By:St. Clair Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)-Athletes of the Charlestown Secondary School and the Gingerland Secondary School journeyed over to the neighboring island of St. Kitts this past weekend and took part in the Inter High School Athletics Meet 2016.
The event took place at the Kim Collins National Stadium on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th March 2016. Upon their return on Monday morning, the athletes spoke about the experience and their performances.
Leroy Chapman, a fifteen year old student at the Gingerland Secondary School indicated that he was proud of what he had achieved. He pointed out that he placed second in the 800 and 400 meters, but the highlight for him was the 400 meters. Leroy stated that even though he did not place first, the race was keenly contested between himself and the winner, Tahj Liburd. He continued, “The race was basically between myself and Tahj because he has been my competition for the entire year”. Chapman thanked the almighty God for giving him the talent to run as well; and the school who gave him the chance to compete. He also thanked coaches such as Shirmon Caines, Kurvin Wallace and Shefton Daniel for the assistance given to him leading up the meet.
Thirteen year old Joshelle Weekes of the Charlestown Secondary School, also spoke about her experience. She stated that she participated in the 400 meters and came second in that event. She also took part in the javelin competition and placed second in that field. However, she went on to win the gold in the shot put event. Joshelle pointed out, that she did shot put for heats in Nevis but she was able to accomplish first in St. Kitts because she increased her distance in throwing. She said the training that she received at afternoons prior to the meet in St. Kitts, was the prime reason why her distance throwing had escalated. Joshelle is also a member of the Titans Track Club. In closing, the young athlete commended Mr. Caines, Mr. Wallace and Jeffery for assisting them with extra training at afternoons.
Star athlete, Marcus Dubbery whose name has become synonymous with athletics in recent times, also spoke about his experience. Dubbery is fifteen years of age and is a student of the Charlestown Secondary School. He indicated, that he has been participating in the event for the past 4 years. In this year’s meet, he took part in the 100 and 200 meters as well as the 4×1 and 4×4 relays. Marcus stated that he placed second in the 200 meters event, but was victorious in the 100 meters. He also pointed out that his team won both relays. However, when asked what the main highlight was for him, Dubbery said the 4×4 relay when Tahj Liburd had to make up quite some distance but eventually edged out the athlete close to the finish line and gave the team victory. He thanked the school for the opportunity given as well as family, friends and the many well wishers who rallied behind him and the other athletes.
Mario Phillip, a tutor at the Charlestown Secondary School who accompanied the team to St. Kitts, said he was very happy with the school’s overall performance. He noted that they did a lot of work in prepping the athletes for the meet. Phillip indicated that the athletes gave their very best, and a few could not even stand up when they reached back to the athletes section, demonstrating how hard they had competed. Mr. Phillip said he would like to thank those who assisted the school through sponsorship but special mention must be made of Deon& Associates, Nevis Multi Line Service, the Agricultural Department and the market vendors. In closing, Phillip said the school placed in 4th position but next year they will be coming bigger and better.
Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School, Mr. Edison Elliott also spoke on what transpired over the waters. He stated that he was proud of what the school had achieved because it came on the heel of a number of other activities and it was extremely challenging. Mr. Elliott pointed out that the school just took part in the Leeward Islands Debating Competition, and recently had their own Sports Day which caused them major expenses.
He pointed out that just after the Inter High Meet, will be the Giant Malt Cricket League and it is very difficult to stay on top of these activities. He stated that it takes huge sums of money to run these different competitions, but they are up to the challenges. Mr. Elliott indicated, that some of the students are participating in these activities for the very first time and you never know what hidden talent you have until you participate. In conclusion, the Principal said that the school has gotten 4th position a few times and they are now looking forward to breaking into the top three.