The 12 Anguillian athletes who participated in the Commonwealth Games in Australia returned to the island on Tuesday afternoon, resolved to improve their athletic skills for future meets.
The teams of cyclists, boxers and sprinters were in high spirits as they returned home, and counted their performances on the international stage as a treasured opportunity and a great achievement.
The Hon. Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Cardigan Connor, who accompanied the athletes at the games held at the Carrara Stadium in Queensland, Australia, echoed high praises for Anguilla in the international arena. He said: “We are very proud of all our athletes who took part and we are indeed very grateful for all those who have played a supportive role in making our trip such a rewarding experience.
“We particularly thank the Governor and his wife who were present at all the games to cheer Anguilla on. We thank Mervin Christian and his friends from Australia, Tim Hodge, and our own management team — Rollins Richardson, Calvert Fleming, Calvin Harrigan, Lorna Rogers, Althea Hodge, Ken Banks and all others who have contributed their kind support.
In the area of boxing, it was Anguilla’s debut at the 2018 games, and the boxing coach, Calvin Harrigan, was resolute about his team’s performance as he gloried their skilful display of boxing art. “First I thank God; I thank the Department of Sports, as well as the organization of the Commonwealth Games, without whom this would not be possible,” he stated.
“I am very proud of our guys. Curlun Richardson and Kenwal Hodge performed to the best of their ability. Curlun was the star of the show. He put our opponent on the canvas three times. And even though we did not get the decision, at the end of the day Anguilla can be proud, and we all can lift our heads up in the realm of international boxing. We are indeed proud of what we have done, and we will be back.”
Performing in cycling were: Hasani Hennis, Huekeeni Hughes, Sherwin Osborne, Zambezi Richardson, and Saleen Romney. In track and field, Mauriel Carty, Saymon Rijo Morris, Rachelle Meade, T-Kallah Richardson, and Artesha Richardson competed. And competing in boxing were Curlun Richardson and Kenwal Hodge.
The Anguillan takes this opportunity to welcome our players back home. Congratulations!
