Two athletes who won medals at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru were recently recognized and rewarded by the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc at its headquarters at La Clery. High jumper Levern Spencer, who defended her title at the Games with a gold medal, and Albert Reynolds with a bronze in javelin, were recipients of a monetary prize from the SLOC Inc. This is in keeping with the SLOC’s incentive scheme whereby it provides prize money to athletes who win a medal at major games.
In congratulating both athletes, President of the SLOC Inc Fortuna Belrose said: “Every year the Olympic Committee evaluates its plans as it looks towards the future for sports. This year, of course, is no exception. We did have a very great year in terms of the work happening within the organisation, as well as the performances from our athletes. We are grateful that we are able to have the two athletes who made us proud this year and are in our presence this morning to receive their awards.”
Belrose referred to Spencer as a rare athlete who, over the years, has demonstrated persistence and perseverance, and is someone of whom Saint Lucia is proud. She presented Spencer with a cheque for $10,000 for her gold medal performance at the Pan American Games.
Spencer, who was recently named the first-ever SLHTA Goodwill Ambassador, thanked the SLOC Inc. Looking back at the Pan American Games she said: “I defended my title as Pan American champion. It was a challenge considering the weather and everything that was taking place on the ground. I tried staying positive and focused and went out there and put my best foot forward . . . I just wanted to go out there and represent Saint Lucia the best possible way I know how.”
Spencer thanked the SLOC Inc for recognizing her performance and that of Reynolds in a tangible way. She said: “I do appreciate small gestures and will continue working hard, and look forward to 2020 when hopefully I will represent Saint Lucia at the Olympics and see where it takes us from there.”
Reynolds received a cheque for $5,000 from the SLOC Inc President for his bronze medal at the Pan American Games. Describing his performance at the Games, Belrose said: “Albert told us he would give it his best shot. On the day of competition, or even the day before, everyone could have seen the determination on his face. So Albert, we are very grateful that you came back with a bronze and, by doing so, inspired a lot of youngsters to get involved in the art of throwing the javelin. We commend you, we congratulate you and hope you will continue because next year is the Olympics and, of course, you can get there.”
Reynolds appreciated the kind gesture from the SLOC Inc and, when reflecting on the Games, spoke about what he went through: “I had some doubts heading into the season, in terms of preparation and how well I would be able to execute at the time.”
He mentioned having a strained muscle in his bicep and remarked, “It posed a threat to me participating at the Pan American Games but I still remained determined. I mean, we as athletes always have some injuries and we always pull through.”
He continued: “In spite of the conditions at Lima, I knew that I could have done something spectacular for myself, my country. I just want everyone to know that in Saint Lucia we can produce; we do have athletes here. We complain about what we don’t have and tend to forget what we do have.”
