The athletes who are participating today in the annual road relay of the St Vincent Girls’ High School are doing so, having been subjected to physical checks by a team from the Trinity School of Medicine.

Last Thursday, February 5, four Term Five students from the medical school conducted{{more}} the checks which cleared the athletes of the four competing houses to participate in the 2015 edition of the Annual Road Relay of the St Vincent Girls’ High School.

According to Dr Frances Jack, associate dean of students, “The students have a quiz tomorrow, but they still volunteered. That is truly exemplary!” The group comprised Joshua Baiel, Miae Lee, Katherine Napuri, and Dwight Zenner.

Drs Conrad Nedd and Frances Jack supervised the activity.

Athletes scheduled to run in the school’s road race gathered at the school’s library to be examined by the six visitors. A medical history was taken from each girl. The team sought to pay special attention to students who may be sufferers of chronic illnesses, like asthma or hypertension, that could adversely affect participation in such an event. Then resting pulse and blood pressure were taken, after which each athlete was asked to do fifteen jumping jacks. After the exercise, the pulse was taken again, then the athlete allowed to rest. At the end of this break, the pulse was taken again. The team members were able to give further advice about hydration and nutrition.

According to physical education teacher Gary Constantine, the road relay consists of six legs. It constitutes a total of two laps around one circuit in Kingstown: from the school gate, along New Roads towards Sion Hill, then moving through Cane Garden and back to the school. The average completion time is expected to be 45 minutes. The four competing teams are each fielding six runners and six reserve athletes. Therefore, the Trinity team examined forty-eight students.

Three students, Lafesha France, Aya Kirby and Nickya Alexander, offered their opinions on the gesture from the team of Trinity students.

“We were checked by the school nurse last year, but not as thoroughly as today. I think it is a sacrifice on their part and I really appreciate it. We even got to learn some things about ourselves,” said Lafesha.

“I think it is a good gesture that should continue with other schools, because the help is needed. When they check us, it helps them to prepare for their work in the future. Their advice will help me perform better,” explained Aya.

Nickya opined, “It will now be more comfortable when we run because we have been examined by professional people.”

Medical student, Miae Lee, expressed her sentiments. “It’s my first time doing blood pressure and vitals with these students. It was a very comfortable procedure for me: once I met them, all my anxiety went away,” she said.

“I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to do this.”

Dr Nedd explained that the opportunity came about through a request from the headmistress of the school, after consultations with the Road Relay Committee.

The GHS road relay is taking place as a joint event with the St Vincent Grammar School’s relay. It will be broadcast live on NBC Radio. Both schools will hold a joint sports meet next Wednesday, February 18.