Local News

four athletes leave this weekend for regional and international competitions

Carifta 400m record holder, Kirani James and Nichkelia John of St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School will leave the island on Saturday June 27th with Grenadian coach, Albert Joseph, for Bressanone Italy, to participate in a one-week training camp before competing in  the World Youth championships from Wednesday July 8th to 12th, 2009. James, who just last weekend won the 400m at the National Senior Championships, was a sliver medalist at World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic in 2007.

Kennisha Pascal and Junior Charles will also leave the island on Saturday for Guyana to participate in the annual CARICOM 10k road race. Kennisha, a past student of the St. David’s Catholic Secondary School and Junior, a current student of the St. John’s Christian Secondary School, will be accompanied by senior coach in the Ministry, Mr. Bruce Swan.

Mr. Swan said, “I expect a good showing from Kennisha and Junior. Kennisha has experience in running marathons – she participated in the OECS 10k in 2008. I expect her to finish in the top five.” In the 2007 and 2009 OECS marathons she placed 3rd and 6th respectively.  He added that Charles is also “a promising athlete and I expect him to give a good account of himself.”

Concerning Kirani James, Mr. Swan said that he is the favorite to win the 400 metres race, especially as he placed second in 2007. He also said that this is Nichkelia’s first international meet and it will be good exposure and experience for her.  Mr. Swan pointed out that Nichkelia was the dominant athlete at primary school level two years ago.

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Culture and sports, Honorable Patrick Simmons said, “We are expecting excellent performances from our four athletes.  I am confident that they will do their best to make Grenada proud.  The world has begun to recognize that we have talent in Grenada and we are determined to put all measures in place to empower our athletes to be successful at the highest level.”

.

Comments are closed.