Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 07, 2008
Minister of State responsible for Sport Hon. Richard Skerritt has congratulated local sprint star Kim Collins for winning his first indoor medal; a feat which local athletic officials says is unprecedented for a St. Kitts and Nevis athlete competing in an international event.
Collins, clocked an official time of 6.54 seconds in the 60 meter final of the World Indoor Championships in Valencia. The time earned him a share for second place along with British sprinter Dwain Chambers.
Minister Skerritt told SKNIS that he was delighted when he heard the news. He said that the Government and people of the twin-island Federation are proud of Collins for exhibiting the grit and determination typical of locals when they are chasing goals. This hinted at the injuries that sidelined the sprinter for many events in the past two years.
The Minister of State highlighted the successful hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 and other regional events such as CARIFESTA VII as evidence that the country and its people are capable of great things.
Minister Skerritt also referred to the upcoming CARIFTA Games slated to be held in St. Kitts later this month (March 21-24) and said that this should serve as an inspiration for local athletes. Minister Skerritt wished Collins well in his future contests and assured him of the support of the Government and people.
Collins also enjoyed success at the Gaz De France event placing first. He competed in this track meet as a prelude to the Valencia indoor games.
Correction on this, Collins has won another indoor medal before.