On Thursday (today) St Lucia’s top pole vault prospects and coaches left the island for Reno, Nevada, to attend the National Pole Vault Summit.

The participants include Shem Edward, 17, of Malgretoute, Mon Repos, who was the 2009 CARIFTA Gold medallist in the men’s Under-20 division; and Rick Valcin, 20, of La Croix Maingot, who was the 2009 CARIFTA Silver Medallist and national champion.

Valcin will be flying to the summit from Cowley College in Kansas, where he has just commenced studies while on a pole vault scholarship. Two local coaches, Clivus Jules of Grand Riviere Dennery and Andre Rodney of Malgretoute Mon Repos, will also be attending the summit. They are accompanied by US Peace Corps Volunteer and coach, Andy Behl. This annual grass-roots developmental clinic encourages pole vaulters of all skill levels and promotes the safety of the sport. Summit participants are divided into categories for beginners, high school, college, masters and elite, for activities, lectures and drills with special sessions for coaches and parents.

This structure provides a “learn by doing” environment that is overseen by members of the National Men’s and Women’s Pole Vault Development staff, including the finest coaches from around the globe. This event will provide the opportunity to display the raw talent of our Lucian athletes while forging relationships with club and university coaches in the US that will continue to grow with increased development of the sport in St. Lucia. The program also hopes to tour university and high school programs throughout the week to pick up new ideas and perspectives on development here in St Lucia. Very special appreciation must be shown for the support of the Micoud District Representative Jeannine Compton, the Taiwanese Embassy, the St Lucia Athletics Association, our Castries Market Street Vault sponsors and now NSP Productions in Vieux Fort for their support with travel and competition shirts for the program.