By Neto Baptiste
Just about a week shy of one month from the hosting of their first grassroots initiative on November 17, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association (ABAA) held the second instalment of the youth talent identification programme on Sunday at the Mack Pond playing field in All Saints.
The all-day affair saw participation from almost 60 young budding athletes who were put through their paces by coaches and officials as they seek to identify the diamonds in the rough.
National coach and a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA), Kesswin Anthony, said the grassroots events is a means to an end that could see the most promising athletes in the various age groups placed in specialised programmes.
“The culmination of these events will be with the national youth championships and we will compare that number to see what numbers we get from what we’ve been having throughout the various communities. A number of schools have come on board to take part in the initiative as well so we are looking to see how we can increase the numbers in the schools. For example, where you have like the under 11s, you might have just two athletes from the school but we are looking to get more athletes in that age category specifically to take part,” he said.
Anthony commended the 56 athletes that took part in the initiative on Sunday, highlighting their willingness to take part in several events.
“We explained to them what we are doing and what we were looking for and they are very much receptive to what they have to do. For example, nobody likes to run distance but with the three-minutes run we do to test the endurance, we were surprised actually as to how these athletes managed it. None of them shy away from running it and this is why it is important to target these young athletes, to get their mind conditioned that this event may not be for you but this may be your best event,” he said.
The official ensured that the training will continue beyond the one-day event held in All Saints.
“The coaches from within the association are to work along with the PE teachers in these schools and develop a syllabus so-to-speak in track and field so they could administer these training to the athletes while they have their PE classes. We’ve also indicated that the coaches that are available to go to the schools and work along with these PE teachers, that will be done. Also, the Ministry of Sports’ track and field coaches will work along with the PE teachers as well,” Anthony said.
Athletes were tested in speed, endurance, standing long jump and cricket ball throw. The participants are students of a number of primary schools to include Freemans Village Primary, Sea View Farm Primary, Liberta Primary, JT Ambrose, CT Samuel Primary and Cobbs Cross. Track and field clubs Roots, Wings, Phoenix and Supernova were also a part of the event.
The next edition of the initiative will take place on January 12 in Willikies.
