Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Banks DIH leads the way!!!…Several athletes inducted into Sports Ambassadorship
By Michael Benjamin
Amidst the challenges faced by local athletes in their quest to procure international accolades and the stringent voices of the critics that crucify corporate entities for their laissez-faire disposition in supporting these athletes, Banks DIH has risen to the challenge and six sportsmen and women will receive tangible assistance towards their personal and professional development.
That corporate entity has unveiled an initiative where six of the country’s top sportspersons out of a similar number of disciplines will be the beneficiaries of power packages aimed at fostering their development and by extension, strengthening Guyana’s chances of producing athletes of world acclaim.
The Banks DIH officials (standing) led by Chairman Clifford Reis (2nd left) with the ‘Sports Ambassadors’ (seated) who will benefit from their generosity at yesterday’s briefing.
Yesterday afternoon, the top brass of Banks DIH Ltd hosted a press brief at their Thirst Park headquarters to discuss the pros and cons of the corporate gesture. Among those at the head table were Chairman of Banks DIH, Clifford Reis, Co-Managing Director/Marketing Director, George McDonald, Operations Director, Michael Pereira, Human Resource Director, Andrew Carto and Communications Manager, Troy Peters.
The athletes receiving the awards were Ashley DeGroot (squash), Christine Sukhram (golf), Soroya Simmonds (swimming), Daniel Lopes (Tennis), Stefan Corlette (table-tennis) and Neil Reece (cycling). Dubbed the ‘Sports Brand Ambassadors Award’ the initiative seeks to render support to the ‘Ambassadors’ in the form of a $500,000 a year grant over a three year period, with a yearly process of evaluation to assess the progress of the beneficiaries.
Mr. McDonald explained that the gift will be divided into two parts with $140,000 of it being allocated towards uniforms and gears for the athletes. The other portion will be utilized for travelling, mostly to international engagements, and other expenses. Additionally, each of the athletes has received a brand new Ipad which officials say could be used to document their personal performances while staying technologically informed.
Mr. McDonald said that his company was extremely delighted to be a part of the athlete’s development. He further explained that the initiative aims to prepare the sports ambassadors for future international engagements where the entire country will benefit. He noted the input of the coaches and parents but pointed out that even amidst such support many athletes fall by the wayside for the lack of proper funding. He feels that the Banks DIH initiative will foster the kind of environment that gives the necessary fillip to the athletes in the furtherance of their careers.
“I wish to urge you to stretch yourself to the limit,” exhorted Mr. McDonald to the recipients. He reminisced on the exploits of a renowned athlete, Roger Bannister who, against great odds, completed a mile long race in just 4 minutes in 1954. “This athlete ran against the odds and thereafter set the trend where more than 300 other runners emulated his feat,” observed the Banks DIH executive.
Ms DeGroot delivered a vote of thanks where she expressed gratitude to the hierarchy of the beverage company. “We dream of emulating top sports stars the likes of Diego Maradona and King Pele among others but today Banks DIH has given us the resources to realize those dreams,” exhorted Ms DeGroot. She assured that the recipients would take full advantage of the gift.
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