It’s the season of giving and Andrew Budhan, a US-based Guyanese and proprietor of Universal Sports store located in Fifth Street, Alberttown, yesterday made his generous offer to three young and talented sports personalities here. At a small ceremony, Budhan, with assistance from local store manager Simone Buchoon presented to Avinda Persaud and Christine Sukhram (golf) and Lumumba Hyles (football) a quantity of sporting gear to the value of $47,000.
In a brief statement, Budhan, who has resided in the USA for the past 20 years told Stabroek Sport that he felt great giving back to the sporting community, especially the young sports personalities.
“Having resided overseas and knowing the high cost of sporting equipment, I felt that the best way to make these three happy for Christmas would have been this worthwhile contribution. I hope that in the not too distant future, other sports personalities would be able to benefit from this gesture, thus making the nation’s sportsmen and women equipped to take on their opponents,” he said.
Persaud, 12, who recently participated in the Smirnoff Open Golf championship placing first in the 18-28 years handicap category was the recipient of one hat, golf shoes, cap, jersey and two boxes of golf balls, totalling $15,000.
National ladies champion Sukhram, who also participated in the same competition won which she received one pair of golf shoes valued at $12,000.
Hyles the under-17 captain of Beacons Football Club and also a member of the Georgetown Under-17 football team, received a football, a pair of shin pads and socks. His football shoes are being ordered as his size was unavailable at the time of the presentation, a total of $20,000.
