Is the GCF decision in keeping with development?

Jan 24, 2010 Sports

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By Franklin Wilson

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) is at it again. This august body led by President Hector Edwards and Secretary Carmen Pertab on Thursday last met at Olympic House and along with other executive members decided that senior and veteran riders will not be allowed to compete until they obtain their licenses for 2010.
This decision resulted in the first race meet of the new season in the city, organised by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed, under the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club to be severely affected.
Two questions are necessary here, when was the deadline given for riders to get themselves in order?  And, when were the notices issued to the clubs for this to be done?
What is strange however is the fact that another club in Berbice held a race earlier this month in the Ancient County which was won by City-based rider Junior Niles. A number of other Georgetown cyclists also participated in this event.
Was any permission granted by the governing body for this race which saw some of the very riders who were not allowed to compete yesterday, taking part?
Mohamed, a selfless and committed organiser who has been the face of cycling in Guyana for countless years despite the existence of the GCF, voiced concern at the manner in which the decision was taken despite his pleadings with the executive last Thursday to give the cyclists a grace period. His request was bluntly rejected by the other members at the meeting with support only coming from one member whose name is being withheld for obvious reasons.
The attitude of the chairman of the meeting, who ironically, was Mohamed’s student (rider) at the National Sports Commission Teach Them Young Programme at the very National Park in 1977, was unbecoming and unprofessional.
“I pleaded with the committee to give the riders a grace period to get themselves in order but they refused and I was very embarrassed with the way the President spoke to me, as if I’m a little boy. I don’t believe that this executive is interested in the development and progress of the sport.”
Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club is one of the oldest affiliates of the GCF according to Mohamed, who is the President. He is of the belief that better sense should have prevailed in taking such a drastic decision. He insists that a grace period should have been given.
Can the GCF really defend such a decision which only hurts the sport and those persons (athletes and sponsors) who make it possible for them to sit in high office and carry all the fancy names as President, Secretary, Treasurer and the likes?
This governing body which only organises the National Road Race Championships once yearly apart from sanctioning events should be more accommodating based on the rules of the organisation and should have a clear cut plan on the way forward for the sport. But then they might very well have one and if so, must make it public.
All they are doing is pushing persons away from lending vital support to an ailing sport. Despite the re-introduced 5-stage event which is sponsored by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, the GCF has not done anything to prove that they can take this sport to another level.
The annual 3-stage is sponsored by the National Sports Commission and other clubs including the Roraima Bikers Club organise events from time to time which keeps the sport alive and the riders interested.
While at the National Park yesterday, Board Members of Ricks & Sari were present and were very supportive of Mohamed despite the visible absence of senior competitors. Many die hard supporters and fans came out to enjoy some clean action but were left disappointed, thanks to the governing body’s lack of love and care for these very supporters.
It is time for the affiliated clubs to demand that the GCF run the sport in a firm but fair manner.
Executive members are not visible at many of the events held throughout the year and this trend has to change. It is no wonder decisions are made high handedly.
Are they aware of the hard work and sacrifice that these athletes have to put their bodies through in order to compete and provide entertainment for fans? But then again, the President should know all too well.
There has been a heightened awareness in the sport, thanks again to the Ministry of Sport who initiated another first with the “Big Ride”, but again, the GCF has failed to show that they are capitalizing on these initiatives.
Frankly speaking, without Hassan Mohamed in particular and the few clubs which organise races, the GCF would be history. But again, the affiliates must get up, stand up and ride this ‘race’ as if they are serious about making cycling attractive for all involved.
Sponsors are investing hard earned cash into the sport and must be treated better and respected by the federation.

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