BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER a sterling performance at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Men 4X100 Relay team returned to their homeland to the warm greetings of government officials and family members.
Three members of that team, Jason Rogers, Antoine Adams and Delwayne Delaney arrived at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Tuesday (Sept. 6) afternoon where a welcoming ceremony was held at the VIP Lounge.
The two other athletes of the team are sprint ace Kim Collins and anchor Brijesh Lawrence; the former is scheduled to return to the island shortly while the latter has reportedly returned to university.
Members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA), the St. Kitts-Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) as well as Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas, Deputy Prime Minister Sam T. Condor and Minister of Sports Glen Phillip were on-hand to personally congratulate the young men for their achievement.
Clocking a time of 38.47 seconds, the St. Kitts-Nevis team was edged out by first place winners Jamaica and Silver medallists France, but captured the Bronze medal, proving that it was indeed a team to be reckoned with.
After all, their performance ranked them the third fastest Men’s 4X100 team in the world.
While the athletes sat and rested themselves from their near 24-hour journey home, the attendees of the ceremony sang their praises, placing particular emphasis on the athletes’ tremendous feat.
“I want to first congratulate the team; and when I say the team, I am not just referring to our celebrity athletes or our world-class athletes,” Minister Phillip expressed.
He noted that through their performance, the team members continue to cause a sense of pride and patriotism rest upon the hearts of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Your class, your courage, your commitment have withstood the test of time and we are so ever proud of the performance. You continue to make us shed tears of pride and, most importantly, your accomplishments will inspire our young people to be like you or even greater. To all of our athletes, you competed extraordinarily well, putting all your efforts and more. And in doing so, you have proved to St. Kitts and Nevis there is an emerging sporting powerhouse, not only of the region but of the world. You can therefore hold your heads high having worn the Federation’s colours with pride and respect.”
Expressing the sentiments of others, Minister Phillip asked the men to take up their responsibility as ambassadors of the country as well as to continue being fitting examples for the nation’s youth.
“Gentlemen, I have just one request and that is you must convert what you have gained from the games into a future of youth advocacy, prosperity for your homes, your communities, country and the world.”
According to the Minister, his ministry is organising a fitting reward for the athletes.
“…While I am on this note, I would like to say that the Ministry of Sports has put together a task force, not only endorsing our players, but coming up with some complimentary gifts so that we can really acknowledge their contribution that they have made to the nation and the history of sports in St. Kitts Nevis.”
The athletes have indicated that while they are somewhat cognisant of their accomplishment, it still has yet to set in and they have promised to work towards greater achievements.
