MERE hours after she received a Medal of Merit ‘Gold’ from Governor General Dame PearletteLouisy at Government House, Saint Lucia’s World Ranked high jumper Levern Spencer was celebrated with songs and words of praise at the Gospel Baptiste Church, CacoaBabonneau. The evening’s event was put together by the church in collaboration with Spencer’s Management Team spearheaded by Gregory Dickson.
Saint Lucians from all walks of life would have known of Lavern’s exploits over the past 18 years. Last year the 12 time “Sportswoman of the Year”, continued to travel the world flying Saint Lucia’s colours. She won 12 medals, 5 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze for her country. Indeed another fantastic season, which also included jumping 1.90 metres or higher no less than 15 times and the sixth consecutive time qualifying for the World championships. Certainly something to celebrate.
Her biggest moment was becoming the only Saint Lucian to win a Pan Am Gold medal when she soared over the bar at 1.94 metres in Toronto, Canada. Those accomplishments continue to maintain Levern Spencer’s status as one of the best high jumpers in the world.
Having qualified for the Olympic Games in Rio, the Caricom record holder continues to look to the future with great expectation.
In her thank you message she took time to thank her hardworking management team, in the Gospel Baptist Church and current sponsors. LIME and SMJ Beverages, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, and the many others who partnered with her team to put on the evenings activities and helped make it what it was.
Levern said, “It is always a comforting and encouraging thing to know that when you have given of your best to make your country known and to give yourself pride on the international stage, your efforts are recognized and appreciated by the people who matter. And that is all of you present and the rest of St. Lucia”.
She continued, “What a journey it has been! But let me quickly borrow the words of our 37th Independence Anniversary theme and say that the journey continues. Looking back, I sometimes wonder where those 18 years went. But I have concluded that I have been so busy working towards my goals and objectives that perhaps a few years passed by without me noticing. However, I am extremely grateful to the efforts that were made to give me my flowers whilst I am alive. Truly I believe this is how it ought to be. But I am hoping there will be more flowers to come, being I have not retired as yet. There are still goals to be achieved and dreams to be realized”.
She added, “I want to use this occasion to encourage our children and young people by telling them through the help of God you can do all things that you set your mind to. But that is only if you continue to trust in Him and make the right decisions as you continue to work towards “your goal”.
