[dropcap]S[/dropcap]aint Lucia’s contingent for the Commonwealth Games taking place from April 4-15 in the Gold Coast, Australia, was recently announced at a press conference at Olympic House in La Clery.
President of the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, Fortuna Belrose gave a brief history of the games which Saint Lucia first attended in 1962. She mentioned that Saint Lucia took a break from participation and in 1978 returned to Edmonton, Canada, to compete in the Games which they have done since then.
Saint Lucia’s first medal came courtesy of pole vaulter Dominic Johnson at the Games held in Manchester, England. High jumper Levern Spencer is Saint Lucia’s most successful athlete at this competition, having earned a bronze and silver medal.
Belrose said: “We are quite elated to be able to present a team for Saint Lucia. A number of our athletes are overseas some of them are here. What we want to do is celebrate these associations who have been making a conscious effort to ensure their athletes continue to prepare.”
She announced that Saint Lucia’s contingent is under the leadership of SLOC Inc Treasurer Trevor Hunte who is Chef de Mission. Hunte is no stranger to the Commonwealth Games, having been a former member of the Commonwealth Games Team in tennis when the Games took place in India.”
During his brief remarks he said: “I have some sort of experience in knowing what the Games are, what they entail and the discipline that is required from our Saint Lucian team coming in this year.”
First Vice President of the SLOC Inc, Lyndon Cooper, who is also President of the Saint Lucia Football Association is the Team Manager.
Hunte announced the following 13 member team competing for Saint Lucia Commonwealth Games. From the Saint Lucia Athletics Association: Levern Spencer (high jump), Jeanelle Scheper (high jump), Nick Joseph (100 metres and 4×100 metres), Marvric Pamphille (400 metres and 4×100 metres), Stephen Charles (100 metres and 4×100 metres), Michael James (800 metres), Jonathan Celestin (200 metres and 4×100 metres) and Senior Sportsman of the Year Albert Reynolds competes in javelin. The team will be coached by Henry Bailey and Titus Ellen.
Saint Lucia Amateur Boxing Association: Nathan “The Furious” Ferrari, Marvin “The Painter” Anthony, and Lyndel “The Russian” Marcellin. The coach travelling with the team is Conrad Frederick.
Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association: Katie Kyle, Jean Luc – Zephir. Both athletes will compete in the 50 metre fly and 100 metre freestyle.
With the games getting underway April 4, Saint Lucian athletes are expected to arrive in Australia four to five days prior to their event taking place.
