GDF well-poised to retain title going into final day

Joint Services athletics championships

Scores of members of Guyana’s Joint Services gathered at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, this week to participate in their annual track and field championships.

The event is being held under the theme “Fostering Dynamic Culture of the Disciplined Services through Sports”.
Officers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); Guyana Police Force (GPF); Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) put their jobs aside for a few days to dabble in athletic activities such as the 100 metres race as well as the 1200m, 400m, 3000m and 5000m, a variety of relays, discus throw, javelin throw and long jump.
It is no secret that there is always a massive rivalry between the different branches of the Joint Forces and this showed clearly in the level of competition and determination the officers brought to the playing field.
In the events already completed, Kezra Murray (GPF) dominated the women’s 3000m with a time of 11:35.21s. Tabitha Bowman (GPF) took second place as she arrived at the finish line in 11:58.84s and Ashanti Scott (GDF) ended up third with a time of 12:48.77s.
The men’s distance race, which spanned 5000 metres, saw none other than Winston Missenger (GPF) taking the top of the podium in 16:37.64s. His long-time rival Cleveland Forde (GDF) settled for a close second with 16:38.34s. Tyshon Bentinck (GDF) completed the podium with 16:53.79s.
The mixed 4x2500m road relay was taken by the GPF as their team finished in 33:26.30s. Second and third went to the GFS and the GPS with times of 34:26.30s and 35:26.81s respectively.
The GPF took both the men’s and women’s distance medley, with the GDF and the GFS taking second and third on both occasions. However, the GDF returned in full force for the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays. In both cases, the GPF and the GFS settled for second and third.
Natasha Alder (GPF) took top honours in both the discus and javelin throw in the women’s department. Tenisha Cort (GDF) placed second in both events. However, the third place in the discus throw went to Saphina Vanderstoop of the GPF while Shanna Vanderstoop took third in the javelin throw.
The women’s long jump saw Taznika Lovell (GPF) reigning supreme with a jump of 5.58m while Cindy Fraser (GPF) followed with 5.50m. Aniquah Powley of GDF rounded off the podium trio with 5.48m.
It was an ordinary day at the office for Guyanese record holder Leslain Baird (GDF) as he took an easy win in the men’s javelin throw with 67.20m. Cleon Spellen (GPF) was no match as he threw 59.49m for second place. Timothy Sealey (GDF) finished third with 54.24m.
The GDF secured another win in the discus throw with Cloyd Prowell’s winning attempt of 39.70m. Troy Lewis (GDF) took second with 39.34m and Spellen (GPF) third with 39.01m.
The GDF also reigned supreme in the men’s long jump as Lurex Stewart flew to 6.81m. Domon Williams (GDF) jumped to second with 6.71m and Salim Yusuf (GPF) third with 6.52m.
However, the action is not over yet; the law officers will enjoy a rest day today before they return to the Eve Leary Ground on Friday for the finals of the athletics championships. On Friday, the finals of the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x400m relays will be on show from 14:00h. There will be a march past ceremony prior to the sporting activities at 13:00h.