Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3700/-1/140/
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National Fitness Quest Organiser Returns To Australia
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Tom O’Connor, who had been in Anguilla for the past five months, left the island on Monday July 3 to return to Australia. He was here as part of the Games Sports Development Volunteers Programme to bring fitness to communities, funded by the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and supported by the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association (AAAA).
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Mr. Kenn Banks makes presentation to Mr. O’Connor
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A cocktail reception was held on Saturday July 1 at Flavours Restaurant to show appreciation to Mr O’Connor’s work and to say farewell to him. President of the AAAA, Kenn Banks, said that he was more than happy with the work Tom had done here and that he had far exceeded expectations. Banks said he had galvanized many persons to take part in the Fitness Quest and many people have benefited. He assured Tom that the Fitness Quest will be continued and wished him all the best for the future.
Alkins Rogers, Director of Sports, said he admired the way Tom had worked and taken on the entire operation, acting as secretary, treasurer or whatever. He also worked with the netball and football teams and had helped in many ways. He expressed the hope that Tom would one day return to Anguilla.
Rosanna Browne, speaking on behalf of the Social Security Board, one of the main sponsors, said she hoped people would continue to support the programme. She thanked O’Connor for spearheading the nation’s fitness quest and urged him to return one day and see how it had been continued.
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Mr. O’Connor receiving gift from Dana Ruan
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Tom said that it was a great experience and pleasure to be involved with the Anguillian community. He said he had enjoyed it and made many new friends.
“I wish everyone the best of luck with their Fitness Quest goals and hope the programme continues long into the future and the community can start to reap the rewards of living a healthy lifestyle. I must thank dearly Mr Kenn Banks for ensuring I found my feet on arrival and I am forever indebted to Mr Alkins Rogers and his staff for all their local knowledge and assistance.” He also thanked the Social Security Board for assistance with transport, the Ministry of Sports, the Health Authority and the Diabetic Association for support.
The Anguilla Fitness Quest was launched on Saturday April 1 and has been a very successful programme involving some 235 persons. O’Connor encouraged walking, running, cycling, swimming, aerobic exercise and much more during his time in Anguilla. Many successful events have been held. The Fitness Quest also involved periodic health checks for members with blood pressure, weight problems and elevated blood sugar.
The Fitness Group represented by Dana Ruan presented Tom with gifts and he presented gifts to the AAAA and to his personal group of friends. Many persons expressed thanks to Tom and wished him well for the future.
Utility representatives at meeting
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