Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 17, 2009 Sports
Leading junior cyclist, 16-year-old Neil Reece, braved the intermittent showers in an impressive time of 1 hour 40 minutes to pound out a convincing victory as he destroyed the field in capturing the inaugural Charles ‘Wheels’ Henry 40-mile Cycle road race last Sunday in Berbice.
The event, which was held in association with the Guyana Police Force, former NA Mayor and businessman Errol Alphonso, the Destiny Guinness Bar of New Amsterdam, and Flying Ace Cycle Club began at approximately 8:05 hrs in front of the Guinness Bar at Main and Lad Lane in New Amsterdam.
The cyclists were sent on their way by Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, who was assisted by Mayor Claude Henry, former Mayor Errol Alphonso, Commander B division Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis and Mr. Henry. The incident free and well coordinated event proceeded to Adventure on the Corentyne before turning back to end at the place of origin.
Reece, who has been in ripping form over the past year, was so dominant that he captured all eight sprint point prizes that were up for grabs, beating his nearest rival by some six minutes. The Vryman’s Erven Secondary School student broke away from the field from the start and only caught by Wazim Hasnoo on the Canje Bridge.
Reece however dropped him at No.19 on the straight road and after that there were no obstructions, as the young Olympic hopeful was in a lone battle against the time, and the intermittent showers. He eclipsed the old record of 1hr: 45 minutes he set one week earlier in impressive fashion. Hasnoo finished second ahead of Lindsay Rigby, Dwayne Edwards, Rohan Persaud and Kester David respectively.
Reece won the juvenile section ahead of Rigby and Edwards. Reece also received a special prize of $5,000 for his outstanding performance from Businessman Rudolph Blair of Stretch D Dollar grocery. Rigby also copped the most improved cyclist prize, compliments of the Commissioner of Police.
The BMX category was taken by Compton Watts from Randy Karim and the youngest participant 12 year old Akim Rudder.
The lone female participant 15-year-old Marcia Dick was presented with a special prize of $35,000 by Commissioner Greene. Also receiving special commendation was the oldest participant 74-year-old Edward Williams of Fyrish, Corentyne.
The outstanding performers were presented with their accolades which include trophies, cash, medals and other memorabilia immediately after the event, at a simple but impressive presentation ceremony, which was held at the Destiny Guinness Bar at Main and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam Berbice.
Commissioner Greene in his remarks said that he is extremely happy with the kind of togetherness he saw in Berbice and noted that Berbice is taking a lead in many aspects of life and community development. He wants to see it continue and is pledging the force’s full cooperation and involvement, noting that community activities and sports help to reduce the stress on the Guyana Police Force.
The Top Cop, who said Berbice holds a special place for him, pointed out that healthy community activity is always good for growth and development. He took the opportunity to call on the authorities to help in the restoration of the Burnham Park and other sporting facilities in the Town and Region, pledging his force full cooperation and assistance in any venture. Mr. Greene also called on the females in the community and country as a whole to get involved in sports. He was high in praise for Marcia Dick, challenging her to encourage more females to participate.
The event was chaired by Commander of B division assistant commissioner George Vyphuis, the welcome was done by Mayor Claude Henry; also speaking was Regional chairman Zulfikar Mustapha.
The Regional Chairman gave his commitment and that of the region in helping to restore the once famous Burnham Park and Bermine ground and told the gathering, that at the moment the region is mobilizing resources for an assault on those projects and many others in the region.
Former mayor Errol Alphonso gave the vote of thanks; expressing gratitude to the Guyana Police Force for the splendid work put in to make the event successful and joined with the other speakers in showering praise on Mr. Henry.
Mr. Henry in brief remarks promised to continue to assist in whatever way he can. He also promised to mobilize some more resources and more Guyanese when he returns overseas. He was high in praise for the assistance cooperation and professionalism of the Guyana Police Force and the media for their coverage and support of the event.
Among those who contributed significantly with sponsorship and distribution of prizes were Superintendents of Police, second in command of B division Simon Mc Bean and Traffic officer Owen Trotz, business man Mike Fung of Mingles Sound Machine, Suresh General Store, Little Rock Hotel, Television station, Restaurant and Bar and Jerrod Isaacs and Ryan Alexander of Yikes General store and Liquor Restaurant.
Overseas-based Henry was a former national volleyball player who served Guyana in the late 1970s and 80s and also participated in a number of other disciplines including cycling, basketball, football and athletics.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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