In an interview last week to promote the upcoming annual Independence road race scheduled for Thursday 15th September, Lester Blackett, the President of the Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA), revealed that well known consecutive winner of the prestigious event, Timoy Henry is expected to be one of the dignitaries present to witness the event from close range.
As a matter of fact, Blackett re-emphasized the fact that the monies collected for registration for the event, will be all presented to Henry, who is in urgent need of medical care overseas, as he is currently recovering from injuries he received when he was shot earlier this year.
According to Blackett, Henry is in no condition to compete but will be present to witness the event and allow his many fans to see and interact with him.
The event will commence at 4.00 pm sharp and has been strategically shifted to the Thursday afternoon, which will have the atmosphere of a Friday afternoon in Charlestown, with the following day Friday 16th September, being a public holiday.
Blackett opined that it would attract a greater viewership and more participation. He is anticipating at least 150 persons attempting the course.
Persons 18 years and over who are interested in participating in the event will pay a registration fee of $20.00 and younger persons will participate for free.
Registration forms are available at the Youth and Sports Department and at the Secondary and Primary schools. The registration deadline is Wednesday 14th September at 3.00 pm.
The event is set to commence at 4 pm in front of the Nevis Tourism Authority Building, next to the Post office and the athletes will then proceed down the Samuel Hunkins drive, along the island’s main road and the senior athletes will turn back at the turnabout at Cotton Ground for the 10k run, while the athletes aged under 13, will turn back at the TDC roundabout, for the 3k run.
The race will climax opposite the Nevis Tourism Authority building.
Immediately following the conclusion of the race, the presentation ceremony will be held and Blackett noted that some very impressive cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs.
These include the following:
EC$ 10,000+ in Cash/Awards (1st 3 places per class & overall male & female winners):
¨ Trophies (1st) – Overall winners to be presented with an additional EC$ 200.
¨ Trophies: 2nd and 3rd places
¨ Trophy: Oldest & youngest Male/Female
¨ U18+ EC 1st $500 / 2nd-$300 / 3rd-$100
¨ U-13: EC 1st-$300 / 2nd-$200 / 3rd-$100 (U-13 $ presented to the athlete’s school)