Under the theme ‘In Pursuit of Excellence on and off the Field’, one of Saint Lucia’s most successful track and field clubs recently held its Awards Ceremony at the Resource Centre in Gros Islet. In addition to the Elite Track and Field Club hierarchy that included President Dona Emmanuel, special guests included Gros Islet parliamentary representative Lenard Montoute and his wife Barbara; plus 2018 Sportsman of the Year and guest speaker, Albert Reynolds who is also a member of this elite club.
Following the national anthem and prayer by Shanice Kirton, the proceedings got underway with opening remarks from President Emmanuel. She reflected on the year 2019, highlighting a number of the club’s achievements, including another successful staging of the Elite Track and Field Meet.
Following a performance by the highly entertaining Silver Shadow Dancers under the direction of Barry George, Reynolds, who placed third at the recent Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, fulfilled his role. The young athletes, many of whom he’s interacted with through coaching, listened intently to what the guest speaker had to say.
Afterwards Reynolds told me: “I was delighted to be the guest speaker. All the athletes I have trained and also spoken to, I always iterated to them that it is not always over in spite of the plans that we have. You just continue striving because, who knows, sometimes what you thought was your worst may turn out to be your best.”
Following his speech, which was well received, Silver Shadow Dancers made a second appearance with a contemporary piece.
Following are the various awards presented that evening. Certificate of participation and membership: presented to all athletes who competed during the last season or are current active members.
National Representation Award: recognizes athletes who made a national team during the season. This year one athlete represented the country with distinction at the Pan American Games and World Championships — Albert Reynolds.
Commitment Award: bestowed on an athlete who faced several obstacles to his training but persevered through them. This year’s recipient lives in Soufriere and stays back to train. When he is unable to stay back, he is in constant contact with the coaches for his workouts so he can train on his own. Recipient — Zaine James.
Special Recognition Award: presented to an athlete(s) who has achieved something noteworthy, on or off the track. In the past, the club recognized members who become certified umpires in cricket and achievements in the arts. This year’s award went to an athlete who won her school’s road race for the third consecutive year — Tesley Lesporis.
Records Award: this recognizes members who set new records during the season. Recipients — Armani Modeste for setting a new Elite Games record of 50.24 s in the 400m, and Reynolds for smashing the national record in the javelin and setting a new record of 82.19m. Also recognized were four young men who set a new 4 x 300m relay record of 2:30:06 at the Elite Games: Ethan James, Rowell St. Omer, Joshua Gabriel and Zaine James.
Work Ethic Award: awarded to an athlete who has shown tremendous maturity over the last two years. This year’s recipient is always at practice and always gives an honest effort. He is concerned about his progress and is always communicating with the coaches about ways and strategies to improve his performance. He is becoming a student of the sport and that will only help with his continued development. Recipient — Vincent Mitchell.
Leadership Award. there were two individuals the coaches felt demonstrated outstanding leadership through the year. These two persons led warm-up and cool-down activities on a regular basis. They took charge in the coach’s absence and were regular and punctual for practice. Recipients — Vincent Mitchell and Rowell St Omer.
Academic Awards: Elite Track and Field Club believes in the holistic development of its athletes. The club also understands the importance of promoting academic and athletic excellence. As a result, in addition to athletic awards, it recognizes athletes for their academic achievements at the primary, secondary and tertiary level. The Primary School Academic Award went to Tesley Lesporis who earned an average of 89.45. The recipient of the Secondary School Academic Award was Anya Lubin who earned an average of 82.6. The Tertiary Award was presented Armani Modeste who earned three grade ones and one grade three.
Most Improved Athlete of the Year: this athlete had personal best times in both of his events and was consistent throughout the year. His best improvement came with an almost two-second improvement in the 400m, from 54 secs to 52 secs, and almost one-second improvement in the 200m (legal time). He was also a member of the record breaking 4 x 300m relay team at the Elite Games. Recipient — Rowell St Omer.
Fourteen-and-under Female Athlete of the Year: this athlete had a very good 2019 season. Her achievements include runner-up at 400m at her school’s inter-house meet; 300m champion at the Elite Games; runner-up in pentathlon at the 14-and-under Games Northern Qualifiers and finals; and fourteen-and-under long jump champion at the Independence Games. This athlete showed tremendous improvement throughout the season, achieving personal best performances several times during the year. Recipient — Shanice Kirton.
Fourteen-and-under Male Athlete of the Year: this athlete won the 80m, 150m and 300m at his school’s inter-house meet. He was the 9-10 year champion in the 80m and 150m at the Elite Games, runner-up in the 150m at the 14-and-under Games and champion at the 300m. Recipient — D’Andre Isidore.
Junior Male Athlete of the Year: despite having an up and down season, he was the Elite Invitational Games Champion at 400m, setting a new Games record of 50.24s. He placed third in the 200m at Elite Games and was runner-up in the 400m at the National Championships. Recipient — Armani Modeste.
Senior Female Athlete of the Year: the 2019 season was this athlete’s first competitive season with Elite. She was the winner of the 100m and 200m at her inter-house sports meet, champion at 100m at Elite Games and runner-up at 200m. She was also the runner-up in the 100m and 200m at the Inter-school Athletics Championships. At the National Championships this sprinter was runner-up in the 200m and fourth in the 100m, setting personal records several times during the season. Recipient — Jola Felix.
Senior Male Athlete of the Year: The 2018 Sportsman of the Year had a sterling 2019 season, going undefeated on the local scene. He set a national record in his event on his way to winning a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and competing at the World Championships. He coached young upcoming athletes and serves as a role model to them. Recipient — Albert Reynolds.
