Athletes did their best at 1SAYG – Chef-de-Mission Dr. Pilgrim

Oct 03, 2013 Sports

By Franklin Wilson
Chef-de-Mission of the Team to the recent South American Youth Games (1SAYG) Dr. Karen Pilgrim in reviewing Guyana’s participation is of the view that the athletes did their best at the event which was the first of its kind held under the auspices of the South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR).
The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) also invested heavily

Dr. Karen Pilgrim (stooping left) posing with the Guyana Team in Lima, Peru.

in ensuring that Guyana had the large number of athletes represent the nation at seven (7) disciplines of nineteen (19) in the 14-nation competition held in Lima, Peru.
Dr. Pilgrim noted that the Games – by virtue of being the first – was an unknown entity.
“While the various National Federations would have named their best young athletes my expectations, with little knowledge of the level of competition, were unclear. I believe however that we had some decent results, generally.”
With regards to getting to know the coaches and athletes in Lima, Dr. Pilgrim said that it was obvious that they were quite different in discipline, experience and international exposure.
“Some of them had never travelled; some had never represented Guyana; most of them had never participated in a multi-discipline event such as this.
All that could reasonably be asked of them was to take advantage of the opportunity, extract maximum benefit from the practice sessions and do their very best in competition. It was reasonable to expect them to be affected by the strange surroundings, the uncertainties of transportation and translation difficulties, the food and especially the unrelenting cold and dreary weather”.
Discipline of athletes
“I believe that the athletes all did their best in competition; as evidenced, for example, by the personal-bests achieved by all of our swimmers. I was particularly impressed with boxer Michael April, a last-minute addition to the team and proved, in his qualifying bout, that he had a right to be there.
Badminton player – Ambika Ramraj, whose confidence visibly improved with every game; weightlifters Denoila Bristol and Darren Williams, who were also last-minute additions – with little preparation – but who far-surpassed what was expected of them; cyclists Stepano Husbands and Alonzo Ambrose, who braved an intimidating Mountain Bike trail; and runner Jason Yaw, who overcame an extreme case of nausea after the 400m then, within half an hour, ran his way into the finals of the 200m, finishing with bronze medals in both events.”
Dr. Pilgrim offered her views on the benefits of to the athletes: “I believe that the real results of these Games, for Team Guyana, will best be judged in the future when we see how much these young athletes have learned from this experience and how many of them are now inspired to do what is needed to attain even better results at the highest levels.”
The experienced Sports Administrator acknowledged that funding is essential to assist athletes in transportation, training and participation in international competitions but offered her take on what non-financial support is also needed:
· Social skills – how to eat with a knife and fork; how not to speak with your mouth full
· Social skills – how to speak with peers and officials; how to carry yourself with dignity and decorum
· Media – how to respond to questions; develop and rehearse a standard response that can be delivered without sounding and looking awkward
· Nutrition – education on what and when to eat; the importance of hydration
· Medical – the importance of immediately reporting and treating injuries; the correct process for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. (Here perhaps financial involvement is needed or a formal relationship with the Public Hospital system to ensure that athletes have regular medical check-ups and correct, affordable care.)
· Education – A formal relationship with the Ministry of Education to support the education of National Athletes.