The President of North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) expressed confidence in the Federation’s preparations to host the Carifta Championships in March.
President Neville “Teddy” Mc Cook headed a six-member regional delegation of officials and sponsors which met with the minister responsible for sports, Hon. Richard Skerritt and members of the Local Organising Committee for Carifta 2008.
Committee members were “extremely impressed by the progress being made by the organising committee,” Mc Cook said.
Minister Skerritt also expressed his confidence that the Bird Rock athletic stadium will be ready for the games. He pointed out that an athletic meet in February will put the new stadium to the test and will serve to certify the readiness of the facility for the Carifta Games in March.
Mc Cook assured the general public that what he and the others have seen will ensure an “excellent championship.”
He also took the opportunity to encourage support from the media.
“It is therefore important that you assist the organising committee in getting the word out as far as these championships are concerned,” he told members of the press.
He urged the media to disseminate information on “things that are being done, preparations that are being made and things that have been promised and have been delivered on time for these championships.”
President Mc Cook also mentioned “enlightened leadership” as key to utilising the new stadium. He issued a challenge to those in charge of sports facilities to go beyond the Carifta Games with their use.
“You have the opportunity to bring countries here in winter season to use your facilities. You have again the opportunity to bring together the region’s athletic powers, the territories in the region and make your facilities available for them to participate,” Mc Cook said.
Mc Cook made a final appeal to the media to promote the youths involved in sports.
“You have the responsibility to find out about these people, continue to speak about them if the opportunity arise and communicate with their coaches. But most importantly, if you want to get the stadium filled on those three days, you need to put out stories of these youngsters,” he said. “We have a tremendous number of young athletes who are at the top of world level participating at the Carifta Games. Give them their due.”
The Carifta Championships showcase young track and field talent throughout the Caribbean annually. They date back to the early 1970’s, and this year’s games, March 21-24 in St. Kitts, will be the 36th championship. Apart from the athletic competition, regional governments also compete to host the games as proof of their commitment to sports and youth development.
