Few Surprises at AAG Awards Ceremony

Feb 14, 2011 Sports

– Forde, Alder are ‘Athletes-of-the-Year’

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony Saturday night where there were clear-cut winners among a major surprise at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Auditorium in Thomas Lands.

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony (second, left) and AAG President, Colin Boyce (right) shares the moment with some of the AAG Awardees Saturday night. From left, Lyndon Wilson, Asha Seaforth, Natasha Alder and Cleveland Forde.

Cleveland Forde was definitely the Male Athlete of the Year based on his performances last year, but there was some amount of surprise when Natasha Alder got the nod for the female award ahead of Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Aliann Pompey.
Alder was an outstanding field events athlete for the Police Progressive Youth Club after a few stellar performances at namely the AAG U-23 Games, the President/Jefford Classic and the Joint Services Games among others.
Meanwhile, Pompey became Guyana’s leading Commonwealth Games medallist, following her gold medal performance in England in 2002 and her silver medal run in New Delhi, India last year. She was adjudged runner-up National Sportswoman of the Year after Shondell Alfred was given that prize before a National Sports Commission panel.
Distance athlete, Jevina Straker, was adjudged Junior Female Athlete of the Year based on her second CARIFTA Games gold medal while 2010 National Junior Sportsman of the Year, Chavez Ageday also won the AAG Junior Male Athlete of the Year.
Police Progressive Youth Club Coach, Lyndon Wilson, who returned the Guyana Police Force to the top of the Joint Services Games and placed in the top two, either winning or placing second, in most meets last year, was awarded Coach of the Year.
Linden’s Johnny Gravesande was given the Coach/Technician of the Year prize for his sole role in maintaining track and field at the Mackenzie Sports Club. Gravesande has presided over the careers and development of many national junior athletes.
Faye Naughton got the Council Member of the Year award while Asha Seaforth, again from the Linden community, was the AAG Official of the Year. Digicel Guyana was also recognised for their contributions to the development of local track and field.