Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate the organizer for a well-organised President/ Jefford track classic which was held on Sunday, August 29 at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Linden. This was an important meet for me and my coach/manager, after injuries for most of 2009. God answered my prayer and I had an injury-free meet, thanks to God and my coach. I went on to win the 800m, 1500m and 3,000m, which was a blessing from God to me and Guyana, only to be saddened by the verbal abuse I received from members of the Police Sports Club Athletics team.
After the announcement was made that I had been given the Female Champion Athlete award, I was asked to come forward, which I did. It was brought to the attention of the announcer by Mr Colin Boyce that myself and Miss Natasha Alder were joint female champions. This was greeted by abusive remarks from the athletes of the Police Sports Club team in the presence of the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, and the officer in command of the Police Sports Club. I could not stand hearing things which hurt me any more, and I joined my other club members as the official was trying to confirm the award.
I was then asked to return for the award, but I stood my ground because I did not want to go through what I had gone through a few minutes before. An announcement was made asking me to return the award which I had received, but at no time was I given any award. I was again abused by members of the Police Sports Club and a few supporters. My coach went to the table and let the President know I had not received any award, and he asked for this to be brought to the attention of the supporters. This was not done, and I refused to accept the award which was on the table.
I am a national athlete and I have represented Guyana over the past eight years with all of my heart, competing in races from the 800m to the marathon with success. I have been the Caribbean 10k and half marathon champion for four consecutive years and I am a proud Guyanese. I went through the rough road as a junior athlete, not having the opportunity to attend any high profile junior meets. It took determination to overcome my injuries, with my coach and sponsor at my side. I am asking the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana to let the athletes and public know that I did not take any award from the table; my goal is to continue to represent Guyana by the grace of God.
Yours faithfully,
Alika Morgan
Caribbean 10k and Half
Marathon Female Champion
