Charlestown, Nevis - Friday 22nd October was a historic day for the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School in Gingerland. On that day the school hosted its first ever ‘Kids Athletics’.
Headmistress Mrs. Marion Lescott explained that it was scheduled as part of the school’s anniversary celebrations and was the brain child of the School’s premier Coach, Mr. Kurvin Wallace.
Coach Wallace explained that it was a demonstration of a wide variety of skills by the children as they had to participate in several disciplines, some of which they have not yet been exposed to at the Inter Primary level. An example of this was the HURDLES. Wallace explained that it was all about thinking big as he is hoping that one day some of the children will make it to the Olympics and he is introducing them to certain events on a small scale.
All of the participating schools and their respective students had to participate in events which involved three basic skills: Running, jumping and throwing.
A break down of the events included:
Throwing of the Javelin; squat jump; sprint; hurdles; shuttle relay; backward overhead throw; ladder run; cross jumping and the FORMULA ONE which involved a combination of events and an obstacle course.
Teachers and Coaches from all of the participating schools were utilized in observing the students as they exhibited their skills and points were awarded to grade their performance.
It was observed that the children were allowed to be very relaxed and compete at their own pace, as the aggressive, competitive atmosphere of the grand Inter Primary event was not present on that day.
Prior to the actual on the field events, a brief opening ceremony was held. Teacher Evelina Claxton invoked God’s presence on the proceedings, while three students from the school ably rendered the national anthem. Education Officer for the JLPS, Ms Andrea Bussue eloquently congratulated the Teachers and Coaches for their innovation and asked the students to seize the opportunity to aim for excellence. She however asked Coach Wallace to include the Special Education Unit, next time around.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Alstead Pemberton was also warm in his congratulations for the innovative idea. He also indicated how pleased he was to see the level of participation from the other schools and noted that this was one way for the students to forge lasting friendships.
Coach Kurvin Wallace then gave an overview of the day’s activities and the vote of thanks was delivered by Guidance Counsellor at the school, Ms Andie Neale.
At the end of the day when the scores were tabulated, the results read:
Charlestown Primary: 252.5 points
VOJN: 243 points
St.Thomas’ Primary: 240.5 points
Maude Cross Preparatory School: 231 points
Host School-JLPS: 230.5 points
Ivor Walters: 224 points
Elizabeth Pemberton Primary: 216
Coach Kurvin Wallace has indicated that based on the positive feedback, the event will definitely be slated annually on the school’s calendar of events.
