BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletics Association (SKNAAA), has selected 12 athletes as part of a fifteen-member contingent to represent the Federation at the 2017 CARIFTA Games in Willemstad, Curacao.
That number is an increase over last year’s contingent which stood at four. The team comprises Roatter Johnson, Head Coach; Hugh Matthew Jr, Assistant Coach; Jermaine Francis; Kizan David; Shanice Elliotte; Tajarie Authurton; Dimetre Browne; Marcus Duberry and Craig Connor Jr.
Additionally, Royden Peets, Jahnaza Francis, Leroy Chapman, Travis Warner and Namibia Clavier are also competing at the Games.
This announcement comes as all athletes including Jermaine Francis, Dimetre Browne and Kizan Davis – Games qualifiers - all participated at the local trials which was held alongside the RAMS Primary Schools Championship, last month.
In a statement released on Friday (Apr. 7), SKNAAA President Glenville Jeffers was quoted as commending the selection panel for their vision in putting the team together.
“I must commend my Selection Committee for identifying these young talented group of athletes who have stood out amongst their peers throughout the 2017 Athletic Season. My Executive Committee unanimously supported the selection of these athletes as they represent the next generation of athletics in the Federation.
“Most showed their dominance and athleticism in the recently-concluded scholastic championships and CARIFTA Trials over the past two (2) weekends and must be commended for their hard work that got them this far.”
Noticeably different this year, is the inclusion of female presence on the roster, in the person of Shanice Elliott, who would be competing in the U-20 100m and 200m sprints and Namibia Clavier in the U-18 400m.
The association received criticisms last year from the Sports Minister and the Olympic Association for the lack of females on the team.
A press release from the SKNAAA noted that team members are expected to depart the Federation in two batches this week Tuesday (Apr. 11) and Wednesday (Apr. 12).
Additionally, the statement indicated that “Special mention must be made of Ms. Kieshonna Brooks who was selected based on her National Record Performance in the Women’s Heptathlon. Ms. Brooks however shall not be attending due to athletic commitments at her school, the University of Mississippi.”
The 2017 CARIFTA Games would be held over the Easter weekend from April 15-17th.
