‘Innovative and forward-thinking!’- DoS Ninvalle pays tribute to Donald Sinclair

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has joined the local sporting fraternity in mourning the passing of former President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Donald Sinclair, who died on Thursday evening after losing his battle to cancer.

In offering condolences, Ninvalle paid glowing tribute to Sinclair’s contribution to sport, describing him as an innovative and forward-thinking administrator whose leadership helped position bodybuilding among the top sports in Guyana during his tenure.

“Donald Sinclair was innovative in his approach to the governance of sport and played a critical role in placing bodybuilding at the forefront of Guyana’s sporting landscape,” Ninvalle said.

According to Ninvalle, Sinclair’s vision, structure and commitment elevated the sport locally and regionally, and his impact will be felt for generations.

Ninvalle further noted that Sinclair’s influence extended well beyond bodybuilding, highlighting his willingness to work closely with other disciplines in a personal capacity to assist with improving both on-field performance and administrative systems.

“He was always ready to share his knowledge and experience,” Ninvalle added.

“Whether it was helping athletes improve their performance or guiding associations on governance and administration, Sinclair gave freely of his time and expertise for the betterment of sport,” the Director of Sport noted.

Sinclair was a towering figure in both sport and tourism in Guyana.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading tourism experts, he served in several capacities within the tourism sector, where his vision and commitment helped advance Guyana’s profile as a destination for sport and leisure.

Within bodybuilding, Sinclair leaves behind a legacy of dedicated and transformative leadership. He is remembered as one of the longest-serving presidents of the GBBFF, during which time he played a pivotal role in elevating the sport.

Among his most notable achievements was being instrumental in Guyana hosting the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships for the first time in 2004.

Sinclair was also the owner of the Fitness Paradise Gym, which became a hub for athlete development across multiple disciplines and a strong symbol of his advocacy for healthy living.

He was known for his unwavering support of athletes and his consistent push for sports associations to embrace sports tourism as a pathway to growth.

Ninvalle stated that Sinclair’s passing represents a significant loss to Guyana’s sporting and tourism communities.