Local Track and Field athletes get gear ease

Local track and field athletes have been given a boost in the form of a donation of gear.{{more}}

The assistance has come thanks to the benevolence of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Association of England, specifically Earl Anderson and Denzil Winsboro, two of this country’s former high jumpers.

The procurement of the gear follows a visit made here earlier this year by Winsboro, who wants to forge a long-lasting relationship with athletes and the coaches.

Among the items received were track suits, socks, starting blocks, running shoes (spikes), sneakers and tee shirts.

Track and Field Coach Michael Ollivierre, the man receiving the gear, told SEARCHLIGHT last Friday afternoon that the items will be distributed to athletes, but they must first satisfy the criteria.

“The stuff that they have sent to me are not assigned for athletes who I work with, but for athletes in need, and need for me, are those who qualify with a commitment from their coaches,” Ollivierre said.

Ollivierre said the donation was the first of three consignments which have been promised.

He expressed his sincere thanks to Anderson and Winsboro and others who contributed to the first consignment of gear.

Ollivierre said that he is also in custody of two dozen sneakers and running spikes, obtained from his former athlete, Winthrop Graham, a former Jamaican 400 m hurdler.

Graham, a silver medallist in the 4 x 100 m relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and who also had a silver medal in the 400 m hurdles at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at the World Championships, also wants to extend a helping hand to Vincentian track and field athletes.

Ollivierre disclosed that Graham, who works closely with fellow Jamaican Yohan Blake, the current 100 m World champion, is set to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines some time after the 2012 London Olympics, at which time he intends to firm up this relationship with the athletes and the management of Track and Field here. (RT)