Former Nevisian sprint queen and Olympian, Valma Bass, made a significant donation to her former Secondary school, on Wednesday 26th September. She was not present but was well represented by her former classmate and friend, Mrs. Andrea Hendrickson-Lewis.
Mrs. Lewis was introduced at the morning’s assembly, by Headmistress, Mrs. Lineth Williams, who noted that the school was always grateful when past students, take time out to assist in any way.
Mrs. Lewis explained that she was contacted by her friend, Ms. Bass and she wanted to know how she could assist her former school. She in turn, contacted Deputy Headmaster at the school, Mr. Kayno David, who when he got back to her, indicated that the school was in need of some sporting equipment.
She stated that Ms. Bass has indicated that she intends for such donations to become an annual event.
The gift of hurdles, training ladders and cones, among other equipment, was gratefully accepted by PE teacher at the school, Miss Melissa Clarke.
Mrs. Williams in saying thanks, asked Mrs. Lewis to tell Ms. Bass that the gift was truly appreciated and stated that she will also write to Ms. Bass as well.
Valma Bass (born 12 March 1974) is a former sprinter from the United States Virgin Islands who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters. She changed nationality from Saint Kitts and Nevis in May 2003.
For her old country, she competed at the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000 as well as the 2001 World Championships. She later competed at the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 World Indoor Championships. At none of these occasions, she reached the final. She does have an eighth-place finish from the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.
Her personal best times are 11.43 seconds in the 100 meters and 23.07 seconds in the 200 meters, both achieved in May 2000 in Baton Rouge. These times used to be the Saint Kitts and Nevis records, but they have been broken by Virgil Hodge. Bass still co-holds the Saint Kitts and Nevis record in 4 x 400 meters relay, which was achieved at the 1996 Olympic Games.