Guyana Chronicle Sept 2, 2010

ABOUT one month ago, inspirational captain of the Guyana T20 cricket team and West Indies middle order batsman, Ramnaresh Sarwan, had told Chronicle Sport he is looking forward to the national team’s encampment period ahead of their departure for South Africa.  read article..

Stabroek News Sept 1, 2010

The cream of the country’s distance runners will compete in the inaugural Neal and Massy  (Guyana)  Anniversary 10 kilometres road race and 5km fitness jog on Sunday on the East Bank Highway.  read on...

Guyana Chronicle Sept 1, 2010

FORMER Director of Sports in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira yesterday told the Caribbean Twenty20 Champions Guyana they are the best of the Caribbean, hence their participation in the 2010 Airtel Champions League.  read more...

DC Jammers not underestimating locals

By Floyd Christie

The Washington DC Jammers arrived in Guyana yesterday morning for the international basketball series which jumps off tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and they are not underestimating their local opponents, according to their Head Coach Michael Creppy.

Members of the DC Jammers contingent, the GABF and sponsors take a photo opportunity at the launching of the International Basketball Series at the Zoom Inn Hotel yesterday (Orlando Charles photo)

Creppy made the revelation at a press conference at the Zoom Inn Hotel to officially launch the Godwin McPherson Memorial Tournament to be contested between a National President's select 12-man team and the DC Jammers.

This is the first time since 2007 the national team will be exposed to international basketball and according to President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABF), David Paterson, speaking at the press conference, "the GABF is very exuberated to be playing basketball back on the international stage."

Manager of the DC Jammers Dennis Baird, who was also present at the head table, stated that the contingent was honoured to be visiting Guyana once again, having come over the last 20 years, with the last visit being in 2007.

"It's always a pleasure to come back to Guyana and we are here once more to challenge the President's 12 to put forward their best because we are coming with our best," Baird stated.

"In my estimation we have contributed immensely towards the enhancement of basketball in Guyana," Baird added as he referred to the early visits by the DC Jammers. They have been recruiting players of Guyanese parentage in the Washington metropolitan area, he added.

"Quite a few of our players who have come back and played with the DC Jammers have actually represented Guyana internationally," he noted. Director of Sports Neil Kumar was also at the launching and related that he would like to see more collaboration between the GABF, the DC Jammers and the Ministry of Sports in order to take basketball in Guyana forward.

He added that this should be done more to foster young talent, since Guyana has been playing highly competitive basketball at the Inter-Guiana Games every year and at school programmes such as the recently concluded National Schools Basketball Festival.

"I am rallying behind our local basketball players, because we have some hot young guys and I'm quite sure that our guys will give you [DC Jammers] a good run," Kumar added.

The South Carolina All-star female team, among other overseas teams, was expected for the International Basketball Series, but due to financial constraints being experienced by the GABF, those teams could not be hosted.

In light of this, the DC Jammers' presence was further lauded by Vice President of the GABF, Floyd Levi.

The national team will be outfitted with basketball uniforms, compliments of Grace Kennedy Remittance Services (GKRS).

Present at the launching representing GKRS was Marketing Manager Natheeah King, while representing the other major sponsor, Giftland Office Max, was Marketing Manager Compton Babb.

Coach of the President's 12, Bobby Cadogan announced the 13 players who were short-listed to represent Guyana. They are Darcel Harris (Captain), Ryan Stepheney, Rodwell Fortune, Akeem Kanhai, Andrew Ifill, Ryan Gullen, Stephon Gillis, Naylon Loncke, Royston Siland, Drumsum McCulley, Oneca Fraser, Travis Burnett and Jason Squires.

The games will begin at 7pm on each of the three-night series from tonight.

Highlights from the match.. Fast forward to the Guyana match ...Great job team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XspQ11ymTgk&feature=related

http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/Former-Olympian-Antonio-Pettigrew-found-dead-081010

Updated Aug 10, 2010 5:29 PM ET CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP)

Former Olympian Antonio Pettigrew, a sprinter stripped of a gold medal after admitting to doping, was found dead in the backseat of his locked car early Tuesday.

Authorities said they are unsure if his death was accidental or a suicide.

Chatham County Sheriff's Maj. Gary Blankenship said Pettigrew's car was found parked to the side of a bridge. Blankenship said there was evidence that the 42-year-old Pettigrew had taken sleeping pills and there was no sign of foul play.

TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.

"Obviously we don't know if it was intentionally or accidental at this point," Blankenship said of the cause of death. "We might not ever know."

Pettigrew's death was confirmed by the University of North Carolina, where he was an assistant track coach. His body has been taken to Chapel Hill for an autopsy. Toxicology results aren't expected back for at least four weeks.

Pettigrew's wife reported him missing from their home in Apex, located just outside of Raleigh in Wake County, a little after midnight early Tuesday morning, according to Wake Country Sheriff spokeswoman Phyllis Stephens.

Blankenship said two friends discovered Pettigrew's car after retracing his route between home and the North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill, where he had spent four seasons.

"He appeared to be sleeping, but he was unresponsive to them," Blankenship said.

Authorities in Chatham County -- located just south of the "Triangle" region of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill -- responded to a call around 3:15 a.m. and entered the car before pronouncing Pettigrew dead at the scene. Blankenship said investigators will likely talk with Pettigrew's family members and friends in the coming days to try to gauge his frame of mind.

Pettigrew was part of the 1,600-meter U.S. relay team that won the gold medal in the Sydney Olympics in 2000. But the International Olympic Committee stripped the team of the medals two years ago after Pettigrew admitted doping during a trial against former coach Trevor Graham, who was convicted of lying to federal investigators about his relationship to an admitted steroids dealer.

"The entire track community is in shock," said Ato Boldon, a sprint analyst for NBC Sports and four-time Olympic medalist from Trinidad and Tobago. "He's one of us. When we lose one of us, the entire track fraternity feels it very, very personally. Forty-two years old is way too young to be gone."

At North Carolina, Pettigrew focused on sprints, hurdle and relays. He graduated in 1993 from St. Augustine's in Raleigh, where he was an all-American and won four NCAA Division II championships in the 400-meter dash.

In the months following Pettigrew's 2008 admission that he used performance-enhancing drugs, North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour said he talked extensively with Pettigrew as well as contacting members of the track community and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency before announcing that Pettigrew would remain with the Tar Heels.

In a statement from the university, Pettigrew said in August 2008 that his actions were "100 percent wrong" and that he appreciated getting a second chance.

"I have an obligation and duty to speak out against the use of banned substances," Pettigrew said. "I want to play a role in teaching people, especially young athletes, to know that the negatives far, far outweigh the benefits these substances may give you."

Baddour said Tuesday that Pettigrew lived up to his commitment.

"A fair question in all of that is if he wasn't here, would you hire him in an interview and hiring process if you had that information?" Baddour said. "And the honest answer is probably not. The competing part of that was we had observed him firsthand. He was very remorseful, was very open and honest about what he had done, and the people we talked with confirmed that.

"I do not regret the decision at all, but I'll go back and say I still view it as one of the hardest decisions I've ever made."

Pettigrew is survived by his wife, Cassandra, and a son, Antonio Pettigrew Jr.

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, is beatable.
The Jamaican’s invincibility over 100 metres was stripped from him last night by the quiet American Tyson Gay.
In a stunning reversal, Gay was as far ahead of Bolt as he had been behind him when Bolt smashed the world record at the World Championships

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1301034/Tyson-Gays-Bolt-blue-worlds-fastest-man-Usain-loses-aura-invincibility.html#ixzz0vytaWY4z

See the race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiUbN_wyJCc

Caribbean Net News July 23, 2010

MONACO (AFP) -- American Tyson Gay threw down the gauntlet to Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell by powering his way to victory in the 200m at the IAAF Diamond League meet here on Thursday.   read on...

Guyana Chronicle July 20. 2010

IT was déjà vu for Andrew King’s competitors as they watched the veteran car driver carry the chequered flag at the end of every group four race on Sunday at the renowned South Dakota Circuit.   King Andrew....

Guyana’s Women National Football Team = Yes its true!..

The Lady Jags have qualified for the Women's Gold Cup in Cancun, Mexico (Oct/Nov 2010)
Final stage of qualifying for the Women's World Cup in June 2011, Germany.

http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/sports/local/article/archer_strikes_gold_in_guyana/60791/

Stabroek News July 13th 2010

Guyana’s squash juniors stormed to four individual singles titles as the individual event climaxed last night in the Cayman Islands. read...

Guyana Chronicle July 9, 2010

RUGBY history will be made in a few short weeks with the momentous undertaking of the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Olympic Association and the Guyana Rugby Football Union that is hosting of the Central American and Caribbean Rugby Sevens Games and the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s Male and Female Sevens Championship in the span of six days.  read more...

Guyana Chronicle July 7, 2010

GOVERNMENT Ministers Robert Persaud and  Irfaan Ali congratulated the ‘Lady Jags’ team last Saturday night shortly after they wrote their names in the history books after  thrashing Cuba 3-1 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. With that win, the Lady Jags team have advanced to CONCOCAF Gold Cup, set to be held later this year in Cancun, Mexico.  Lady Jags...

http://americancollegecricket.com/2010/06/20/we-are-our-fathers-2-0-a-fathers-day-tale/

Click here

http://americancollegecricket.com/2010/06/13/nypd-commissioner-gives-bat-signal-batsman-in-gotham-city/

Guyana Chronicle June 15, 2010

THE Guyana women’s national football team will face Cuba on June 26 in Cuba as they try to secure a spot in the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.
According to a release, the return match in the home and away tie is scheduled for Guyana on July 3.   Lady Jaguars..

Races in Jamaica

Part 1:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHlfGUVPqHo&feature=player_embedded

This is a very interesting Calendar which covers the entire world cup

http://americancollegecricket.com/2010/06/06/usa-high-schools-best-new-nyc-psal-high-schools-champions/

Cricket in America

Guyana Chronicle May 20, 2010

WORLD and Olympic champion Usain Bolt blew away the field and set the fastest time in the world this year as he won his first big race of 2010. The Jamaican recorded a time of 9.86 seconds in the 100m at the Daegu Pre-Championships meet in South Korea.    The Bolt..

Stabroek News May 17, 2010

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Amir Khan of Britain retained  his WBA super lightweight title on Saturday in a one-sided  beating of New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi when the referee  stopped the bout in the 11th round at Madison Square Garden.   Khan....

Kaieteur News May 17, 2010

Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ have qualified for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in July as the best second place team following competition in the Women’s Gold Cup second round qualifying competition, groups F&G in Trinidad and Tobago, last week.  Lady Jags....

RELATED ARTICLE:

GFF boss excited by ‘Lady Jags’ exploits

Guyana Chronicle May 11, 2010

THERE is good news for Guyanese boxing fans. The deadly encounter that was to be held between Hector `Macho’ Comacho (Jr) and Guyanese Denny `The Deadly’ Dalton at Foxwood Resort in Connecticut on May 7 will now be held right here. BrisO Promotions Chief Executive Officer and US-based boxing  promoter Seon Bristol   `Deadly’ Dalton, `Macho’ Camacho (Jr)

Kaieteur News May 11, 2010

Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ got off their quest for Gold Cup qualification on a positive note in the twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last evening when they scaled the Ladies from the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados, 3-0.
Like the Guyanese ladies, Barbados lady Jags...

Kaieteur News April 29, 2010

The Guyana Football Federation is leaving no stones unturned as they seek to whip the National female team (Lady Jags) into top shape ahead of Second Round action in the Caribbean Football Union Women’s Gold Cup Qualifying competition in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, next month.  Lady Jags...

Stabroek News April 28, 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa, CMC – Shereefa Lloyd had the best performance from among the Caribbean athletes that took part in the Drake Relays on Saturday.  read more..

This was a very exciting race......

Caribbean Net News April 26, 2010

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AFP) -- World and Olympic 100-meter champion Usain Bolt anchored Jamaica to victory in the men's 4x100m relay in the USA versus the World showdown at Saturday's 116th Penn Relays.  read more..

RELATED ARTICLE:

Jamaican High Schools shine at Penn Relays.....

Caribbean Net News April 21, 2010

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- The ICC World Twenty 20 2010 Tournament will be held April 30 to May 16, 2010.

Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia will be hosting matches while Antigua and Trinidad and Tobago will be ‘Hub’ countries facilitating travel connections to ‘Host’ Countries. Cricket Fans visiting the Region to attend the Tournament will experience hassle free travel through and into these Participating ‘Hub and Host’ Countries.  read more..

Caribbean Net News April 21, 2010

SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) -- Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt will run his first solo 100 metres of the season in May at the South Korean venue for next year's World Championships, organisers said Tuesday. the bolt....

CaribWorldNews April, 2010

CaribWorldNews, PHILADELPHIA, PA, Fri. April 9, 2010: The world`s fastest man, Jamaican-born Olympian Usain `Lightening` Bolt, is set to compete at the annual Penn Relays later this month.   read about the Bolt....

Kaieteur News April 8, 2010

Despite the rain and gloomy weather on Wednesday in Guyana’s Capitol, the World T/20 Fever was steaming hot for Guyanese as the official ‘Bring It’ World Cup tour bus rolled into town.
The bus produced a kaleidoscope of color with its brightly painted T/20 logos and a huge portrait of India’s Skipper MS Dhoni.  read...

Check out the Guyana's women team.. Click below for dates and times for all games.

Go Guyana..

http://www.concacaf.com/page/WGC/HistoricalStats/0,,12813,00.html

Click here

http://americancollegecricket.com/news/2010/03/york-university-new-champions/

Guyana Chronicle March 27th, 2010

IT was certainly not the start Team Guyana wanted at the Inter-Guiana Games in French Guiana as they lost 3-0 to the host in their first male football match and, in the pool, up to press time only Brittany Van Lange and Henk Lowe were able to secure podium spots. The two disciplines (football and swimming) marked the commencement of the 43rd installation of the IGG.  read more..

Keep up the great work

Guyana’s world ranked squash player and Sportswoman of the Year Nicolette Fernandes moved closer to giving this country a gold medal at the IX South American Games in Medellin, Colombia.

http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/sports/03/23/nicolette-fernandes-in-hunt-for-gold-at-south-american-games/

Go Girls...

Kaieteur News March 7, 2010

On the crest of qualifying for the next stage of the CFU World Cup qualifying preliminary phase, Guyana’s ‘Lady Jaguars’ head into today’s encounter against St. Vincent & the Grenadines brimming with confidence after their easy 2-0 win over Suriname on Friday.   full story...

Kaieteur News March 6th, 2010

Guyana’s flagship Female national team watched by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, Patron of Women’s Football Dr. Jennifer Westford and President of the Guyana Football Federation Colin Klass, inflicted a 2-0 whipping on old nemesis Suriname to ease into the top position of the 3-way battle as Caribbean Football Union World Cup Qualification continued at the GCC ground yesterday afternoon.  read more.... 

CaribWorldNews Feb 22, 2010

CaribWorldNews, LONDON, England, Mon. Feb. 22, 2010: World`s fastest man, Jamaica`s triple Olympic and World Championships gold medallist, Usain St. Leo Bolt, has sealed a whopping £2 million book deal.     read more....

Rycklon Stephens, born April 22, 1978, is a Guyanese bodybuilder and professional wrestler. He is currently signed to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and works under the ring name Ezekiel Jackson. He is the  world champion, having won the ECW Championship in February 2010, and is recognized by WWE as the final champion.

Yes, but what about the Americans?   CAN YOU SAY "WE OWN THE PODIUM".    Canada must be in a FROZEN FUNK......

YEP VERY PROUD.

Another Jamacian winter athlete.....love it...

CaribWorldNews Feb19, 2010

Jamaican American skier, Errol Kerr, is set to represent Jamaica on the ice at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver this Sunday.  read on...

A beautiful almost perfect skate but, they brought home the gold.....what a classic love story....

Toronto Star Feb 16, 2010

VANCOUVER — Two decades after they were first yoked on the ice, three years after they were joined in marriage and barely six months after they unretired, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo are finally Olympic champions.   read article...

Canada's first GOLD on home soil......way to go....

Toronto Star Feb 15, 2010

VANCOUVER–On the path to becoming the first Canadian to win Olympic gold on Canadian soil, Alexandre Bilodeau, like any athlete, had his setbacks. read on...

Paul Poirier, will be representing Canada in the Vancouver Olympics in Ice Dance.
His events are scheduled for Friday Februart 19, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. ET, Sunday February 21, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. ET & Monday February 22, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. ET.

Paul's grandmother was a Duarte, daughter of J.E. Duarte of J.E. Duarte hardware store on Murray Street and sister of Desmond Duarte of Del Casa.

Please tune in and support him.

Information provided by his cousin Michelle Duarte.

http://images.google.ca/images?q=Paul%20Poirier&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi

CaribWorldNews Feb15,2010

The world`s fastest man, Usain `Lighting Bolt` has kicked off his 2010 season with another win and a new record.  read more....

http://www.newyorkcricket.com/Lloyd_Jodah/Feb_4/new_york_cricket_Jodah_Column_collin_jodah_usa_first_blind_cricketer_Feb_4.htm

Jamaican skier qualifies for Olympics

By juliana barbassa, Associated Press Writer

 

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In this photo taken on Dec. 14, 2009, skier Errol Kerr, who hopes to represent Jamaica in the Vancouver Olympics, practices at Alpine Meadows Ski resort in Alpine Meadows, Calif.. Most Jamaicans have never seen snow, but a young skier will be hoping to wear the tropical island's colors to Vancouver 's slopes in 2010, and bring home the Caribbean 's first winter Olympic medal. Kerr, born to an American mother and a Jamaican father, grew up a dual citizen between the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada, where he moved with his mother as a child, from Westmoreland , Jamaica 's westernmost parish.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

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TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) - Some might say he's Usain Bolt on skis. Not surprisingly, though, when Errol Kerr tells people he's a member of the Jamaican Winter Olympic team, most pull out the bobsled one-liners.

"When people hear of a Jamaican skier, they expect dreads hanging out the back of my helmet and a smoke stream following me down the mountain," Kerr said.

This is no joke, though.

Less than two years since Bolt brought world records and world renown to the island nation with his sprinting, Jamaica's latest winter star is hoping to put his country on the map in the new Olympic sport of skicross.

"It's more than just a country," Kerr said. "It's in my blood, in my DNA."

Born to an American mother and a Jamaican father, Kerr grew up a dual citizen between Lake Tahoe, where he moved with his mother as a child, and Westmoreland , Jamaica 's westernmost parish.

He has felt most at home on the slopes since he was a kid watching a ski race on TV.

He rolls with the jokes, most of which inevitably draw comparisons to the Jamaican bobsled team, a fan favorite in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary that inspired the comedy "Cool Runnings".

In fact, one of Kerr's sponsors is a beverage company called Cool Runnings.

"There's no running away from it," Kerr said of the bobsled team. "I embrace it. They laid the groundwork."

But while the bobsled team was initially a novelty, Kerr enters the Vancouver Olympics - his first - as a serious contender.

The hybrid style of skicross racing draws on Kerr's extensive background in Alpine skiing. It also makes good use of the rougher edge he picked up in motocross and BMX, and the 200-plus pounds he has to throw around, said Jonny Moseley, an Olympic gold medalist who will be NBC's commentator for the freestyle events - moguls, aerials and skicross - in Vancouver.

"Errol's got a good shot at the Olympics," Moseley said. "He's cut out for the sport."

Kerr's background helps in an event that is rowdier than Alpine ski racing, where one athlete races against the clock. In skicross, four competitors speed down a steep, winding the course together, taking on banked turns, berms and each other along the way. The first one across the finish line wins.

"It's very pure, very simple that way," said Moseley. "But there's a lot of contact, a lot of strategy and jockeying."

To viewers, it is dynamic, and anyone who has raced buddies down the mountain can relate to the scramble. Snowboardcross drew big crowds and good ratings when it made its Olympic debut at the 2006 Turin games. Adding skicross will continue to draw younger athletes and fans, said Joseph Fitzgerald, the International Ski Federation's freestyle race director.

"You watch it on TV and it pops, there's so much activity," said Fitzgerald, speaking from San Candido , Italy , site of the ISF World Cup Skicross series.

Kerr is taking nothing for granted. He spends his days training at Alpine Meadows, a resort at Lake Tahoe that has sponsored him, and in his mother's front yard, where he built a starting gate with the same specifications as the one in Vancouver and rigged up his own snowmaking machine.

His mother, Catherine Kerr, once a ski racer herself, stands behind the practice gate, counting down: "Racers ready ... Attention .... "

She lets the gate fly. Errol Kerr springs out, strides. He plants his poles once, and crouches for the first tabletop jump, staying tight and close to the ground. Another stride, another jump. Then he circles back, and goes through it all again ... and again .... and again, shaving off the precious fractions of a second that could land him ahead of the pack in Vancouver .

Errol Kerr's late father never strapped on a pair of skis, Errol's mother said. It would have moved him to see how far his son has come, and to know that he is competing for the island, she said. Kerr said part of his dream was always to race for his father's country - under the black, green and yellow flag of Jamaica ..

"To be able to see Errol grab a hold of that and say let's take it a step further, put Jamaica on the map of skiing, it's beautiful," she said. "He would just be so proud."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.All rights reserved.This material may not be published,broadcast,rewritten or redistributed.

CaribWorldNews Feb 4, 2010

The world`s fastest man will return to the ground he first broke the 100-meters record this June, organizers of the annual Grand Prix announced Tuesday.  read...

UWI and the USA Under 19 World Cup Team will particpate as Special Guests in the 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship

http://www.newyorkcricket.com/News/2010/Jan_30/new_york_cricket_new_USA_and_UWI_in_American_college_cricket_Jan_30.htm

Chronicle Jan 27, 2010

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Talented Guyanese light-heavyweight boxer Shawn Corbin faces a tough battle Saturday when he challenges the undefeated German Karo Murat for his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Inter-Continental title...read more...

Caribbean Net News Jan 21 2010

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -- Guyanese boxer Leon "Hurry Up" Moore has fought in Colombia, Barbados and Kyrgyzstan and now a move to Southeast Asia late in his career has put the fighter into the position of possible world-title contender. read on...

Guyana Chronicle Jan 11th, 2010

PROMOTER of the upcoming ‘New Year’s Beatings’ boxing card Carwyn Holland of Holland Entertainment Promotions (HEP) has revealed that there is a possibility that Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore is going to make an appearance in an exhibition bout on fight night which is slated for January, 29 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall....read article...

http://www.newyorkcricket.com/News/2009/Dec%2024/new_york_cricket_news_kanhai_social_phenomenon_Dec_24.htm

Frank Woon A Tai is Guyana's greatest Martial artist who has reached legendary status in the discipline of Shotokan Karate. This is a recent interview which we are privileged to share withour members..

Keep up the good work Sensei Frank and much respect to you.

Click link below

http://www.theshotokanway.com/aninterviewwithfrankwoonatai.html

Picture link below  for Team Barbados being  loaded en route to GT..Pictures compliments of Bryan Mackintosh's Photos.

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/detail.sfly?sid=8AbOGbNizaNmo7&imageIndex=0&fid=16e73d49a5eede252a944dfefaeb216b

Caribbean Net News Published on Monday, October 19, 2009
By Simon Evans DISCOVERY BAY, Jamaica (Reuters) -- Triple Olympic and world champion sprinter Usain Bolt returned to his first love, cricket, on Sunday and showed that he certainly knows how to handle both bat and ball. Olympic 100m champion and world record holder Usain Bolt prepares for a charity invitational celebrity cricket match at the Kaiser Sports facility in St Ann, Jamaica. AFP PHOTO  In a charity match, just down the coast from his home town of Trelawny, Bolt bowled West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle after earlier delighting a packed crowd by smashing his Jamaican compatriot for a straight six. Gayle, the host of a mini tournament to raise funds for school sports equipment and who was shown the way to the pavilion after his dismissal by a beaming Bolt, was full of praise for the 100 and 200 metre world record holder. "It has been tremendous for the fans to see him out here playing cricket, it has been a great day and we hope to have him back again next year," said Gayle. Bolt, taking a long run up and bowling at a respectable pace, had given Gayle a traditional West Indian welcome with his first ball -- a rising bouncer that brought the crowd to their feet. "I told Chris to watch out I was going to give him one but he didn't really believe it," Bolt said after the game. Gayle's team included former West Indian pace bowlers Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose and the latter said he was impressed by Bolt's technique. "I liked his first delivery to Chris Gayle, short and very surprising - he's an athlete and he loves cricket and football and obviously he can't fit it all in but he looks good. "He's good with the bat too - after his six I asked him 'where did that come from?' and he said 'it's all coming back now'. He's a good decent cricketer," said Ambrose. The Kaiser Sports Ground, a works field down a side road by a bauxite plant, was packed with fans enjoying a holiday weekend; plenty of jerk chicken and beer and the chance to see Bolt play what is traditionally the Caribbean's top sport. Bolt, who batted with his brother Sadeeki, made 13 with the bat -- including his superbly struck six off Gayle's off-spin -- but looked more rusty batting than when running in to bowl. "I was pretty good as a kid and my cricket coach said I should concentrate on bowling because I was pretty quick running in," Bolt, who only switched to athletics during high school, told Reuters. "I also used to open the batting for the school team but I haven't batted for a long time," he said. "The six was a brilliant feeling though. I shouldn't have got out so early but that six was a brilliant shot."

By Stabroek staff | October 15, 2009 in Sports

appealing for funds for US$21,000 participation fee

The fitness levels of Guyana’s male and female ruggers are high and recovery rate is fast as training intensifies for the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) qualifying tournament, however, the team is trying to source the US$21,000 needed for participation.

The Guyana women’s rugby team in action at a practice match held at the National Park. (Aubrey Crawford photo)

As the tournament date looms, it is appealing for funds to meet its $4.2M or US$21,000 costs. The tourney will be held in Mexico City on November 14 and 15.
In a brief interview at the National Park on Saturday, the coaches and Technical Director of the Guyana team, Barbados-based Joe Whipple told Stabroek Sport that “There is no question about the team’s commitment and their fitness levels being high. Five weeks before the tournament we are where we want to be.” However, Whipple who is also the West Indies rugby coach added that, “There is need (for the players) to do some more work in the basic games skills.”

Technical Director of the Guyana rugby team Joe Whipple (third from left) makes a point to the men’s team in between practice matches on Saturday.

Meanwhile, National Head Coach Laurie Adonis said that the men are working hard and their recovery rate is faster than before. He expects the skills and other technical stuff to follow. “While there is a lot more work to be done,” he said, “The guys were showing a lot more progress. We are where we want to be at this stage because we do not want them to peak too early.”
Speaking of the women ruggers, New York-based women’s coach Alton Agard said that he was working with a team that is currently without three of its star players – former captain and scrum half Carrin Carter, winger Tricia Munroe and centre Latoya Hamilton. Munroe is currently on study leave; Carter is recuperating from illness and Hamilton is on maternity leave. Agard said that it was difficult to find suitable replacements for the three, especially the scrum half.

With five weeks to go, he said that the women were 65% prepared; their fitness levels are good but a lot of practice is still needed in ball passing and tackling, which are now the focus areas. The major problem, he said is that even though the team is the current Women’s Sevens Caribbean champions; the women’s champions of the Trinidad and Tobago 2008 Carib/LIAT International Invitational Sevens and the first runner-up in the Caribbean 15s, they have not played much club games locally this year neither have they taken part in any regional or international tournament for the same period.

As defending Caribbean champions, the Guyanese rugby players are favourites to win this crucial tournament which will see the winning Caribbean male and female teams qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in India in October 2010 as well as the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series set for Las Vegas in February. The Las Vegas tournament involves the top teams from around the world and is now considered the pathway to the Olympic Games where rugby will be played for the first time from 2016.

In preparation for the tournament, Whipple and the local coaches have developed a strategic training programme which they have been delivering. Whipple was in Guyana three weeks ago to assess the team. He worked with them over the weekend and is expected to spend a longer period on his return leading up to the NACRA Championships.

Meanwhile, West Indies rugby executive and past president of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Kit Nascimento said the Mexico championship “is an enormously important tournament since the IRB Sevens World series in Las Vegas is one of eight series sponsored by the IRB which attracts leading teams from around world and it is equivalent to the Rugby World Cup Series. Guyana is the favourite to win the men’s championship having won the Caribbean title over the past three years.”

Nascimento noted that preparation and participation in the games will cost the GRFU $7 million (US$35,000) of which the IRB is providing US$14,000. To meet this financial target, it has appealed to corporate Guyana. Nascimento noted that raising $4.2 million is a big challenge for any sporting team in Guyana. This newspaper understands that financial assistance has been sought from the government but to date the GRFU has had no response. The union also approached 25 companies but has received limited support from 12 to date. It is therefore still appealing for corporate sponsorship.

However, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company which has been a major sponsor of Guyana and West Indies rugby, is once again on board. This time around, Stabroek Sport understands that the Beharry Group of Companies and the Queens Atlantic Incorporated have come on board as major sponsors. On Sunday, Gem’s Theatre in collaboration with the GRFU sponsored the Paul Keens-Douglas show at the National Cultural Centre and some of the proceeds will be donated to the  Guyana’s teams.

By Stabroek staff | October 15, 2009 in Sports

At 15 years old junior middle distance runner Jevina Straker is blazing a trail of glory which she hopes will one day lead to her ultimate goal of competing at the Olympic Games.

Jevina Straker

Straker who won the girls under-17 1500 metres gold medal at the 2009 Junior Carifta Games in St. Lucia is destined to climb the world athletic stage with the right assistance.
She returned to Guyana Monday after placing second in the women’s division of the Prime Minister’s 10km road race in Antigua/Barbuda last weekend.

Straker finished behind her more seasoned Guyanese teammate Alika Morgan, the two athletes are members of the Rising Stars Track Club run by veteran distance running athletics coach Leslie Blacks.

The fifth form student of Tutorial High School told Stabroek Sport in an exclusive interview that she was  looking forward to performing well in her CSEC examinations next year in an effort to secure an athletic scholarship.

“I am interested in becoming a pharmacist or an architect and have been studying hard to achieve my goal despite my serious athletic training,” Straker said.

According to Straker, she trains six days a week in the mornings at the National Park with Saturdays being set aside as a rest day.

Even as Tutorial High celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year, Straker is prepared to make her school proud at this year’s National Schools athletics championships.

She captured three first places in the 800, 1500 and 3000 metres at her school’s recent Inter-House sports and has been identified to compete in the schools championships.

Many believed that Straker was given a raw deal when she was sidelined from participating in the 6TH IAAF World Youth Games in Italy earlier this year following her gold medal wining feat and qualifying time at the Junior Carifta Games.

She made the qualifying mark in the girls Under-17 800 metres with a time of 2:14:74 but was later told by local athletic officials that she was too young to compete at the Games since she was born in 1994 and to be eligible she would have had to be born between 1992 and 1993.

Straker,  who started running four years ago, came to prominence last year when she won the girls under-15 800 metres race at Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago and continued her impressive form in winning the 800 and 1500 metres at the Inter-Guiana Games staged in Guyana earlier this year.

She returned to the Twin Island Republic this year and finished first in the girls under-17 800 metres event and was second in the 1500 metres.

Her father James Straker is confident that Jevina will reach very far in her athletic career but he also highlighted the challenges facing the young athlete. He said that he was  finding it very difficult to secure sponsorship for Jevina for her to compete in events overseas and has made an appeal to corporate Guyana to offer assistance to the young athlete.

While one of her main goals would be to secure a scholarship to the United States,  Straker has her mind focus on competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London and bringing glory to the land of her birth

Capture 19 medals, 9 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze

By Franklin Wilson

Led by consistent high performer, trainer and Coach Troy Bobb, a seven-member Guyanese team did their country proud when they collectively hauled in a total of 19 medals at the International Pan Caribbean Martial Arts Championships held at the Cascadia Hotel, Trinidad and Tobago, October 8-12, 2009.

What made their performances even more commendable is the fact that it was the first time at an overseas competition for all the competitors except Bobb who was competing for the third time at the championships.

The successful seven-member Karate team displaying their medals won in Trinidad. From left Lazaro Scott, Nicola Mc Donald, Tamera Austin, Teri Jones, Romeo De Freitas, Kemo Scott and Troy Bobb.

Bobb led from the front with three gold medals competing in the 35 and up category. He won the Kata, Weapons and Padded Weapons competitions.

The baby of the team, Lazaro Scott of the Apex Shotokan Karate Club competed in the 5-6 years beginners’ age-group division and took the Kata and Weapons gold along with silver in the Sparing competition.

Tamera Austin (Apex Shotokan Karate Club) took on her fellow female 8-10 year-old colleagues, placing second in Kata and Weapons and 3rd in Sparing. Competing in the same age group Romeo De Freitas Jr. of the Uitvlugt Shotokan Karate Club defeated his counterparts to win the Kata and Weapons competitions while taking silver in Sparing.

Another Apex Shotokan Karate Club athlete, Kemo Scott participated in one event in the 11-13 age-group and captured the Sparing bronze.

Teri K. Jones (Uitvlugt Shotokan Karate Club) had a hectic schedule in the female 14-16 age-group but responded well to win the Kata gold, silver in Sparing and bronze in the Weapons and Self Defence contests.

Buxton Shotokan Karate Club’s Nicola Mc Donald won Sparing gold and silver in the Padded tournaments competing in the 16-17 age-group. The Guyanese took on athletes from the United States of America, Barbados, St. Lucia and the host country.

Commenting on the performances of his charges, Coach Bobb said he was very elated that in their first overseas competition they have excelled and made themselves and county proud.

“They have all been working hard and are committed and disciplined so they have reaped the rewards for their hard work. I would like to wish them continued success.”

Boob also complimented the parents, friends and sponsors for their support to the team. He singled out for special mention, Caribbean Airline, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar as well as the Buxton and BV Community for their special support.

Bobb informed that this same team will be competing in Orlando Florida USA November 6-8, 2009 while the next local competition is set for December 20, 2009.

The East Coast National Championships will be held January 2010 while the International Martial Arts Championships is set for St. Lucia, February 2010.

Monday October 12, 2009  Chronicle

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport held its first Paralympics championship yesterday at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue.

Minister of Human Services & Social Security, Priya Manickchand, acting in the capacity of Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, stated that this was a wonderful opportunity for differentially-able persons in society to come together, celebrate and share with each other, simultaneously sharpening each other’s talents.

Minister Manickchand said that the Culture Ministry intends to make the Paralympics championship an annual event and that for the next few years, the Ministry will monitor athletes and prepare them to represent Guyana at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London.

She said this initiative is a part of Government’s assurance that an equal and conducive environment is created for the physically-challenged.

The Minister also stated that the Ministry of Human Services & Social Security has established a Disabilities Bill which will be laid in parliament. The content of this Bill will provide for the physically challenged to have an easier life.

She added that last March, her Ministry began collecting data from persons with disabilities to establish a register which would make it easier for Government to provide for all of the differentially able.

She expressed her disappointment that less than 2,000 persons were registered. Minister Manickchand implored the gathering to register themselves so Government could make decisions based on accurate information. To this end, from November, registration forms will be available at all National Democratic Councils (NDCs), Post and Regional Offices.

The Minister urged the disabled to be responsible and register to help Government plan properly.

Yesterday’s events included a March Past, swimming, track and field and table tennis events.

Participating teams organisations came from Linden, Essequibo, East and West Banks of Demerara, and Central Georgetown.

In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a sports competition involving World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries in Stoke, Mandeville, England. Four years later, competitors from the Netherlands joined the games and an international movement was born.

Olympic style games for athletes with a disability were organised for the first time in Rome in 1960, now called Paralympics. (GINA)

One of Guyana’s top amateur boxers, Clive Atwell, yesterday announced that he has decided to finally make the bold transition to the professional arena.

Atwell, the Caribbean’s 2007 bronze medalist at the Pan-American championship, has sought the expertise of veteran boxing consultant Herman Harris; father of Guyana’s former WBA Light Welterweight world champion ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris.

Look out pros, here I come! Clive Atwell pose with some of his accolades won as an amateur fighter.

“I think after years of being a champion as an amateur fighter, it is time for me to move on and I think that time is now. I honestly believe that I have had enough here and I have nothing more to accomplish, so I’m moving on with the big boys, ” said Atwell who has just returned from his second outing at the World Boxing championship which was held in Italy.

“Mr. Harris (Herman) and I go a long way back, as a matter of fact, he has been giving me advice since when I was under the late Donald Allison at Ricola Gym in Agricola so I think that he is the right person I want in my corner and plus he has years of experience in the business,” Atwell noted.

Harris told Stabroek Sport yesterday that indeed he had been keeping a close eye on Atwell’s steady progress in the amateur arena and was convinced that he chose the right time to make the move.

“I’ve been around boxing for a very, very long time. As a matter of fact I’ve had two sons who’ve boxed; one of them was a world champion so I know when I see a fighter who has what it takes to make it to the top of this game. Atwell indeed is an accomplished amateur fighter and I like when a fighter thinks that he is ready to make the move to the next stage because there is only so much you can accomplish as an amateur fighter,” Harris said.

Harris believes that since Guyana’s Peter Abdool has recently been named President of the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) Caribbean fighters should seize the opportunity and make the best of it especially since Abdool has made it clear that fighters from the region would be given top priority.

“I believe that this is the right time. I’ve been looking at fighters in his division and I believe that he has what it takes to climb all the way.  With us now having a Guyanese at the top of the sport I think that Caribbean fighters now have a chance to go all the way and if you notice, Caribbean boxers, Leon Moore and so on, are making that path for the youngster, so I believe he couldn’t have chosen a better time to make the move,” he added.

Harris stated that he has been keeping in touch with his counterparts in other Caribbean countries and as such, Atwell could be making his professional debut by the end of November.

“I don’t want to rush him into anything, even though mentally and physically he is ready to make the walk out without the guards and so on, he has to do some work. It’s a whole different training all together so by next month Atwell will move on. So look out, this kid will be and I’m not talking because I want too, he will be a world champion, take it from me,” a confident Harris told Stabroek Sport.

Atwell began boxing in 2002 under the late Allison and has 64 fights under his name with seven loses.

Two years into his career, Atwell went on to win the Caribbean Amateur Boxing Association (CABA) flyweight title and would later win the CABA bantamweight weight title.

But the Agricola resident’s highlight as an amateur fighter came in 2007 when he copped bronze at the Pan-American championship which was held in Rio De Janerio, Brazil.

His medal was the Caribbean’s first in eight years at the games and Atwell believes that it will always be his shining moment in the sport.

Followup to article posted 9/30/09

By Stabroek staff | October 8, 2009 in Sports

Weeks after renowned amputee William ‘The Conqueror’ France indicated that he wanted to see national race walk champion Rudolph Mitchell compete overseas, he reported yesterday that his training to realize this dream was proceeding smoothly.

France told Stabroek Sport that they have embarked on a strict training regimen in the sand hills alongside the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. He said also that he is satisfied with the progress his charge is making.

Rudolph Mitchell (right) and William France

France, who is also preparing for the New York Marathon next month, said that they have been training three days per week, interchanging the distances they walk. France said that he was impressed when Mitchell walked 13 miles in a time of 2:11.6, which is the distance for the half marathon.

Mitchell, who has 102 consecutive wins, has commenced this training for his first full marathon on the Corentyne Coast from Number 43 Village on October 29. This walk will ensure that Mitchell has an official time to present to organizers of the Barbados Marathon in December and then another meet in Brazil in February  next year.

Mitchell had earlier noted that he recently walked 47 miles in just over nine hours. Mitchell also defeated  Dennis Burns and Andre Richardson, two notable amputees who  participate around the Caribbean and further afield, at the William France 16th Annual Fitness Walk last month.

However, when Mitchell was contacted he admitted that when he first started the training his conditioning was not of the best but in the two weeks it has improved considerably. He said that he has also been working on improving his technique.

The barefooted athlete has also been training in boots especially since this is a requirement at the international level. It was also stated that nothing has changed with regards to his diet, which includes “drinking a raw egg, Guinness and eating the regular creole foods.”

On the other hand, France also stated that he will be registering Mitchell for the Annual Boston Marathon in the United States on  April 21, 2010. He said that he will be soliciting the help of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure this becomes a reality for the veteran walker.

France said that he will be using his clout to help Mitchell get the opportunity to compete in that meet. He noted also that some persons, who prefer to remain anonymous at this time, have committed themselves to helping the 47-year karaoke disc jockey. France reasoned that if persons would recognize what Mitchell does as an athlete, he too can secure sponsorship in the same way as when he started walking competitively as an amputee. (Marlon Munroe)

Local super bike champion Stephen ‘Valentino Rossi’ Vieira says he is fully prepared to face the overseas challengers expected here in November for the third and final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

Vieira believes that his riding has improved tremendously even as he expects to face a tougher group of foreign riders at the South Dakota Circuit. “Well Craig (Atkinson) is a joke, I’m not worried about him, but I’m ready for Kevin Graham this year, yeah, the big man is coming. Also, I expect to come up against Jamaica’s bad man Stefan Chin and David Brooks from Barbados. As you know he had some problems in the first race the other day but when he comes it would be a big war with us you know,” he said.

the second leg of the championships, Vieira, after finishing third in the first race returned to ride what would turn out to be his best race at the Bushy Park Circuit to win the other day races.

His ride thrilled the 16,000 spectators who all rose to their feet to hail his victory. “You know that was my second time racing in Barbados and I think it was my best race ever so far because the guys [over] there really came out hard and after I got over some problems I had in the first race I was good to go. Also it was the best my bike has worked since I got it, so people you can look out for Stephen at his best come November,” an enthused Vieira said.

Asked how the bike is running since returning from Barbados, he said so far so good but he is more concerned about a knee injury that has been hampering him lately. Vieira said he has not been able to prepare as much as he’d like yet for the November show and as recently as Sunday he “couldn’t take the turns properly or like I wanted too.” However, the champion rider said he intends to seek medical attention and start practising again next week.

The November 8 event has been the most talked-about in the CMRC’s 19-year history. The championship will be closely contested by Mark Maloney of Barbados and Jamaican ‘King’ David Summerbell who leads the points standing.

St. Roses High School swung into Inter-House sports mode when they ran off their field events yesterday on the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) lawns yesterday on Woolford Avenue.

After the completion of five disciplines, Breschia and Loretto houses seem to be the front runners. Scores were not released because Stabroek Sport was informed that the Headteacher of the school had to witness the tallying.

Shaunesy Clement of Breschia attempts the paddle technique during yesterday’s field events at the GTU ground. (Orlando Charles photo)

Thus far however, under-12 athlete Nathan Howell of Cologne House has been a standout with wins in the under-14 high jump (190cm) (high jump was not done in the under-12 category) and the under-12 long jump with a leap of 4.69 metres.

What made Howell’s feat worthy of mention was that his height in the high jump was the second place in the under-16  category.

He also jumped a longer distance than the under-14 winner Akeem St. Louis (4.45m) and the under-16 winner Keron Ross (4.47m).  In the girls’ category Tencia Saygon (175cm), Alana Thomas and Sarah Ali, who tied in the long jump with a mark of 3.13m, won the high and long jumps respectively.

In the under-20 long jump Deon Dillon of Loretto jumped a distance of 5.20m to emerge atop of the category. Macio Alladin and Cosmo Evans jumped 4.82m and 4.71m respectively for second and third. On the ladies side Kimberly Hamilton of Breschia placed first with a jump of 4.20m, Renalla Mc Arthur 4.13m and Crystal Blackman 3.12m settled for second and third. 

Damani Hazlewood spins before he releases the disc in the boys’ under-14 discus event at the GTU ground yesterday. (Orlando Charles photo)

In the boys under-20 high jump, Mikhail Husbands (205cm) of Loretto took that event from Eaton Abrams (200cm) while Odella Edwards of Lima won with a jump of 170 cm on the distaff side. Another standout athlete in the field events was Damani Hazlewood, who won the under-14 discus throw but had to settle for third in the long jump.   

The school’s track events are scheduled for October 15 at the Camp Ayanganna ground.

Caption: Damani Hazlewood spins before he releases the disc in the boys’ under-14 discus event at the GTU ground yesterday. (Orlando Charles photo)

Shaunesy Clement of Breschia attempts the paddle technique during yesterday’s field events at the GTU ground. (Orlando Charles photo)

Currently holding a world ranking of No.6 with the World Boxing Council (WBC), Moore is expected to have his first bout with his new promoters in Thailand in mid-November.

“A few of their promoters came to the Caribbean and saw him fight and they had the best offer for promotional rights for Leon,” Carwyn Holland, Moore’s manager told CMC Sport yesterday.

His contract with TR International, Holland says, is set to earn Moore fight purses of up to US$30 000.

“He will be fighting for purses between US$10 000 and US$30 000 with this contract.”

Top Rated International holds television rights for the popular HBO network and the deal with Moore carries TV rights for the entire Caribbean and parts of South America.

Holland retains managerial control of Moore and says the deal is designed to steer the gifted 30-year-old towards a shot at the 122-pound World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-bantamweight crown.

“It’s a two-year deal with an agreement for four fights per year, which will include a world title fight under the WBO,” Holland added.

“I am (still) his manager, they are just promotional,” Holland stated.

Already the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champion, Moore added the World Boxing Association’s FedeLatin, FedeCaribe and North American Boxing Association (NABA) belts to his log last month with a victory over Colombian Mauricio Pastrana in Guyana.

Moore, the only English-speaking Caribbean-based boxer with a World Top-10 ranking, is scheduled to leave Guyana on October 21 for a three-week camp in Thailand where he is scheduled to face Japanese boxer Kenichi Yamaguchi in a non-title bout in mid-November.

Moore boasts a solid record to 25 wins (22 knockouts) against two losses, and Yamaguchi, undefeated in his last 13 fights, has 15 wins (4 knockouts) against one loss and two draws.

That bout is earmarked as a warm-up for Moore before he faces the highly ranked Sod Looknongyangtoy, of Thailand, who is ranked No.5 in the world by the WBO.

Looknongyangtoy is unbeaten in his last 16 fights and his ring record stands at 42 wins (18 knockouts) against two losses and one draw.

TR International’s target for Moore is the WBO title, currently held by Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel Lopez.

As part of the contract, Holland has negotiated that one of Moore’s four annual bouts in the contract will be staged in the Caribbean to ensure that his international appeal can be used to help boost professional boxing, which is struggling in the region.

“We wanted to make sure the deal benefits the Caribbean. Leon is our brightest star so if we should send him off it would leave us without any real star here and we would have to build someone else. That’s why I pushed for a deal like that.

“The next time he fights in the Caribbean, it could be in Guyana, Barbados or St Lucia,” Holland stated.

I am seeking your support, on behalf of the Guyana Sports Development Foundation (GSDF), a 501c3 organization, to assist the Guyana Women's Soccer Team (Lady Jags) to participate in a tournament in Guyana during December, 2009. (See poster below). 

This team is comprised of females soccer players who play in the USA and Canada and are of Guyanese parentage. The players paid their way to participate in the very successful Turks & Caicos tournament, where they won two games by scores of 5-0 and lost in the Final to a USA team.                                                                        

A Committee has been created under the GSDF for the development of Guyana Women's Football and the goal is to have a Guyana National Women's team participate in the 2011 Women's World Cup qualifiers. This committee consist of persons in Guyana and North America. More detail can be found on the GSDF website and the Lady Jags' website, http://www.guyanaladyjags.com.                                                                                 

The GSDF is sponsoring a raffle to raise funds to assist the team to make the trip to Guyana . (see raffle poster below).

Make a donation using PayPal, a Credit or Debit card to the GSDF on their website at http://www.guysportsdevelopment.com .

For every $20.00 donated you will receive 5 Raffle Tickets for a chance to win one of the prizes below.

Or you can contact any GSDF Director directly, email info@guysportsdevelopment.com. 

Prizes are:

First prize      - 7-day Caribbean cruise for two 

Second prize  - Two (2) round trip tickets to Guyana or anywhere in the Caribbean that Caribbean

                                 Air flies directly.                                               

Please purchase at least one book and forward this email to as many of your Guyanese friends and family.                                               

Your support is greatly appreciated.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Sincerely,

Colin Baker

President, Guyana Sports Development Foundation, Inc

http://www.guysportsdevelopment.com/

305-450-2294 

Stabroek News

By Rawle Toney | October 6, 2009 in Sports 

- raises concerns about female volleyball and basketball teams

The National Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday released the names of the athletes who will be representing Guyana in the second leg of the 2009 Inter-Guiana games set for October 16-19 in Suriname.

Neil Kumar

The host will join Guyana and French Guiana as they compete in both male and female volleyball, basketball, cycling, and now chess.

Speaking exclusively with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Director of Sports Neil Kumar said that administratively they are fully prepared for the games and  he is confident that Guyana will do well in the male basketball, volleyball and male and female cycling, but could not say the same for the females in the first two disciplines.

“I am really dissatisfied with the preparation of the female volleyball and basketball teams but you have to be cognizant of the fact that the basketball federation has done nothing for female basketball for different reasons but I am hoping to have a far better relationship with the federation particularly Mr. Patterson (David) to see how we could help and do something for female basketball in this country,” said Kumar.

The sports director also noted: “I’m looking at the secondary schools programme just like how we have had the male programme, I think next year we can start very early for the females also. But I’m really impressed with the male basketball team, you know, all the feedback has been good and I expect them to do very well and also with the male volleyball team.”

Geron Williams

An upbeat Kumar feels that Guyana have never been so prepared for the games and noted that from this weekend, the NSC will be looking to encamp the entire contingent until their departure next Thursday.

The first leg was hosted here in April of this year and after the conclusion of the Athletics, Football and Swimming championships the Dutch-speaking Suriname won, scoring a total of 38 points, while Guyana settled for second with 28 points and French Guiana once again finished at the bottom with 24 points.

Suriname were able to place second to Guyana in the track and field competition and easily won the male and female swimming and football championship and at present hold the distinction of being the entire IGG title holder since winning outright in 2007.

That year, Guyana only participated in the second leg and also hosted volleyball and basketball, and it was the same year that cycling was included.

The first leg was held in French Guiana and Guyana did not compete because of the hosting of the Super Eight matches during the ICC Cricket World Cup event.

Akeem Kanhai

Guyana are the defending male volleyball and basketball champions and a lot of weight is being put on the two disciplines to retain their title and with cycling which was introduced in 2007 now being officially part of the competition, a win in each gender category can bring the title back home.

“Our new permanent secretary (PS) at our ministry, Mr. Alfred King personally said that he was impressed with the preparation of the male volleyball team and also I think that Levi Nedd has been doing an excellent job with the team. He has been pretty consistent. The cream of the team will be coming from Berbice.”

However, the Director of Sports stated that based on what he has seen in Suriname over the past few weeks, the host country definitely have a better female volleyball team and in that  country, the associations of the various disciplines are rallying  behind the preparation of the teams, unlike in Guyana.

“For example, the Volleyball Association hasn’t had a meeting for the whole year, basketball is the same thing, I can’t say the same thing about swimming, cycling, chess and athletics, you know, so there is a big difference here with these associations and I hope we can talk  and get things sorted out,” Kumar said.

“As it relates to the basketball team I think we have paid special emphasis with basketball and because of the IGG we had two school tournaments this year, one in February and the next one in August and out of that we managed to bring these boys together. So I think that they will do good and not only that I hope I can assist them with some scholarships or so out of this tournament.”

As it relates to the host country, Kumar said that the team will be housed at the Queens Hotel in Paramaribo and  all the playing venues are well prepared.

Cycling
Female – Marica Dick and Naomi Singh.
Males – Christopher Holder, Enzo Mathews, Geron Williams and Chris Persaud.

Basketball
Females – Minnifa Fox, Ginelle Ifill, Denelle Joseph, Quandie Small, Robyn Thomas, Tamara Hunter, Telesha  Samuels, Gabriel Chalmers and Lowquantor Gibson.
Males – Akeem Kanhai, Orin Rose, Richard Mohandatt, Shelroy Thomas, Yannick Dundas , Clive Wilson, Elton Jefford jr, Kadeem Jacobs, Wainright Haynes, Darrian Lewis, Drexel Amsterdam and Prince Giddings.
Coaches – Abdullah Hamid and Robert Cadogan
Officials – Lugard Mohan, Aubrey Young and Dennis Clarke.

Volleyball
Female – Daneilla Samaroo, Denelle Joseph, Naketa Austin, Cambie Jones, Latoya Lewis, Leonna Miller, Renika Seepersaud, Rosanna Rigby, Tiffany Whittington, Tessianna Jones and Leoni Robinson.
Male – Jamaal Duncan, Rashad Razak, Jared Jhingree,  Abdul Lawrence, Quacy Matherson, Soham Dhanpat, Rohan Dhanpat, Trelon Licas, Kevon Stewart, Nicholas Rodney, Jason Seelochan and Julius Seenarine.
Coaches – Levi Nedd and  Jadesh Doolchand.
Officals – Trevor Smith, Randy Adams and Lennox Rowe.

Chess
Taffin Khan, Cristal Khan, Shair Khan, Rashad Hussain, Saeed Ali and Raan Motilal

Monday, October 5, 2009KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) --

The Berlin Salute to Jamaica's representatives at the 2009 World Championships in August got off to a glitzy start on Friday with the Golden Reception on the lawns of Jamaica House.
The event was reminiscent of an award show or movie premier, with the red carpet laid out for the fashionably dressed athletes, who were greeted by hosts, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange.

The thousands of family, friends and well wishers, who turned out to celebrate with the athletes, were treated to scrumptious Jamaican fare and high qualify entertainment, featuring international reggae star Shaggy, Christopher Martin, Etana, and Italian reggae artiste Alberosie. Even aspects of the Berlin Championships were recreated, with Berlino the bear, Berlin's playful mascot present to mingle with the athletes and guests.

However, for most, the best part of the evening was being able to interact with Jamaica's sporting heroes. University of Technology student, Leighton Jackson, said that the highlight of his night was seeing World and Olympic Champion Usain Bolt in person.
Former 100-metre world record holder and bronze medal winner in the just-concluded games, Asafa Powell, said he felt "overwhelmed" by the support and appreciated the personal congratulations from those present at the event.

All the athletes were given plaques to mark their achievements in Berlin, while several past athletes, such as 400-metre runner Bert Cameron, and technical and support staff in the athletics field, similarly rewarded.

Golding congratulated the athletes on their performances in track and field saying they have shown the youths of Jamaica that there is nothing they cannot achieve.

"I want them (the athletes) to be conscious of what they mean to the people of Jamaica. I don't think they understand what they mean to the young people of this country, who now have a sense of what they can achieve. Young people, who watched them said: 'you know what, if they can do it, I can do it as well'," the Prime Minister said.

Describing the athletes as the "people's champions", Golding said this weekend's Berlin Salute events will give the athletes a chance to celebrate directly with the people of Jamaica.

The Jamaicans left Berlin with seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals, which was the country's best-ever medal haul at an international meet.

Among the most memorable Berlin moments were Usain Bolt's record-breaking run in the 100-metre and 200-metre races; Bridgitte Foster Hylton's celebrations following her win in the 100-metre hurdles; and Melaine Walker and Shelly-Ann Fraser's wins in the 400-metre hurdles and 100-metre, respectively, cemented their positions as world leaders in the events.

The celebrations continued Sunday with a fun day at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, and will culminate with a gala at the stadium in the night.

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Saturday, October 3, 2009

KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- Olympic Champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Olympic and World Champion, Usain Bolt, have been nominated to receive the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Champion for Sport for Peace Award.

The awards will be issued in Paris, France, where the athletes will travel to receive them.
Jamaica's Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, made the announcement at a press conference, held yesterday (October 1) in the VIP lounge at the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, to welcome home several athletes, including Mrs. Campbell-Brown. The athletes participated in the recent International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships, in Berlin, Germany.

Also at the function were Leeford Green, Lerone Clarke, Lacena Golding-Clarke, Nicholas Gordon and Julian Reid.

"I am happy to announce that Veronica will accept the role for which she was nominated, that is, UNESCO's champion for sports for peace, with a special mission of promoting gender equality in sports," the Minister said. She also noted that Usain Bolt has been offered the award.

She said that Veronica is now one of three persons in the Caribbean and Latin America who serve as UNESCO's champions for sports for peace in the world.

"When you are made an Ambassador and a champion for sport for peace by UNESCO, it means you are Ambassador to the world and that you not only represent your country, but you represent what is the best in the world and you are a medium through which the United Nations will promote gender equality and sports for peace," she said.

In her remarks, Campbell-Brown, who is the first female nominee from the Americas, said that she was happy to be nominated for the award.

"It is a real elite award and I look forward to carrying out my duties," she said. She said that it was a privilege to accept the award, noting that she was now placed in the category of football legend, Pele, who was the first male nominee for the award.

Stabroek staff | October 3, 2009

COPENHAGEN/RIO DE JANEIRO,  (Reuters) – Rio de Janeiro  won a resounding vote yesterday to stage the first Olympics in  South America in 2016, rebuffing U.S. President Barack Obama,  who had personally lobbied for his adopted hometown Chicago.

The decision by the International Olympic Committee in  Copenhagen sparked joyful samba dancing on Rio’s Copacabana  beach and shocked disbelief on the streets of Chicago, which  had been considered the front-runner.

Rio’s victory was heralded as signaling Brazil’s arrival as  a major economy by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who  hugged soccer great Pele and broke down in tears of joy as he  celebrated a momentous victory in which he played a key role.

For Obama, it marked the loss of a politically risky gamble  to bring home the Olympics. Despite a speech to the IOC by  Obama, Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, one  of the biggest shocks in an Olympic ballot.

“You can play a great game and still not win,” Obama told  reporters at the White House after returning from Europe.

Chicago had started as front-runners and most Olympic  observers had expected the Obama factor — first lady Michelle  Obama spent two days lobbying in Copenhagen and also addressed  the IOC session — to be decisive.

The fourth candidate, Tokyo, was knocked out in the second  ballot. In the final round of voting by IOC members, Rio picked  up more than two thirds, winning by 66 votes to Madrid’s 32.

The victory for Rio and Brazil, which will also host the  World Cup in 2014, caps a resurgence in the South American  giant’s economic and diplomatic clout in recent years — a  transformation that played a key part in the bid’s appeal.
‘THE TIME HAS COME’

“All those people who thought we had no ability to govern  this country will now learn that we can host the Olympics,”  said Lula, a former union leader who became Brazil’s first  working-class president in 2003. “… The world has recognized  that the time has come for Brazil.”

Lula made an impassioned appeal to the IOC to stop its  habit of awarding Olympics to Europe, North America and the Far  East and give Brazil and South America a long-overdue chance.

Despite worries about Rio’s high crime rate and lack of  infrastructure, that appeal clearly touched the right buttons  as did an appealing video display, showing beaches, mountains  and a joyous people having fun.

The 2016 Games will feature beach volleyball on Copacabana,  a marathon finish in Carnival’s Sambadrome stadium and rowing  under the city’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Thousands of revelers waving Brazil’s green-blue-and-yellow  flags erupted in joy on Copacabana’s sands after the vote was  announced, kicking off a Carnival-style celebration in front of  the big stage and screens broadcasting events from Denmark.

“Rio won because we are a marvelous people. The Olympics in  Rio will be wonderful,” said Cecelia Barbossa, a 69-year-old  lawyer partying on the beach.

Madrid had led the first round by 28 votes to 26 for Rio  with Tokyo on 22 and Chicago last on 18. After Chicago’s  elimination, there was a strong switch to Rio in the second  round, the Brazilians almost winning an outright majority,  picking up 46 votes to 29 for Madrid and 20 for Tokyo.

STRONG APPEALS

Though Obama and his wife produced strong appeals in the  day’s first 45-minute presentation by Chicago, they were almost  certainly undone by the emotional tugs provided by Lula and  former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch for Madrid.

Lula raised the emotional stakes in his speech. “This is a  continent that has never held the Games,” he said.

“It is time to address this imbalance. The opportunity is  now to extend the Games to a new continent. It’s an opportunity  for an Olympics in a tropical country for the first time, to  feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture  and the sensation of our joy.”

 Chicago was expected to be one of the last two cities in the race. Instead, it was the first to go.

In one of the biggest upsets in International Olympic Committee voting history, Chicago was eliminated in the first ballot of voting for the 2016 Olympics on Friday. Not even the presence of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama - nor a long list of celebrities - was enough to help the United States' third-largest city.

"It just wasn't our day to win," said Pat Ryan, chairman of Chicago's organizing committee. "That's just the way it goes. Some days you win, some days you don't."

This was one of the strongest, most united bids the United States had ever submitted, and it had full government support - all the way to the White House. The Obamas' home is just a few steps away from where Chicago organizers had planned to put the stadium, and they were longtime supporters of the plan.

Obama was the first sitting president to lobby in person at a bid city vote, taking time out from the health care debate and flying overnight. He arrived less than an hour before Chicago's presentation, and made an emotional plea for his adopted hometown, saying the United States is at its best when it opens its arms to the world.

Michelle Obama did one better, spending two days meeting IOC members one-on-one. Many seemed charmed by her, and her personal stake in the games as a woman who grew up on Chicago's South Side.

"They (Obamas) were well received, they were welcomed. That's what's stunned me," senior Australian IOC member Kevan Gosper said. "There is no evidence other than a positive reaction to their presence. The whole thing doesn't make sense other there has been a stupid bloc vote."

Though Ryan had cautioned about the danger of the first round, few expected the American city to end up anywhere but in the finals. Indeed, oddsmakers had listed them as favorites as late as Friday morning. Back in Chicago, where residents had gathered at Daley Plaza, an audible gasp went up from the crowd when Chicago's stunning dismissal was announced.

Mayor Richard M. Daley, who had made the games his pet project, didn't even make it to the Bella Center. On his way, he turned around when he heard the news and went to meet with a few hundred Chicago supporters who had traveled to Copenhagen.

U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Larry Probst and acting CEO Stephanie Streeter were stone-faced as they walked down a hallway after the vote, on their way to join Chicago's bid leaders.

"We were taken by surprise," Streeter said. "We're disappointed."

 01 October 2009 Chronicle

MONACO, (CMC) – The astounding sprint world records that Usain Bolt registered at the World Championship this past summer are now official after the sport’s world governing body announced yesterday it had ratified his 100 and 200 marks.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) confirmed that both marks, 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres and 19.19 in the 200, have been approved as official.

“Both marks were set at the World Championships in Berlin in August when the Jamaican ran 9.58 seconds in the 100. He ran 19.19 in the 200, breaking the records he set at the Beijing Olympics,” the IAAF stated on its web site.

On August 16, the first anniversary of his stunning Beijing 100-metre world record triumph in 9.69 seconds, Bolt raised the bar even further with his 9.58-second clocking at the 12th IAAF World Championship at the famous Berlin Olympic Stadium.

Four days later, Bolt sliced 0.11 seconds off his Beijing 200-metre mark of 19.30 with his 19.19 clocking.

The IAAF also announced yesterday its ratification of the women’s hammer throw – also at the Berlin World Championship -- by Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk, who set the mark of 77.96 metres.

By Rawle Toney | October 1, 2009

- 2004 silver medalist Duke optimistic

Mr. and Ms. Guyana Oswin Jones and Alicia Fortune, along with Rawle Greene, Alfred Jordan, Marlon Bennett and Clint Duke all departed Guyana yesterday  for destination Grenada where they will clash with some of the region’s and Central America’s best bodybuilders at this year’s CAC championships.

Grenada here we come! From left, President of the GABBFF Frank Tucker, Marlon Bennett, Rawle Greene, Alfred Jordan, 2009 Mr. Guyana Oswin Jones, GABBFF Treasurer Fiona along with 2009 Ms. Guyana (posing in front) Alicia Fortune before their departure to Grenada for the 2009 CAC Bodybuilding Championships (Orlando Charles photo)

The team is being accompanied by president of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Frank Tucker and Treasurer, Fiona Harris. The event commences today and concludes on Sunday.

One of the six competitors, Clint ‘Stone Cold’ Duke, says making the journey alone is like payment for his dedication to the sport over the years.

A 14-year veteran of the sport, Duke yesterday told Stabroek Sport prior to his departure that it wasn’t easy preparing for the event while having to work twice as hard to find sponsorship.

“I don’t like bodybuilding, I love it. So that is why year in, year out I come out and compete regardless of whether I was training or not because of the love I have for the sport. Almost every  year I am selected to represent Guyana at the CAC but sponsorship has always been a problem, so that’s why this year I know it was so close to Guyana I had to do whatever so I could to make it because I know I will be very competitive,” Duke said.

CAC Ready! Clint ‘Stone Cold’ Duke during his performance at GABBFF 2009 senior championships. Duke is now set to make his third appearance at the CAC championships in Grenada. (Orlando Charles photo)

In 2006 when the competition was held in Jamaica, Duke made his most recent appearance at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) championships, and placed fourth in the lightweight (under 164 lbs) class.

However, in 2004 when the event was hosted in Guyana at the National Cultural Center, Duke was able to capture a silver medal in the under-154 lbs class which he says to date is his most memorable moment in the sport.

At the last GABBFF Senior Championships, Duke easily put away 11 other competitors, including Jordan and Bennett to clinch another title in the lightweight class. He placed second overall to Jones with Greene third overall.

“It wasn’t easy for me you know, training hard because everyone knows that I’m always working out but for this event I put in real extra work. So it wasn’t easy doing all that then still running looking for sponsorship because in Linden, most people are not lovers of the sport. They like it but not as much. However, I’m really grateful for the little assistance I received; it’s a lot of money to prepare for these shows,” said Duke.

Duke, a former holder of the Mr. Guyana title, said that inspite of all the challenges he faced while preparing for the championships; he would not be deterred from going for the gold.

“It’s like I’m really pumped and ready to hit the stage because I know how much agony I went through to make it here and I want to make the best of it. You know I’m a warrior; I’m a soldier so all that wouldn’t hold me down at all. It would just give me more courage to go out there and do my best because I’m always prepared to do my best,” Duke added.

The 37-year-old Duke also has high hopes in his teammates whom he says can come out on top if they all stay focused.

“The guys are good.  I think they have what it takes to match any other bodybuilder out there but they just have to stay focused on what they are going out there to do you know. So it’s good to have a large team heading out there and I know we’ll do well.”

Guyana Chronicle - Thursday, October 1, 2009

GUYANA’S world-rated bantamweight boxer Leon Moore is setting his sights on making a global mark in the sport after collecting a cluster of international titles this past weekend.

Moore outclassed Colombian Mauricio Pastrana last Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for an easy points win in their multi-title 118-pound clash.

The win secured for Moore the World Boxing Association’s FedeLatin, FedeCaribe and North American Boxing Association (NABA) belts.

Ranked No.6 in the world by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the 30-year-old Moore is already in the frame for a world title shot and dreams of becoming the fifth Guyanese man to win a world boxing title.

“It is a great opportunity for me,” Moore told CMC Sport.

“I want to thank the promoters, manager (Carwyn Holland), and I want to even thank (Barbadian promoter) Sam Layne, who played a great part in getting me to this level of boxing,” added Moore, who had been based in Barbados for several years.

Moore told CMC Sport that trips to St Lucia and Singapore are among the possibilities for his next bouts as he aims to eventually join Andrew Lewis, Wayne Braithwaite, Vivian Harris and Gairy St Clair as Guyanese fighters to win world titles.

Displaying his wide array of boxing skills, Moore smothered the rugged Pastrana with solid combinations, supported by good hand and foot speed on Saturday night and carved out an easy win on all the judges’ cards, 119-109 (twice) and 120-109.

With the victory, Moore improved his record to 25 wins (22 knockouts) against two losses, and Pastrana dipped to 35 wins (23 knockouts) against 12 losses and two draws.

By Marlon Munroe
Acclaimed amputee marathoner William ‘The Conqueror’ France has come out in support of national race walk champion Rudolph Mitchell urging him to promote his career by participating in overseas competitions.

Champion walkers! National race walk champion Rudolph Mitchell (right) poses with his trophies and potential manager William ‘The Conqueror’ France at the Stabroek News building yesterday.

Mitchell, who has never competed overseas, has over 100 consecutive wins under his belt  and is eyeing the Barbados Marathon and Race Walk event in December and then another meet in Brazil in February next year, according to France.

France stated that he had come to admire the feats of the 47-year-old race walker after constantly reading about his exploits in the media.

He added that from next week he and Mitchell will be training three days per week until December in the sand hills on the Linden Highway.

France said that with the impending exposure, he will be aiming for the Lindener to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London once he makes the qualifying standards required to participate in the games.

Mitchell, speaking with Stabroek Sport yesterday, said that while he has not been competing in the internationally accepted distance that stipulates a marathon (26 miles), France will be setting up a 26-mile race walk event from Number 43 village on the Corentyne Coast on October 29 so that Mitchell can go to the event in Barbados with an official time in the 26-mile event.

France also stated that he will be registering Mitchell for the annual Boston Marathon in the USA set for April 21, 2010. He said that he will be soliciting the help of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure that Mitchell’s participation at that event becomes a reality.

Mitchell, however, noted that he recently walked 47 miles in just over nine hours. Mitchell also beat Dennis Burns and Andre Richardson, two notable amputees who participate around the Caribbean and further afield, at the William France 16th Annual Fitness Walk last month.

The bare-footed walker who is a member of the Cavalier Sport and Tour Club (CSTC) since 1993 said that he was eager to commence training with France and would not rule out the possibility of France being his manager.

France, on the other hand, said that he was interested only in seeing Mitchell succeed because he was naturally gifted and he should be given all the opportunities to succeed.

France said that if persons start recognizing what Mitchell does he might be able to procure sponsorship just as when he (France) did when he started walking. France said that there are already persons on board to sponsor his airfare to the upcoming events while another sponsor has already dedicated himself to purchasing the footwear for the event next year on the Corentyne Coast.

When Stabroek Sport enquired about nutrition and supplements Mitchell stated that he used “the ordinary Creole foods”.

He said that he does not believe in supplements but rather his own natural talents that he has been blessed with and for this a wager of US$100 is being offered to anyone who beats him in Berbice.

Mitchell, who is also a karaoke disc jockey, will also be competing in a fitness walk event on October 17 where the first three finishers will be recipients of trophies and hampers.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

By Kuldip Lal

NEW DELHI, India (AFP) -- India's bid to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games next year will rest not on swanky stadiums, but on persuading stars like Usain Bolt to compete in New Delhi.

The four-yearly sporting festival of nations that comprised the erstwhile British Empire is regarded by many as a "Community Games" that lack the aura of the Olympics.
Indian officials realise they need Bolt to generate excitement in the cricket-crazy nation, and are even willing to tempt the Jamaican with big bucks to scorch the tracks at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

"We are looking for an Indian sponsor for Bolt," the chairman of the organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi, told a meeting with corporate honchos a year ahead of the October 3-14 Games.

"Any company in India would love to be associated with him. The organising committee is making an effort so that Indian industry gets global mileage."

Bolt, 23, who won the 100m and 200m double at both the Beijing Olympics and the world championships with world record timings, missed the previous Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 due to injury.

The fastest man on the planet has not committed himself to racing in New Delhi, saying he will leave the decision to his coach Glen Mills.

India can ill afford to let Bolt skip what, at 1.6 billion dollars, will be the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever, surpassing the 1.1 billion dollars spent by Melbourne four years ago.

Eyebrows have been raised in India at the cost of hosting a Games that many say have lost their stature.

"The Commonwealth Games are the most redundant and peculiar of sporting events," said Sharda Ugra, the sports editor of the respected news weekly India Today.

"In fact it seems like the only thing common to all participating countries is that Britain stole their wealth."

Bolt's Jamaican team-mate Asafa Powell is uncertain about defending his 100m gold medal, and world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis of Britain has hinted she may skip the Games in favour of the European championships that take place in Barcelona from July 26 to August 1 next year.

"It's important to make the right decision, not to try to cram everything in and burn out," Ennis said after the world championships in Berlin. "I am leaning more towards doing the Europeans at the moment."

Kalmadi, a federal member of parliament who also heads the Indian Olympic Association, chided those who undermined the relevance of the Commonwealth Games and promised a world-class field.

"The Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica, are going to send their best teams," Kalmadi said. "Usain Bolt is going to come and all the top chaps from other nations are also coming.

"The Commonwealth Games are next only to the Olympics."

However, the gap between the two events in terms of sporting excellence has only grown over the years.

Commonwealth athletes and teams won only 53 of the 302 gold medals on offer at the Beijing Olympics, with Britain -- fielding a combined team from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -- taking home 19 of them.

Australia, which dominated the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with 84 gold medals, won just 14 titles in Beijing, half of them in swimming.

The next best Commonwealth performance at the Olympics was the six athletics golds by Jamaica, three of them by Bolt in the individual sprints and 4x100m relay.

When the 71 Commonwealth teams gather in New Delhi in a year's time, fans will hope the Games provide keen competition rather than just the chance to watch a sprinkling of stars in action.

"It will be great to see Bolt run in New Delhi, but for Bolt or the Australian swimmers to be at their best, we would need to have some serious competition," said Ugra.

"The Commonwealth Games are supposed to be a sporting contest, not a celebrity exhibition event."

Guyana Chronicle - Tuesday, September 29, 2009

By Paul Radford
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will fly to Copenhagen on Friday to support Chicago's bid to stage the 2016 Summer Olympics, the White House said yesterday.

A personal appearance by Obama, the first by a sitting U.S. president at an Olympic session, could potentially play a crucial role in swaying votes by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members who must choose between Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Each of the cities will make a presentation on Friday in the Danish capital to the IOC membership who will then cast their votes the same day. The IOC has 115 members.

The contest has been seen by Olympic observers as one of the closest ever with no clear front runner and all four bids capable of succeeding.

The U.S. president's decision to attend the vote, only days after telling IOC chief Jacques Rogge he would not be able to attend due to his health care reform plans, greatly improves Chicago's chances of becoming the first American city to host the Summer Games since Atlanta in 1996.

Obama has spent much of his political life in Chicago and has a home close to some of the planned Olympic venues in the heart of the city.

His presence in Copenhagen had long been a point of speculation, with Japanese Olympic officials fearing the 'Obama factor' and Brazilian officials saying his potential absence from the session would boost the other cities' chances.

Victory brings not only the Summer Games but enormous prestige, a public relations boost and potential economic and development benefits.

DOUBLE ACT
First Lady Michelle Obama will be part of the Chicago delegation in Copenhagen lobbying for the Windy City. Her husband will fly in early on the day of the vote and go straight from Copenhagen airport in a 24-car convoy to the Bella Convention Center where he will make an entry with his wife into the IOC session.

They would both make presentations to the session, the White House said, before the president returns home on Friday afternoon.

"President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama symbolise the hope, opportunity and inspiration that make Chicago great, and we are honoured to have two of our city's most accomplished residents leading our delegation in Copenhagen," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in a statement.

"Who better to share with members of the International Olympic Committee the commitment and enthusiasm Chicago has for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement than the President and First Lady?"

The other three candidates will also be bringing their most senior officials. Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva will be part of the Rio team, King Juan Carlos of Spain will back Madrid's bid and newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will support Tokyo.

Heads of State have in recent years played a greater role in the bidding process, with then British Prime Minister Tony Blair successfully lobbying for London to win the 2012 Games in 2005 and Russian President Vladimir Putin helping the Black Sea resort of Sochi to clinch the 2014 Winter Olympics vote in 2007.

Written by Michael DaSilva, Monday, 28 September 2009

---Eastman destroy T&T’s Placid
SHONDELL `Mystery Lady’ Alfred and Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore became Guyana’s latest world boxing champions, while former world title contender Howard Eastman, also of Guyana improved his rankings on the world stage.

Fighting for the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight title, Alfred recorded a unanimous points decision over Canada’s Corinne deGroot in a 10-round contest while Moore out-foxed Colombia’s Maurico Pastrana over 12 rounds to claim the World Boxing Council Continental of America, NABA and FEDE Latino bantamweight titles by a unanimous decision also.Eastman on the other hand knocked out Trinidad and Tobago’s Kevin `The Fighting Policeman’ Placid in the final round of their 10-round middleweight contest to improve his record.

Also in winners’ row on Saturday night were Shawn Pile who registered a first round (two minutes 30 seconds) knock out victory over Paul Lewis in a six-round featherweight contest, Iwan Azore who scored a unanimous victory over his countryman Wayne in a six-round middleweight bout and Dexter Marques who registered a unanimous decision over his compatriot Hewley Robertson in a four-round super bantamweight fight.

In the main bout of the S&S/Holland Entertainment Promotions card, Alfred, the national bantamweight champion who weighed in at 114 pounds was a bit cautious during the early rounds of her 10-round contest against the taller deGroot (117 pounds).

However, by round four, the `Mystery Lady’ was able to get the Canadian Guyanese to fight her (Alfred) style, that is one of brawling and took advantage of it by out-dueling her opponent to secure a unanimous decision to win the WIBA title.

Judges Ian Alves, Lionel Sullivan and Trevor Arno scored the bout 99-90, 97-94 and 96-92 respectively, all in favour of Alfred.

In the main supporting bout, Moore out-foxed his Colombian counterpart Pastrana by keeping him at bay for most of their 12-round contest to win a clear cut unanimous points decision

In the Eastman versus Placid affair, the former world rater Eastman practically toyed with his Trinidadian counterpart Placid before closing him (Placid) off at two minutes 19 seconds of the final round.

In the main bout, both Alfred and deGroot felt out each other with the latter using her reach advantage to keep the stalking Alfred at bay.

Early in the second round, Alfred connected with two combinations early in the round and the south paw deGroot responded with two straight lefts.

In round three, deGroot tried to keep Alfred at bay with her right jabs but the shorter Alfred stepped in close and unleashed one-two combinations to her opponents’ body and in one instance, a straight right to her head that floored her (deGroot), sending the crowd into a frenzy.

In round four, both fighters went at each other, and this is what Alfred was looking for as she out-brawled the Canadian, connecting to her body repeatedly with solid body shots.

The pattern was the same in rounds five six and seven.

In round eight, deGroot started to use a double right jab to good effect early in the round but Alfred got in close on a few occasions and scored with combinations to deGroot’s body.

The two were cautious in the early part of round nine but with 15 seconds remaining in the round, the Canadian of Guyanese parentage checked Alfred with a straight left to win the round.

Both fighters went at each other in the final round and it was deGroot that was the more aggressive as she connected with a straight left that sent Alfred to the canvas but referee Eion Jardine did not issue the eight count.

With three seconds remaining in the fight, deGroot once again landed a straight left that floored Alfred, but instead of issuing the eight count, Jardine called on the two to box on just as the final bell sounded.

The win for Alfred improves her record to 11 wins, as against five losses. Three of her victories came by way of knock outs.

In the main supporting bout, Moore who went into the ring with 23 wins and two losses improved his record with another win.

During the first round, the two boxers felt out each other and the round seemed even. However in round two, Pastrana went out quartering his opponent, looking for the opening, but Moore was the more aggressive and connected with a one-two combination to the Colombian’s face, cutting him under the left eye in the process.

Pastrana, a six-time world champion continued to be the aggressor for the next six rounds but Moore kept on his `Bicycle’ and fought on the retreat, successfully keeping his shorter opponent at bay with crisp right jabs and the occasional combinations.

Pastrana was even more aggressive in round nine, but Moore was equal to the task and the two exchanged combinations with Moore getting the better of the exchanges.

For the remaining rounds that followed, Moore kept moving, jabbing and connected with quite a few body shots.

In the end, the Guyanese was awarded the fight and the title belts that were presented to him by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir.

After the bout, Moore said he was confident all along that he would have won, adding that he had a plan and worked to it and it paid off.

He admitted that the Colombian is a strong fighter stating that he gave him (Pastrana) his best shot and the Colombian took it well.

Pastrana’s coach Nelson Lopez said he is pleased with the decision and wished Moore the best in his career.

Guyana Chronicle - Friday, September 25, 2009

Boxers ready to rumble tomorrow
By Michael DaSilva

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony (centre) strike a pose with Shondell Alfred (left) and Corinne deGroot after yesterday’s press conference.

BOXERS, appearing on the S&S Promotions/Holland Entertainment `Caribbean Fury’ boxing card, are all ready to rumble at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tomorrow night.

Guyana’s Shondell `Mystery Lady’ Alfred is down to do battle with Canadian `American Gladiator’, TV star Corinne deGroot for the WIBA (Women’s International Boxing Association) bantamweight world title in the main bout while the main supporting bout brings together Guyana’s world-rater Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore and Colombia’s six-time world champion Mauricio Pastrano in a bantamweight clash.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday at the National Communications Network (NCN) studio, Guyana’s WIBA Iberian-American Bantamweight champion Shondell Alfred reminded those present and warned deGroot that she is a `Mystery Lady’ of few words and she prefers to do her talking in the ring tomorrow night.

In response, deGroot who has Guyanese roots said she is the `American Gladiator’ and she too is a woman of few words and come tomorrow night, she and Alfred would do their talking in the ring.

Alfred informed that when promoter Carwyn Holland offered her the fight, she did not hesitate to take it since she long wanted to fight for a recognised world title.

She said after signing the contract she learnt about her opponent being an `American Gladiator’ that appears on the television and that she (deGroot) is undefeated.

The `Mystery Lady’ however cautioned deGroot saying “you’re the American Gladiator but I’m the Guyanese boxer and come the 26th (tomorrow), you’ll see the `Mystery Lady’ in action.”

deGroot in response said, “I’m the undefeated American Gladiator and my heart and everything within me is for winning on the 26th, like Shondell, I’m not a woman of many words, so come Saturday night, we’ll do the talking.”

She informed that most of the things she has done in life, most of the sports she has been involved in are male-dominated.

Asked if she thinks deGroot has an advantage over her, Alfred promptly said she does not think so “we’re both fighters and we represent what we do.”

Leon Moore (right) squares up with Colombian Mauricio Pastrano while looking on from left are Pastrano’s trainer Nelson Lopez, Stanford Solomon and Carwyn Holland (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

For the main supporting bout, Pastrano, speaking through an interpreter, said tomorrow night’s fight will be the ultimate test for Moore.

The Colombian said he has been training very hard for the fight and is not worrying too much about Moore since his experience will carry him through.

He noted that Moore is taller and younger than he, but stated “we know how to deal with that. Come Saturday night, it will be a new champion and it will be me.”

Moore, in response, welcomed the Colombian and his entourage to Guyana but stated “you will enjoy Guyana until the 26th (tomorrow night)” adding “when the going gets tough the tough gets going.

Pastrano was quick to reply “that’s how everyone talks, but when I hit him with my right hand he’s going to forget everything he said.”

However, Moore was quick to reply “You will be throwing your right hand in the air, because there will be no Leon Moore there for it to land on.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony who was present at the press conference welcomed the foreign fighters, saying all Guyana is pleased to have them here.

He congratulated the promoters – Stanford Solomon of S&S Promotions and Carwyn Holland off HE Promotions – for putting together such an attractive card.

He said they have created a world class event and reminded that sports tourism is a niche on the international market.

He said tomorrow night’s card should serve as an impetus for sports tourism and hopes that there will be more international sporting events in Guyana in the near future.

The world`s fastest man, Usain St. Leo Bolt, is set to meet with members of the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora in the borough of Brooklyn, NY this weekend.

Bolt is set for a free public event at the Walt Whitman Theater at Brooklyn College on Saturday, Sept. 26th from 5-7 p.m. Dubbed, `Conversations With Usain Lightning Bolt,` a tribute to Jamaica` triple Olympian, the event while open to the public also has some stipulations.

Caribbean nationals receiving an email invite must RSVP to usainbolt@ruderfinn.com. Tickets will also be required for entry and can be obtained from noon to 3 p.m. on the day of the event at the Gershwin Box Office at Avenue H and Campus Road in Brooklyn, NY.

The event will also include Jamaica`s Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett and the Consulate General of Jamaica, Genieve Brown Metzer. The forum will be moderated by Christopher Farley, culture editor at the Wall Street Journal.

Meanwhile, on September 29th, Bolt will be the guest of honor at a private media event in Manhattan to announce his December Charity concert and help Jamaica Jazz Fest organizers, kick off their January 2010 event.

Bolt`s short past appearances in New York shortly after Beijing, created some criticism after he made no public appearance. At that time, Prime Minister Bruce Golding had promised a public appearance in the vast, Jamaica Diaspora in New York and this Saturday, Bolt will make that long-awaited appearance.

He returns this time with more honors, following his own record breaking feats in Berlin and wins in all others races to date. The 23-year-old will also be honored with an Order of Jamaica at the Heritage Fest in his homeland next month and is also set to have portions of the highway between St. Catherine and Clarendon parishes renamed in his honor.

Guyana Chronicle - Tuesday, September 22, 2009

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, (CMC) – Guyana’s international squash star Nicolette Fernandes made a smooth start to the Forexx World Open on Sunday, easily defeating South African Adel Weir in her first-round qualifier.

Fernandes, contesting her first World Open Championship since 2006, needed just 29 minutes to eliminate Weir in straight games at the Frans Otten Courts.

Weir gave a spirited performance but the former World No.27, in her comeback year from injury, reeled off a solid victory 11-7, 12-10, 11-6.

“She was running for everything so it was a tough match, I'm happy to get through it in three,” said Fernandes, who recently recaptured the Caribbean Women’s title.

"Last time I played the World Open was three years ago, so it's nice to be back and to get the first match out of the way,” she added.

In the second round of qualifying to get into Wednesday’s start of the main draw, the 26-year-old Fernandes will face Hong Kong’s Joey Chan, who had drawn a first-round bye in qualifying.

The first-round victory gave Fernandes a boost for Monday night’s match against Chan.

“I think I'll feel more comfortable (in the second round), even though I'm playing a stronger opponent,” she said.

Forced out of the game in April 2007 because of a career-threatening knee injury, Fernandes returned to the pro circuit in March this year.

Inactivity had plunged her out of the Top-200 in the Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) ratings and she is back on the rise, showing at 103rd in the September rankings.

At the 2006 World Open in Belfast, Fernandes had scored the biggest win of her career when she upset World No.8 and tournament sixth seed Jenny Duncalf, of England, 9-3, 9-0, 9-7, in the first round.

She lost her second round match to the Briton Laura-Jane Lengthorn but her triumph over Duncalf and other good results earned her the World’s “Most Improved Player” prize at the 2006 WISPA Awards in London.

By Rawle Toney | September 21, 2009

After steamrolling the local ladies on the opening night of their Goodwill Tour, the South Carolina Lady All-Stars team pulverized Guyana 99-50 in Game Two at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Saturday evening.

The beginning of the game was reminiscent of the two team’s first encounter but this time it was Tameke Joseph who scored a lay-up on the left after Guyana had won the jump-ball.

But the SC ladies seemed to be a bit more ready this time around countering well and also playing much better as a team at both ends of the floor.

Forward Crystal Clary once again proved the more dominant player on court and followed up her first night showing by scoring a game-high 18 points.

Her presence inside was seen as a virtual no contest.

With the former Campbell University and Lenoir-Rhyne College stand-out, along with Lenoir-Rhyne’s all time assists  leader Maya Grady on the court, there wasn’t much the local ladies could have done.

At half time, the visitors were up by 30 points (54-20) but once again the locals seemed unperturbed by the ever-increasing lead.

Once again, Natasha Alder, Sonia Rodney and Nicola Jacobs were the busiest  of the locals  but then the trio’s supporting cast never really seemed up for the challenge.

Nothing much changed for the rest of the game as the locals could not keep up and the SC ladies who were too strong.

Apart from Clary,  Grady was the visitors’ next highest scorer with 14 points while Eboni Littlejohn and India Elliott each scored 13 points.

Alder had 14 points, Rodney 10 and Kean Andrews six for Guyana.

Meanwhile, in the opening game the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) male team went down 79-97 to Pacesetters as they continued their preparations for the championships next month in Suriname.

Team captain Akeem Kanhai poured in a game-high 21 points, 15 rebounds and five steals for the IGG team and was the only player in double figures.

National player Stephon Gillis had 19, Clement Brusche 17 and Travis Burnett,  13 for Courts Pacesetters.

Published on Monday, September 21, 2009

SHANGHAI, China (Reuters) -- Sprinter Tyson Gay said on Saturday that he will challenge Jamaican rival Usain Bolt's 100 metres world record when he recovers from a groin injury.

US Tyson Gay (left) and Jamaica's Asafa Powell. AFP PHOTO

"As long as I'm healthy and focused ... I think I'm going to look at it," the American told a news conference on Saturday ahead of the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix.

With triple Olympic and world champion Bolt missing through fatigue, former world champion Gay faces Bolt's compatriot Asafa Powell in Shanghai.

Despite a groin injury, Gay clocked the third-fastest time ever of 9.71 seconds at last month's world championships in Berlin behind Bolt's stunning world record of 9.58.

Gay insisted next year would be different.

"I will be fully healthy," he said. "Asafa will be fully healthy ... so we'll be able to put on better times and better races."

Former world record holder Powell, the bronze medallist in Berlin, was less optimistic about breaking Bolt's record but also expected a better 2010 season.

"We can't break the world record but we can definitely try to get to as close as possible," said Powell. "There's still going to be wins and losses so just more wins than losses."