St. George’s, September 2, 2011 – Family members, friends and well-wishers of Grenadian track
star, Kirani James, serenaded him Thursday night on his 19th birthday
and spoke to him via video conferencing.
The event, held at Cuthbert Peters Park in James’ hometown of
Gouyave, St. John, included television replays of his first placed gold medal
run in last Tuesday’s 400 meters race at the World Championship in Daegu, South
Korea. The race also featured Grenadian Rondell Bartholomew, who placed sixth.
With each replay, the crowd erupted in cheers and later sang
happy birthday to James.
The event was sponsored by James’ local track club, Speed
Zone, and backed by corporate supporters of the club such as LIME.
The evening opened with remarks from club officials, as well
as from Sports Minister Patrick Simmons; MP for St. John, Michael Church; and Vice-President
of the Grenada Athletic Association, Aaron Moses.
In the video conferencing, James was showered with love,
praise and affection, and was treated to another rendition of “Happy
Birthday.’’
Video exchanges were also held with Janelle Redhead, the
Grenadian and St. John athlete who reached the semifinal of the women’s 200
race in Daegu; and Albert Joseph, who coached James during his formative years
in Grenada.
Joseph, who is in South Korea, said James is treated as a
celebrity in the athletes’ village in Daegu, with frequent requests from fans
seeking his autograph.
Coach Joseph said James, who is now a professional athlete,
will soon be participating in two European track meets, including one scheduled
for September 8.
At the moment, there is no indication when James, Redhead and
Bartholomew will be returning to Grenada.
While James will be heading to Europe after the South Korea
games, Redhead and Bartholomew will be returning to the United States where
they are based.
Since his move to the United States two years ago on an
athletic scholarship, James has been coached by Harvey Glance of the University
of Alabama.
The South Korea championship, organized by the International
Amateur Athletic Federation, ends Sunday, September 4.
Among the races still to be decided is the women’s 100 meter
hurdles. The semifinals are on Saturday and will include Phylicia George.
The athlete, who competes for Canada and was second in her
preliminary race Thursday, is the daughter of Grenadian parents, Paul and
Glenna George.
1 comment:
We are all so proud of him. He is an icon and a role model for youths.
Post a Comment