The Kalinago Eagles Athletic Club hosted a 5K race from St. Cyr to Sineku in memory of Neion Esprit on Sunday, November 17, at 3.30 PM. Neion’s life was tragically cut short four years ago at the tender age of eight, in an accident on the Sineku main road. He was a member of the Kalinago Eagles Athletic Club.
The weather was favorable, with no signs of rain, and the atmosphere was pleasant for an afternoon road race. Athletes from all hamlets of the Territory, including Atkinson, as well as members from the Kalinago Red Cross and the Pioneer Athletics Club, gathered to participate in this memorial race. Participants included very young children, middle-aged individuals, and seniors. The racers were categorized as follows: under 7 years, under 13 years, under 16 years, and 16 years and over.
Everyone came together to honor the memory of Neion. The President and Head Coach of the Pioneer Athletics Club stated that his club would always support such activities for a young boy who tragically lost his life and was a member of the Kalinago Eagles Athletics Club. “If he was alive, he would be here with us this afternoon,” remarked the coach.
The Pioneer Athletics Club was formed in 1996 and continues to nurture young athletes. One of their members, Curvin Leatham, emerged as the first-place winner in the competition. Curvin said, “The race was difficult, but with faith, mental strength, and dedication, I was able to complete it with ease, and I did it for Neion.”
Neion Esprit was from Sineku and was a very active and outgoing child. He engaged in athletics and other sports from a young age. Unfortunately, his life was taken too soon, leaving an indelible mark of sadness on the community. Each year around this time, the Eagles Club commemorates him in a profound way. Last year, there was no race due to a road rehabilitation project, but they hope to continue this event annually. The Kalinago Eagles Athletics Club consists of 56 members of all ages.
Winston Joseph, one of the leaders, commented, “I am overwhelmed with emotions to see so many people showing support for this event. I am truly thankful to them and to our sponsors. Although we would participate in races around Dominica when we are invited, but we have financial problems since we do not have a uniform of our own. Some members cannot participate in races because they do not have running shoes, nor can they pay bus fees when we have to go out. We try to fund-raise but it is a struggle”. He continued, “If we could find sponsors, that would be a dream come true, as our goal is to send an athlete to represent us at the Olympics.”
Therefore, anyone interested in helping the Kalinago Eagles Athletics Club can contact the Kalinago Council. As athletes neared the finish line, they finished the race in high spirits, cheered on by the crowd. There was a spirit of jubilation among both onlookers and athletes as they celebrated the memory of one of their own. Winners from the various age categories received prizes and medals, and finally, Neion’s family was presented with a gift basket.
May Neion Esprit continue to rest in peace.
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