Latest update April 23rd, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 14, 2019 Sports
By Zaheer Mohamed
Guyanese Amputees William France, Godfrey Williams and Yvonne DeAbreu are currently preparing to take part in two marathons overseas. Their first assignment will be the Terry Fox run which is slated to be held on September 15 in Canada, while their second event is the New York Marathon which is set for November 4.
The trio has embarked on a fund raising venture in order to make their participation in both events possible, and apart from soliciting donations from the public at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, they have planned three other ventures.
They have managed to raise $264,000 to date and need to garner $624,000 more to attend both events. They have planned a fund raising walk this Sunday from Grove Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara to Banks DIH. Another walk is set for August 25 on the Essequibo Coast from Coffee Grove to Anna Regina and on October 3 in Berbice from Port Mourant to Canje Bridge.
According to France, they do not get paid for these events and have to raise funds to make their participation possible, which they are doing for their country. France, 62, told Kaieteur Sport that he wants to become the oldest amputee in the world to take part in the New York marathon, which he hopes to accomplish on November 4. That feat is currently held by Dick Thruman of the United States of America who participated in the event at age 59.
France, who began his career in 1994 at the Go Guyana Run, last participated in the New York Marathon in 2011, and this year’s edition will be his 23rd; he currently trains three times per week on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. France, who is the President of the William France Differently Able Athletic Club, which is based on Mocha, received the Medal of Service in 1996 and the Walter Rodney award in 1997; he is the only Guyanese to achieve the award to date.
The Terry Fox run began in 1981 and is being held to raise funds for cancer awareness.
The 50-year-old Williams of Canal Number One started his career in 2000 and has done three marathons to date including the Terry Fox run in 2001; he trains three times a week. Williams said he was encouraged by France to get involved in these events, which he said helps to keep him fit. He added that he enjoys taking part in marathon and expressed gratitude to President David Granger who presented him with a house lot.
DeAbreu, aged 42, of Kitty began her career three years ago; she said that after witnessing other amputees in action, she decided to give it a try and she enjoys representing her country. So far she did three marathons including the Terry Fox run and two in the USA. She has expressed gratitude to President Granger for presenting her with a house lot. The trio is calling on the business community to render assistance in their quest to represent Guyana once again, and is also urging the Government to assist them with employment.
They have expressed gratitude to Banks DIH, DDL, Stanley Ming, Courtney Benn, Humphrey’s Bakery, Ramchand’s Auto sale, A. Gafoor and Sons, Clear Waters, De Silva’s optical of South Road and Middle Street, the Guyana Police Force, Neil Kumar, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and others who have assisted them over the years.
Those who are willing to assist the athletes can contact France on 680-3892, Williams on 696-3373 and DeAbreu on 666-2259.
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