Athletic meet dismal despite star attraction

You would think having a rare opportunity to see Olympic Qualifier and world ranked high jumper Darvin Edwards compete on St Lucian soil, would attract more spectators than usual to the George Odlum Stadium/Hospital. Not a hope in hell.
As usual, spectatorship was dismal at Saturday’s St Lucia Athletic Association (SLAA) League Challenge/World Athletic Day celebration. In addition, the athletes themselves did not turn out in large numbers.
President of the SLAA, Cornelius Breen was extremely disappointed with the attendance of the athletes and their respective clubs and schools. He feels coaches need to do more to encourage athletes to come out and compete.
Breen was also hot under the collar due
to the fact the association was forced to cancel
the boys and girls shot put event, due to the
height of the grass (weeds) on the field or in this case pasture.
It was not all doom and gloom for the president. He complimented Edwards for not only his presence at the stadium, but encouraging the other competitors in high jump which resulted in
Asa Lionel recording a personal best of 1.90 m in the event.
Following are the winners of the various events. 80 metre (m) girls: Shakima Alphonse, 11.17; 80 m boys: Ibedregus  Sealy, 8.47; 80 metre WAD girls, Stephanie Evans 10.83; 80 m Wad boys, Vincent London, 10.27.
Women’s high jump: Sharnique Leonce, 1.65 m; boys WAD high jump, Ryan Paul, 1.60 m; mens high jump, Darvin Edwards,
2.05 m.
Girls long jump, Shamalyn Albert, 4.99 m; boys long jump, Darren Defreitas, 6.70 m.
Women’s 100 m, Verlyn Taylor, 12.53; men’s 100 m, Joel Jules, 10.64; girls 100 m WAD, Gabrielle Tobierre, 12.53; women’s 400 m; Beverly Ann Hippolyte, 1:03.42; men’s 400 m, Joel Jules, 47.40; women’s  800 m, Kamillah Monroque, 2:36.69; men’s 800 m, Marbeq Edgard, 1:59.36; women’s 4×200 m relay, Pace Setters, 1:47.33; men’s 4×200 m relay, Pace Setters, 1:30.13; girls 3,000 m WAD walk, first place tie between Sherphy Emmanuel and Britney Grumberg, 27.07.90; boy’s 3,000 m walk, Marun Joseph, 22.00.03; boys 100 m WAD, Kinto Goulab, 11.71; 4×100 m WAD girls,
Pace Setters, 52.15; 4×100 m WAD boy’s, Pace Setters, 52.42.
What’s next for the SLAA? On Sunday at
Mindoo Phillip Park, the association is staging the 19th edition of the First National Bank 13 and Under Juvenile Track and Field Championships.