Government of Guyana blesses Tokyo-bound athletes

– Ramson urges athletes to inspire generations as they prepare

In a simple ceremony held at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, athletes who have qualified to participate in the Tokyo Olympics and the Tokyo Paralympics met with Sport Minister the Hon Charles Ramson Jr, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, and Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad.
In their meeting, Minister Ramson gave the athletes a stipend of US$1000 (as money to spend while in Tokyo) on behalf of the Government of Guyana as they gear up for the highly anticipated Tokyo Olympics, slated to comment on 23 July, 2021 and conclude on 8 August, 2021.
The athletes who met with the Minister were boxer Keevin Allicock, table tennis player Chelsea Edghill, 400m runner Aliyah Abrams, and lone cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart, who will be heading to the Paralympic Games. Swimmers Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan have qualified for Tokyo as well.
In addressing the athletes, Minister Ramson urged them to be mindful that there is an entire nation watching them, and he said that while it may be their first time participating in the Olympics, they can inspire others to strive to do likewise as well.

“When players leave, I remind them that they have an additional obligation, and that is to inspire a generation of people coming behind them. I said this to the basketball team when they were leaving, and I am going to emphasise this to every team before they leave.
“A lot of times, when people see these examples, they emulate those examples. I know you guys are young and that this is your first time to the Olympics, this is going to be an experience for you. You are going to be anxious, nervous; but also be mindful that there is an entire nation that will be looking at you, and they will look at you and say I want to be like you.”
Minister Ramson went on to relate that the Government of Guyana would treat the acquisition of medals in a very different way, while encouraging the athletes to go forth and work hard for their medals.
He reiterated that eyes would be on them, as they would each be an inspiration to many Guyanese at home.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, urged the athletes to be ambassadors of Guyana while accepting that they are all elite athletes. He wished them well on their journey to international recognition.