TSSS realizes it dream

Last weekend, history was created when the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) realized a dream and made its inaugural entry at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia.{{more}}

The Penn Relays date back to 1895, and is the oldest and largest Track and Field event in the USA.

The Relays attract over 20,000 participants annually.

An elated Principal of the TSSS, John Renton, could not hold back his excitement as he expressed: “We achieved our objective. We came to Penn.”

“It’s a dream come true. It started off as a vision, but with things put in place by the SVGOP [SVG Organization of Pennsylvania], National Lottery and the Government, they made the dream a reality. We have exposed the boys to competition of this level. We can hold our heads up. We won our two heats,” Renton stated.

He added:”I’m proud that the students rose to the occasion, not just on the track, but off; they did very well.”

Renton said the road to the Penn Relays was a challenging one which began over a year ago.

He spoke of how determined they were to be a part of the 2011 event despite the financial challenges.

“One of the challenges we faced was going to Barbados for the visa,” Renton recalled, as each person had to make the journey. He said that alone cost over EC$6,000.

And, Renton is already setting his eyes on next year’s competition.

“We hope to come back with a new challenge of bringing the girls and increasing the participation,” the principal said.

He explained that he hopes that this opportunity will open doors for the athletes.

Coach of the team Godfrey Harry said that the trip was worth more than competing in the event.

“It’s a start for our school, and for the school at such a historic event, like Penns, this can only serve to boost our confidence and ability to develop. It’s the first time they have trained for a year without stopping,” Harry pointed out.

Harry said that the team performed satisfactorily, not withstanding the conditions of preparation and competition, which they are not accustomed to.

Harry was referring to the nippy conditions that prevailed over the weekend in Philadelphia.

For Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie, who was one of the persons involved in the initial planning of participation in the Penn Relays, “it went beyond everyone’s wildest expectations.”

The team which received special hosting from the SVGOP was given a reception in their honour.

The event which was held following the games last Saturday saw presentation of medals and gifts.

SVGOP President Arlette Dopwell- James congratulated the team, stating: “You did a splendid job. I hope it is an experience they never forget.”

She urged them to share it with others as SVGOP would like to see more Vincentian athletes participating in the Penn Relays.

The all male team participated in the 4×100 M and the 4×400 M.

The team of Michael Hazel, Ronique Dowers, Najee Israel and Renaldo Charles competed in the 4x100M in heat 24 and placed first in a time of 44:45 seconds. In that event, a total of 270 teams participated.

In the 4x400M, the quartet of Kion Robertson, Brandon Parris, Najee Israel and Kamol Bess were not to be outshined and they, too, took first place in their heat in a time of 3 minutes 28. 75 seconds.

However, these times were not good enough to get them to the second round.