US Embassy officer touches base with IT-DAT

One afternoon of workout with local track and field club — Integrated Team – Developing Athletic Talent (IT-DAT), has left a lasting impression on United States Embassy political officer Laura Conaway.{{more}}

The official joined the club’s young athletes at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field in some light training, and immediately fancied their interest and enthusiasm.

“I am so impressed how well organized it was,” Conaway told SEARCHLIGHT. “I love the way the coach has everything organised and students know what they have to do and everything goes smoothly.”

Conaway said it was a good time for her, as she was able to lap up the sunshine and the refreshing breeze that enveloped the venue.

She used the occasion to give a motivational and information talk, telling the athletes about sporting and academic opportunities, mainly college and university scholarships available in the United States.

Conaway pointed out to those in attendance that the embassy provides links on its website to facilitate students who need information on various educational institutions in the US in which they may be interested.

Conaway’s visit was a follow up to a sports diplomacy outreach initiative which the United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has been doing in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2012, three young Vincentian female track athletes from the club — Nikelene Mc Lean, Tara Joseph and Brittney Butler — as well as track and field coach Rosmund Griffith, took part in a track and field exchange programme in Washington, D.C. and Eugene, Oregon, from June 18 to 28.

While there, they were able to see the US track team prepare for the London 2012 Olympics.

The programme, which was part of the Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative, of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, was done in partnership with USA Track and Field and the Oregon Track Club.

Mc Lean said the trip was rewarding.

“It was a very rewarding trip; it opened my eyes to what sports can contribute to your life in so many different ways … It can help you with discipline, in encountering many social issues,” Mc Lean said.

“Some people see sports as just running up and down on a pasture or just jumping or throwing,” she noted.

Mc Lean said that seeing US female track stars such as Carmelita Jetter and Allyson Felix in training was a personal delight.

“I encourage young persons to take part in sports, because it has so many added benefits.

Coach Michael “Lord Have Mercy” Ollivierre founded IT-DAT last June. The club has about 75 members. (RT)