Captain of Team Dominica NIC 2.0 tells of experience

Team Dominica in the Nature Island Challenge
Team Dominica in the Nature Island Challenge

Members of Team Dominica at the just concluded Nature Island Challenge 2.0 (NIC) said they were like soldiers in a battle without protective shields.

Inadequate preparation and a number of injuries relegated the team to the last spot when the competition ended last week Friday.

“The challenge was great,” captain of the team, Shern Seraphine, told DNO. “It was challenging as we expected it to be. However we had some injuries along the way.”

Cramps were a major problem.

“On day one, day two and day three some of our team mates ending up cramping… so that kept us back a bit and these three days we ended up coming out in the 4th place,” he stated.

He said although the team was able to ‘bounce back’ on the final day of the challenge, it was not enough to get them to a higher spot in the four-team challenge.

“If we hadn’t cramped, we would be second all through and maybe we would be the champions…” he said.

Seraphine noted that the team began training for the challenge by jogging the Waitukubuli National Trail and familiarizing themselves with it.

They also played a lot of football and he said the team thought that was adequate to tackle the challenge.

“But I guess I was wrong,” he stated with a laugh.

He promised to “wheel and come again” next year.

“We want to be here next year and do the trails as soon as possible and not just doing them but doing them with vigor,” he noted. “We are looking forward to next year.”

He also noted that the team has learned different medications for cramping, “so we can deal with that next year.”

Meantime, captain of the winning Team Trinidad White, Curtis Forde, admitted that the competition was “stiff”.

“I just find the competition was stiff. It wasn’t about being physically challenged; it’s about being challenged in all aspects. It’s a lot about creativity, individuality, team work,” he stated. “All in all it was a beautiful four days of activity, I love Dominica really bad, I call it the hiking paradise.”

The challenge began on Wednesday, April 8 and entailed a hiking race which took competitors over 50 miles along the Waitukubli National Trail.

Along the way they were faced with various adventure and cultural challenges

Team Trinidad White grabbed a total of 220 points while Team Trinidad Red, 215 points.

Team USA got the third place slot with 205 points.

Team Dominica placed fourth with a total of 195 points.

 

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24 Comments

  1. Simply the Truth
    April 14, 2014

    An excellent cream/rub for muscles is Bengay. I understood Jolly Pharmacy sells it for approximately $20.00. In Toronto it is approximately $7.00 plus 13% tax.
    I can vouch for Bengay. Some years ago, one Saturday after grocery shopping, I lifted a box of groceries. That evening I felt a pain on my right side. During a conversation with a Kittitian friend, I mentioned it. The friend told me to telephone the pharmacy and ask for Bengay cream. I did and it was delivered. I rubbed the area and by morning the pain was gone. Ever since, the only rub I have at my home and use is Bengay. If my legs/knees feel tired, I rub them with Bengay but more my knees.
    I recommend it to anyone who informs me they have a pain (on condition it is not a serious one; then they must see a doctor).
    Whenever I speak of Bengay, those who know me, family and friends, they laugh. They know I will advise to take Bengay. I have joked that I should inform the company that manufactures it for me to do a TV commercial for them. :lol:
    There is Bengay for muscles; for also sports and arthritis. Recently I saw a Jamaican woman who told me when visiting her family, she fell at their home and broke her leg and now athritis set in. She limps and walks with a cane. Of course she visits her doctor. One day I saw her near the grocery store and asked how she is feeling. She told me it hurts and she cannot sleep. I told her about Bengay for athritis. We were also near a pharmacy and told her, fortunately this pharmacy sells it. She immediately went in and bought one for athritis. Some weeks after I saw her and she told me how it was helpful and that the evening she used it, it was the first time she slept well for a long time. She thanked me immensely.
    I am not a doctor or a nurse. I would never recommend something that I feel is ineffective. I do not get cramps. Rubbing with Bengay is not harmful.
    Therefore, Team Dominica, check with Jolly Pharmacy or other ones in D/ca. Find out if they also stock the one “for muscles and sports.” If you decide to purchase one and use it, with the help of the pharmacist and yes, your doctor, decide which one will be suitable for you.
    An advice which I was also given, whatever rub/cream or lotion you decide to use, “Do not rub the front of your knees. ” It consists of bones. The rub will not penetrate it. I understood it could dry up the cartilage.
    Rub above your knees, on the side and behind the knees. I give this advice to everyone and of course I apply the same to myself. I vouch for Bengay cream. Hope you consider it and I reiterate whatever you decide to use, make sure you do not rub the front of your knees.
    I am always pleased to offer some useful advice, whatever knowledge I have and also based on my experience, if it will help. God bless you guys with success next year.

  2. MS
    April 14, 2014

    One of the causes of muscle cramping is dehydration so I am guessing that some of the guys didn’t have enough hydration while participating in such humid conditions.

    I applaud them any ways. It really takes a great amount of strength and determination to participate in a competition like that.

  3. supporter
    April 14, 2014

    Im happy you guys recognized your shortfalls. Accept the constructive criticisms and start preparing for next year. I have confidence in you. Whoop whoop! Win or lose, im on ur side.

  4. Anonymous
    April 14, 2014

    They tried , I am sure they realise they need to train harder. Competition is good thing .

  5. April 14, 2014

    Congrats team Dominica, you will do better next time
    I

  6. x0x0x0
    April 14, 2014

    Team Dominica huh! So how many “Team Dominica” there will be eventually? Netball “Team Dominica”, Football “Team Dominica”, Challenge “Team Dominica” Cricket “Team Dominica” etc, etc, etc………

    • FR
      April 15, 2014

      And your Point is????

  7. Anonymous
    April 14, 2014

    what crap all u talking about go by doctor and things like that. all them fellas had to do was go and run and walk and climb all the big hills and valleys we have in dominica, that would help them out instead they have to pay money to c doctor just to give them a few bla bla bla and chemicals to help them out. in our own environment and our own hills and valleys them other teams beating us up?de 80s generation would do much better. in time when de fig used to flourish.

    • Simply the Truth
      April 14, 2014

      They are already feeling bad and embarrassed that they placed fourth in their own country. Do not add insult to injury. Be compassionate and understanding.
      Even though D/ca is their country, it should not be surprising they did not place first. Consider sports as cricket if played in D/ca. There is no guarantee that D/ca will come first and win.
      Do not be too hard on them. What is important, they participated and they tried their utmost. Simply state, better luck next time.

    • April 15, 2014

      The time fig used to flourish was Freedom time. All readers say yeah.

    • Moi
      April 15, 2014

      For you to give encouragement u beig negative…Dominica didn’t have a rep these guys joined on the last min and did what they could…why didn’t u sign up huh? I know for a fact they are footballers and cricket players…they have experienced hat its like and will work on their short comings for next time…talking bout excuses…stupes..is ppl like allu that is crabs in a barrel

  8. Anonymous
    April 14, 2014

    great activity, keep promoting

  9. Really!!
    April 14, 2014

    Those fellas using excuses of cramping, they should just say we were out of shape and ill prepared. The amount of training athletes go through just to do their job and these fellas thought that jogging the trail and playing football would prepare them for the race. Dominicans really expect results when they dont put in the work. Smh

    • creative
      April 14, 2014

      But at least they made the effort, so I say congratulations to them.
      They can now learn from their mistakes, and do the various things they need to do, to address all aspects of this challenge, and prepare better for next year. Congrats guys, I am proud of you all for attempting this.

    • Anonymous
      April 15, 2014

      By the looks of a large portion of the dominican public walking up and down hills is not something they do on a regular basis . Sure these young men well ill prepared and maybe over confident but they participated and I applaud that.

    • Faith in action
      April 15, 2014

      REALLY try runnin the trails bfore u start barking at least my cuz and his team mates pushing through but wat u doing???> besides runin ya mouth???? dats all some of us doooo have fucking big mouth put your self out der lil boy run the trains make a team prove them wrong cause they have heart they have sole they will be there next year

  10. Educator
    April 14, 2014

    Fellas, before you try to figure out what caused you to cramp, talk to a doctor who may be familiar with sports medicine. Do some research on the net to familiarize yourself with the requirements to tackle tough physical activities. It is not just walking the trail a few times. You have to condition your body to handle the rigours of that challenge.

    Good luck next time

    • Simply the Truth
      April 14, 2014

      This means, eating nutritious and well-balanced meals. They must also drink ample water but do not overdo it. The body needs energy to perform this strenuous activity.

  11. April 14, 2014

    We are still proud of you the team next year you will be more ready to k—- some b —— keep your heads up high

  12. correct
    April 14, 2014

    it actually began on Tuesday and not the Wednesday as stated in the article

  13. Figuhr Fabien
    April 14, 2014

    Did the team do their physicals/medicals and get expert advice? It’s one thing to be fit, and another to be prepared for a grueling challenge. Better luck next time guys. Let the comments drive you to excellence.

  14. derp
    April 14, 2014

    go running up steep hill, not jog, run, I do it with no cramps…

    • Simply the Truth
      April 14, 2014

      Practice makes perfect.

  15. jacinta Bannis
    April 14, 2014

    You made it through, so don’t give up. The experience was worth while.

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