Army Major running against Hutson for AAG top spot

The Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) Annual General Meeting is scheduled for this Sunday and incumbent president, Aubrey Hutson is being challenged by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Shen Fung for the position he has held since 2013.

While Hutson is optimistic of his chances of regaining the top spot, he has also welcomed the opposition and once reelected he will be aiming of take athletics in Guyana to another level.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson
AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Prior to the news of Fung throwing his hat into the ring, Hutson related to Guyana Times Sport that he has the best interest of the AAG at heart.

Despite the fact that both candidates are balanced in their merits that could potentially see them assuming office, only one can be declared the winner following voting at the National Resource Centre.

From the perspective of the current president, he believes that the position at the helm of the AAG must be someone who “is genuine, has knowledge of the sport and has been around.”

To his merit, Hutson has been the president for the Running Brave Athletic Club for four years prior to election to office of president of the AAG.

Based on his introduction into the helm of the AAG, Hutson said he found it not as difficult because of the knowledge and experience of the late Shanomae Blackmore who allowed a smooth transition but still challenging.

Hutson has made it clear that “it is not facilities, but rather the athletes being able to capitalize on the resources and produce great performances is what should be the measurement of the success of a president.” Among some of the performances Hutson pointed out that were impactful was the 400m record by Jason Shaw set in 2014 as well as four Olympic A standard qualifying athletes.

The AAG president stated that he “expects to be returning as the President of the AAG based on what the clubs are saying unanimously but is hopeful that the clubs do elect a good team so when they sit at the table to discuss how to take athletics further they will have the interest of the AAG at heart and not personal gain.”

If re-elected, Hutson highlighted that he will be working along with the coaches, as he has already been doing, to see how best the athletic performances can be enhanced. To date, Hutson has so far gotten the full support of the coaches, even in areas such as Berbice.

While Hutson is of the view that the ultimate goal is to medal at the 2020 Olympics, 2017-2018 will be a crucial in finding the potential that the AAG will be looking to nurture to the Olympics.

The elections will take place at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue when the AGM commences from 10:30h.

The nominees for other office posts are as follows: Vice President-Colin Ming, Godfrey Washington, Cheryl Hermonstine, Hector Edwards, Colin Boyce, Lyndon Wilson and Mark Scott.  Treasurer -Simone Gaskin, Latoya Archer, Kwabina Griffith, Nial Stanton and Silus Brummell. Assistant Treasurer, Nial Stanton, Carlotta Abrams, Carla Roberts, Elton Bollers, Raymond Daw Committee Members- Five persons from each of the nine clubs.