ON the heels of what has been a successful season, the administration, parents, and, most important of all, the athletes of Morne Stars Athletics Club thank you for your support this season.
Club President Terry Finisterre took time out to thank the many sponsors for their support, including Cool Runnings/SMJ, Flow, and The Oliver Gobat Sports Fund, who continue to do great work to support not just the athletes, but sports and sports personalities across Saint Lucia.
Finisterre said: “This year, we have enjoyed watching our club grow from strength to strength. We welcomed back some familiar faces and added some exciting new talent. We have seen some of our younger athletes take on fresh challenges and show the benefits of hard work and perseverance. We have witnessed the emergence and continued evolution of some of our established members.”
Finisterre singled out some of the individuals who have stood out this past season and said the club will be looking forward to more great things from them in the years to come.
Kareem Francis and KeyannaFelicien stood out at the Elite Invitational and the Under-15 Championships, leading a fine young group that includes Autumn, Peyton, Denajure, Nathaniel, and Nathanley.
Garette Alphonse was a revelation, winning medals in three events and SierratinaHilaire showed real dedication this season and reaped the rewards.
Double gold medallist Kerick Victor was the standout among an outstanding group of Under-15 boys, including Kemuel Pelage, Leon Alexander, Zendae Alexander, Osmany Cherry, Theo Pierrelouis, Keanu Felicien and Alexander Jn. Baptiste. Kayla Thorpe, Rianne Matthias and JenneilJacobie carried the torch for the Under-15 girls and Kayla in particular had some excellent outings.
The combined events champion, Shamalyn Albert, ended the season with two bronze medals at the OECS Championships but we know she is capable of doing even more. Likewise Jeanluk Robert and Linus Theophilus — the two gave the club a glimpse of their potential.
Danzel Philbert shifted to a new event group this year and got off to an impressive start.
The return of Zanaki Pierrelouis and Hygenia George was heartwarming for all of us, as they added a great deal to our team spirit and it was wonderful to see them battling back to form despite a number of challenges.
“I don’t think we have seen the best of JervonneAgard, Cameron Charles or Jelanie St. Rose, so let’s see what next season holds.
“Zoe Dorville and Keeniva Thompson continued their development and represented Saint Lucia at the Caribbean Under-16 Championships while newcomer DeyetteDjerel made her national debut at the same meet.
“We are hoping that Allana Paul will soon be joining the nearly 20 Morne Stars athletes who have earned university and college scholarships in the United States over the years and that there will be more to follow.
“We must thank Desran Desir and Kevin Norville for representing the club with pride at the National Championships.
“Last, but certainly not least, unbeaten over 400-metres and 800-metres at every major meet this year, Reuben Nichols has had a fantastic season and is now representing Saint Lucia at the IAAF World Youth Championships. However, we are hopeful that this is just the beginning, God willing, for a very talented, intelligent and ambitious young man.
“We would also like to take this time out to thank some of our amazing parents. I wish I had the time and space to show my appreciation to all of you, because each and every one of you do so much to make sure that our little stars shine brightly on and off the track. But let me single out a few of you: Valencia Hilaire, a former athlete herself; Tessa Similien; former national record holder Kim Vigier; Tessa Alexander, who is ever-present; Bernessa Joseph, who is so tremendously supportive; Marva Djerel; Auria Pierrelouis; Cheryl Bernard; Martin and Eva Herman; Jonathan St. Rose; Bernadette Martial, looking forward to getting the boys on track; Antoine Philbert; and even though she is not always around, Faye Albert.
“The club showed their gratitude to those who supported the club raffle this year and they are looking forward to doing it again this year, and doing it much better. They are also hoping to do a lot more for the members next season, whether that means better uniforms, training, equipment, or organizing travel for meets overseas. They are also calling on corporate Saint Lucia if they think they can help the athletes achieve their goals; they certainly want to hear from you. All assistance is greatly appreciated.”