On the morning of Tuesday, February 25th, crowds converged on the Webster Park to observe the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Annual Sports Day. A colourful cheerleading parade had previously taken place from Campus A to the park where the cheerleaders were welcomed by the moderator, Tr. Avenella Griffith.
Throughout the course of the day, competitions were held in various athletic activities including: 800 metre race; 400 metre race; 200 metre race; 100 metre race; high jump for girls and boys. By day’s end, Yellow House had emerged Champion with a total of 969 points, followed by Orange House with 941; Pink House with 893; Purple House with 839; and Maroon House with 746 points.
At the opening ceremony, brief remarks were given by School Principal, Mrs. Rita Celestine Carty, who noted: “Although for the third consecutive year Sports Day fell in February, rather than at the end of term two, the objective remains the same. The sports season in Anguilla’s schools is a manifestation of that goal of education which recognizes that the ideal Anguillian is aware of the importance of sports, physical development, and personal health and fitness.
“Days like these are very important. We thank all those who have co-ordinated and contributed to the success of the activities that have already unfolded so far — our heaths, field events, bicycle race and our road race.”
She continued: “Last year we bade farewell to the longstanding head of the Physical Education Department, Mrs. Doreen Richardson, but she was still here working hard, as always, heralding her whistle commands during the march past this morning.
“We thank all of our patrons and sponsors for contributing to last week’s events. In particular, we are grateful to Fair Play Group of Companies. And of course today we are grateful to FLOW, our exclusive sponsor, as well as our co-sponsor, the Anguilla Social Security Board. We value your partnership in ensuring that the Anguillian populace is well developed.”
FLOW’s Commercial Manager, Mrs. Jade Raymond-Richardson was on hand to address the gathering and to “throw up” her support for her own house: “As part of FLOW’S mission,” she began, “transforming lives and connecting communities, we continue to strengthen our stance in the community through corporate partnerships like the one we started with ALHCS Sports more than 10 years ago. We are a strong advocate for positive youth involvement and we recognize the importance of sports and sports education. This partnership continues through FLOW’s monetary contributions as we ensure that the school is able to annually host its inter-house sports meets.
“Today, we would like to congratulate all persons who play an instrumental role in local sports. To the faculty and administration of ALHCS, we would like to thank you for an opportunity to be part of your annual Sports Days. We look forward to opportunities to continue our partnership through active sponsorship. To the students, we say good luck, and may the best house win…‘go maroon!’”
Director of Social Security, Mr. Timothy Hodge, also voiced his pleasure of an opportunity for the Board to make its contribution to this year’s sporting events. As he approached the podium reflecting upon his own “high school sports days”, he invited kudos from his old classmates for “C-House”.
He stated: “The Social Security Board is pleased to contribute to the overall development of Anguilla — transforming lives in our communities. We do this transformation in a numbers of ways: through community engagements, sports development, education and health, care for the environment and for an inclusive Anguilla. Therefore, we are very happy to be part of the sponsorship for this great event today. At the end of the day we will say congratulations to all the winners — everyone who participates.”
The Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Everlie Bradley, declared the event opened.
“Today, I am backing Orange House!” She stated in part: “Greetings from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Minister could not be here today, but she sends her best wishes.”
She continued: “I wish to commend the organizers for their efforts in ensuring the success of this event. Special thanks to FLOW for being a longtime sponsor, as well as to the Social Security Board, for continuing to demonstrate its commitment to education and sports development.
“The much anticipated Sports Day has arrived, and I know our athletes are anxious to start the competition. Sporting events such as today’s offer important benefits. Sport has the potential to promote national identity, social cohesion and economic growth.
We believe that everyone should be empowered to pursue and enjoy the benefits of sports.”
Mrs. Bradley added: “As the day unfolds, remember this. There are five S’s of sports training. These are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit. But the greatest of these is “Spirit”.
Regardless of whether you win or lose, spirit is important. As the tennis great, Arthur Ash once said, ‘You are never really playing an opponent; you are playing yourself — your own higher standards. And when you reach your limits, that is real joy.’ So without any further ado, I declare the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Sports Day officially opened.”
The Anguillian newspaper congratulates all the players who contributed points to their various houses.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
