Athletics to get new leader today

Jan 18, 2009 Sports

---

By Michael Benjamin
Today is ‘D’ day and representatives from the many clubs affiliated to the Athletics Association of Guyana will convene at the Thomas Lands YMCA this morning to elect a President of their choice to lead the ailing fraternity out of its present quagmire.
The accusations leveled at outgoing President Claude Blackmore are many-ineptitude, nepotism, favouritism and the list goes on. Now that Blackmore has declined nomination for the position he held for some 18 years, the big questions are, who will accede to the helm and are those persons capable of effecting a positive turn around for the beleaguered sport?
Even as the race for a suitable replacement intensifies, stakeholders are questioning Blackmore’s decision to contest the office of General Secretary and some are even contending that the latter portfolio is even more demanding that the former.
Two notable individuals have signaled an intention to take up the challenge. Colin Boyce is a former local sprint champion whose pet distance is the 100 and 200 metres. During his heyday he has chalked up the unenviable record of retaining the national title for 5 consecutive years, from 1985-90. Obviously, his professional job as an Assistant Superintendent of Police ought to speak highly of his administrative ability. Boyce also holds the prestigious position of Head of the Sports Secretariat of the Guyana Police Force.
Kaieteur Sport spoke with Boyce earlier in the week about his thoughts regarding the top administrative position. He said that even as he accepts the nomination he also recognizes the immense challenges ahead once he accedes to the helm.
However, he prefers to work with a young energetic team with fresh ideas for the advancement of the sport. “To my mind Blackmore should retire and allow a younger group of executives to generate new ideas for the development of the sport,” he said.
Even as he accepts the nomination for the top job Boyce nurtures some reservations. “I told them that while I applaud Blackmore’s decision to demit office, I was not comfortable with him contesting the position of General Secretary,” Boyce declared. He said that Blackmore had served as president for some 18 years and was unable to influence positive changes in the sport. “So I cannot understand why he would still want to occupy such an integral position in the Association,” Boyce said.
The outspoken administrator agreed that Blackmore’s removal will not automatically create distinct changes within the fraternity. However, he is adamant that once the out-going president vacates the chair a new executive can then start working on changing the current policies and cultures that has stymied the developmental process of the sport.
However, the charismatic Boyce is not the only aspirant to Blackmore’s vacated throne.
Doctor Max Hanoman who has been the physician attached to the Guyana Boxing Board of Control has also been approached by some of the clubs.
Kaieteur Sport visited the doctor at his office and sought a comment. He confirmed that some athletes had approached him and suggested that he accept a nomination for the post.
They all agreed that a change was necessary. “I have rendered assistance to athletes in the past so now that the position of President is being contested these athletes approached me and requested that I make myself available,” Hanoman confirmed.
He said that he informed the group that he would become involved only if he had received a mandate from the clubs. “The athletes then asked me if I would be interested in the position of President and after careful consideration I acquiesced to their request,” the doctor continued.
Hanoman said that he is bringing solid administrative competence to the table. He also said that over the years he has managed to form and maintain valuable connections in different parts of the world. “I can use these connections to propel local athletics in a positive direction,” he assured.
Already the doctor, anticipating successful results at the poll, has started to theorize on the way forward. He compared the local situation with that of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica and concluded that there is a need to critically assess and emulate the ploys employed by the administrators in these countries. He is adamant that athletics should form an integral part of the school curriculum. “I am talking about right from the nursery all the way to the University,” Hanoman said.
Hanoman believes that one of the contributors to the present dismal state of athletics is the reluctance of some administrators to consult with key stakeholders. He assured that if elected, he would change this adverse culture to an all-inclusive one.
Even as Hanoman and Boyce prepare to face the electorate there is much speculation that popular businessman, Colin Ming is also eying the prestigious position.
Contacted for a comment, the outspoken executive said that Blackmore’s departure would signal a new era in the athletic fraternity. “Blackmore has occupied that position for over 18 years and has produced nothing substantial to merit commendations,” Ming said. “At this moment anyone replacing him would be more welcome than if he remained,” he continued.
When asked if he was interested in acceding to the position, Ming replied in the negative.
He said that he would have liked to contribute to athletic development but unfortunately, he has not satisfied the criteria. According to Ming, the constitution of the AAG demands that anyone seeking to be the president of the AAG must be the holder of a membership card to one of the clubs as well as be a part of the AAG.
However, Ming who has been the patron of the Atoms Athletic Club and has invested millions of dollars in the development of numerous local athletes plans to become involved in a more meaningful way in the near future.
He said that he would apply to the AAG for life membership or possibly serve as a member of one of the sub committees but for now, is constrained by other commitments. He said that his son is involved in karate and he (Ming) dedicates much time supporting him.
Ming is also an ardent golfer. He also said that the time spent addressing golf matters precludes him from making a viable contribution to the athletic fraternity.
Meanwhile, popular athletics coach Leslie Black believes that the results of the upcoming elections are crucial to the future of athletics.
He supported the view that Blackmore’s departure is indeed a blessing to the sport. Quizzed on a viable replacement for Blackmore Black said, “We need someone that is receptive to new ideas and willing to work with the Sports Ministry.” He also believes that Blackmore’s successor should be approachable and willing to listen to the many problems experienced by local athletes with an aim of resolution.
Black examined the names of the ambitious presidential hopefuls and opined that if Hanoman takes over at the helm he can use his influence to propel the sport forward.
He said that Boyce could fill the position of Vice President since his noted administrative ability can compliment Hanoman’s efforts. In the meantime the nominees are gearing up for an intense battle.

---

---