[dropcap]B[/dropcap]y her own admission and in fact there is no denying it, this was one of the best years ever for world renowned high jumper Levern Spencer.
Her record this year speaks volumes, a gold medal at three major championships – Commonwealth Games in April, CAC Games in Colombia and NACCAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Toronto Canada. Along the way she also medaled at various international competitions.
In recognition of out outstanding achievement, the Olympian was the guest of honor at a reception held at Harbor Club last Friday evening. On hand to greet the multi Sportswoman of the Year was Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Edmund Estephane; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth and Sports, Liota Charlemagne – Mason; Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Patrick Mathurin; St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc First Vice President, Lyndon Cooper; Flow Official, Terry Finisterre; Gregory Dixon (Spencer’s Manager) along with family members. Teddy Francis was the MC for the evening, while Harbor Club Director of Events Pamela Nurse was a most gracious host.
During her brief welcoming remarks, Nurse referred to Harbor Club as a world class facility and in turn said: “Levern Spencer, you are a world class athlete and we welcome the opportunity to provide you a much needed rest and relaxation after a grueling season, once again bringing much pride to St Lucia.”
In closing, Nurse extended a warm welcome from the entire management and team of Harbor Club.
After greeting everyone, Minister Estephane made special mention of Francis for he was work and coverage in the past as a Sports Commentator.
Estephane thanked Nurse for the special care afforded the world class high jumper and said “being the nurse that you are your hospitality will continue.”
Turning his attention to Spencer he said: “On behalf of the Department of Youth Development and Sports and the Government of St Lucia a special welcome to Levern. It cannot be overstated that Levern has done this country proud. Levern congratulations. In the St Lucia parlance, you may say what Levern has achieved has not happened just so. You displayed and shown dedication and exhibited the will to progress with all the championships you competed in over the years and triumphed. We watch you all over the world and how magnificent you are in high jumping and in personality. Congratulations and welcome back home.”
While overseas the lady of the moment and guest of honor, was surprised when told by her manager that a welcome reception was planned in her honor. To her it was unexpected, due to the fact she was doing what she’s done every year – returning home after the end of the season.
Nevertheless, Spencer couldn’t be happier over what transpired that evening and let her feelings known. “I appreciate the gesture and I am extremely grateful that the management of the amazing Harbor Club saw it fitting to host this event in my honor. I heard so much about Harbor Club and even if I had not visited there before, felt like I had been there already.”
As expected Spencer always looks forward to returning home, whether it be on a short break or at the end of the season. Having travelled all over the world by herself one can see why Spencer remarked “there is truly no place like home.”
To her this homecoming extra special due to the fact it was a long rigorous season. She told the gathering: “This 2018 athletic season was probably the longest and most challenging I have experienced in my entire career and that is physically, emotionally and otherwise. A season that started January 12 in the United States and ended last Sunday September 9 in the Czech Republic.
Like a champion that she is, Spencer rose to the challenge in a big way and in her own words said “2018 was undoubtedly the most prolific season I have enjoyed in my long career.”
Her season ended on a high note, with Spencer being ranked among the top five female high jumpers in the universe by the World Governing Body the IAAF.
It’s no secret that Spencer has achieved success without some of the luxuries afforded to other prominent athletes like herself with very little fanfare. In fact, despite her achievements many St Lucians are guilty of taking Spencer for granted. But this high jumper has never complained about not being appreciated.
On this night she made her duty to thank those who contributed to her success in one way or another. Top on her list and rightful so is her manager and confidant Pastor Dixon, followed by the Government of St Lucia through the Department of Youth Development and Sports, St Lucia Athletics Association, St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, corporate partners, Flow and SMJ Beverages.
She did not stop there and remarked: “Of course the prayers of my family and other St Lucians, played a very significant role in my success and that should never be underestimated.”
In closing Spencer thanked everyone who assisted her in continuing to successfully raise St Lucia’s flag all over the world and said: “It is something I look forward to doing, for as long as the good Lord gives me the strength and the health. Please keep me on your support list as I look forward to an even better 2019 season and beyond.”
Following brief remarks by Flow Representative Finisterre and Cooper of the SLOC, Spencer was interviewed by the media. Read what she had to say in next week’s Sports & Health Inc.
