Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 15, 2016 (SKNIS): The Department of Sports Excellence Awards held at Government House on Wednesday (July 13), recognized exceptional primary and secondary school students and also extended commendation to hardworking staff members.
In recognizing the hard work of the staff, the Honourable Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, reflected on the theme of the event “Empowering through Sports,” stating that it is a testament to the hard work, dedication and diligence of the Department of Sports staff.
“The awards are as much a celebration of the work of the department as it is a recognition of students’ achievements,” said the Minister of Sports. “Coaches grind out long, sometimes thankless hours and miles of wear and tear, as they perform their duties in the schools. We recognize, celebrate and show appreciation to the work of the Department.”
Minister Richards said that the work of the Department does not end with the coaches because the drivers, groundsmen, auxiliary and clerical staff, park keepers, and the Director also played a critical role in bringing the awards ceremony to fruition.
One such honoree was Joan Claxton, who serves as an auxiliary staff member in the Department of Sports. She was awarded as the Auxiliary Staff of the Year. She expressed gratitude to the Department for recognizing her as an exceptional worker and thanked her dedicated team, as well as Anthony Wiltshire, Director of Sports and Jeffrey Hazel, Deputy Director.
Ms. Claxton made a plea for the public to respect the stadiums and keep them clean since often times people take her work for granted but it is not an easy task.
“You will find people just drop things on the floor or if they use the bathroom they don’t flush the toilet, so we keep checking periodically to see if they are clean,” she said. “I feel privileged and honoured to be a part of a team and I feel especially privileged that when people come into the facility and everything is spic and span it makes me feel a joy of accomplishment.”
His Excellency, Sir. S. W. Tapley Seaton, Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis, hailed Ms. Claxton’s performance as outstanding.
“I am glad to see someone like Joan recognized, whom I know as one of the tireless workers,” said the Governor-General. “You can always depend on her. I saw her in action at the park at several activities this year. She keeps the place clean and she is responsible for everything.”
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