Founder, coordinator, organizer and coach of the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) Randolph Roberts was recently recognized for his unwavering and selfless service and performance over the years in the field of cycling by overseas-based Guyanese Rawle Felix.
At a simple presentation ceremony held at the Felix’s home, Felix spoke of his long association with FACC and spoke of his admiration for the club and it members who stuck it out over the years against all odds.
Felix, over the years has assisted the club with sponsorship and has also purchased tickets for the club’s athletes to attend meets abroad.
Roberts or “Ranny” as he is called was one of the founding members of the club some 26 years ago. Since then Roberts has stuck with it and has managed to weather all the obstacle that have come his way. Today from humble beginnings Roberts has actually single handedly guided the club to being one of the leading cycling clubs in Guyana.
Apart from the present crop of riders, some of the top cyclists to have emerged from the club are Wazim Gafoor, who set a junior record in the National Park which still stands today, the Benjamin brothers Gary and Wilbert, Peter Millington, Russell Allen, Rudolph Blair and female Rhonda Persaud.
Some of the above named cyclists have gone on to successful careers in, education, business and other achievements.
Roberts has been responsible for keeping cycling alive in Guyana by organizing races in the county of Berbice and the FACC can also boast of organising the most events in Guyana.
Roberts over the years has been a recipient of a number of awards including from the Guyana Olympic Association, The National Sports Commission, the Regional Administration, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club among others.
The club, which is headed by businessman John Lewis for the past year held close to 20 events a number of which were for cyclist countrywide, some for Berbicians only and others for club members alone. The club also organises track events for members to keep them active. Another feature of the club is its regular recognition of athletes of other disciplines at its awards and presentation ceremony. Throughout it all Roberts has been the live wire.
Roberts thanked Rawle Felix and the Felix family for continuing to show faith and for sticking with the club. He also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the club over the years and said that he hopes they will continue to lend their support for the success of the entity.
