The Turks & Caicos Islands Amateur Athletic Association (TCIAAA) and Team TCI recently returned home after competing at the 2016 CARIFTA Games in Grenada. The CARIFTA games were held during the customary Easter Weekend, March 26th to March 28, 2016.
Team TCI consisted of 14 athletes that were chosen to participate based on their performance at previously held domestic championships. The team was escorted by head coach, Randy Ford; assistant coach, Ali Smith; TCIAAA President, Edith Skippings; as well as guardians, Gertrude Forbes and Terry Brooks.
The group left the Turks & Caicos Islands on Thursday before the games and traveled to Jamaica via Intercaribbean where they met up with team Jamaica and traveled to Grenada on a chartered flight together. This expedited travel arrangement was made possible via the relationship that the TCIAAA has with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).
Even though team TCI did not win any medals during the games, the experience of competing on a regional scale was simple priceless for the participants. “Many of the athletes did exceptionally well and their personal best whilst competing,” said Coach Ford. “Ms Akia Guerrier was able to beat her personal record as she advanced to the final of the 200 meter dash and set a new national record.”
Woodens Corvil, formerly of the Raymond Gardiner High School, and now a scholarship student of the Jamaica College succeeded in a 4th place at the Poll Volt event. It is important to note that this is the first time that team TCI has ever participated in this event on a national scale.
Two female athletes; Zoe Butler and Rebecca Bernadine participated in the 800 meter dash and both did their personal best times. Butler who is only 13 years old, is the youngest member of the team and she has a promising future in track in field to possibly participate again next year. Athletes, Alivia Brooks and Angelica Hall were participants in the heptathlon, completed the array of seven events and did the country proud but were unable to receive medals for their efforts.
Mr Tolby Jennings was also one of the male athletes that made the team and was able to participate in the 400-meter dash. He is one of the students currently enrolled in an athletic scholarship program in Jamaica.
One of the highlights for Team TCI was advancement of Ms Guerrier who broke both the 100-m and 200-m record in TCI that was previously held by Ms Rosalie Ingham. Ms Guerrier now qualifies for the World Track & Field Championship which is to be held in Poland this year. She has also received a scholarship offer from Kent State University of her efforts in sports.
Team TCI was joined in Grenada by Minister of Education & Sports, Hon. Akeira Missick as well as Ms Judith Robinson who cheered on the athletes from the stands.
TCIAAA President; Edith Skippings commented, “I am so proud of the work that there athletes have put in over time. It takes a lot of commitment and training to be able to compete on a regional scale and our athletes have done their best and they should be commended for their efforts.”
It is noted that the TCI Athletes may have the potential to do better if more track and field events are held throughout the year. Most local athletes only participate in their school and two major metes before they advance to the big leagues such as Carifta.
According to Coach Ford, “I would like to stress to all athletes that there are many possible opportunities for persons who wish to participate in sports. Students have the opportunity of performing on a large scale and may even be awarded a scholarship to pursue tertiary education. So train if you must, but never give up.”
There were 26 participating countries throughout the Caribbean at the 2016 Carifta Games that was held at the National Athletic Stadium in St Georges, Grenada. Next year’s Carifta event will be held in Curacao and team TCI will be there to represent the country at its best and hopefully bring home a medal.
