Motor racing speedster Kristian Jeffrey and the effervescent multitalented Alicia Fortuned copped the Sportsman and sportswoman of the year award on Wednesday Night at the National Sports Commission 16th annual National Sports Award held at the National Cultural Centre.
Minister Nicolette Henry presents Alicia Fortune with her Sportswoman of the year award
Jeffrey enjoyed another successful year on the racing circuit by dominating the group 4 category while setting lap records at three of the four host circuits of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship CMRC host circuits. He was crowned champion driver at the Jamaica Leg becoming the first Guyanese to achieve such a feat in the modern era.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, an elated Jeffrey who was also nominated for a FIA award in Panama, made mention of the risks
Kristian Jeffrey receiving his Sportsman of the year award from Director of Sports Christopher Jones
associated with the sport and the huge financial demands required. Jeffrey also a nominee last year got the nod ahead of Versammy Permaul (Cricket), Kerwin Clarke (Bodybuilding), Winston George (Athletics) and Devon Davis (Bodybuilding).
Also a winner of the award in 2012, Alicia Fortune was just as dominant, winning the Bronze medal at the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation Championship (CACBBFF). Fortune also won gold in the 100, 200 and 400 Meters women 40-44 age category at the World Masters Athletics Championship (WMAC) 2015 in France.
Speaking to the media she thanked her sponsors, coaches, her entire family, the various associations, her apostle and most of all the almighty God for the tremendous support shown towards her. She also highlighted the 3D’s discipline, determination and dedication as the driving force behind her continued success. The other nominees contesting Foster for the award were Chelsea Edghill (Table Tennis) and Tremayne Smartt (Cricket).
Ranked 53 in the world for juniors, badminton player Narayan Ramdhani was awarded the Junior sportsman of the year prize. Ramdhani is ranked number 1 in the Caribbean and 3rd in the Pan American (PANAM) countries. He won bronze in the Caribbean Regional Junior Championships and is the only male junior athlete with a world ranking in Guyana. Other nominees for the award were Shomari Wiltshire (Squash), Shimron Hetmyer (Cricket), and Terrence Williams (Judo).
The Junior Sportswoman of the year award went to Table Tennis sensation Chelsea Edghill. During the qualification period, 2015, Edgill won the Senior National Championships ladies single title as a junior competitor along with all Guyana Table Tennis Association tournaments. The other nominees in the category were Brianna Ramdhani (Badminton), Brittany Mack (Powerlifting), Aleka Persaud (Swimming), Akila Wilshire (Table Tennis) and Madelene Mangru (Cricket).
