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Sports Ministry to honour Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist, Michael Parris

Sep 05, 2010 Sports

Thirty years after winning a bronze medal at the Moscow Olympics Games, former local bantamweight champion Michael Parris has been identified for national acclaim following a decision taken by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) in collaboration with the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA).The two entities have combined to acknowledge the feat, the only such accomplishment by any athlete of any discipline to date.
Parliamentary Secretary within the MCYS, Steve Ninvalle, broke the news that a top level delegation from his organization have recently convened and initiated discussions aimed at tangibly commemorating the auspicious occasion. Among those attending the forum were subject Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Youth and Sport, Neil Kumar, Permanent Secretary within the MYCS, Alfred King and Mr. Ninvalle. The group has tabled several activities to commemorate the occasion and while disclosing several of the planned activities, the officials have opted for a release of the complete itinerary at a later date.
However, Mr. Ninvalle said that the executives of GABA have agreed to dedicate the National Open Boxing Championships to Parris’ achievement by renaming it the ‘Mike Parris Open Boxing Championships.’ This tournament is scheduled to get underway from September 10-12 next. He intimated that sports officials have spoken with Parris, intimating their plans. He further disclosed that Mr. Parris has been pleased by the gesture and has promised his support.
Mr. Ninvalle explained that sports officials are concerned that our sports heroes are inadequately acknowledged. He noted the importance of such the gesture while pointing out that it was it was important to remember our local sports heroes especially those that have made significant contributions on the world stage. “This is a very momentous occasion and a laudable gesture by the principals involved and
I envision many other sports associations and federations taking a cue and also acknowledge the feats of their affiliates,” said Mr. Ninvalle. The Ministry of Sport will pick up the tab for the celebratory sessions.
When contacted Mr. Kumar acknowledged the local boxer’s bronze medal feat saying that such achievements should remain within the public sphere as encouragement to local sportspersons. “Sports have always been the catalyst to unifying nations and the Sports Ministry is adamant that Mr. Parris’ achievement, even though much time has passed, must remain in the limelight,” said the Director of Sports.
Meanwhile, Kaieteur Sport contacted Mr. Parris who confirmed that he had spoken with the sports officials. The bronze medalist has lamented the lateness of the initiative but nevertheless said that he was indeed elated by the gesture. “I worked exceptionally hard to be the best I could have been during my heydays in the ring and my primary thoughts were riveted in service to my country,” a tearful Parris proclaimed.
He said that the gesture has regurgitated nostalgic memories he will always remain committed to the development of young boxers and hopes that there are other gestures of this nature in the future.
Meanwhile, both Mr. Ninvalle and Mr. Kumar have disclosed that a tangible package is being put together to commemorate the feat. The details would be released at a later date.

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