Friday, September 02, 2011

Kirani James serenaded on birthday, speaks to family & friends


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:

Christine Noel said...

We are all so proud of him. He is an icon and a role model for youths.