Sixty athletes of the Anguilla All Star Athletics Club, drawn from the island’s schools, were given a triumphant welcome when they returned home from the United States on Wednesday evening.
They were met on arrival at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal by scores of jubilant people and were driven in a motorcade to the Ronald Webster Park for the official welcome and commendation. The young athletes were accompanied to Florida by twenty parents and other supporting persons.
A press release issued by Mrs. Althea Hodge, reads as follows:
“The Anguilla All Star Athletics club participated in the 44th Northwest Track and Field Classic Championship which was held in Miramar, Florida during the period June 14 – 16, 2019. The Anguilla team emerged overall winners having captured both the male and female divisions. The epic performance of the team as first time participants in the event has been commended by the event organisers as well as other participating teams which hailed from many counties including the USA, Jamaica, Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.
“The team captured 38 Gold, 33 Silver and 39 Bronze medals in addition to 5 MVP awards in varying divisions. In addition to various national records and personal best being achieved by many of the athletes, Anguilla’s legendary athlete Trevor ‘Ras Bucket’ Davis was crowned MVP in the l
egends category as he captured medals in 2 races.
“The Championship which is sanctioned by the USA Track and Field is an annual international competition that provides age group competition and an opportunity for varying coaches and scouts to see the athletes perform.
“The Anguilla team was well supported with parents who travelled to be with the team (which included 60 athletes whose ages ranged from 7 years and up) as well as many Anguillians who reside in Florida.
“The dedication, passion an
d team spirit exhibited by the team and supporters was noticeable and recognized by the many teams.
“Congratulations is extended to the entire team, the schools, the parents, the various athletic clubs and coaches who have nurtured the talent of the athletes over the years.
“A special thank you is extended to Genna and Terry Williams who with a vision, much belief and unending determination were able to accomplish this reality with resounding success in a relatively short period of time. It also speaks volumes to the talent in Anguilla and to the potential for many more Anguillian athletes to grace the world stage.
“The team extends gratitude to the Government of Anguilla, The Anguilla Social Security Board, the many businesses and individuals who contributed to making the participation in the event possible.”
