Latest update March 24th, 2025 7:05 AM
Former athlete committed to development of sport, giving back to her country
Waveney Benn
Sports journalists and athletics fans worth their salt will immediately recognize the name Waveney Benn. An athlete of national acclaim, Ms. Benn has given yeoman service to this country, practicing her trade, during the early seventies, in several countries including Suriname, Canada, the Bahamas and several other countries.
Back in those days, Guyanese athletes found it extremely difficult attaining a gold medal at the Olympic Games but enjoyed moderate successes at the Carifta Games.
It was at the 1977 Carifta Games that Ms. Benn sprinted her way to a bronze medal in the 800m event. She also represented Guyana in several other countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and the Bahamas among others.
Now, years after hanging up her boots, Ms. Benn, now residing in the United Kingdom, remains committed to the development of local athletes and over the past years has been donating much needed gears while utilizing personal funds.
The former athlete recently returned to Guyana and has signaled an intention to establish an institution where she could give back to the sport that shaped her life. She said that she wishes to adopt a few local athletes and supply them with gears and may even contemplate their academic development in the near future.
Yesterday afternoon, the former athlete paid a courtesy call to President of the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) K. A Juman Yassin where she discussed the modalities of the venture. She said that she is concerned that local athletes practice their trade devoid of the requisite apparel. The lanky athlete further intimated that during her hey days she was in a similar position and would’ve benefited from similar chivalry thus her desire to reciprocate the gesture.
The meeting with the GOA boss was indeed very fruitful and Benn is now examining the suggestions and advice extended by Mr. Yassin and plans to commence activities in the near future.
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