BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Kim Collins Track and Field Camp has ended but, although he expressed satisfaction with the hosting of the three-day event, “more support was needed”.
Speaking with SKNVibes on the final day of the camp, the former 100m champion described the event as “taxing”.
“I didn’t expect the turnout to be so large and the support that I expected was not available, so I had to do mostly everything on my own. I was really thinking that there would have been other persons here to assist and, because of that situation, it made it more difficult,” Collins said.
However, despite carrying the burden of hosting the camp for more than 90 participants, Collins declared that he was content with still being able to make it successful.
“I am satisfied with what I had to work with and what I’ve accomplished, but in terms of what I had in mind and what I could have done, I am not that satisfied with that aspect,” he explained.
One of the highlights of yesterday’s (Apr. 8) closing was the appearance of the international athletes who will be competing in today’s TDC/CARIB Brewery Kim Collins Invitational.
Among those present were American athletes, 110m hurdles specialist David Oliver, sprint star Joe Brown and long jump athlete Tianna Madison.
“The athletes came and they had a chance to speak with the participants, which was a very exciting moment for them. The children also had an opportunity to interact with these international Track and Field stars as well as getting autographs.
“What’s important to note is that the children from the camp will have the chance to compete on the same track as these athletes at the invitational meet tomorrow, and I think this will boost these kids confidence,” Collins added.
Today’s event will be held at the Silver Jubilee Stadium and starts at 5 p.m. with an opening ceremony, which will be followed by the races at 6 p.m.
According to Collins, “this invitational meet will be very exciting and entertaining as we have some of the top local athletes competing on the same stage as some of the world’s best”.
“Some persons think track and field is boring but tomorrow’s races will be done in quick succession, because we do not want to have patrons waiting on the next event. In this way we can keep the patrons motivated and interested,” Collins said.
Meanwhile, the overseas athletes all expressed their excitement about today’s event and promised that track and field fans would not be disappointed.
