It was expected to be an indication of their strength and unity, when the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) staged their Olympic Day Run Sunday which incorporated a number of activities organized by National Federations.
The Olympic Day Run which is usually held from June 17-24 is an international Olympic Movement activity, promoting mass participation of sports organized by National Olympic Committees.
There are 19 National Federations affiliated to the SLOC, but only nine of them actually took part in sporting activities to help promote their particular discipline. One twist to this year’s proceedings, was staging the Olympic Day Run following the completion of all events rather than before.
Commenting on the day’s activities General Secretary of the SLOC, Alfred Emmanuel said: “In our opinion the day’s activities went according to plan. The affiliates did hang around, they did stuff and engaged the wider public in a number of sporting activities. At the end of it all, the affiliates did hold on to participate in the final event which was the run/walk.”
Emmanuel expressed satisfaction with display’s put on by the National Federations and said: “We hope it will serve as some kind of encouragement for some of our members, who did not see the need to take part in one way or another.”
When asked if there would be any penalties for National Federations who were absent he replied: “Well you see I am one who believes in let those who labour hold the reign but I am only one individual. When we talk penalize, I say no, but I am one individual who would look graciously on those who have participated and contributed to the success of the activity first before considering the others.”
The run/walk which got underway shortly after 4:00 pm attracted just over 200 participants. Not that it mattered, but long distance runner Jason Sayers was first to cross the finish line.
