CHARLESTOWN Nevis, March 31st 2011 - A press conference was held yesterday at the Red Cross building in Charlestown to officially launch the annual mega event dubbed the mini Olympics of Nevis. That is when the Primary schools on Nevis meet to showcase their skills in athletics.
The press conference was chaired by Mr. Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron, member of the Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA). In his opening remarks, he thanked the participating schools, coaches and parents for their support of the mega event throughout the 19 years of its existence.
Representative of main sponsor Gulf Insurance - the local company based on Main Street in Charlestown, Mr. Arthur Evelyn noted that his company is bent on improving the environment on the island both intellectually and otherwise. He said he felt gratified in the presenting the cheque on behalf of his company – a cheque which was guaranteed since last year by the company’s chairman. He noted to much applause that the cheque was valued 35,000.00 EC and that future sponsorship and amounts would most likely be guided by whatever business is generated by the local company in the coming years. President of the NAAA Mr. Lester Blackette accepted the cheque.
Chairman Byron lauded the company on its contribution to the mega event and noted that except for CULTURAMA no one contributor’s cheque to a local event would be so great.
LIME representative, Mr. Clyde Nisbett then explained his company’s contribution to the event throughout the years: Provision of direct lines at the pavilion and finish line; top up of hand held phones for officials in law enforcement, medical staff and other officials and provision of lines for live streaming of the event. He pledged his company’s continued support of the mega event and wished this year’s meet every success.
A video interview between Mr. Gerard Lee Inniss (Chairman and CEO of Gulf Insurance in Trinidad) and the company’s Manager, Mr. John Bartley, was shown. During this interview, both gentlemen were high in praise of the event and the way it was organized each year. They also indicated that the company got involved in the sponsorship deal through the instrumentality of Mr. Arthur Evelyn who was approached by Lester Blackette. They wished all of the participating schools well and pledged that once plans are finalized to complete an international track on Nevis, that the company will make a contribution to the cause.
NAAA chief Lester Blackette thanked all of the sponsors and the schools and noted that next year will be the 20th anniversary of the event and indicated that plans are afoot to introduce field events as part of the grand meet. He noted that he is hoping and planning towards Nevis realizing the dream of an international track by 2013. He also stated that the April 6th event will be brought live on at least two radio stations; streamed live via the internet and brought live on television compliments of Caribbean Cable Communications.
Minister responsible for Sports, Hon Hensley Daniel noted that the Primary School competition has reached a crescendo and stated that based on what he observed during the individual sports meets of the various schools, there was no clear frontrunners this year. He congratulated all of the students, parents, Teachers, Coaches and sponsors for their sterling efforts and singled out high praise for the contributions of Gulf Insurance. He hinted that the company could choose give 20,000.00 US next year in celebration of the 20th year of the event.
He was also high in praise for main organizer Lester Blackette who he referred to as ‘The great grandfather of the InterPrimary meet’ and stated that he must have adopted the motto of the Boeing Company: “Forever new horizons’.
He promised that his government will continue to make plans for an international track and promised that this would become a reality before the students who are now in grade one, get to grade six. ‘Only the best team will win’, he stated emphatically.
A question and answer period ensued when journalist and others present were able to ask pertinent questions. It was also revealed that a registration of athletes has already been completed one week in advance of the event. Adrian Williams was also lauded for his recent exploits with the Javelin and a note was made of the support required for the Lydia Claxton breast Cancer fund which will be officially launched at the mega event.
The event is set to commence promptly at 12.00 noon sharp and the usual public half holiday is greatly anticipated.
