dream is to represent Suriname at the Olympics”

Anyone who regularly runs on the running tracks at Camp David's outdoor gym is sure to see Shaquille Pikien�o, E/I Technician Mill Electrical (CCC H. Pansa & Sons). A young guy who zooms past you every �me. Those of us who regularly follow sports news will also have come across his name.

For example, on January 8, 2023, Shaquille won the 10km run during the Bigi Broki Waka. Shaquille finished in 3rd place during the 10km Telesur

Wrokoman Dei on May 1, 2023

On May 20, during the Yellow Birds 5km run and the Jungle Run on June 25 he finished in second place. We spoke briefly with this sprin�ng talent in the Internal Communica�on office.

The beginning

"I started running when I was 15 ears old", explains 25-year-old Shaquille. It started as a form of relaxa�on. "At that age I was playing soccer, but I couldn't really enjoy it. I wasn't swea�ng. So I started running and was able to sweat without ge�ng an injury."

Un�l he was 19, it was just running to relax. "But friends and acquaintances started asking me to join races all the �me. I decided to enter the Hakrinbank 10 km run on Sept. 1, 2018, and finished in 7th place," the runner says disgruntled. "I wanted to win and therefore processed this loss only a�er a week and a�er everyone told me that seventh place is not bad for the first �me."

But luck did not stay far. In 2018, he finished first at the Havenbeheer 5km fast run. His confidence grew and as of 2019, Shaquille is among Suriname's elite runners. He now only has to compete against the best longdistance runner, Janiek Pomba.

Training

Shaquille trains every a�ernoon on site at the running track. If it doesn't get too dark and if he is early at the track, he runs 10 kilometers. "If possible, it would be good to send athletes on the day shi� off work a half hour earlier. If not, the track should be lightened."

Future plans

The Mill contractor dreams of being able to represent Suriname abroad. "In par�cular the Olympics," he says. "I will therefore con�nue to train hard and adjust my diet."

Message

Shaquille: "Exercising sports is good for your health and it reduces stress. If you plan to run, don't let it stop at daydreaming , but take the first step, otherwise you'll never start."

Henk Ost decorated by President Santokhi

Henk Ost, Network Administrator, was awarded by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on May 14, 2023, in connec�on with World Blood Donor Day. Henk has donated blood more than 90 �mes and was therefore decorated Officer in the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star.

Henk explains that he started dona�ng blood in 2002. He wanted to give something back to the community, and dona�ng blood to save lives seemed like the best way for him. "I know that people need blood and that the Blood Dona�on Services do not have enough blood," he says.

According to the Network Administrator, giving blood is volunteer work and should be done out of pure love. "What is done for free? You don't get paid and if you or your family ever are in need of blood, it is not guaranteed. That is why it is important that as many people as possible donate blood so that there is no shortage," Henk said.

For more informa�on on dona�ng blood, see the Suriname Red Cross website by clicking here.