The Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Incorporated (SLOC Inc.) continues preparations to celebrate Olympic Week which starts on Sunday 16th June 2019.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday 11th June at its headquarters in La Clery, SLOC Inc. President, Fortuna Belrose said, “June 23rd every year is celebrated globally as International Olympic Day. Olympic Day came through as a result to celebrate the movement; it focuses on excellence, getting citizens and civilians to be the best that they can be not only through sports but through every aspect of their lives”.
She added, “We have a number of countries that have taken the Olympic Day event to another level where they’ve been able to integrate it within their schools systems. At the SLOC Inc, we are still doing quite a bit of work in terms of building the capacity of our people to ensure that they appreciate the value of Olympic Day. We currently have our technical support team working with the other agencies to ensure that we strengthen the programming locally”.
Additionally, “We have an Olympic Academy; we are now looking to strengthen that academy over the next year to ensure that there is a greater appreciation for events such as Olympic Day and the value of Olympic Day”.
On Saturday 15th, the SLOC Inc, will recognize one of its fallen heroes within the movement in Saint Lucia, Johnathan Everett. Everett was anHonourary member of the SLOC Inc, and during the event the SLOC Inc will be celebrating him, and devoting the building’s Conference Room to his memory.
Belrose said, “Another significant event that will take place during the week’s celebration; former SLOC President, Richard Peterkin will be recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was recognized last year, but the formal realization of that recognition will take place on Sunday 23rd June in Lausanne, Switzerland where he will be receiving his medal of honour from the President of the IOC, Thomas Bach”.
A photography Exhibition will be held on the ground floor of the Headquarters of the SLOC Inc starting from Saturday 14th June and will continue throughout the Week. Museum visits in the building will also be allowed between Sunday 16th – Friday 21st.
On Tuesday 18th June there will be an introduction of the Athletes Commission Steering Committee spearheaded by SLOC General Secretary, Alfred Emmanuel and according to Belrose; Emmanuel has been leading the charge, working with our athletes to ensure that they recognize the importance of the role that they play.
The annual Olympic Day Run will take place on the morning of Sunday 23rd June, and the SLOC Inc President encouraged the various national federations to ensure that their members turned out in full force to support the event. They were also urged to bring along persons who want to participate for good health and well-being, because the thrust of the movement is about the best that you can be, not only in sports but in every sphere of human activity.
Meanwhile, for logistical reasons, the SLOC Inc has decided to use the La Clery Playing Field and the Vide Boutielle Cultural Club and Court for a number of selected sporting events including athletics, basketball, cycling, football, table tennis and rugby. These events will be held until midday following the completion of the early morning run.
