Olympic Day Run was a family affair

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]unday’s Olympic Day Run was a family affair, as athletes, parents and friends turned out for this annual event in observance of Olympic ideals, organized by the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc.

Inclement weather delayed the start of the run which began shortly after 7:30 am near the Castries Market. From there participants mad their way along city streets then north along the John Compton Highway, then after reaching the Vigie Roundabout proceeded along Nelson Mandela Drive, when past George FL Charles Airport, circled back and finished the run at the SLOC Inc Building located at La Clery across from the Massy supermarket.

Commenting on the day’s activity, President of the SLOC Inc, Fortuna Belrose said: “As we said Olympic Day celebrations is about celebrating the best in all of us. And so what we sought to do, is engage our members in a run this morning and of course the turnout has been good. We had over 500 runners and walkers. Of course it is not only about walking and running, but encouraging people to stay healthy and to give their best. It is not only about the distance and the speed, but the fact is they were able to finish the course. I think most persons were able to do that and that’s what we wanted.”

She went on to say: “Of course the bigger issue for us as an Olympic Committee, is for people to really embrace Olympic values which is about being successful, staying committed to a cause, giving of your best consistently and that’s what we want for our society.”

Commenting on St. Lucia’s team for the upcoming CAC Games, Belrose said: “I think we are quite elated with the team. We have chosen the best from St. Lucia, particularly with respect to swimming and track and field.”

Surprisingly, Olympian Janelle Scheper is not among the athletes on the team going to the CAC Games. When asked about that Belrose replied: “The arrangements for the National track and field association is that athletes come home to compete for nationals before they make their national teams. I am not sure if she reported for that duty.”

Secretary General of the SLOC Inc, Alfred Emmanuel confirmed that Scheper did not compete at the National Track and Field Championships. He said: “Standards were set and those going [to CAC Games] met the standards. Those who are off the team did not meet the standards based on the given deadline. She was not at nationals but that was not a factor.”

The track and field athletes who met the qualifying standards for the CAC Games are high jumper Levern Spencer and Sandisha Antoine (long jump and triple jump) and Albert Reynolds (javelin).