Premier sprinters bemoan lack of attention, support

Mar 28, 2009 Sports

– 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.

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