On Tuesday, May 3^rd, a press conference was held at the Ministry of Sports, officially launching the 2011 Ribena Private Primary Schools Athletics Championship scheduled for Thursday, May 27^th at the National Stadium. Over the last few years the Championship has grown, crafting for itself an esteemed spot among other national athletics events, becoming an athletic barometer of sorts – signalling the potential among the Island’s 18 Private Primary Schools. With Ribena’s and its local agent, Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da) Ltd, continued support – now in its second consecutive year as principal sponsor – the Organizing Committee is looking forward to continue building a strong foundation around what has become a cornerstone of support.

 While acknowledging the impact of Ribena at the press conference, Mr. Bruce Swan – Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Championship, commented that the importance of the championship lies in the opportunity it provides athletes who otherwise would not be part of a mainstream inter-school athletic event such as the National Primary School Championship, which normally only has the presence of Government Schools. With this in mind, the Committee has made strides in structuring the Championship around IAAF regulations and procedures, exposing the young athletes to proper form and competitive technique, which they can use to develop their athleticism as they move through different educational levels. Mr. Swan is encouraged by the 75% participation of the schools last year, and expects to see an increased turnout of this year’s championship among the 18 Private Primary Schools.

Mr. George “Porgie” Cherebin, Marketing Coordinator at Huggins Pharmaceuticals Division – the Division directly responsible for distributing and promoting Ribena – called Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da) Ltd and Ribena’s involvement in the development of youth athletics a conscious and deliberate action undertaken to give back to the communities of our Tri-Island State and foster their innate potential. This year Ribena’s financial contribution is in excess of $15,000.00 EC towards the successful hosting of the Championship, and among other things includes Trophies, Medals, T- Shirts and refreshments for Officials. A presentation of Trophies and Medals was made on behalf of Ribena by Mrs. Denise Parke-Langaigne, Manager of Huggins Corporate Marketing, to Mr. Bruce Swan receiving on behalf of the Organising Committee.  In closing, Mr. Cherebin challenged the Committee to fill the 8^th Lane with a Joint Team from the Private Primary Schools at the National Primary Schools Championship, if for no other reason that it is available, and why not respond to every opportunity in earnest?

By highlighting the direct correlation between growing and supporting children to love and enjoy athletics, and the forecasted glory of Grenada’s next Olympic Team, Mrs. Veda Bruno-Victor, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, effectively summarised in her comments the rewards the efforts of the sponsors can hope to reap. She praised both Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da) Ltd and Ribena for continuing to lend their unwavering support; assisting the efforts of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment & Sports to host this year’s Championship. With support rallying for its success, the 2011 Ribena Private Primary Schools Athletics Championship is approaching with strength of pace making a declarative statement: the Athletics Season is not over yet!

For another year, the Ribena Private Primary Schools Athletics Championship will be simultaneously broadcasted live on TV and streamed online by Flow. Ms. Adrienne Taylor, Programme Coordinator for Flow, expressed the Company’s pleasure in expanding the audience to the Nation’s youth athleticism as it takes centre stage later this month.

The 2011 Ribena Private Primary Schools Athletics is sponsored by Ribena, Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da) Ltd, and  the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

Photo 1. From Left to Right, Mrs. Denise Parke Langaigne, Manager, Huggins Corporate Marketing, Mr. Bruce Swan, Chairman of Organizing Committee, Ms. Adrienne Taylor, Programme Coordinator, Flow and Mr. George “Porgie” Cherebin, Marketing Coordinator, Huggins Pharmaceuticals Division.

Photo 2. Cross Section of Trophies and Medals.

Submitted by Anthony Grandy,

Marketing Assistant, Huggins Corporate Marketing