With memories of a spectacular opening and closing ceremony that is second only to the Olympics and competition that is third following the World athletics Championships, Anguilla’sDenvil Ruan, Juline Hughes, Dee-Ann Rogers and Nzingha Banks returned to home on Saturday 20th July. While at the competition, Dee-Ann improved her results in every event in the Heptathlon, resulting in a new national record of 4464 points (PB in all areas; 100m hurdles 14:97; High Jump 1.62m;Shot put 7:83 meters; 200m dash 25:91 sec; 5:52m long jump: 21:18 javelin throw and 800m 2:33).
Tennis player Nzingha Banks participated in the second round after receiving an exemption from the first round. However she was defeated by British player DaneikaBorthwick by a score of 6: 0, 6:0. In the consolation tournament, Nzinghawas defeated by Dominique Harmathof Canada by a score of 6: 0, 6:0. Mr. Denvil Ruan was unable to compete as he succumbed to a respiratory infection. The aforementioned athletes were of the opinion the competition was of a very high standard and athletes must prepare well for the 2015 event.
Though Anguilla may not be able to participate in the Olympics in the foreseeable future, the World University Games (Summer Universiade) offers our athletes from 6th form, Community College or University a unique opportunity to participate in a competition that is second only to the Olympics as a multisport event (163 countries). The 2015 edition of the Summer Universiade is slated for Gwanju South Korea. This competition will have eight compulsory and thirteen optional events. The 2017 Summer Universiade will be held in Chinese Taipei.
In looking towards the future and a meaningful participation in upcoming Universiades, sports governing bodies on the island should encourage their athletes to work towards tertiary education and high athletics standards. The Anguilla University Sports Federation would once again like to express its sincere appreciation to the Anguilla Tennis Association, the Anguilla Athletics Federation, the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association, D3 Enterprises, Mr. Ken Banks, Mr. Valentine Banks, Mr. Preston Bryan, Dr. Kennedy Simmonds, Mr. Andre hall, Mr. Shawn Romney, Mr. Glen Hodge, Mr. Lowel Hodge, Mr. John Benjamin, Mrs. Blondelle Laurent and Mrs. Dana Ruan for providing assistance to ensure that all participants were able to attend the World University Games.
– Contributed
