– GCF
Last Saturday’s canoeing training session at the Coverden Marina was successful and was held in an effort to promote the international sport in Guyana’s hinterland, the Guyana Canoe Federation (GCF) said yesterday in a press release.
“This is of particular interest to the GCF because young people living in the interior are now able to become involved in the canoeing that can eventually lead to participants representing Guyana in canoeing events locally and internationally,” the release stated.
Last Saturday’s event was attended by 29 youths from ages 11-24 from Linden, led by Horace James, while the Sand Hills group was arranged by Head Teacher Gem Bowman. The Santa Mission group was arranged by Head Teacher Donna Patterson and Aliki by Youth Organizer in the Aliki and Bonasika areas Ananta Alva. There were also observers from the Guyana Defence Force, led by Lieutenant Joseph.
“All in all, the events were successful and prizes distributed,” the release added.
In addition to the practice, the GCF also ran four races to give the youths the feel of the canoes. Most of the races were won mainly by competitors from Santa Mission, Sand Hills and Linden.
Delon Benjamin won the first race of the day in the 15 years and over category, ahead of Lennox Wills in second and Romario Patterson in third place, while in the boys 15 years and under Danny Daniels took first place ahead of Cort Fiedtzou and Devon Russel who were second and third place respectively.
Meanwhile, Delon Benjamin won the third race of the day after he out-paddled second place finisher Lennox Wills and Danny Daniels in third.
The lone female race of the day, the girls open, was won by Alndie Mendonca. Nakita Fiedtkou finished second, while Althea Miller paddled in third.
Prizes were presented to first and second place finishers.
According to the release, the GCF would like to express its gratitude to Alva and James, Roraima Residents Inn and GEB Security Services Inc, which assisted with transportation and to President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Juman Yassin for his commitment to build canoes locally for use by the clubs that have been formed in these areas to maintain canoeing activities.
The GCF said further that it will continue to distribute canoes free of charge in Aliki and Sand Hills. Canoes have already been distributed in Linden and the Amerindian Village, Malai, by the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport.
