Vincentian Sebastian Cyrus proud of CANOC nomination

WHETHER OR NOT Vincentian, Sebastian Cyrus wins in the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) Awards Ceremony, he is proud to have been even recognized in the first instance.

Cyrus, a newcomer to Sports Photographer and Videography, is among three nominees to the inaugural ceremony of the Caribbean Media Award. The black- tie affair takes place at the Beaches, Turks and Caicos Resorts Villages and Spa, in Providenciales.

Cyrus, has been nominated alongside Anmar Goodridge-Boyce of Barbados, and the Dominican Republic’s Jesus Leonardo Resaid.

Cyrus, who operates under Naralayo Productions told SEARCHLIGHT, “ I did not expect the nomination, but it is a good feeling to have the recognition… it is also the indication that the hard work has been put in…it is also an indication that sports is developing, because without sports, I can’t photograph, I can’t make video, I can’t document”.

Cyrus revealed that getting into sports documentation was born out of a passion for moving Vincy sports forward, hence he is playing his part.

“It seems to be an increase in participation overall that St Vincent and the Grenadines is getting to,” he commented.

“…it is not a sign that I have to be complacent now. If anything I need to work harder… I don’t do it for the recognition, it is purely for the love, but the fact that the award is being given, means that the media world is doing a good job, recognizing the talent and activities that go on in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as it pertains to sports,” Cyrus, an accomplished Tennis player related.

Apart from Cyrus, two other Vincentians have been nominated. They are athletes, Shafiqua Maloney and Shane Cadogan.

Maloney, the first Vincentian to compete in an Olympic final has been nominated for the Female Caribbean Sports Personality of the Year award.

Maloney qualified for the Women’s 800m final at this year’s Olympics in Paris, France, placing fourth, which is the best showing in the event for an English-speaking female in the history of the Olympic Games.

She will have to contend with Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, Olympics gold and silver medallist; Olympic400 metres champion, Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic; Puerto Rican sprint hurdler, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn; and Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts.

Meanwhile, Cadogan, founder of Athletes All Athletes Inc. which advocates for the personal and academic development of athletes, has been nominated for the Caribbean Distinguished Service Award.

Cadogan’s opponents are Sonia Fulford; Judy Simons; and Philip Spooner.

Among the other categories to be adjudicated are the Caribbean Sports Personality of the Year; Caribbean Breakthrough Award; Caribbean Sports Personality of the Year; Male Team of the Year; Female Team of the Year; Caribbean Lifetime Achievement Quadrennial Award; and the Caribbean National Olympic Committee of the Year Award.