The Dominica Amateur Athletics Association (DAAA) has called for more local appreciation and recognition for track and field, as nine prepare to represent Dominica in the CARIFTA Games from April 22-24 in Jamaica.
DAAA President Godwin Dorsette said Tuesday before eight members of the team left the island for Jamaica, “I’ll continue asking for help in this fight that we would make it [track and field] a more prominent spot in our community, in our country, let all our children be able to really reap what athletics can bring to them”.
Dorsette noted however that track and field is very much alive here. “Track and field is really taking Dominica to the highest podium in the world.”
Sports Coordinator Trevor Shillingford noted the participation in track and field has increased over the years.
Telecommunications Company LIME presented EC$15, 000 to the DAAA for the athletes’ trip to Jamaica. LIME General Manager Jeffery Baptiste stressed that the donation should tell of LIME’s interest in, and appreciation for sports.
The Dominica government also gave EC$15, 000 toward the Dominica group’s attendance at the 2011 CARIFTA Games.
The event, staged since 1972, is thought of as one of the best development meets in world athletics. Sprint races, track and field, relays and hurdles are some of the events that are held as part of the CARIFTA Games, in two categories: the under-17 and under-20.
More recognition and better facilities needed.
Did the Government really help in this because I dont see how they can help and not supply Athletes with a proper training facility.
Thanks to Lime and the Government of Dominica for assisting with making it possible for the Team to attend the Carifta Games.
We have a lot of tallented athletes in Dominica who just need a little more exposure to reach the international scene. We have produced Regional, international/World Medalist and Olympic finalist, and we can do it again.
One Love Dominicans