William “the Conqueror” France was a special person

Dear Editor,
Guyana’s legendary one-legged race walk champion William “the Conqueror” France is no longer with us. The champion, a physically fit and disciplined person, died after brief illness. However, his heroic distance walks will remain a legacy for people with disabilities.
France’s bravery and courage, along with his admirable fitness, had enabled him to put his name in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. His achievements were recognised nationally and internationally, and he was the recipient of a National Award from the PPP/C Government. He had been a very fond and joyful person, and would talk about the Medal of Service award he had received. He had also received a Dr Walter Rodney special award.
William “the Conqueror” France had indeed been Guyana’s champion race walker. This iconic Guyanese marathon walker had competed successfully at the prestigious New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and the London Marathon; and had been very proactive in organizing the Canadian Terry Fox Run in Guyana and in Trinidad and Tobago.
France had participated in all “walk” events organised in this country for more than two decades. Significantly, he had been a friend and great admirer of former Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan and Mrs Janet Jagan, and had been an organiser and participant in the annual Cheddi Jagan Fitness Walk at the National Park. He had indeed been the proud leader among people with disabilities.
France had been a very sociable person, and had enjoyed an excellent relationship with people of all walks of life. Leslie Black, who had managed France on many occasions when he had been a proactive participant in international events, spoke glowingly about his friend William France. Black said France had been a source of inspiration to athletes with disabilities, and had been a man of integrity. Sponsors had been willing to support his activities because he had been a clean and accountable person. He said France will go down in history as an amputee walker whose indomitable, passionate spirit is a source of inspiration to physically challenged persons.
France’s immediate family members, his children and wife, but most of all his friends and admirers in the sporting arena, will forever remember him. May our son of the soil rest in eternal peace.

Sincerely,
Neil Kumar