MCY&S intent on utilising expertise of 1980 Olympic Medalist Mike Parris

Michael Parris won three fights at the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980 on his way to a bronze medal and, more notably, Guyana’s only Olympic medal. Parris downed Nureni Gbadamosi of Nigeria (unanimous), Syria’s Fayez Zaghloul (split decision) and Daniel Zaragoza of Mexico (TKO) in the Round of 32, 16 and quarterfinals respectively. Although he lost the semifinal bout to Cuba’s Juan Hernandez, Parris had already secured the accolade.
No athlete has since achieved the feat, and Parris is feeling underappreciated in a country that is yet to produce a second Olympic medalist.
In an attempt to both appease Parris’s feelings and address the interest of utilizing Parris’s expertise in future, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. made a presentation to Parris on Wednesday afternoon, the first step in honouring that acclaimed fighter.

“Michael had said to me that he always felt as though he was never really recognised, ever since he’s gotten his bronze medal. Of course, that is not something that would sit nicely with me, because we’re on a trajectory now, the Ministry, where we’re looking to develop the programmes that will help us to become more competitive on the international level,” Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. shared during the presentation at the Ministry’s Boardroom on Wednesday afternoon.
“So, we’re very happy to have Michael here. Michael stands out as a legend in sport in this country, and the Ministry sees it fit to engage him,” Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, echoed in similar thought.
Highlighting that Parris’s experiences are key to the international success of upcoming athletes, Ramson discussed ways in which he hopes to utilise the expertise of this pugilist.
The Sport Minister indicated, “I want the public to know that we met with Michael and we’re making this presentation to him. It’s going to be a double presentation: we’re going to be having our Sports Conference later this year, slated for around October, and that is when we would want Michael to be featured more prominently in front of all the Sports Associations and Federations.”
“So, this here is just a signal to the public about where the Ministry and the Government of Guyana stands in relation to making this presentation to Michael; and to signal to young people that when they do well, they should always be recognised,” Ramson Jr. further stated.
For his part, Parris explained that he is not in the business for himself, but rather to give upcoming athletes an example of what they can expect when they excel.
“Indeed, it is an honour to be recognised. Being a CAC bronze medalist, being Guyana and the Caribbean’s (English speaking) first and only Olympic medalist, I hope this token will help inspire the young men and women to use the opportunity to go and receive medals at the CAC, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, to come back and receive what Michael Parris received,” the Olympic medalist explained.
Parris was presented with a sculpture by a Guyanese artist and a monetary donation on Wednesday afternoon. Michael Parris is also the recipient of a National Award, the Medal of Service. (Jemima Holmes)