Large turn out for Kids’ Athletics Festival

The hosting of the 2024 Kids’ Athletics Festival ahead of the observance of World Kids’ Athletics Day on May 7, 2024 drew large participation of students, parents, and others last Saturday May 4, 2024, at the Sir Vincent Beache Stadium at Diamond.

Making up the student participation numbering 275 drawn from 12 primary schools and two communities, as well as 12 coaches from the Kids’ Athletics programme, it was non- stop activities from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

Having rotations among nine stations, all representative of actual track and field events gave the participants a feel of competition, albeit in a fun way.

The day’s activities culminated in a shuttle relay and distribution of medals to all participants.

For national coordinator of Team Athletics SVG’s Kids’ Athletics Programme, Kelisha Ashton-Yorke, it was a day well spent, with the objectives attained.

“ The aim of the programme is really to give awareness to students, whilst giving them an insight into Track and Field, using some fun activities, at the same time getting the fundamentals in.”

Ashton- Yorke was especially pleased with the response to the Festival.

“It was a lively and energetic event… as the national coordinator of the Kids’ Athletics Programme, we were thrilled with the turnout with participant for the first time from two schools from Bequia,” she noted.

With the sport of Track and Field on an upward trajectory here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ashton- Yorke is calling for more buy-in.

“ We want to encourage more people and sponsors to join us in supporting our future sporting stars…we are therefore encouraging all stakeholders to get on board as we endeavour to promote healthy lifestyles among the students,” Ashton-Yorke said.

The Festival was held under the theme: “ Play, Move, Explore”.