September – December 2012 Newsletter

September December
PARALYMPIC GAMES REVIEW
The Paralympic Games is a major international multi-sport event, involving athletes
with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities, including mobility disabilities,
amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy.
Antigua and Barbuda is proud and honored to have made its Paralympic Games debut
at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, United Kingdom, from August 29 to
September 9, 2012. This was known as the largest Paralympics ever with 4,302 athletes
from 164 National Paralympic Committees participating. Our Para athlete, Jamol Pilgrim
was Antigua and Barbuda's only representative at the London Games. In his only event,
the men's 100m T42, Pilgrim ran his heat in 15.76, finishing sixth. Even though Jamol
did not make it to the finals he certainly is a winner to the citizens of Antigua and
Barbuda for making that huge recovery and for persisting in moving forward to reach
the 2012 Paralympic Games.
As well spoken by Joey Reiman, “What I learned was that these athletes were not
disabled, they were superabled. The Olympics is where heroes are made. The
Paralympics is where heroes come."
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September December
NOC PRESIDENT SPEAKS
Dear Reader,
This edition of our Olympic Insider allows me an opportunity to
reflect on the preceding months of the year 2012 and the
challenges and achievements of the NOC. It also allows me an
opportunity to peek into the future with focus on structure,
programs, and expectations.
As we close the year 2012 and also the current Olympic
Quadrennial (2009-2012), I place on record my abiding thanks
and appreciation to my elected Executive, Secretary General
and staff who contributed to making this period the most successful administration
period of the National Olympic movement. Equally, appreciation is hereby extended to
our member associations who, despite tough and declining economic and financial
conditions, worked closely with us to manage the national sports programs. No praise
is too much for your efforts and perseverance. I encourage you to redouble your resolve
to achieve even more in 2013.
Looking forward, the NOC will continue to place a premium on the training of our
human capital in the critical areas of administration, coaching and athlete development.
Among the programs planned for 2013 are: Advanced Sports Administration Training,
National Sports Symposium, Sports for All, and Olympic Day.
In 2013 the NOC will confirm the grant allocations to National Associations to facilitate
the training of athletes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games,
and Youth Olympic Games. Even greater focus will be placed on creating a cadre of elite
athletes.
2013 marks the beginning of a new Olympic Quadrennial and brings with it new
opportunities and challenges. I invite us all to embrace these challenges and
opportunities; recommit ourselves to excellence and through share commitment and
dedication, double our resolve to make sports a vehicle for national pride, economic
growth and a healthy nation. 2013 has been declared the Year of Sports and I encourage
us all to get involved.
Regards,
Senator the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene
President
Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Association
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September December
PROMOTING SPORTS FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
The story of Jamol Pilgrim almost equals a fairy tale. His
life story of hope, tragedy and hope again is one that
brings a tear to the toughest of persons and smiles to the
faces of all who have heard it.
Hearing a recount of the vehicular accident that resulted
in the loss of limb and the miracle which saved his life and
his determination to be an Olympian, is a story which
could easily make a Best Seller or a Chart Buster in
Hollywood. I am satisfied in my belief that the best is yet
to come.
Like the pilgrims in religious stories, Jamol is a committed and focused young man who,
on a one man crusade to prove his point that disability does not mean inability, triggered
the formation of the Antigua and Barbuda Paralympic Committee and by extension the
nation's first participation in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
The build-up to his participation in the Games was eventful and costly, as he prepared in
the USA and sought qualification in several international meets. It was a bold undertaking,
a personal triumph over adversity and the response to a moral obligation by the NOC and
one which was met with mixed reactions. Some thought it was too expensive for a single
athlete, while others understood and supported the mission to integrate and promote the
athletic abilities and enthusiasm of athletes with disabilities.
As our nation is a signatory to the UN Convention to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
we are committed to the fulfillment of article 30 of the Convention which seeks for the
“right to participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport”. The NOC took this
commitment and individual right seriously and our investment in Jamol's participation in
the London 2012 Paralympics was a worthwhile and timely injection in a hitherto
unknown area of sports in our country This is a pioneering venture and one that will
uncover talent and opportunities for a segment of our society that is often cast aside. It is
often said, that a society’s maturity is best judged by the way it responds to those in
greatest need.
The challenge before the leaders of sports and Government of Antigua Barbuda, is to
build the Paralympic brand locally. Therefore, national policies will have to be introduced
and enforced to encourage and facilitate the practice of sports by persons with disabilities.
Involvement in Sports promotes full inclusion of all, and is a tool for bringing nations
together. We only have to think back to the 2012 Olympics and how it galvanized the
United Kingdom; we can think of South Africa and its 1994 Rugby World Cup Victory, and
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September December
how that was the catalyst in linking the chains that was hitherto asunder by the fangs of
apartheid.
Our Nation’s sporting authorities must include the establishment of a sport department
within the existing National Associations, to:
· support these athletes with disabilities,
· provide training of coaches and other support staff to effectively develop
and prepare these special athletes,
· pass legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities including
their right to the practice of sports and recreation
· inject money to provide tangible support to the development of Para
sports.
All this must be supported by a national campaign geared towards heightening
awareness and consciousness about this sector of society, which is too often left without
services and the right to national inclusion and representation. Disability resides in a
society, not within a person.
A cadre of volunteers is needed immediately to support the efforts of the NOC and
Paralympic Committee if our Nation is to realize the full potential of our athletes with
disabilities. The power of sport was in evidence throughout London 2012 and the
achievements of countries near and far are not beyond us. What we need is a
recommitment to excellence, dedication to duty and respect and love for our country,
even when all seems lost. Everyone can do his/her part to promote the rights of persons
with disabilities. The impact will be transformative from the individual to the family, to
the joy and pride of a society.
Jamol Pilgrim and those who will follow in the Paralympic cause need our support. Like
anything else, our input will determine our results. It cannot be lip service or tokenism.
The Paralympic movement is globally strong and there is no reason why Antigua and
Barbuda cannot and should not be an active and meaningful stakeholder.
A challenge is hereby thrown out to the entire country; let us build the participation of
our athletes with disabilities from one (Jamol Pilgrim) in the London Paralympics 2012
to three by the Pan American Games (Para Pan) in Toronto in 2015 and to five by the
next edition of the Paralympics in Brazil in 2016.
The implications for a fully integrated society are enormous. We can!!!
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September December
ISSUE #8
PARALYMPICS HIGHLIGHTS
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September December
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA SWIMMING
FEDERATION HOSTS THE 22ND OECS SWIMMING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF) had the honor of hosting the
22nd OECS Swimming Championships at the Antigua Athletics Club from November
9th – 11th, 2012.
Technical Coach, Edith Clashing stated that this 22nd OECS Swimming Championship
was unquestionably one of the most keenly anticipated and competitive swimming
events in OECS history. Antigua retained its position in 3rd place but increased its
point standing and convincingly demonstrated superiority in the lower age groups.
The three days showcased 34 very talented and competitive swimmers from St. Lucia,
Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, and host country
Antigua and Barbuda.
St. Lucia National team emerged the overall winners with 1536 points, followed by 2nd
place winners Grenada OECS Swim Team with a total of 1514 points, next in 3rd place
Antigua and Barbuda National Team with 1224 points, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines National Team captured 4th place with 420 points, and the British Virgin
Islands Team with 26 points in the 5th position.
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September December
REGIONAL TECHNICAL COURSE FOR COACHES IN
TENNIS
Congratulations to the Antigua and Barbuda Tennis
Association on successfully hosting the Regional
Technical Course for Coaches in Tennis, the first of its
kind in the region. The funding was provided through
the Olympic Solidarity Programme and the NOC. ITF
tutor Karl Davis facilitated the workshop with an aim
to ensure that Tennis coaches both in Antigua and Barbuda and the region were
equipped with the information needed for travelling with top junior athletes as well
as finding ways to facilitate their long term development. Coaches from 9 different
countries participated in 7 days of intense both theory and practical sessions.
Participants were encouraged to take what they learned to their respective
countries/clubs to aid in the overall development of their national athletes.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association thanked the Olympic Solidarity and the
National Olympic Committee for their support of this effort, and stated that without
the financial support the course would not have been possible.
IOC WOMEN AND SPORTS
Mrs. Yvette E.G. Francis, 2nd Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Olympic
Association represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Women and Sport for Americas
training/seminar, held in Mexico City, Mexico from 26 - 28 October 2012.
This training/seminar was organized to motivate women holding senior positions in
National Federations and/or NOCs. The seminar was geared towards training these
women to move towards taking higher positions in their respective Associations.
According to the statutes on the IOC, each NOC should have a minimum of 20%
women representation on its Executive. This has not been so in many cases; hence,
this seminar. The Path to Success is to be used as a mobilization tool in various NOCs.
The training provided additional skills in self-leadership as well as raising further
awareness on the necessity of promoting women’s participation in sports at all
levels. The training/seminar was a huge success. The delegates were thoroughly
energized by the sessions, which were presented in an unusual forum since it called
for total and complete participation by each member.
Mrs. Francis expressed her appreciation for this opportunity to participate in such a
forum and has openly offered her availability to pass on the knowledge gleaned to
any woman who is interested in being a part of the Olympic movement.
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September December
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA VOLLEYBALL SETTERS
COURSE
Congratulations to the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association on hosting a very
successful International Technical Seminar for Volleyball Setters from October 7 – 10,
2012.
The seminar was conducted under the direction of FIVB Instructor Tony Westman
of Sweden, and Course Supervisor Yohana Mota Moreno representing the Regional
Development Volleyball Centre and NORCECA Confederation, which forms part of
the development programme sponsored by NORCECA Confederation through the
Regional Development Centre in Dominican Republic.
Twenty seven (27) participants from sixteen (16) countries from around the Caribbean
Region proudly accepted their FIVB Certificate at the closing Ceremony held on
October 10th, 2012 at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.
CANOC/ TORONTO 2015 WORKSHOP
An invitation was extended to all CANOC members to attend a four day workshop
organized by TO2015/CANOC. The topic for the workshop was “Promoting the value
of Physical Education and Sport- Healthy Lifestyles and Social Development”.
Mr. Sean Samuel, Education Officer, Ministry of Sports was the chosen delegate to
represent Antigua and Barbuda since the workshop was ideally suited to Physical
Education practitioners and persons engaged in Sport For All at the community level.
Some of the areas covered during the workshop were; Linking Physical Education and
Sport Programmes with Sport For All, the Integration of Policies of the Ministry of
Education, Youth, Sport, Social Development, Health, Social and Community
Development, Non-Communicable and Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in the
Caribbean, and Establishing Regional Physical Education and Sport For All Networks.
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September December
CYCLING
The Antigua and Barbuda Cycling
Association was proud to host the
2012 INET Caribbean Cycling
Championships on October 20th
and 21st, 2012. The Antiguan event
attracted 102 riders from all over
the Caribbean Region, 24 to be
exact.
The first day of the event, Saturday, 20th October was the 24 mile (male)
and 12 mile (female) Time Trials. Reigning Caribbean Road Champion,
Shalini Zabaneh of Belize took the Gold in the Female Individual TT. She
completed the course in a time of 31:12. Nicole Mitchell of Bermuda took
the Silver after producing a time of 31:15. Antigua’s first medal came from
the Time Trial Champion, Tamiko Butler who had to settle for Bronze after
producing a time of 31:27. Kevinia Francis had a commendable
performance placing 6th in a time of 34:29.
The Caribbean Cycling Male TT title went to Carene Boris of Guadeloupe.
Boris completed the course in a time of 53:43. Antigua’s Robert Marsh had
to settle for 5th placed after producing a time of 55:22. Marvin Spencer
was the best of the other Antiguan who competed in the TT, Spencer
produced a time of 58:52 to place 13th. Andre Simon placed 19th in a time
of 1:00.43, whilst Jyme Bridges could not complete the race due to
mechanical problem.
Sunday 21st October, which was the 2nd and last day, the Men and Women
Road Race took place. Team Antigua and Barbuda fielded 10 men and 2
women. Antigua’s best performance came from Jyme Bridges who came in
7th. Robert Marsh placed 11thwhile Andre Simon finished in the 2nd group
placing 15th.
The Women’s race had just as much excitement as the Men’s, but Antigua
got great satisfaction when Tamiko Butler won the CC 42 mile Road Race
in a time of 2:08.40.379 ahead of Matisol Tellado of Puerto Rico, who had
a time of 2:08.40.547. Bermuda’s Nicole Mitchell placed 3rd in a time of
2:09.08 with the Time Trial Champion, Shalini Zabaneh of Belize placing
4th. Antigua’s Kevinia Francis finished 10th in a commendable effort.
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Dr. RONALD WILSON MEMORIAL GAMES
September December
The Antigua and Barbuda Olympic
Association provided financial
assistance to the Boxing Association
for the team travelling to Barbados to
participate in the Dr. Ronald Wilson
Memorial Games on December 6th - 9th.
Competitors from the islands of
Cayman Islands, Grenada, Trinidad and
Tobago, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Antigua
and Barbuda, Aruba, St. Martin, and the US Virgin Islands competed in the event.
Congratulations to the team; Yakita Aska, Karl Warner, and Alstan Ryan who all won
silver medals at the games.
FENCING INTRODUCED TO ANTIGUA AND
BARBUDA
The Principal of the St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Mrs. Joann Boulos-Callias opened
the doors of her school to the Antigua and Barbuda Fencing Association for the
hosting of the Technical Fencing Coaching
Course. Coach Jerzyzbigniev Konczalski from the
International Fencing Federation arrived on
the island on 14th November, 2012 to be the
facilitator of the new sport recently launched
in Antigua.
Coach Konczalski conducted a 10 day
workshop and training to P. E. Teachers and students of the St. Anthony’s Secondary
School. He was very impressed by the natural talent displayed in some students and
has offered to return to the island to assist with developing the sport.
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September December
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Taekwondo – Additional assistance to purchase training mats
Golf – Airline tickets purchased for Sir Vivian Richards and Errol Samuel to participate in
the International Pairs World Finals at Loch Lomond, Scotland
Regional Tennis Coaching Course – NOC sponsorship
ABVA – Assistance towards outstanding 2009 Championship accommodation expenses
- Assistance towards OECS Female Volleyball Tournament
ABSF – Assistance towards Karin Clashing’s travel expenses to participate in the OECS
Swimming Championships
ABSF – Assistance towards purchasing of timing bands for the 26th Annual Open Water
Championships
Athletics Association – Donation of tee shirts to the 10K Caribbean Series
Fencing Association – Accommodation expenses for Fencing Coach
EVENTS
President attended the Paralympic Games in support of the Antigua and Barbuda
Paralympic Committee (ABPC) and lone athlete, Jamol Pilgrim.
President and Secretary General attended the CASCO/CANOC General Assembly,
Grand Cayman Islands.
President and Secretary General attended Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
General Assembly, Uganda
President and Secretary General attended Americas Best Practice Symposium, Miami
The ABOA Ordinary General Meeting convened on 18th December, 2012. New members
welcomed to the Association were; the Fencing Association, Handball Association, Golf
Association, Sailing Association, Special Olympics Association and Paralympics
Association.
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September December
CONDOLENCES
Deepest sympathy goes out to our 2nd V. P. Mrs. Yvette Francis and family on the
passing of Evelyn Lady Davis who was laid to rest on Thursday, 20th December, 2012.
A funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s Church on Fort Road. May her soul rest
in perfect peace.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 3115 Redcliffe St.
St. John’s, Antigua W.I.
Phone: (268) 462-3476
Phone: (268) 460-5962
Fax: (268) 462-4811
E-mail: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/ABNOC
www.antiguaolympiccommittee.com
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