BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Apr. 04.2018 – DESPITE not every athlete medaling at the 2018 CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas, the entire team received a rousing welcome home yesterday (Apr. 3).
The entire delegation was welcomed back to the federation by Minister of Sport, Shawn Richards, Director of Sport, Anthony Wiltshire, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Stanley Knight, amongst other government officials and parents.
While competing against some of the region’s top junior talent, the Federation’s athletes were able to secure four medals – with 13-year-old Trishanni Warner being the standout with a Gold Medal in the Girls Under-17 800 meters.
In commending the athletes, Minister Richards congratulated the parents for the support that they have given to the athletes urging them to continue to provide that backing the children need.
“You have recognized that with the support they can reach far, very, very far,” he emphasized
He urged the athletes to continue to train and develop themselves, assuring that they will reap success from their hard work.
President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletics Association, Val Henry, who travelled with the team, said participating in the meet was an extremely difficult endeavor.
Henry commended those who travelled to the event but were unable to compete owing to ailment or injuries, including Leroy Chapman, Jahnaza Francis and Timothy Caines.
The president believes that the gender balance of the team proved the decisive factor for the success this year.
He noted that many of the athletes were able to compete at the last call.
“I am grateful for their participation,” he said.
This year, the federation won gold in the Girls Under-17 800 meters, bronze in the Boys Under-17 4x400 meter relays, bronze in the Girls Under-20 4x400 meter relay and bronze in the 400 Hurdle.
President Henry revealed that they will soon be rolling out a new training plan for the CARIFTA athletes, as they seek to keep the bunch together for development and enhancement.
