Kumar implores resuscitation of Canadian Walk as 14th William France Walk concludes

Aug 20, 2012 Sports

Hubbard Lawson collected a large trophy for his first place effort when more than 70 persons convened at the Two Brothers Gas Station, Eccles EBD, for a 2 miles trek to Mocha Road head, as activities in the 14th William France Annual Fitness Walk concluded yesterday morning.

Officials and participants take time out for a photo after the Walk including the Canadian Ambassador David Devine, Williams France, Neil Kumar and Steve Ninvalle.

The forum was also graced with the presence of Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency David Devine, Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar, Director of National Commission on Disability, Beverly Pyle, President of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle and his Public Relations Officer, Shawn Richmond as well as Regional Coordinator, David Stoby.
Mr. Kumar acknowledged the benefits derived from such activity even as he implored wider participation.
The Director of Sports said that activities of this nature will help to prepare a strong contingent for participation in the 2016 Special Olympics in Brazil.
He reminded that local athletes that participated in the previous Special Olympics meet had procured 4 gold medals, 1 silver and 2 bronze.
He further beseeched the Canadian Ambassador to recommence the Canadian Walk since that event had been instrumental in the preparations of local athletes before it was scrapped. Mr. Kumar concluded by pledging unstinted support to those athletes shortlisted for such duties.
Meanwhile, Mr. France conveyed deep appreciation to the dignitaries as well as the many athletes that came out in support of the walk. Also an amputee after losing his leg in August 1985, Mr. France started walking in August 1993 with a journey to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timerhi.
He had defied the unsubstantiated myth that relegates persons of his ilk to minimal sports activities. He said that he is on the verge of calling it a day. Notwithstanding, Mr. France plans to engage in the New York Marathon in Washington DC on November 4 next in what would be his swan song.
Several other persons are also in training to compete in several other overseas engagements including the Terry Fox Walk in Canada scheduled for November 4 and the Washington Marine Marathon later this year.
They include John Antoo, Andre Richardson, Denis Burns, Audrey Bowlin and Yvonne DeAbreu. The latter two individuals are wheel chair bound. Hensworth Abrams has been identified as the guide for the entourage.
Meanwhile, the local athletes will continue to hone their skills in a walk from Dartmouth to Charity on the Essequibo Coast next Monday, August 27. This is to raise funds for their fellow amputee, Indi Ramnauth who will be making the Canadian trip.
This year’s activities witnessed participation from a record number of 13 individuals categorized as ‘differently able.’
The organizers received support from many entities including Fefe Fabulous Innovation of the Stabroek Market and Brain Watch World of Wellington Street. Those businesses donated cell phones and watches to some participants.
Several corporate bodies and individuals have teamed up to make the Fitness and Health Walk a success including President Donald Ramotar, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Public Service Minister, Jennifer Westford, Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar, Kenrick Auto Sales, GT&T, Banks DIH Ltd, Nigel’s Supermarket, Ming’s Products and Services and Ramchand Auto Sales. Walkers were escorted by out-riders from the Guyana Police Force.
(Michael Benjamin)