Culture Ministry sends off team to London Olympics with high hopes
Georgetown, GINA, July 20, 2012 -- Source - GINA
Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, team manager, Karen Pilgrim and the athletes at the Ministry of Culture and Sport
Some of the athletes representing Guyana at the London 2012 Olympics today called on the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King at the Ministry’s Main Street office.
King stated that the Ministry and the entire Guyana have high expectations and will be anticipating great performances from the athletes. Guyana will be fielding six competitors, contending in three disciplines: athletics, judo, and swimming.
The athletes are: Aliann Pompey (women’s 400m), Winston George (men’s 400m) and Jeremy Bascom while Raul Lall will participate in judo and Nyal Roberts and Whitney Van Lange in swimming.
“I don’t know that it’s unrealistic, anyone that gets out there stands a chance and the mere fact that you go out there. I don’t know that your intention is to lose. It will always be an intention to win and anything is possible, once you are prepared,” King said.
He also stated that the Ministry recognises and commends the hard work of the different associations that were lucky enough to prepare the athletes selected for the Olympics.
“I want to make sure that Guyana supports you as long as you get out there and, I want you to recognise how significant your participation is and, of course wearing the national colours at maybe the highest level,” King said.
Permanent Secretary Alfred King addressing the athletes prior to their leaving for the London 2012 Olympics
He also encouraged the athletes to stay focused and take the determination and discipline with them because they are ambassadors of Guyana.
“The hard work that you put in let’s see it out there and of course we hope that it brings you great returns, as well and Guyana can enjoy some pride in terms of your achievement,” said King
Present at the event was Director of Sports, Neil Kumar who also expressed his confidence in the athletes and wished them well.
The Guyana contingent is set to travel to London on July 25 for the Olympics which will commence on July 27.
