Under 13’s Dominate AA Meet
By Anthony De Beauville

The St. Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) on Saturday 19th January 2008 held its second in a series of Developmental Meets in as many weeks at the George Odlum National Stadium for its affiliates. Saturday’s events saw scores of under 13 athletes outscoring the more senior athletes 3 to 1.
Local enthusiasts present especially the handful of parents who were present to witness their children’s performances on the day, were treated to a series of heats in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m; while in the field events only the men made an attempt in the high jump and long jump respectively as the ladies failed to show up.
Saturday’s events were to give local athletes an opportunity to ‘fine tune’ their talents for the many track and field events on the calendar of activities for 2008; and the commencement of inter house competition by the various secondary schools as some of these athletes will complete for their respective schools at this year’s Inter secondary School Championships in mid March. The Meet would also assist in identifying possible selectees on this year’s Junior Carifta team to St. Kitts.
In the Men’s High Jump Darren Anderson of Survivors has signalled his intention as he opened the 2008 track and field season with a jump of 1.90 metres ahead of seasoned, campaigner Morne Stars Kenson Nicholas 1.60 metres. Anderson again was in action 45 minutes later this time in the Men’s Long Jump Open where he leaped 6.71 metres as he brushed aside Morne Stars duo Kenson Nicholas and Kevin Lesporis 6.43 and 5.72 metres respectively.
Rockets sensational Emlin Emery, one to look forward to on the track this season, won the under 13 girls 100 metres in a time of 14.00 secs ahead of team mates Amara Montoute 15.18 secs and Lena Theophilus 15.72 secs. The boys category saw Vernatius Charlery representing District 1 crossing the finish line in 11.13 sec ahead of Jovan Stephen –Anse La Raye 11.17 secs and Zacarie Henville - Survivors 11.25 secs in one of the many scintillating runs on the afternoon.

In the Ladies 100 metres dash, Abilene’s Pernell Mitchell 12.63 made life easy as she won ahead of Verlyn Mitchell 13.13 secs and Jotiege Charles 13.95 secs. With no Mandella Clifford around, the deal was settled in the Men’s 100 meters dash between Morne Stars Kirby Anthony 10.90 secs, Abilene’s Jason Barbour, 11.21 secs and Morne Stars Richard Lovence 11.26 secs. The Junior Boys too had their day as Kerlan Hutchinson representing Cheeetah made light work of his opponents coming down the straight to cross the finish line in a time of 12.33 secs. Paul Sonny Ciceron Secondary and Careem Joseph Rockets finished 2nd and 3rd in a time of 12.64 and 13.14 secs respectively.
With the volume of athletes who participated at Saturday’s event, it’s rather difficult to highlight everyone. I now leave you with some individuals who will make this year’s track and field season a memorial one. Event 400m Men Abilene Stephen Etienne- 51.59 secs. Ladies 400m Abilene- Merica Moncherry 1.01.47 secs, Junior Boys 400m Ciceron Secondary -Shanon Gideon 57.88 secs and Rockets- Adrian Lionel 1.00.31 secs.
The 800m field also saw Claudius Francis (Not Straight Up) but from Cheetahs Athletes Club 2.11.68 secs in the Men’s category, while Maryann James from Dennery Athletics held her own in the ladies division in 2.58.60 secs; so too did Survivors’ - Thomas St. Romain in the 200m boys 24.06 secs and Rockets - Mc Kery Nelson 19.56 secs and Raine Nelson 20.36 representing Cheetahs.
The SLAA’s next stop is on Sunday 27th January 2008 in the town of Vieux Fort as they stage the annual Cross Country run from the La Ressource bridge and along the airport fence commencing from 4.00 pm.