Special Olympic athletes honoured
– bring home silver and bronze
DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 29, 2019
“Representing Guyana was amazing,” said Special Olympic athlete Faith King.
King won a silver medal in the 400m race at the recently concluded Special Olympics world summer games in Dubai.
The young sprinter who attends the St. Barnabas Special School was among three others who were honoured for their outstanding performance at the games. The four athletes accounted for a total of three silver and two bronzes medals.
King was expected to do well at the games and did not disappoint after dominating the special sports event held last October by the National Sports Commission. Even though her performance was exceptional on the biggest stage for special sports, the young lady remains humble.
“I feel so proud of myself, I never felt so happy but if it was not for God, I would not have been here today,” King said
Her fellow athlete, Calvin Thomas who ran the 5000m and copped a bronze medal said it feels wonderful to be recognised for his hard work. Thomas also helped the team capture a bronze medal in the 4 X 400-metre event. “In the relay 400 it was the first time I ran a leg to start, I did not know I could do that, but it was comfortable” he stated.
Permanent Secretary to the Department of Social Cohesion Melissa Tucker congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performances. She said that their success is an inspiration to all Guyanese. The government she said will continue to lend support to all athletes as it is their mandate to give everyone an equal opportunity.
“The government contributed the sum of $2Million dollars towards team Guyana’s participation at the Special Olympics. This is testament to our pledge to invest in our athletes and help realise their dreams to one day represent the Golden Arrow Head” Tucker underscored.
The other two athletes honoured were Abdullah Braithwaite and Dacia George who won silver and bronze respectively in other 400m races All the athletes received presents from sponsors of the events Digicel Guyana and a medal from the National Sports Commission.
Isaiah Braithwaite
Images: Ameer Sattaur