Miguel Wong is currently the only table tennis player among a handful of Guyanese athletes who have already qualified for the first ever Junior Pan American Games, to be staged later this year.
Taco Loco’s Kian Jabour making a presentation to Miguel Wong
In hopes of representing Guyana and himself well, the 20-year-old athlete is looking to participate in an overseas training camp, in order to adequately prepare for the international event.
As such, the Campbellville- based restaurant Taco Loco has stepped in to support Wong’s initiative with a monetary donation.
Speaking at the simple handing over ceremony at the Mexican-themed restaurant’s location on Tuesday afternoon, Proprietor Kian Jabour shared why the company chose to support Wong.
“Well, Taco Loco decided to get on board with this project, with Miguel in particular because of the stellar work he’s been doing in his profession. I say profession because I think it’s important that we start to look at athletics as a profession here in Guyana,” Jabour shared.
He continued, “We have people like Miguel, (who) put their heart, soul, time, almost entire lives into developing themselves to be the best at their sport. And I think it’s important now that the Private Sector and the Government get on board with the youth, in particular, in developing them in their particular areas.”
Jabour opined that other corporate entities should support Guyana’s athletes.
“He’s on his way to a camp outside of Guyana, with the correct facilities, the correct trainers, and opportunity for him to further develop himself. And I think it’s important that Taco Loco and all Private Sector organisations do their part to support them (athletes) as they are a major support for our economic prosperity.
“When they go away and they put Guyana on the map, it’s more people that come back to Guyana, more business that’s done with Guyana, because people see that we are interested in development, and (of) the youth in particular,” Jabour explained.
Touching on the athlete’s journey and perseverance, Jabour has said he views the 20-year-old’s achievements as “phenomenal”.
“So, I’m really, really proud to be a part of this. I’ve been watching Miguel for many years now, watching him develop in his sport (in) somewhere like Guyana, (noting) that he hasn’t had all the best opportunities when it comes to facilities, when it comes to opportunity to train; and to be very honest, for how much he has achieved with the little that he has. It is phenomenal,” Jabour gushed.
He added, “It’s an unbelievable achievement, and I think we all need to pay a little bit more attention to these guys that basically beat the odds.”
On the other hand, Wong had nothing but gratitude for the businessman’s support. He has promised to do his very best at the tournament.
“I want to say a very warm thank you to Kian and the management of Taco Loco for coming on board. This will be going towards my preparation in terms of attending a facility to train for the Pan American Games.”
Wong continued, saying, “I welcome this contribution with open arms, and we will continue to work towards our goal, and trying to perform our very best at the upcoming Pan American Games.” The Junior Pan American Games are scheduled for staging between November 25 and December 5 in Cali, Colombia. (Jemima Holmes)
