President of the Dominica Amateur Athletic Association (DAAA), Godwin Dorsette has revealed that seven athletes have already qualified for the CARIFTA Games which will be held from March 25th to the 28 in Grenada.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Secondary Schools Athletics Championship at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
“Today and over the past weeks, we have been on the course, trying to get persons representing Dominica for the CARIFTA Games,” he told athletes participating in the event. “And, so far, we have on board seven qualifiers with a number of national records and personal best. Today, and during the course of tomorrow, we are giving to you the opportunity to also lay your claim… to be a member representing Dominica at the CARIFTA games.”
Athletes were also alerted to the formation of a team for the Windward Islands Schools Games (WISG) 2016. They were urged to perform well at the championship, in order to be trained and drafted.
“This year, 2016, we will be bringing together a team for athletics to represent at the Windward Islands Games, and it’s important that you, here with the talent, come out, and after competing here, that you make yourself available for training, so that you can develop your skills,” Dorsette noted.
He also stated that the association plans to partner with willing parties, to ensure the improvement of athletics on the island. Thus, Dominica would have a greater chance to excel in competitions.
“Today, we are already collaborating very greatly with the Sports Division, and we are definitely going to move forward with our collaboration, to bring the best of athletics to our youth in Dominica,” he said. “For too long, I believe we have stayed behind, and we have looked at our neighbouring countries move on in front of us. And, one of my objectives…is to join hands with the people, with the organizations, with the government—all who are in a position to bring to us in Dominica, what is most important for establishing greater development in track and field athletics.
Meantime, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central constituency, and former athlete, Joseph Isaac, expressed his faith in the competitors and wished them well.
“I want you to know this morning that my heart is with you, the youth of Dominica. My heart is with you because I am confident that you will make us, Dominica, proud when the time comes,” he said.
Secondary Schools Athletics Championship will be taking place over the next two days.
All the best to the athletes. Government needs to put more into track and field. Also, the private sector needs to do more also, together with parents. I remember my days in track and field, parents hardly showed up. I hope things have changed.
Congratulations to all. You are making us Dominicans proud, even if your facilities back home are deplorable and in some areas nonexistent , I commend each and every one of you.
please give the names of the qualified athletes