Following her gold medal haul at the recently concluded North, Central and Caribbean World Masters Athletics (NCCWMA) in Costa Rica, sprint Queen Alisha Fortune yesterday paid a courtesy call to Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony at his Main Street Office.
During Fortune’s visit, the 39-year evergreen track star was congratulated by Dr. Anthony for running away with three gold medals (100, 200 and 400m) and making the nation proud.
“You have demonstrated that you are never too old to dedicate your energy to your field,” said Dr. Anthony.
“We know of your passion for athletics and we are entirely pleased. I would like to congratulate you for your achievements personally and for Guyana.”
At the August 21-24 meet which was a qualifier for the World Masters Championships in France next year, the mother of three clocked 12.12s, 24.55s and 58.3s (all meet records) to sweep the sprint events.
The minister also acknowledged the work of the Guyana Masters Athletics Association (GMAA) committee members who have breathed new life into the association following two decades of dormancy.
“I’m quite pleased you have resuscitated the master’s association. We believe at the Ministry of Sport that you should have a lifelong engagement in sport and I think that is very important.”
He added: “Many of the developed countries are promoting such and if we are to have a bigger impact regionally we have to adapt because it not only helps our athletes to continue competing but also promotes good health,” he declared.
The Sport Minister admitted that there was still more to be done, in the same breath highlighting that lights and other amenities will be installed at the Synthetic Track in Leonora in order for the facility to be of an international standard.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the GMAA, Silas Brummel said that Fortune’s participation at the games was a no-brainer and now they are looking ahead.
“We knew the timings and we had confidence in her,” Brummel said.
“We are now looking forward to sending four athletes to the South American Masters Championship and they are asking for her (Fortune) to be there to raise the quality of the meet,” Brummel stated.
