Curtis Morton
The St. Kitts-Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA) held a press conference at the Sports Department in Nevis on Monday 14th May.
Chairing the proceedings was the Director of Sports, Mr. Jamir Claxton, who welcomed all present and informed that a grand announcement will be made shortly and he then turned it over to the President of the SKNAAA, Mr. Valentine VAL Henry, for him to make the announcement.
The pronouncement as made by President Henry was like music to the ears of the athletic fan base on Nevis.
Mr. Henry informed that his association will be hosting a national event at the Nevis Athletic stadium or the Mondo track on Sunday 27th May.
This will be in the form of a club championships relay event.
He pointed out that the SKNAAA is anxious to assist in the development of Athletics on Nevis and will aid in not only hosing more development meets; national meets and even regional competitions at the Mondo track but will also aid in the development and training of Coaches athletes and track officials.
Member of the SKNAAA, Mr. Shirmon Caines had the opportunity to give more details on the upcoming event.
He stated that the meet will commence at 1pm with an admission fee of $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under the age of 12.
There are some nine clubs from St. Kitts and Nevis participating in the event. These include: Tonics; Extreme Velocity; Pace Setters; Trail Blazers; Fast Switch; Gladiators; Titans and Over the Top.
The categories in which athletes will compete are as follows: Open category-16 years and older; under 16 and under 13.
Male and female athletes will compete in the following races: 100; 200; 400; 800; 1200; 1500; 4X100 meters and 4X400 meters; long jump; high jump; javelin; discus and shot put.
Minister responsible for Sports, Hon. Eric Evelyn, was also on hand and stated that he was elated and excited about the upcoming event.
‘It is fantastic news for Nevis,’ he stated. He noted that when he was approached by President Henry, he immediately loved the idea and when he tabled it at the cabinet session, his colleagues unanimously agreed.
He opined that the track could be the breeding ground for world class athletes.
He used the opportunity to invite ‘the whole of St.Kitts and Nevis.’