Former overseas based cyclist remembers his roots

Nov 12, 2011 Sports

– Presents much needed gears to Berbice Club

Sometimes, for reasons beyond their control, some people are forced to migrate to far off lands and sometimes it is based on pure choice. Since our constitution makes provision for such eventualities through dual citizenship, there is absolutely nothing wrong with such stances.
The situation assumes a different twist when these individuals experience a change of fortunes yet are reluctant to support the efforts of their countrymen/women in their quest for development in any particular area.

Benjamin (left) joins his former coach Randolph Roberts and shows off one of the cycling jerseys while some of the other items can be seen in the background

Wilbert Benjamin belongs to the class that migrated in his quest to improve his station in life but that’s where the similarity ends.
Born and bred in the ancient town of Berbice, Benjamin fell in love with cycling and became a member of the Flying Ace Cycle Club in his hometown under the tutelage of Randolph Roberts. Within a short time he rose to the top of his game and in the process clinched the National Road Race title. He also traveled to Georgetown and competed in several events organized by National Cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed.
A former student of the Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School, Benjamin became the national champion in 1990 shortly before he migrated to Canada.
It was while in the North American country that Benjamin ventured into business and predictably established ‘Benjamin’s Sports Store,’ a Toronto based establishment that stocks mostly cycling apparel.
The young man has not forgotten his roots and yesterday afternoon visited Kaieteur News where he handed over a set of gears to his former coach to assist in his developmental programme in the ancient County. Among some of the items were cycling suits, boots, helmets, tyres and tubes among other apparel.
Shortly after the handing over ceremony, Benjamin said that he was delighted to assist since he is aware of the many challenges faced by young cyclists in their quest for glory. He intimated that the act of benevolence was not the first and certainly would not be the last.
Mr. Roberts accepted the gift and assured his former protégé that the donation is valued and would go a far way towards the development of young cyclists in the Ancient County. He promised to take care of the items.

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