Student athletes to be honoured at Sports Excellence Awards on Wednesday

(SKNIS): Approximately 58 student athletes from all public primary and secondary schools and the Immaculate Conception Catholic School (ICCS) in St. Kitts, will be recognized for outstanding performance in their respective sports tomorrow (July 13), when the Ministry of Sports revives the Sports Excellence Awards.

The athletes and their parents, members of the sporting and education fraternities, and government officials will gather at Government House at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the accomplishments in various sports activities organized by the department. These include cricket, tennis, football, track and field, netball, volleyball and basketball. Awards will also be presented to several teachers, department staff members and sponsors who have made valuable contributions to sports development over the years. Special Olympians from the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive School will also be recognized.

Director of the Department of Sports, Anthony Wiltshire, said the award’s venue will provide an appropriate ambiance for the prestigious ceremony. He reflected on the history of the award and added that that this was the first time in about 10 years that such an event is being held.

“We are elated that we are able to bring back the award and we feel that such a ceremony is necessary to recognize the children who excel nationally,” he stated. “The honour and experience is something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

The rebirth of the activity is in keeping with the passion of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Sports, Honourable Shawn Richards, to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to the nation’s youth.