Shepperd’s recovery an inspiration - Director of Sport

Shepperd’s recovery an inspiration – Director of Sport

Jun 07, 2022 Sports

The continuing recovery of national volleyball player Kristoff Shepperd should be an inspiration to others Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle said following a visit to the home of the national athlete last Saturday.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle during his initial visit on Feb 11 at the GPHC when Shepperd was in intensive care.

Pleasing turnaround! Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle during last Saturday’s visit with Kristoff Shepperd at his home in Mahaicony as they share a light moment.

Ninvalle paid a visit to national athlete Kristoff Shepperd at the Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara residence to check in on the youngster’s progress following a serious motor vehicle accident back in February in the vicinity of Mandela and Homestretch Avenues.
On February 7th, Shepperd was the driving a car, with passengers National Table Tennis Champion and Olympian Chelsea Edghill and Nickasie Lewis that collided with a truck as he was navigating onto Mandela Avenue from Homestretch Avenue.
The injuries sustained from the accident placed Shepperd in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital where doctors had listed his condition as ‘critical’ but stable. The other two were fortunate to not suffer serious injuries.
The Director of Sport had visited the injured player in hospital on February 11th and had assured family members that Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission would remain committed to every step of his recovery.
While, not fully recovered, Ninvalle said he was enthused at Shepperd’s progress, will, determination and commitment to prayers. The DoS also credited the excellent support group led by the player’s sister, mother and father who has showered him with the love and care that has been one of the key ingredients to propel the recovery.
“His story is inspiring and should be a lesson to everyone that where there is a will there is a way. It shows what support and prayers can do in helping one to find the will to rebound from serious trauma and tragedy. He is not out of the woods as yet but has come a very far way and has promised that he will be back on the court,” Ninvalle said.
The Director of Sport reiterated the pledge of the Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr that the young volleyball player’s recovery is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and National Sports Commission.
Shepperd is one of the country’s more popular volleyball players and has represented Guyana at various youth and senior tournaments. The flamboyant player, a former student of the St Rose’s High School, also served as a 2018 Youth Parliamentarian of Guyana, where he served as the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs.