Queen’s Baton arrives in Guyana in March

Feb 16, 2014 Sports

– Fortune replaces Morgan for SA Games

The Queen’s Baton will arrive in Guyana on March 2, according to Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President, K.A Juman Yassin, as a part of its world tour, to the Commonwealth Countries that usually compete in the Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games are expected to be held on July 23. Yassin told the media yesterday at a press conference that the Baton will be making its way through the streets of Georgetown, following its arrival in Guyana.
“We have asked several schools to participate, and they have accepted. The Baton will touch the places of significance in Guyana that will have a chance to showcase its beauty,” Yassin said.

President of GOA, K.A Juman Yassin addresses the media yesterday in the presence of other GOA Officials at Olympic House.

Vice-President at GOA, Dr. Karen Pilgrim, described the baton, stating that it will carry the Queen’s messaged encased in a lattice frame covered by a puzzle mechanism and a granite gem stone at its base with a wooden handle.
Pilgrim pointed out that the Baton will embody Glasgow and Scotland’s culture, history and innovation in its design and construction. The Baton is currently in South Africa with its next stop scheduled for the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Yassin took the opportunity to also inform the media about Guyana’s participation at the South American (SA) Games in Chile, which begins on March 7. Guyana will be represented in Boxing and Athletics as the two disciplines represents the country’s best chances of winning medals.
Imran Khan (52kg), Taressa London (75kg), Dennis Thomas (75kg) and Eon Bancroft (69kg), along with Coach, Terrence Poole, will represent boxing.
Winston George (200m, 400m), Cleveland Forde (1500m, 5000m), Cleveland Thomas (800m, 1500m), Wayne Harlequin (400m, 800m) and Alisha Fortune (100, 200) with Coach, Lyndon Wilson will represent athletics.
Fortune was reportedly asked to replace distance athlete, Alika Morgan, who reportedly declined an invitation to compete at the Games owed to inadequate preparations and a short notice from the GOA.
But despite those claims, Morgan seemed to be in top form early this year, winning a couple of 10km road races in Suriname and would have had to be aware of her selection for the Games since last year because the team was shortlisted in 2013.