TSSS athletes urged to make use of opportunities

The eleven athletes who represented the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and, by extension, St Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2012 Penn Relays in Philadelphia, have been urged to make maximum use of the opportunity presented to them.{{more}}

At a special reception held at the close of the event last Saturday evening, by the SVG Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP), several speakers had advice for the students.

President of the SVGOP Arlette Dopwell-James urged the students not to forget education, a sentiment that was reiterated and endorsed also by the other speakers, at the event held at the Calabash Restaurant and Banquet Hall.

President of COSAGO Lavern Mc Dowald Thompson explained that educated men and women of tomorrow will be the ones to keep St Vincent and the Grenadines running, and beckoned the student athletes to be among that bunch.

Chair of the Diaspora Committee Maxwell Haywood reminded the TSSS students that sports and education go hand in hand.

He said he was anxiously looking forward to when more Vincentian schools will participate in the renowned Penn Relays.

Consul General Selmon Walters recalled: “Two years ago we had a vision, we did not leave the vision there, we converted it to a mission and in 2011, TSSS came to Penn Relays, they committed themselves to come again in 2012.”

James Cordice, who co-ordinates the business of the TSSS participation from the USA, expressed his happiness in being part of the students’ development.

According to Cordice, because of their participation, there are now thousands who know there is a place called St Vincent and the Grenadines.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Sports, Tourism and Culture, and featured speaker at the reception, Cecil Mc Kie advised those gathered not to take the athletes’ journey lightly.

“The exposure has assisted them in their total development, educationally and otherwise,” Mc Kie noted.

He pointed out the stepping up of the TSSS at the Inter-Schools Meet, making them the team to reckon with. He is hoping that other schools will use the success of the TSSS as an incentive to become involved.

The Minister sees the construction of the Argyle International Airport as benefitting such an endeavour, as it will reduce the cost of bringing teams to events.

O’Brien Simmons requested that other persons get on board and not be afraid to shout or do whatever to show their support for team SVG.

“You can do anything once you put your heart, soul and mind to it,” Simmons said.

This was the second occasion on which the TSSS was participating in the 118-year old Penn Relays.

On Thursday, the girls took the top spot in the 4 x 100 m heat in 50.53 seconds, but placed sixth in the 4 x 400 m.

The males won their 4 x 400 m relay in 3 minutes:29.97 seconds, and were second in the 4 x100m in 44:37 seconds.

The returns did not carry them any further to the other phases of the competition.

Head Coach Godfrey Harry said the team’s overall performance was satisfactory. He explained that this team had an edge, as they had more time to prepare, but they did not capitalize on it.

Harry said the experience was good exposure and expressed the hope that they use the opportunity to lift themselves.

Making the trip for the second time were Ronnique Dowers and Brandon Parris, who were part of the 2011 inaugural team. Completing the male team were first timers Shaquille Browne, Desron Wilson, Kezlon Providence and Abiola Hinds.

Nicky-Ann Stephens, Kerina Hooper, Shaffiqua Maloney, Miranda Spencer and Rosannia Stephens made up the female team, which was making its debut at the world renowned relays.

The TSSS team also included Assistant Coach Kamal Hunte; Chaperone Dwana Balcombe and Manager Paulette Williams.