BASSETERRE St. Kitts, September 20th 2012 - Sunday, 16th September, 2012 was unlike any other regular Sunday morning worship service at the Cayon Church of God. The morning’s worship focused on the Federation’s 29th Anniversary of Independence with melodious singing of songs such as “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah” and Saviour Like A Shepherd Lead Us”. After much praise and worship, prayers were offered on behalf of our beloved Nation. Rev. Benjamin Browne then delivered a stirring message entitled “Coming Together On Heroes’ Day”.
Rev. Browne highlighted the importance of National Heroes’ Day and the significant contributions made by our National Heroes, the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, the Rt. Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell and the Right Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France. However, Rev. Browne reminded the congregation that while we pay homage to our earthly heroes, we should never forget to honour the Hero of Heroes, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The inspiring message concluded with members of the congregation and visitors pledging their allegiance to their country and more importantly, their God.
Notwithstanding the singing, praising and the preached word came one of the highlights of the Sunday morning’s service, the honouring of one of our congregation’s heroes, Track Star and Olympian, Mr. Antoine Adams.
Residing in the village of Cayon, Antoine and his family are members the Cayon Church of God. Hence in adoption of the theme for this year’s Independence celebrations ‘Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families,’ the leadership of the church capitalized on the opportunity to recognize Antoine Adams for his outstanding performance at the recently concluded, London 2012 Olympics.
A biography of Antoine Adams’ achievements was read by Francil A. Morris, who outlined Adams’ journey in athletics from the Slack’s Pre-School to the Cayon Primary School, then the Cayon High School, then to college in Houston Texas. Special mention was made of Coach Eric Francis who was instrumental in molding Adams to his present state.
Some of Adams’ Career Highlights include:
2007 – Carifta Games 4 X 100 Senior Boys – Bronze Medalist – Turks & Caicos
2010 – National Champion 100m & 200m – Gold Medalist – St. Kitts
2011 – World Championship 4 x 100 Males – Bronze Medalist- South Korea
Pan-American Games 4 x 100 Males – Silver Medalist- Mexico
Qualified for World Indoor Championship – Turkey (Did not compete)
2012 – Big Bank Series Indoor 60 m – Gold Medalist – Estonia
Big Bank Series Outdoor 100m & 200m – Gold Medalist – Estonia
National Champion – 100m & 200m – Gold Medalist – St. Kitts
London 2012 Olympic – 100m & 200m – Semi-finalist – England
Present Ranking
- World ranking - #32 - 100m & 200m
- NACAC ranking - #22 - 100m
- #13 - 200m
Adams who is presently home on a break from his professional athletic career, flanked by his family members was quite elated by the out pouring of love and commendation given by the various ministries within the congregation. Sunday School Superintendent, Mrs. Murlita Percival spoke on behalf of the Sunday School Ministry. She recalled what a delight it was to teach Antoine in Sunday School. She stated that he was always well behaved and attentive and she always knew that he’ll do great things in life. Youth Leader, Mrs. Tracey Herbert commended Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Adams for the stability and strong support they have given to their son. She applauded Antoine for remaining focus inspite of the numerous obstacles. She further impressed up Antoine to press forward to greater achievements in the future. Women’s Ministry President, Mrs. Eulynis Morton, stated how proud she is of Antoine. Noting that she and Antoine share the same birth date, makes him even more special to her. In her presentation, she demonstrated how her household came to a standstill and how she shouted every time Antoine had a race as if he was within her hearing. Men’s Ministry Leader, Pastor Solomon Morton, in giving congratulatory remarks, sported a polo shirt bearing an image of Antoine during the London 2012 Olympics with the words “We are proud of You”
Antoine was then presented with a plaque by an upcoming athlete, Daniel Browne. The plaque bore the inscription: ‘The Cayon Church of God salutes Mr. Antoine Adams for his outstanding performance during the London 2012 Olympics, Given on the 16th day of September, 2012. Hebrews 12:1 …. run with endurance the race that is set before you”.
This was followed by remarks from Antoine’s aunt Edris who expressed her love and support for her nephew. She humoured the congregation about the added joy to her wedding day on August 4, when Antoine was running in London.
Final congratulations and prayer for Antoine’s protection, good health and continued success was offered by Rev. Benjamin Browne. Rev. Browne remarked that Antoine has made us all proud and how impressed he was with Antoine’s sincere determination and serious efforts to work hard to achieve his goals.
He encouraged Antoine to go forward with the same spirit and zeal.
In response to the recognition given, Antoine expressed his sincere thanks to the Pastor and members of the congregation for their love and support. He noted that the journey has not been easy, but the strong support from his family and Coach Francis has propelled him to attain the success he enjoys today. He asked the members of the church to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he move to the next level in his professional career.
At the end of the morning’s service, members and visitors expressed how pleased they were with the gesture of recognizing Antoine on National Heroes’ Day and wish Antoine more success in all his future endeavours.
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