‘River Conqueror’ visits President Granger, aims to inspire elderly exercise

On Friday, his Excellency, President David Granger received a courtesy call at State House from Ashraf Ali better known as “River Conqueror”. Ali, a US-based Guyanese (aged 71), whose passion is swimming, has swam across the Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo and several other rivers and lakes.
His greatest feat thus far has been swimming seven miles from Guyana to Suriname, using the route traversed by the Ferry, which operates between the two countries.

The River Conqueror! Ashraf Ali meets President David Granger

Ali hails from East-Berbice Corentyne and is a self-taught swimmer. In a release to the media, Ali noted that swimming has been his hobby since childhood. Even at 71, he said he has no plans to slow down and is currently in the stages of planning another swim out into the Atlantic from the Berbice River mouth by the end of the month. His aim, he said, is to inspire the older generation to get involved in physical activities, which can add to their years.
“I am appealing to the elders to do a minimum of half an hour of exercise, three times per week. Swimming is the best exercise but you can do anything. I also want to motivate the younger generation to dream and know that whatever they dream, they can achieve,” he said.
Mr. Ali swam across the Berbice River in 1979, the Corentyne River, which leads from Skeldon to Nickerie, Suriname in 1998 and the Demerara River in 1999. Additionally, he swam across the Lake Mainstay twice.