Sports galore for Independence Day

Sports played a key role leading up to and the actual day of the Independence Day celebrations on February 22.
First off the bat was the National Sports Awards on Saturday evening at Gaiety, Rodney Bay; followed by the Mon Repos Relay Sunday morning. Strugglers placed first in the road relay followed by Road Busters then Martinique.
Sunday afternoon the St Lucia Moto X Club got in on the act by staging the Monster Supermoto and show of skills at the transit parking lot at Beausejour. Spectators witnessed exciting races, daredevil manoeuvres and stunts.
The Moto X Club celebrated Independence Day in a big way with a Monster Energy and Super Yard Jam Monday evening, at the old Sunset Motors dealership in Marisule. On holiday Tuesday, motorcyclists geared up for a Monster Safety and Remembrance Island Ride. After that, there was another jamming session in Marisule.

On Tuesday the Castries Market was the focus of attention as cyclists, and road runners competed in a number of events. The highlight of the afternoon was a thrilling display by local pole-vaulters. The star of the show was Shem Edward who won gold at CARIFTA in 2009 and bronze last year. He dazzled spectators, soaring through the air with a breathtaking performance, resulting in a personal best 4.40 metres.
In cycling it was double trouble for competitors as the Maraj twins, Kirk and Kurt, dominated the field. Kirk won the 20 lap open race with Kurt second followed by Winston Williams in third place.
In the 10 lap junior race, Jordan Richard captured first place with Yannick Flavius finishing second and Damian Mathurin third.
In the 10 lap points race, Kurt took top spot with 40 points followed by Kirk with 33 points then Williams with 21.

Wilson Charlemagne won the 12 and under two lap race, with Olivia Descarte of Clendon Mason Secondary School placing first in the 12 and under one lap race.
At Trim’s Riding Stable in Cas en Bas, it was standing room only at the Independence Horse Racing Classic where local riders compete in a number of races. Judging by the huge turnout it looks like horse racing is here to stay.
That’s not all folks. There were other sporting events like boxing, table tennis and track and field taking place as part of the Independence Day celebrations, which will be included in Saturday’s STAR newspaper.