Sunday, January 19, 2020, was a blustery and chilly day, when Anguilla and other Caribbean islands felt the effects of a “bomb cyclone” that came in from the northeastern United States. But, for many schoolchildren, and young people in Anguilla, it was a time of fun racing against each other and high gusts of wind.
The athletic event was a one-mile classic which saw large numbers of youth, of varying ages, running in several laps. They ran from just outside the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre in The Valley, travelled to the east, then around the block down past the Department of Agriculture, and ended above Ashley & Sons Supermarket.
One of the several persons who oversaw the event was Alexis Ryan, known for his sporting work among young people. Speaking at the break, after he had set off one of the races, he informed The Anguillian newspaper:
“This is the 14th Annual One-mile Classic. It signifies the opening of the track and field events in Anguilla. When we are about to start those events, we always like to have some over-distance running before we go into our sprinting programme. Our first sprinting event will be the President’s Classic which will take place on February 15 and 16.”
“This one-mile classic event involves children from all the Primary Schools, the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and all Youth Clubs on the island. The races are for runners under 9 years, under 15, under 17 and under 20 – and there is also a special group 20-35 years and 35-plus.”
The practice classic event was sponsored by Ashley & Sons. In March there will be the customary annual primary schools road relays, also sponsored by Ashley & Sons, just before the sports day activities.
