Kaieteur Sport yesterday.

Leslie Black

“With the assistance of my coach, I will get closer to my goals but things cannot be the way I will like it to be always,” she said, in a direct reference to the fact that the judges did not recognise her coach, Leslie Black.
Morgan was runner–up in both categories last year when Alisha Fortune won the senior prize and Ashley Khalil claimed the junior award. She returned in 2008 with some truly dominant performances in the region.
While she was extremely grateful to the National Sports Commission for recognising her efforts, Morgan believes that it is really the coaches that make the athlete perform since they are the ones responsible for training.
“I will like the persons responsible for the awardees to remember that we, as athletes, cannot reach where we want to go without a coach; Black has guided all of Guyana’s top distance athletes,” she boldly boasted.
“Neil Kumar and the other members of the sports commission should respect what my coach is doing,” Morgan added, while informing that the Sports Ministry should honour their commitment toward her scholarship.
According to the athlete, she had spoken to Minister Frank Anthony about a scholarship two years ago and he promised to look into it. She indicated that she is still awaiting an official feedback from the minister.
“The Sports Ministry and Kumar should assist young sportsmen and women with local and international scholarships. We have to start at home if athletics is to reach the top like in other countries,” Morgan succinctly opined.

Alika Morgan

When contacted yesterday, Black said that he was asked to submit his coaching record to the Ministry  but subsequently learnt that he did so too late, which was one of the reasons for him being overlooked for the Sports Coach award.
“What they need to start doing is to look at more coaches of individual sport and not team sports. It’s harder to produce top athletes in individual sports,” Black said, adding that he was disappointed with this year’s nominees.
National football coach, Wayne Dover overwhelmingly won the Sports Coach of the Year award in a field that included Rugby’s Sherlock Sam (Solomon), Squash’s Carl Ince and Table Tennis’ Linden Johnson.
“It’s too often that they have flaws in the nominations. I believe they should have looked at the performances of Alika and other athletes that I have brought out,” the plain spoken Black told this newspaper yesterday.
Under his stewardship, Cleveland Forde, Reona Cornette, Kelvin Johnson, Delcia Dick, Janella Jonas and Jevina Straker became celebrated and dominant local distance athletes with successes at various levels of athletics.
Interestingly, Black has spotted new talent in Chavez Sital, who placed second to Dennis Horatio at last weekend’s Cross–Country race. Black is Head Coach of the Rising Star Athletics Club that is currently being restructured.
“I believe it’s because I’m not an AAG (Athletics Association of Guyana) certified coach that they look at me this way. I can’t understand why they do these things,” an obviously disappointed Black sombrely related.
In an effort to give a clear indication of what landed Morgan and unprecedented double at awards, Kaieteur Sport presents her 2008 performance profile, which was exposed to the judges for scrutiny and subsequent voting.
Alika Morgan’s 2008 Performance Profile
January
Event: Suriname 10km Road Race
Position: First Place
Time: 37:40.00
Event: National Cross Country Championships
Position: First Place
Time: 18:39
February
Meet: AAG Developmental Meet
Event: 3000m
Position: First Place
Time: 11:26
March
Meet: Carifta Games trials
Events: 1500m and 3000m
Positions: First Place
Times: 5:26 and 11:09
Meet: National Youth and Junior Championships
Events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m
Positions: First Place
Times: 2:36, 5:20 and 10:59
Meet: Junior Carifta Games (St. Kitts)
Events: 1500m and 3000m
Positions: Third Place (1500m) and Second Place (3000m)
Times: 4:47 and 10:15
April
Meet: Inter–Guiana Games Trials
Events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m
Positions: First Place
Times: 2:27, 5:26 and 11:09
Meet: President’s Invitational Grand Prix
Event: 3000m
Position: First Place
Time: 11:46.06
May
Meet: IAAF World Athletics Day
Event: 1500m
Position: First Place
Time: 5:50
Meet: Hampton Games (Trinidad and Tobago)
Events: 1500m and 3000m
Positions: Second Place (1500m) and First Place (3000m)
Times: 4:56 and 11:02
July
Meet: Caricom 10km Road Race (Antigua and Barbuda)
Positions: First Place (Overall Female and Junior)
Time: 38:19
Meet: Olympic Day Run
Position: First Place
August
Attended Beijing Olympic Games Youth Camp in China
September
Meet: Inter–School Championships
Events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m
Positions: First Place
October
Meet: South American 10km Road Race Trials
Position: First Place
Meet: First Stag–South American 10km Road Race Classic (Suriname)
Positions: First Place (Senior and Junior)
Meet: Second Stage–South American 10km Road Race Classic
Positions: First Place (Junior) and Second Place (Senior)
Meet: Inter–Branch School Championships
Events: 800m, 1500m and 3000m
Positions: First Place
November
Meet: UWI Half Marathon (Trinidad and Tobago)
Positions: First Place (Junior and Senior)
Time: 1:27.00
Meet: Suriname Marathon
Positions: First (Junior and Senior)
Meet: National Schools’ Championships
Event: 10km Road Race
Position: First Place
Time: 40:06
December
Meet: Run Barbados 10km Road Race
Positions: First Place (Junior) and Third Place (Senior)

Blackmore lobbied for AAG General Secretary post

– emissary spoke to clubs before elections

Claude Blackmore

By Edison Jefford
Claude Blackmore is one of the most adept politicians in local sport apart from football’s Colin Klass; it is not a mistake that the former Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President is now the association’s General Secretary.
Blackmore used skilful lobbying tactics to secure the General Secretary post at the recent AAG Annual General Meeting and Elections after announcing that he will not be seeking re–election to the presidency earlier in the year.
Kaieteur Sport was reliably informed before the January 18 elections that Blackmore was interested in the General Secretary position, a claim he denied when this newspaper made contact with him following the information.
Blackmore had said that while clubs have approached him to‘re–consider’ his decision to not seek re–election, he will think about his options if clubs nominate him on the basis of the need for his services in the association.
In addition, he made it quite clear that he did not speak to any of the clubs about any post prior to the meeting. He said that he “will not go down that line” and he was right, he didn’t, but someone else did for him.
Given the known nature of Blackmore to misrepresent the truth, this newspaper launched an investigation into how he was returned as General Secretary. The facts are astonishing and one can only point to his political adeptness.
Blackmore did not lie when he told this writer that he did not lobby for the post. What he did not say is that someone else, a former schoolmate and coach of a particular club was privy to his intention to contest the post.
This individual, as outrageous as he may be, told this newspaper in no uncertain terms that Blackmore is his schoolmate and as such, he threw his weight behind him. This man was the emissary that shielded Blackmore.
Analytically, it would not be illogical to conclude that when Blackmore decided to demit the office of presidency, he also aspired to ascend to General Secretary and employed political tactics to ensure that he gets the nod.
Bear in mind, these findings are before the elections. When the emissary approached one of the most popular clubs in Georgetown, he was met with such hostility that even the now General Secretary despises the club.
The Head Coach of that club said that he was accused of not supporting the cause to give Blackmore the position. The emissary apparently peddled the idea that a new AAG body cannot function effectively without Blackmore.
In fact, the emissary plainly told this newspaper that the new Executive needs Blackmore for at least two more years. While that may be technically true, ideologically, Blackmore has proven to be selfish with his acquired knowledge.
If Blackmore was selfless, then the argument that he is needed to support the incumbent president, Colin Boyce could not stand in a month of Sundays. According to one maxim, “success is not success without a successor”.
Blackmore does not have a protégé for all his years in charge of the AAG. If that is not an essential failure then the concept of success and failure does not exist. It is, however, explanatory how this particular emissary was lured.
Performance was never responsible for the re–election of Blackmore during his sojourn at the helm of the AAG. He sent uncaring officials on trips, exposed improbable athletes from supporting clubs and kept training private.
The emissary, who knew that Blackmore was inclined toward the General Secretary post even as the latter told the media he is not interested, did not say whether he was promised a trip to Brazil to upgrade his coaching.
It is a shame that lobbyists’ tactics would encourage clubs to plunge athletics into further chaos when the evidence of non–performance is rather glaring. But what is the primary reason for this backward and inert step.
Is it to send officials to the Caribbean to abandon athletes for trips to North America? Is it to send athletes that lost to the best locals on European tours? Is it to refuse exposure of local coaches to prestigious international games?
Is it to refuse hurdles because Guyana has no storing place? Is it to stymie the growth of athletes by not exposing coaches past level III? Is it to ignore the necessity of a modern track and field facility in Guyana?
Those were just a few impediments that happened under Blackmore. There are lots more that will be saved for the sake of editorial space. What is important is the fact that clubs still entrusted him another major administrative position.
A Princeton University Review article entitled ‘A day in the life of a lobbyist,’ classically captures the character of lobbyists when it stated “lobbyists must be adept at the art of persuasion, which is the mainstay of their job”.
In addition, the article went on to state that “lobbying can be direct or indirect”. What the personality in question, Blackmore, employed was an indirect lobbying technique with the use of an emissary to advance his cause.
After eighteen years as AAG President and after not seeking re–election to that infamous position this year, the new AAG General Secretary took his political schemes to new levels, which should frighten Boyce’s administration.

Horatio, Morgan wins respective categories

AAG Cross–Country Race

National athletes, Dennis Horatio and Alika Morgan won the male and female categories respectively yesterday when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held its season–opening Cross–Country race at Kuru Kururu.

Dennis Horatio

Alika Morgan

Horatio, representing Progressive Youth Club, clocked 19:27.92 that made him the first athlete to cross the finish line while Rising Stars Athletics Club, Morgan ran 22:27.28 in the female race to finish 12th overall.

Clubs pleaded with me to assist in new transition - Blackmore

Recently elected General Secretary of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) Claude Blackmore in a brief exchange with Kaieteur Sport yesterday said that strong urging from certain clubs was the primary reason for his return to an administrative post.

Claude Blackmore

According to Blackmore, it was the decision by the clubs to nominate him led to the rescinding of an earlier posture not to take up any administrative position in local athletics. 

The former President of the AAG, who had presided over the much maligned organisation for the past 13 years (1995-2003) disclosed that contrary to what was reported in the press, he really wanted to call it a day in terms of holding any official post at the administrative level in local athletics, but because a few clubs felt that with his vast experience, especially on the international stage, it would not be the right choice to walk away and not provide a new executive with the tools to properly function at the highest level.

“I had a lot of members from various clubs who pleaded with me to assist in the transition of a new executive, before I eventually walk away from local athletics,” Blackmore revealed.

He added that one must not forget that he got the post after defeating his opponents 5-2, meaning five clubs voted in his favour against two.

Colin Boyce

Blackmore also stated that even though it was reported in the media that new President Assistant Superintendent Colin Boyce expressed reservations about him, he is willing to share some of the experience he has accumulated over the years and fully co-operate with the new Body.

The AAG season commences this Sunday with the staging of the cross-country race at Kuru-Kuru, starting from 14:30 hrs.

The event is being sponsored by Woodpecker Trophy and Sports Shop.

GOA boss confirms Guyana’s participation at Caribbean championships 

By Michael Benjamin

K.A. Juman Yassin

Guyana will join 25 other Caribbean countries vying for top honours at the inaugural Caribbean Games slated for Trinidad and Tobago from July 12-19.
President of the GOA, K A Juman Yassin made this disclosure at a media brief at the Olympic House, Church and Peter Rose Streets Queenstown, yesterday morning, even as he updated media representatives on issues relating to the Games.
Yassin, just back from a meeting in Curacao, attended by other heads of Olympic Associations in the Region, said that Guyana would be represented in boxing, track and field and tennis. He also said that two officials from each discipline would accompany the teams.
The GOA boss said that since his organisation would have to provide funding for the team of athletes, he has approached the Ministry of Sports for financial assistance. He said that the Minister has summoned representative s of the GOA to a meeting this week to discuss Government’s input.
Yassin also disclosed that the track and field activities would get underway during the initial phases of the games to accommodate those athletes with international engagements.
He said that the submission deadline for the respective disciplines would end sometime in June.
Yassin further intimated that he has already contacted the respective heads of the Associations and appraised them of their participation while instructing them to start their preparations.

Meanwhile, the qualifying times for the respective categories at the Caribbean Games are as follows:

100m-women-11.50secs, men- 10:40secs.

200m-women-28:80secs, men-21:00secs.

400m-women-53:00secs, men-46:25secs.

800m-2.07secs-women and 1.49secs-men.

1500m, women-4.25secs, men 3.48 secs.

5000m-17:00-women, 14:20-men and

10000m-women-35.30, men 29.50.

Alika Morgan

Meanwhile, Yassin disclosed that while in Curacao he has been able to tie up an arrangement with Head of the Jamaica Athletic Association, Teddy McCook for local long distance queen, Alika Morgan to participate in a 10km race to be staged in the Caribbean Island soon.
Consequently, she will remain on the Island at the IAAF Centre, as a guest of the Jamaican Federation. While there, the local athlete will receive expert guidance in athletics and other fields at the IAAF centre.
Yassin said that the training programme is part of the package organised for Morgan in preparation for the 2012 Olympics. He said that he has already spoken with Morgan’s trainer, Leslie Black, who was delighted with the new development.
According to Yassin, one of the main concerns centered on Morgan’s academic advancement. He added that he is aware that the local athlete is currently attending classes to boost her academic acumen.
Yassin assured that once the GOA receives the necessary approval regarding Morgan’s sojourn, consideration would be given to her academic exploits.