National cyclist Neil Reece, who is also the national junior champion of Guyana, was on Saturday adjudged top male and top overall cyclist, winning from top female rider Marica Dick when the Flying Ace Cycling Club of New Amsterdam Berbice held its 11th annual presentation and awards ceremony on Saturday 4th February at the New Amsterdam Town Hall.
Reece, who is a second year student at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, once again had an outstanding year on both the track and road during 2011. Among some of his achievements were Gold and bronze at the Inter Guiana Games in Suriname in which he helped Guyana to recapture the cycling championship after a long time. He was also presented with a special trophy by Detective Corporal Lawrence Thomas for his outstanding exploits.
Dick a sixth form student of the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary school and presently studying for her advance levels examination, also had an outstanding year on both the road the track and in the classroom.
Her exploits include helping Guyana retain the cycling championship at the Inter Guiana Games in Suriname and Champion athlete status at the recently concluded National School Athletics and Cycling Championship. During the year also she passed nine subjects at the SESEC examinations.
Wasim Hasnoo was adjudged the most improved rider of the club, while Rohan Persaud was the most promising. Elijah Brijjader was the top Juvenile and Brian Harris the runner up. Stephen Fernandes was the top Veteran on show. Club Secretary, Margaret Kuma and club Coach Randolph Roberts will also received accolades for their outstanding achievements during the year.
Other cyclists of the club were also recognized for their contributions during the year, they all received trophies, certificates, while some of the more outstanding performers received additional accolades including hampers.
Feature remarks were delivered by retired Head teacher Bertie Carter who congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to continue to seek excellence in their exploits. He also traced the history of the club, who began from humble beginnings to being one of the top cycling clubs in Guyana. Mr Carter had special words of appreciation for both Reece and Dick and urged them to continue doing the positive things in life and urged them to be positive role models for their peers. He also congratulated Coach Roberts for the splendid work he is doing and encouraged him to continue with his success story.
Mr. Carter also called on the Regional Administration, the government and business minded persons to come on board and assist the club in whatever way possible. The club recently held its Annual general meeting and is once again headed by Businessman John Lewis.
The first activity for the club this year is the annual A. Ally and sons 40 miles cycle road race which will be held on Sunday. The event this year will be held on the Upper Corentyne in recognition of the business’ Corriverton Branch.