Olympic Week celebrations

It’s still early but judging by what transpired at a recent press conference held at GIS Studio, the upcoming Olympic Day celebrations could be the best ever.

A very enthusiastic foursome from St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), briefed the media on plans for Olympic Week, which culminates June 30 at St Lucia’s sporting Mecca in Beausejour. Situated there is the multi-million dollar Beausejour Cricket Ground, National Tennis Centre and Indoor Facility.

Officials of the SLOC in attendance at the press conference were SLOC, President, Fortuna Belrose; Second Vice President, Ricardo Bowe; David “Shakes” Christopher and Jerome Girard. Ryan O’Brien who is the PRO for the SLOC chaired the proceedings.

Belrose presented an overview of plans for the observance of Olympic Week 2013. However, before doing so she spoke about the SLOC being looked upon “as an effective promoter and facilitator of sporting excellence using the values and virtues of Olympism that leads to the betterment of individuals, communities and St Lucia at large.”

The SLOC President pointed out that for some time now St Lucia has celebrated Olympic Day with the traditional Olympic Day Run along with presentations by various sporting associations. This time around the SLOC is planning to make the Olympic Day celebrations a grandiose affair.

Belrose said: “This year the SLOC is proposing a different approach to the organization of the event. This approach is focused on the involvement of a greater number of stakeholders, because the movement belongs to all of us and not just the affiliates of the SLOC, but it is St Lucia’s Olympic Committee and so the entire nation can be a part of that process with us.”

The Olympic Day Run/Fun Walk scheduled for June 30, has always been the highlight of Olympic Day celebrations. In the past hundreds have participated, however, this time around organizers hope to attract over 3,000 participants. Their target groups are schools, physical education teachers, national sports federations, corporations, families, the general public and government agencies.

The Olympic Day Run/Fun Walk is expected to get underway at about 6 am from Mega J following a route to the Beausejour Cricket Ground. Following a warm down session and breakfast, there will be several fun events taking place in and around the facilities at the BCG, along with demonstrations by various sports federations throughout the day.

It is not all fun and sports. Several performers are expected to keep the crowd entertained.

Christopher who is on the organizing committee said: “It is a full day of activities encompassing all of our federations. We want to showcase them. This is a day when we are going to sell sport from the SLOC standpoint to the public.”

During Olympic Week there will be an exhibition display on the ground floor of the Blue Coral Mall showcasing memorabilia from the Olympic Movement, along with projects submitted by schools. The public will also get the opportunity to meet the new executive of the SLOC.