and Premier Dr. Ellis Webster
President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACACAA) Mike Sands has paid a working visit to Anguilla. The NACACAA has its headquarters in New Providence, The Bahamas.
He is also the North American, Central American and Caribbean representative for World Athletics, which is the governing body for track and field throughout the world.
He had been invited to Anguilla by the Anguilla Athletic Association, of which Mrs. Lorna Rogers is President.
Having an avid interest in track and field, he spoke extensively at the Opening of the Primary School Sports Day on Wednesday 29th March, 2023.
Following the opening, The Anguillian spoke with Mr. Sands about his passion for the track and field areas of sports
“Anguilla has a wonderful track and field programme,” he said. “I have come to give my support and to encourage the athletes here to continue on with the programme. I am looking at the track and field facilities here, and I am aware that Anguilla is challenged by not having an all-weather facility. It is my intention to enhance and upgrade the tracks here.”
“We are currently in discussions for providing Anguilla with an upgraded facility so that the athletes here would not be disadvantaged,” he said. “There would be ‘a level playing field’ for the kids to train on and have the ability to participate in regional track and field competitions.”
Mr. Sands thanked Mrs. Lorna Rogers and the Anguilla Athletic Association for inviting him to come to Anguilla for the occasion. He said he was glad to take advantage of the opportunity to witness the young people performing on the tracks.
He told The Anguillian that he liked the spirit of sport on the James Ronald Webster Park that morning: “This spirit breaks the drudgery of everyday life,” he said. “I sense that people look forward to this time to be entertained by the races in a competitive spirit. Sports have the power to bring people together. It has the power to unite. And, as Mandela said, ‘Sports speaks the language that youth understands.”
Sitting beside Mr. Sands in the stands was the Honourable Premier, Dr. Webster. He said: “Well, we are happy to welcome Mr. Sands here in Anguilla. To have this level of support from World Athletics is wonderful.”
“Sport is that activity that pulls people together,” the Premier said. “And we can see it all here today. There are parents, teachers, the students, the government, businesses, and many other sectors represented. This is good competition to have, and in this way we can encourage our young people to keep away from bad vices.”
Mr. Sands was slated to leave the island on Friday.
