Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis – July 26, 2007
For Immediate Publice Release
The developmental programmes of the Department of Sport and sporting associations continue to bear fruit.
The most recent accomplishment by a national athlete on the international scene occurred on Wednesday (June 25) at the XV Pan American Games being held in Rio, Brazil. In the Men’s 1500 meter final, Masai Jeffers ran a time of 4:09.47 minutes to break the junior national record of 4:10.12 set by Randolph Ronnie Davis in 1983.
Jeffers, 17, was the youngest athlete in the race. The contest was won by Brazil’s Hudson Souza who is 30 years old.
Minister of State with responsibility for Sports Hon. Richard Skerritt was excited by the news and noted that the young man has great potential that is being nurtured in a strategic way. He noted that it was important for public and private sector agencies to continue partnering to ensure the full potential of local athletes is realized.
This kind of partnership was evident at two functions held on Thursday. The first was held at the practice batting facilities at Warner Park.
Mahesh Nariani of Sun Island Clothes Uniforms Unlimited presented the Department of Sports with practice uniforms, polo shirts and warm up attire for use by the Under-13 national team. The gear will be used by the team as they prepare for an upcoming Invitational tournament slated to begin on August 20.
Acting Director of Sports Dave Connor told SKNIS that his department was grateful for the contributions of the Nariani family which has funded the Sam Nariani Cricket School of Excellence programme for the past 12 years.
Cable and Wireless also renewed its support for the 12th annual Summer Football Programme. A ceremony was held at the company’s recreation ground to officially welcome the 65 participants to the two-week programme.
“You are the ones that make us sponsor this (camp) every year,” Vice President of Communications and Marketing Laverne Caines told the students, adding that they may develop into professional athletes as many persons such as noted personalities like Atiba Harris and George “Yellowman” Isaac.
Ms. Caines encouraged the young men and women to choose positive role models and aspire to greater heights.
Permanent Secretary of Sports Lloyd Lazar thanked Cable and Wireless for its unwavering support. He mentioned that sports is a wonderful developmental tool which teaches discipline and leadership skills, noting that Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor and Minister Skerritt were renowned sportsmen.
Mr. Lazar added that the sustainability of the programme was assured as some persons who graduated from this programme have returned to give back to the community through this event.