BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE 18 athletes who represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the just-concluded 2015 Special Olympic Summer Games arrived to a rousing welcome yesterday afternoon (Aug. 4) at the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport.
Led by National Director Special Olympics Ivor Blake, the athletes and support staff were greeted in the VIP Lounge by a relatively large contingent that included Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy; Health Minister the Hon. Wendy Phipps and other Senior Government officials; as well as parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the athletes.
Providing a brief report on the athletes’ performance, Blake said the contingent had won 23 medals competing in four disciplines – Track and Field, Tennis, Aquatics and BOCE.
“Each athlete has come back here with a medal. Our medal count is as follows: We had 11 gold, 10 silver and two bronze; and for a team of 18 that is absolutely outstanding. We were the envy of many countries…wondering what we were doing with such a small group and winning so many medals.”
He stated that there were thousands of athletes from 165 countries at the Games and many of them had held discussions with their counterparts from the twin-island Federation.
“A lot of the athletes have some stories from individuals from other countries asking what’s going on and what are we doing different. But it was all of our hard work, dedication and support of the parents and all the fans here that really pushed them on. And the coaches that were there really supported and helped them to perform the way they did.”
Blake commended the athletes on their noteworthy performance and thanked them for making the nation proud.
“I want to thank them again. It’s all about the athletes, it’s all about inclusion and acceptance for the Special Olympic Movement. It’s all about supporting them and understanding that they are special in their own way, and they showing us in their own way how we should live together…”
Minister Phipps, on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, also congratulated the athletes.
“Congratulations to all our athletes, all our medallists, you have done St. Kitts and Nevis incredibly proud. I am also extending congratulations to the parents and guardians, because without you this was not going to be possible.”
She also congratulated all members of the support staff who travelled with the athletes to compete in the Games held in Los Angeles, California.
“I just wanted to congratulate you in everything that you do and in the simple ways that you may go about your lives, but also for the meaningful ways in which you enhance St. Kitts and Nevis in being wonderful ambassadors for us,” she told the athletes.
Minister Phipps noted that the Special Olympians had set a good example to other young people in terms of what is possible to showcase the good they could do, “because we hear so many negatives about our youth in St. Kitts and Nevis. These are examples for us to emulate!”
Past Special Olympics Chairman Lloyd Lazar also congratulated the athletes on their success.
He told them that they are special and have shown that they could compete against the best in the world and emerge winners.
Lazar charged the athletes to set high standards for themselves, to aim high and work well, “because when you have finished doing Special Olympics Games it helps you to become even better persons, even stronger persons and it helps you to make contributions to the nation and to yourself as well”.
In his address, Prime Minister Harris thanked the organisers for inviting him “so that we may give the national welcome to the heroes and heroines who represented St. Kitts and Nevis abroad”.
He, too, congratulated the Special Olympians, noting that their performances have been exceptional and that they have brought glory to St. Kitts and Nevis.
“They brought a large 23 medals to St. Kitts and Nevis. And to show that excellence is part of the ethos of what takes place at the Special Olympics, 11 of those medals, the largest number, were gold medals. It means that our young boys and young girls, who were part of the Special Olympics and part of our family of special needs children of our country, are shining,” he added.
Dr. Harris emphasised that notwithstanding the fact that they are differently-abled, it is not a bar to outstanding achievement and excellence.
“I am very pleased and happy to be associated with them and with this particular event…These, our Special Olympians, deserve every honour, every care and every attention. They brought care, attention, honour and acclaim to all of us of St. Kitts and Nevis, and for this we owe them a debt of gratitude.
“I am therefore delighted that we did not allow the moment to pass with our stars returning and no one was there to greet them. The national community deserves to provide them continuing support and acclaim. And so I am happy that so many of you came to the airport today and we were able to put this simple ceremony,” the Prime Minister said.
He declared that at a later date the line ministry would appropriately in a more celebrative way reflect the deep commitment and support of the Government and the nation for the athletes’ outstanding accomplishments.
Roger Crawford was the most outstanding among the athletes. He copped four of the 23 medals won at the Games – two gold, one silver and one bronze.
See related article for full details of medal winners.
