Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5470/-1/140/
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Anguillian Athletes Celebrate The Rights Of The Child
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Saturday, November 24, was indeed a grand and glorious day with hundreds of children from different islands celebrating youth in perfect harmony on the dual island nation of St. Martin/St. Maarten. Almost 150 children boarded the MV Deluxe and Shantiwa at 8:30 am to take the trip to Marigot. Upon arrival, everyone boarded three buses in route to various sports arenas. It was a massive collaborative effort that went off without a hitch in most cases.
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Anguillian teams in the stands
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It took quite a while to fill out all of the immigration manifests and one of the buses did not have air conditioning nor the ability to open windows and many were adversely affected by the high temperatures inside the coach. All the buses arrived at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex on the Dutch side for an opening ceremony and from there the various teams went on to their respective sites where friendly competition was had among all.
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All of the children who participated
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This sports event was to recognize the United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child. This important convention was ratified by the UK in 1991 and therefore its principles have trickled down to all the British Overseas Territories. The various sports were cricket, athletics, volleyball, swimming, tennis and football. Many sports officials came over including the Minister of Sports the Hon. Mr. Evans Rogers. He said, “We are proud of them as they have done extremely well taking into consideration that we are in the process of upgrading facilities at home.
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Two young Anguillian athletes with their medals
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The athletes do well throughout the region and we are certainly making a name for ourselves around the Caribbean.” Sports Director Alkins Rogers was also on hand with his two sports officers Wilma Proctor and Rollins Richardson. All three worked diligently to make this event successful and they brought much enthusiasm. Alkins said, “This is a great event for the kids as it is not so much about who wins or loses but building relationships and friendships. The kids getting to enjoy themselves and have fun, and at the same time participate in events with friends from the other islands, is what it is all about. All in all, as the crowd shows, Anguilla has done very well in all the sports, especially athletics.” Ras Bucket was very excited about how well the children were doing in athletics. He was on hand to talk with The Anguillian in which he said, “The children did well and they make me feel proud. This is a warm up for the CARIFTA games in March and my Anguillians are going to shine”.
Some of the main organizers from the French side gave more background about the event. Arnell Guillaune, an island Councilman, said that this cooperation between the French and Dutch side has been going on for a couple of years. They have in recent times just begun to invite other islands such as Anguilla, Saba, Statia and St. Barths. He was excited as it is the only day in the year in which the focus is completely on the children.
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Anguilla coaches and organizers
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Claire Javois, the 3rd Vice-President in charge of social affairs for the French Council said, “I think it is marvellous. This is something that should be repeated and, as we consider our neighbour islands, they show the link we can have with each other. This must go on in the future and we hope Anguilla would like to receive us next year.”
Les Brown, a sports icon in St. Maarten was also on hand directing the swimming, tennis and athletics along with his colleague David Foresyth who directed football. He felt the event was very successful except for the fact that Saba, Statia and St. Barths could not attend although they were invited. He felt it was an excellent chance for the children to make new friends and to celebrate children world-wide.
All in all, the Anguillan contingents were successful in every category and made the sports department proud. There are talks to have this event in Anguilla next year but that will be decided once the proper infrastructure is in place. Minister Rogers made it very clear that funds and other resources are going full stream into the development of top-notch facilities in Anguilla.
Les Brown – sports of instructor with government – I find it was very good and very successful – Saba and Statia could not be part which was a downfall, St. Barths as well – the kids are looking for new friends so it is good to have new blood from all over. David Foresyth coordinated football – he did swimming track and field and tennis.
-Jason Allen