Sports

Two officials from the West Indies Cricket Board were in Anguilla several days ago to hold a training workshop and to implement what is called “a grass-root cricket”programme in the primary schools.They were K.J. Singh, Project Officer, responsible for Kiddy Cricket in the region; and his colleague, FawwazBaksh.

Four children, a parent and coach left Anguilla today (Friday 2nd September) to attend the US Open Tennis Tournament in New York. Mitchelle Lake, Founder and President of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA), said: “This is my third year organizing such a trip for the parents, coaches, and children at the Academy. The US Open is a major grand slam event and they will witness the best players in the world playing in an electrifying atmosphere. It is my hope that this experience will inspire those who attend to become better players, coaches, and supporters of the game.”

Kieron ‘Speedy’ Rogers has much to be proud of as he made a superb performance on the international stage in Daegu, South Korea, for the 13th IAAF World Championships in athletics. The 22 year-old clocked a new national senior record and personal best of 10.55 to finish second in heat 1 of the Men’s 100m qualification. This booked him a place in the first round of the 100m later that evening, where he was unable to improve, stopping the clock at 10.96.

Anguilla’s participants in the recently held World University Games in China returned home on Thursday 25th August. Athletes DeeAnn Rogers and Denvil Ruan described the atmosphere at the games as most enchanting and were encouraged by their individual performances. DeeAnn ran a personal best of 58.95 seconds in the women’s 400m, while Denvil came very close to a personal best of 15m in his triple jump. Denvil is of the view that if he qualifies for the next championships he will definitely have an improved performance.

The Fourth Annual Orlando Johnson Memorial Football Tournament is now in progress at Coronation Ball Park in The Valley where it commenced on Sunday, August 28.

Two athletes, Mr. Keron Rogers and Ms. Shinelle Proctor left Anguilla on Tuesday 23rd August to travel to Daegu, South Korea, to participate in the 2011 World Athletics Championships. The Anguillian athletes had a delayed departure due to the passage of the Tropical Storm Irene (now Hurricane Irene).

Paul Bell and a team of friends and basketball enthusiasts created the Island Hoops Anguilla Basketball Academy to provide the best quality basketball instruction, training & development year round to players of all ages and skill levels.

Anguilla is represented at the 26th World University Games being held in Shenzhen, China, from the 7th to 23rd August 2011, by Mr. Denvil Ruan, Ms. DeeAnn Rogers and Ms. Wenonah Hughes. Ms Rogers and Mr. Ruan will participate in the 400m and triple jump respectively. Both athletes were eligible for the games as they are pursuing tertiary degrees. Ms Wenonah Hughes will be the head delegate and a participant at the Congress that will precede the games. (Ms. DeeAnn Rogers participated in the torch bearing ceremony on 9th August.)

The 7th Annual NBA Peter Perkins Boat Race was held on Sunday, July 4, at Road Bay. This year, the Anguilla Boat Race Committee partnered with the Anguilla Red Cross giving the organisation the opportunity to raise funds. The proceeds will go towards the “One in a Million Project” to purchase a wheel chair bus with lifting capabilities.

The Anguilla Football Association has been particularly pleased this week that three professional women players from the United States found it possible to come to the island to conduct a two-week soccer camp for school children from four years up. Their visit was arranged by Thomas Kelly, who recently set up the Anguilla Sports Foundation to assist Anguillian youth.

Many children in Anguilla benefitted this week from the first Annual Gary Payton Basketball Camp which was held at one of the tennis courts at Viceroy Anguilla.

On Sunday, July 17th, competitor # 29, Mr. Walter Grant Stewart, captured the heart of the Anguillian community as well as the wider Caribbean region not only for winning the 12th edition of the John T Memorial but doing so with only one arm.

Anguilla has a lot of celebrating to do! The Anguilla Youth Sailing Club Team captured 1st place in the KATS 2011 Premier’s Cup International Youth Regatta held July 8th to 10th in Tortola. The six-member team consisted of Kendal “Kenny” Richardson, Ethan “Rumple” Lloyd, Starlin Rosario, Romero “Butchie” Gumbs, Kadeem Joseph and Derick “Fritz” Carty. They out-sailed seven other teams from five neighboring islands, Puerto Rico and the USA in a hard fought competition, emerging victorious and bringing home top honors.

The Louis Price Fitness Centre at South Hill, the only facility in Anguilla with an indoor volleyball court, was the venue for the Eastern Caribbean Male Under-19 Volleyball Championships held from July 9-12.

Anguilla is being represented at the IAAF World Youth Championship which is being held in Lille France from July 6- 10.

Anguillian junior athletes T'arah Niles and Janique Fleming placed first overall in the 11-12 female category at the just ended 14th Central american and Caribbean (CAC) Age Group combined events championships held in Tortola on July 1-2.

The two-month Junior Division of the 2011 Digicel Summer Business Basketball League is now in progress at Coronation Park in The Valley, having commenced on June 25.
The six participating teams, bringing together in harmony youngsters from across the island, are the West Stars of South Hill and West End, Top Hill of North Hill, Lava Splash of East End, the Junior Hoyas of Stoney Ground, the Pointerz of Blowing Point and the Gunnerz of The Valley.

The Warriors Domino Team of Stoney Ground was victorious earlier this month in a three-day competition, against the World Cup Domino Team, in St. Kitts.

From Friday this week, July 1, to Wednesday, July 7, the Anguilla Netball Association will be represented by an Under 23 team in a competition in St. Kitts.

The Anguilla Amateur Basketball Association officially ended its Regular Season with a closing ceremony on Friday June 17th at the Valley Court. After a competitive season, the Hard Knox took 4th place, X-men 3rd, Hoyas 2nd and Shottaz took home the 2011 Championship.