Special Olympians Return to Heroes’ Welcome

The majority of the contingent of athletes who represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the recently concluded Special Olympics world games , held in Abu Dhabi, returned to the Federation on Saturday 23rd March, on board the British Airways flight, originating out of Gatwick Airport in the UK.
A brief welcoming ceremony was held in the VIP lounge at the RLB Airport.
Minter of Sports, Hon. Shawn Richards, who actually accompanied the team on the long trip to Abu Dhabi, heaped praises on the athletes and pointed out that they performed extremely well.
He noted that they gave it their all, even when some of them fell sick, they were soon back in action, giving of their best efforts.
He thanked all of the individuals and entities that assisted in making the trip possible for the athletes and stated that if they were able to accomplish so much with limited resources, imagine what they can achieve with more resources.
He asked the members of the society to give as much support as possible, to persons who are determined and make them feel as included as any other citizen.
He also took time out to pay special tribute to the parents of the athletes.
Ms. Clarice Cotton, chair of the board of directors for Special Olympics, who also accompanied the team, thanked the coaches for a superb job.
She indicated that apart from the sports that the athletes normally participate in, this year they attempted three new sports: Triathlon; Cycling and the open water swim.
They did not place in the triathlon event but to their credit, completed the course.
They also completed the open water swim with one athlete collecting a gold medal in the process.
As regards the Cycling event, a few athletes collected significant medals.
She also thanked the Doctor who accompanied the athletes, for his tremendous input and thanked Minister Richards for his obvious interest in seeing the athletes excel.
She also explained that three of the athletes and several officials missed the flight, due to some problems experienced in London, but noted that they were safe.
The Digicel representative also took time out to congratulate the athletes and pledged the continued support of his company to them in their future endeavours.
The Federation’s team returned home with 8 gold medals; 2 silver and 3 bronze.
Gold medals: Tanique Richards-100 and 200 meters sprints; Roshawn Daniel -400 meters; Lemuel Hobson-open water swim; Krislyn Warner and Lawvander Forbes-Bocce doubles event; Jamor Merchant-Cycling-5k timed trials; Robert Liddie-Cycling-10k timed trials and Shakir Stapleton –Tennis singles competition
Silver medals: Shane Nisbett-Cycling-10k timed trials; Krislyn Warner-Bocce singles
Bronze medals: Tyrique Morton-400 meters; Roshawn Daniel-200 meters; Lawvander Forbes-Bocce singles
The Nevis athletes will today be celebrated in a grand motorcade through Charlestown, which will commence at the Cecely Browne Integrated School at about 12.00 noon.