President calls for greater leadership in sports at 2010 award ceremony

Georgetown – President Bharrat Jagdeo in congratulating the 2010 National Sports awardees during the award ceremony last evening noted that the recognition of their achievements can in no small way compensate for the “non-visible” hours of hard work that lay behind their success.

The President acknowledged the sacrifices of the athletes pointing out that the effort must have been tremendous to result in them being at the top of their game.
 He also saluted the many others who despite their best efforts did not make it to the top, recognising that they too deserved a measure of appreciation.

 President Jagdeo said that even in the face of the investment made in the sporting sector, the country is still not where it should be. He noted that most of the investments, like the new squash facility, or the new swimming pool will see many more Guyanese from all walks of life, having a chance at the use of the facilities.
He noted that Government is not unmindful of the plight of athletes, noting that many of them are not financially sound and do not have enough money to pursue both a career in the sport in which they excel and support a family. President Jagdeo called on the Private Sector to invest more in sport and so help the development of sport and the athletes that contribute to it.