Bust of Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist Mike Parris unveiled
Michael Parris and his family took a photo opportunity alongside the bust
In the presence of friends, family and stakeholders of the sport of Boxing, Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist, Michael Parris, was fittingly honoured on Thursday afternoon when a bust of his likeness was unveiled.
The bust stands on the Merriman Mall at the intersection of Shiv Chanderpaul Drive and North Road in Georgetown, and is reminiscent of Parris’s now famous bronze medal journey at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
The erection of the bust is a gesture by the National Olympians Association of Guyana (GNOA).
A closer look at the bust capturing the image of Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist, Michael Parris
At a simple unveiling ceremony on Thursday afternoon, Director of Sport (DoS) and President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, spoke of the significance of Parris’s contribution, not only to Guyana, but to the wider Caribbean region.
“You’re a living hero, a living icon, a living legend to Guyana,” Ninvalle declared.
The Director of Sport went on to share, “On behalf of the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension the Government of Guyana, we want to say a hearty congratulations to you, sir. In the entire English-speaking Caribbean, there’s only one Olympic medal in boxing, and that is through Michael Anthony Parris.
“I do hope our young sportsmen and women can take a leaf out of your book, because of the fact that this did not happen by the waving of a magic wand; it took determination, tenacity, hard work. Your dedication is the only reason why you could still be wearing that medal around your neck,” Ninvalle added.
An emotional Parris thanked the GNOA for their recognition of his achievement, and shared a bit of advice for Guyana’s sportsmen and women.
“Today I feel so proud about myself, that being here over so many years after winning a bronze medal for Guyana,” Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist said.
Parris went on to enlighten, “There’s 4 Ds that help me gain where I am today, discipline, dedication, devotion, determination. The four Ds helped me achieve what I’m achieving here today. What I’m saying, if you youths decide to use the four Ds in your sporting life, it will help you go on to achieve medals such as Olympics, World Games, Commonwealth, CACA Games and others.”
Just last year, the Olympic bronze medalist was honour by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension the Government of Guyana. However, it was reported that this will only be the first of measures that will be taken to honour Guyana’s lone Olympic medalist.
