Commonwealth sports ministers to meet on eve of the Olympics

Patrick Simmons

JULY 18, 2012 - Grenada’s Sports Minister Patrick Simmons will join his Commonwealth colleagues at the 6^th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting to consider policy guidelines aimed at strengthening Sport for Development and Peace.

Sports ministers from Commonwealth countries will meet in London on the eve of the Olympic Games to discuss how sport can contribute to advancing development goals.

The meeting, on July 25, will draw attention to how Sport for Development and Peace can be used in efforts to address social and economic challenges and promote global public health.

Ministers will also review comprehensive policy recommendations developed by the Commonwealth to help governments, sports bodies, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organisations in strengthening sport-based interventions.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, who oversees the Commonwealth’s work in this area, said: “Sport is not only about competition and elite athletes. It is also not a universal remedy to development challenges, but under the right circumstances, it can convey important democratic principles such as tolerance, solidarity, co-operation and respect. It can also foster inclusion for marginalised people and support vulnerable people, including girls and women, people with a disability, those living in conflict and people recovering from trauma”.

“The recommendations will support governments and sports bodies in member countries and position the Commonwealth as a leading site of progressive sport policy."

Ministers will also discuss how to combat threats to the integrity of sport, including illegal sports betting and match fixing and review preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, which take place in Glasgow, Scotland.

Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting is held every two years on the margins of the Commonwealth Games and the Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The last such meeting (5CSMM) was held in Delhi on October 4 2010, a day after the Opening Ceremony of the IXX Commonwealth Games.

Sports Minister: Officials to meet with Grenadian athletes in New York

Sports Minister Patrick Simmons

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 18, 2012 - The Government of Grenada is collaborating with the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) and the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) to create a greater linkage between Grenada and track and field athletes in the Diaspora, according to Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister, Patrick Simmons.

The Minister confirmed that a meeting is being planned for later this year that will involve athletes and officials in the Diaspora.

“We want to create a greater coordination between Grenada and the athletes outside in the Diaspora,” he said.

He said that the GAA is the driving force behind this meeting where they are expected to meet the majority, if not all, of Grenada’s foreign-based track and field athletes in New York.

The GAA is expected to officially inform the athletes as well as finalised the agenda for the proposed meeting.

“This meeting should provide an opportunity for us to discuss strategies on how we go forward in terms of keeping that line of communication open among the Ministry, the GAA, the GOC and the athletes themselves so they will be able to get better support from the Olympic Committee, better support from the Ministry and better support from the Athletics Association,” said Simmons.

The Consulate-General office in New York is also coordinating some of the initial discussions and there has been communication with the stakeholders in Grenada.

“Our office has made progress in securing the venue and some of the advanced logistics and our Press Attaché (Michael Bascombe) has been coordinating with the Ministry, the Olympic Committee and the Athletics Association,” said Consul General Derrick James.

Only recently the government announced plans to develop a home-grown athletics programme which will involve student-athletes remaining at home to pursue tertiary education as well as train with the nation’s qualified coaches.

The Sports Minister said that initial discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Education and they are expected to partner with the St George’s University (SGU). However, he said no discussions have taken place with SGU as yet.

Grenadian Athletes – Road to London 2012

Courtesy Wayne Wilson

Neisha Bernard-Thomas

It was another successful day at training in preparation for the Olympic Games.

My body is starting to feel good again. I am now getting into the spirit as I think more about the opening of the Games next Friday because I know once that takes place it would be time for serious business.

I am excited to see what’s going to happen. The weather has been the trending topic around England.

I am gearing up to compete at a meet in Amsterdam, Holland on Saturday (EAP Amsterdam Open) so we’ll see where I am at, and shape wise. After not racing since June 2, I am anxious to see where I am now.

But the countdown is definitely on and soon we will be moving into the Olympic village.

Kurt Felix

I had a very light day today because of the weather and competition this week.

However, I was limited to some speed work, hurdles, long and high jump drills. Rain prevented me from a full training programme.

I am leaving West Sussex on Tuesday for Wales where I will compete in the Welsh Athletics International in Cardiff on Wednesday.

This is my final high-level competition before the Olympic Games. I will be competing in the Javelin and Long Jump events.

An exposition of Grenadian culture in Brooklyn

NEW YORK, July 16, 2012 - Despite threats of heavy thunderstorms, hundreds of Grenadians converged on St Andrew’s Park in Brooklyn, New York for the Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique Day.

The annual event is jointly organised by the Consulate-General of Grenada in New York and the Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique United (GRENCAP).

Graced with the presence of accredited diplomats in New York, including Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dessima Williams, Consul General Derrick James, Grenadian-born Assistant Commissioner NYC Department of Small Business Services, Gregg Bishop and Council Member Jumaane Williams ( of Grenadian parents), the activities included performances by Edson “King Ajamu” Mitchell, Kevin Rougier, Elimus “Inspector” Gilbert, Ijeal Joseph, and the Spice Isle Rhythm Jammers, among others.

Scores of stalls provided Grenadian cuisine as well as the showcasing of fancy mas costumes and art and craft.

“One of the few occasions we get in New York where Grenadians and their friends can come together and experience our culture, away from home,” said Roy McKenzie, President of GRENCAP United.

Grenadians also had the opportunity to meet a number of Grenadians who either own or manage businesses in the city, including assistant commissioner Bishop (NYC Small Business Services).

“Grenadians continue to demonstrate their appreciation for their heritage and culture and this year was no exception,” said Consul General James.

“The initial feedback we are getting is that this activity allows Grenadians to sample the many local dishes as well as to meet friends and get a prelude to Spice Mas in August,” he said.

He said that, like previous years, the committee will work on the shortcomings to make the next edition, scheduled for Sunday July 14, 2013, more entertaining.

GRENCAP expressed thanks to many of the individuals, groups, organisations and city agencies, including the New York Police Department, which supported this year’s event.

Bringing the spirit of Grenada to Britain

LONDON, July 15, 2012 - Despite the heavy downpour and a rainy week in London, the 4^th Annual Grenadian Heritage Day was convened at the Old Lyonian Sports and Social Club in Pinner, Harrow, London on Saturday July 14^th 2012, with scores of Grenadians and friends sampling tasty Grenadian cuisine, fruits, vegetables, arts, craft, culture, entertainment, on display, as Grenada’s Heritage was showcased for the fourth year running.

The idea, conceived in 2009, is aimed at educating second and succeeding generation Grenadians about their Heritage, and showcasing Grenadian Culture, Expertise and Cuisine.

Since the first event proved to be a tremendous success, the High Commissioner for Grenada and the Grenadian Community Groups in the United Kingdom, decided to make it an annual event.

The Event was Officially Opened by The Worshipful The Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Nizam Ismail accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, who warmly welcomed the culture of Grenada to Harrow.

The event was also graced by the presence of L/Cpl Dr Johnson Beharry VC, Mr Anthony C George, Designer of the Grenada Flag and the Grenada Olympic Team, led by Mr Conrad Francis, Chef de Mission.

The gathering took the opportunity to wish the team success at the games.

Several Grenadian Community Groups, individuals and supporters showcased their artistic talent with a variety of dishes, artistic creations and a wide range of performers in a variety of disciplines.

The Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) UK took the opportunity to increase the awareness of Grenada’s Heritage among the 2^nd and succeeding generation Grenadians, with a corn-roasting stall and Grenadian-style snow ice, whilst the Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC) UK also participated to raise funds for Educational Development in Grenada and raise awareness about the Homecoming Events August 5^th – 18^th 2012.

The Grenada Co-operative Bank (a.k.a. the Diaspora Bank), for the second time, participated in the Heritage Day and sensitized visitors on the facilities the Bank had in place for persons in the Diaspora.
Grenadians came from various parts of the United Kingdom including Manchester, Reading, Huddersfield, Birmingham, Wales and from several communities in and around London.

The High Commissioner for Grenada, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, was high in praise for the Chair of the Heritage Day Committee, Mr. Claude Sylvester and his team, for their dedicated service to Grenada, in planning and executing the event.

Special thanks also went out to the stall-holders, sponsors in the UK and Grenada, including the Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd., The Grenada Board of Tourism (UK), The Grenada Marketing and National Importing Board, Noelville Ltd., Grenada Distillers Ltd., and all others who took time out to support the event and raffle, which included a trip to Grenada.

The proceeds of the event will go towards a chosen Heritage-related Project in Grenada.

The 5^th Annual Grenadian Heritage Day will be convened in London on Saturday July 13^th 2013.

High Commission for Grenada

London

July 15^th 2012 

Members of Grenada's Olympic Team in London

World Champion Kirani James is back!

Grenadian Athletes – Road to London 2012

Neisha Bernard-Thomas

This week has been very productive.

My body is beginning to feel a lot better, thank God for that, and I will keep working hard.

Today, I had some general strength type work out in the gym. On Thursday, my workout also went well. It’s much warmer here in Crawley.

I just need to keep working on the finish part since that is where I have had difficulties in my races.

Kurt Felix

Friday was a good day. I got used to the sleeping pattern so I was well rested and prepared for today’s workout.

I had throwing workouts today where I worked on discus and javelin throws. The weather was pretty good today. It held up quite well.

Overall, the training session wasn’t too bad given the fact that the past few days in this week and last week were very intense.

A rewarding night for the Caribbean at WJC 2012

Delano Williams/Getty Images

By Michael Bascombe

BARCELONA, Spain, July 13, 2012 - It was a successful night for Caribbean athletes at the World Junior Championships in Barcelona on Friday.

The results were mixed but by far an entertaining and rewarding fourth day of the championships. Ryan Ingraham of the BAH started things with a bronze in the Men's High Jump with 2.24m. But disappointment reigned for the BAH and JAM in the Women's 4x100m Heats.

Both teams crashed out. Bahamas' Rashan Brown buckled and collapsed before making the final hand over to Anthonique Strachan in the first of three Heats and Shawnette Lewin attempted to change hands in the second hand over to Christania Williams who had already moved out of the legal area. 

However, both teams made up the stagger in the Men's version. Bahamas ran 39.48 in Heat 2 and Jamaica 39.19 in Heat 3. Trinidad & Tobago was edged out of a final spot.

In the Women's 400mH, Janieve Russell clocked the fastest qualifying time of 57.23 to get pole position for Saturday's final. Kernesha Spann (T&T) and Devinn Cartwright (BAH) failed to advance. In the Women's Long Jump, Chanice Porter (JAM) was 4th with 6.58m while Javarn Gallimore also of JAM was 4th in the Men's 400mH in 50.49.

It was the start of the Caribbean fireworks as Strachan delivered on the double with a new championship record and world leading time of 22.53 in the Women's 200m, and her 3rd clocking under 23 seconds. Shericka Jackson of JAM was 8th in 23.53.

Then it was Kadecia Baird of GUY who surprised everyone and ran a race of her life to finish 2nd in the Women's 400m in 51.04, a new Central American and Caribbean Junior Record (AR). She was ahead of the highly favoured Shaunae Miller (BAH) 4th in 51.78, Chrisann Gordon (JAM) 7th and Olivia James (JAM) 8th.

And there were more fireworks, as Delano Williams who powered away from a staggering Julian Forte (JAM) in the last 30m to win the Men's 200m in a National Junior Record of 20.48. (The video will tell the story).

But there was one more assignment for the Caribbean and it was left to Trinidadian Keshorn Walcott to accomplish. And he did it on his final throw in the Men's Javelin. He needed to beat 77.09m to clinch the GOLD. Argentine's Braian Joledo measured that distance in his 2nd throw of the night. But Walcott had other ideas and mixed magic with fireworks to unleash 78.64m in his 6th and final throw to secure a third gold medal for the Caribbean in the evening session.

The penultimate day of competition will see Caribbean athletes in the Women's 100mH Semis with 2 athletes each from JAM and BAR; Women's 4x400m Heats (JAM); Men's 4x400m Heats (JAM, BAH, TRI); Men's 800m Semis (BER, BAR); Russell in the Women's 400mH Final; and Men's 4x100m Final (JAM, BAH).

It should be another interesting day!

Paul Williams – Road to London 2012

Paul Williams

I arrived in London on Tuesday night and settled into the team’s hotel in Crawley. On Wednesday, the team members who participated in the first training camp in Sunderland arrived, along with Kanika Beckles and Esau Simpson.

More are expected to arrive this week as we get nearer to the opening of the Olympic Games.

I also got the opportunity to introduce myself to the team officials and athletes since this is my first official representation in national colours.

On Thursday, I get down to serious business with training. Hopefully the weather is not as bad as what the other team members experienced in Sunderland.

I am very excited about participating in my first Olympic Games – a dream of every athlete.

Olympic coverage to get Caribbean flavour

Lance Whittaker

BY NEKIESHA REID Business reporter/Jamaica Observer

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

THIS year's TV coverage of the Olympics will be the first to focus mainly on Caribbean athletes without the usual "American bias". International Media Content (IMC), parent company of sports cable channel SportsMax, is spending big bucks to ensure that regional heroes will be in the spotlight.

Before, Caribbean broadcasters would take a US feed, said SportsMax's chief operations officer, Newton Robertson.

But not this time around.

IMC is investing US$4 million ($360 million) to guarantee fuller coverage of Caribbean competitors in boxing, sailing and equestrian events.

"From time to time sports get sidelined because of the heavy focus on swimming and track and field," said executive producer Lance Whittaker, "but this project guarantees a more wholesome coverage of the Caribbean."

IMC acquired exclusive Caribbean broadcast rights across all platforms to London 2012, which will be transmitted on six channels from the Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS) on a 24-hour basis to broadcasters.

This partnership with OBS will ensure that, for the first time, the Caribbean audience will be able to follow events of their interest.

But lovers of non-Caribbean events such as synchronised swimming and gymnastics will still be able to enjoy those sports.

"We won't deny the wholesome Olympic viewer of the event they've been accustomed to because we're focusing on the Caribbean," Robertson said.

An additional 124 persons have been hired for the period to ensure smooth operations, including four London-based and five Kingston-based presenters; eight track and field analysts; and four swimming analysts.

Sixty-two interns from the University of Technology, the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies and the Northern Caribbean University have also been employed.

With more than 396 hours of television coverage and 130 hours of radio coverage to be transmitted, IMC has sold rights to 18 broadcasters across the region, including CVM TV for television coverage and RJR for radio coverage in Jamaica.

It will also negotiate with other companies, such as Digicel, for the rights to use Olympic symbols with their sponsored athletes.

Robertson declined to say what the company hopes to earn from the venture.

Grenada's Only Olympic Swimmer Says He Feels at Home in the Water

By Chris Clark/NBC Miami

Dozens of swimmers living and training in South Florida will head to the London 2012 Olympic Games later this month – competing not for the U.S. but for other countries.

The year-round warm weather makes this region an ideal venue for high-level swimmers from South America to Central America to the Middle East. One swim club in Davie has 17 Olympians from 13 different countries.

Nova Southeastern University has an international Olympian of its own – Esau Simpson, who hails from a tiny island in the Caribbean.

"Being in the water, I feel at home. I feel relaxed. I feel settled,” he said.

Settled is an interesting word choice for a swimmer who sprints in the water, 100 meters as fast as he can against the best in the world. That’s the task at hand for Simpson, who is a sophomore at Nova.

"I love racing. I mean, everyone loves racing,” he said.

Simpson was born in Brooklyn and raised in Grenada, which he will represent at the XXX Olympic Summer Games later this month, as part of a very small aquatics team.

"I'm sad to say, it's only me,” he said.

His home country is growing, but it’s pretty small compared to the other islands, he noted.

"We focus a bit more on our athletics and boxing. We have great track athletes. So having to rise to the occasion and put my name in the books just as they've done, it's kind of intimidating, but it is a challenge nonetheless,” Simpson said.

Nicknamed "The Saw," Simpson raced in the 100-meter freestyle in the Shanghai world championships last year, so the 21-year-old is familiar with the international stage. But even though his college coach will travel with him, nothing quite compares to what he'll experience in London.

"There's always that moment when you step onto the blocks and you're still shaking no matter what,” he said. “I don't care if you are me, a 12-year-old, or Michael Phelps, once you get up to the blocks, you're confident but you're nervous."

Simpson said his goal is to swim a personal best in London. He also hopes to coach swimming in Grenada and grow the sport for the future.

Nova Southeastern swimming coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron said she thinks Simpson is so excited because he’s never been at the Olympic level.

“I would be surprised if he came in with 100 percent confidence. I think he has 99 percent confidence and 1 percent nervousness,” she said.

Said Simpson, “The best of the best of the world go to the Olympics, so I'm just trying to keep a level head, go out there and perform my best, and when the time comes to celebrate and enjoy it, I'll enjoy it."

Neisha Bernard-Thomas – Road to London 2012

Neisha Bernard-Thomas/Drug Testing

It was our final day of training in Sunderland and the weather continues to frustrate the process – it was cold this time.

But we are departing from the North on Wednesday and going closer to London and I am hoping that it’s a little warmer over there.

I hope my reports are not too negative because apart from the weather, the people here are very lovely and friendly and make you feel at home.

Overall the experience in Sunderland, including the sightseeing and visits to schools, was great.

Thank you Sunderland for this wonderful time and the opportunity to experience your facilities, your culture, your food and all that you provided us.

The attention now turns to Crawley in West Sussex where some other athletes are expected to join the training camp.

Once the conditions improve then I expect the training to intensify.

Neisha Bernard-Thomas – Road to London 2012

Neisha Bernard-Thomas

I had to alter my training in Sunderland on Monday because of the weather. It was cold and raining with temperature about 56 degrees.

Instead of track workout I lifted weights in the gym. But someone remarked that we might as well get used to this kind of weather because it might just be like this on the day of competition. And they are right because that’s the reason we arrived here earlier than usual to acclimatise ourselves with the conditions.

I have decided to put all worrying aside and get down to the real business despite the conditions.

My goal is to better my previous Olympic campaign where I made it to the semi-finals. I want to be in the final and getting there is one thing but once I get there I will have to work on strategy to get on the medal podium.

We are now moving to the second and final camp in Crawley, West Sussex

Kurt Felix – Road to London Day 5

Day 5 – Friday July 6, 2012

Training had to be adjusted today because of the weather. It was rainy and cold. But generally I felt better than a few days ago.

I believed my body has adjusted to the conditions.

For practice I just did some hurdle and long jump drills. Due to the wetness of the track, I didn’t get to do my speed workout for preventative measures.

We headed back to the training centre and did some gym work.

It’s a rest day on Saturday but training intensifies next week.

Joel Redhead – Road to London 2012

Joel Redhead

It has been a full week (June 29^th) since I arrived in Sunderland and things are looking better for me. I have been doing a lot of thinking about the Games because on the day of competition I just want to have a clear mind.

I have been receiving therapy for my hip injury and I am feeling a lot better than a few weeks ago. I am excited that I am not in much pain.

My goal at this Olympic Games is to have the best performance of my life – give it my all because I know my ability and potential.

Competing at the Olympics is like a dream come through and I am fully honoured to represent my country.

Coach Albert Joseph prepared my work out for me which started with weights. It was not at my top level because I was still trying to shake off some of the jet lag.

I took some well needed rest during the first few days and felt great. The people who are coordinating our visit here are amazing. They ensure that we have everything we need. Thanks to Ivan and Shawn, they are very nice people and deserve a badge.

I had some fast 300s this week. I was able to complete two fast ones (I am not going to disclose the times). But it was a hard work out after the second one and I was fighting to catch my breath. For a minute I thought I was about to die because I was laid out. But I finally was able to recover and it shows how hard I am working.

It was not only training this week but media interactions as well. I had a media interview on the track with Sunderland University.

Neisha Bernard-Thomas – Road to London 2012

After traveling across the Atlantic from my base in the United States it took a full day to recover from the jetlag.

My first session on the track went well which included 1x500m, 1x300m and 1x200m. Although I didn’t hit the exact times my coach wanted I was happy with what I achieved, given the weather conditions here in Sunderland.

My session also included weightlifting. The weights are measured in kilogrammes so it was trial and error when I first started.

Before every track session I have a long run in the morning. The morning runs are very refreshing because I get to run along the beach although I can’t get in because the water is too cold.

I wrapped up the first week with an easy jog today and I will have a break on Saturday but run on Sunday and prepare for the start of the second week on Monday, which should be a tough one.

Although I have been to this side of the world before my body is still taking a while to adjust to the time difference. 

Kurt Felix – Road to London Day 4

Kurt Felix

Day 4 – Thursday July 5, 2012

The fourth day of the Pre-Olympic Games Training Camp was short and concentrated on throws, especially the shot put and medicine ball circuit.

The conditions were ideal – sunny with clear skies which allowed for a two-hour routine today.

My coach is happy with my progress and believes I am heading in the right direction. In athletic terms we refer to this week as a bounce week.

However, I should expect some intensification in training next week.

The idea of the camp should be commended since this gives me time to focus on what I have to do during the Olympic Games. This is my first major international competition and I want to deliver my best.

Kurt Felix – Road to London Day 3

Kurt Felix

Day 3 – Wednesday July 4, 2012

It is my special day today. However, my focus was getting comfortable during the first week of the pre-Olympic Games training camp.

I headed out to the track around 2:00 p.m. and went through some hurdling, long jump, high jump and 300m.

Even though my legs are still feeling jet lagged I managed to have a good workout especially in the hurdles and long jump.

Hopefully, by next week my legs will be in better shape and ready to go harder and longer.

Finally, thank you to all those who extended Happy Birthday greetings to me.

Kurt Felix – Road to London Day 2

Kurt Felix

Day 2 – Tuesday July 3, 2012

After a night of trying to adjust my sleep pattern, I woke up with great anticipation for the first day of training. Following breakfast, I took a brief nap before heading out to practice.

Practice centred around the discus throw today and this gave me a chance to sort of shake out and wake my body up a bit. I also had a good massage following Tuesday’s training.

But Wednesday’s practice should be long. It will be interesting to see how it will turn out.

There is great support at training with my coach Jeff, Mr Joseph and Mr Francis. The people at the University and this community are also nice and always willing to help.

But the facilities are superb especially for my kind of training.

I am really excited about participating in my first Olympic Games. Who won’t be?

Kurt Felix - Road to London Day 1

Kurt Felix

Grenada’s most successful multi-event athlete will be making his international debut when he competes at the Olympic Games in London this summer.

Fresh from his victory at the NCAA Outdoor Championships Kurt Felix is hoping to carry this competitiveness to the bigger stage.

Felix is among the nine members of the team who will be competing in their first Olympic Games. Neisha Bernard-Thomas is the only athlete in the team who has made an Olympic appearance. She was a semi-finalist in the 800m at the 2008 Games in Beijing, China.

In the weeks leading up to the opening of the Games in London, the Grenadian athletes will participate in two pre-Olympic Games training camps. Felix has joined Bernard-Thomas and Joel Redhead at a high-performance training centre in the northeast of England.

He opens his Olympic campaign in the Men’s 100m Decathlon on Wednesday August 8 at 5:10 a.m. He will also compete in the long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m on that same day before wrapping up competition the following day in the 110m hurdles, discuss, pole vault, javelin and 1500m.

You can follow Kurt Felix’ daily training diary here and trending on twitter #TeamGrenada2012

Day 1 – Monday July 2, 2012

After an exhausted travel across the Atlantic on Sunday, I checked into the Marriott Hotel to spend the night and get some well-deserved rest. However, I took a while for my body to adjust and I had some problems falling asleep. I pulled out my laptop and watched some movies and checked in with some friends online.

My coach Jeff is already here along with Mr Joseph, Mr Francis, and teammates Neisha and Joel.

Today we departed the hotel and checked at the training camp at the University where we toured the facilities at our disposal as we prepare for the Games.

There was no training today as the coaches allow us to rest and get our bodies adjusted from the long travel.

It has been raining here for the past few days and a bit chilly too but despite the weather I am looking forward to get the ball rolling in our first practice session tomorrow.

Team Grenada opens pre-Olympic Games camp in Sunderland

by Michael Bascombe

SUNDERLAND, UK, July 3, 2012 – Members of the Grenada team for the Olympics Games in London have begun assembling for the first of two camps which officially opened on Monday.

Three athletes - Kurt Felix (Decathlon), Joel Redhead (200m), Neisha Bernard-Thomas (800m) – moved into Sunderland University for a pre-Olympic Games training camp.

They were also joined by chef de mission Conrad Francis, national coach Albert Joseph, and Felix’ coach Jeff Petersmeyer.

They will spend the next week training at the University’s modern facilities in preparation for the Games opening on July 27.

The other members of the team – Rondell Bartholomew (400m), Kirani James (400m), Kanika Beckles (400m), Paul Williams (100m), Janelle Williams (200m) and Esau Simpson (swimmer) - will join the camp on July 11 at the Broadbridge Heath Leisure centre near Horsham District in West Sussex. Andrea St. Bernard (Taekwondo) will join the team on July 25.

Simpson will be the first among his team members to see competitive action. The swimming competition starts on July 28 while track and field and taekwondo begin on August 3 and 8 respectively.

Brooklyn mom sues city for $5.5 million after her son was beaten by teacher Stephan Hudson

Sanford Rubenstein representing Diane John, whose son Kristoff was seen on video

By Ben Chapman / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

The Brooklyn mom whose scrawny teenage son was pummeled by a public school dean is seeking criminal charges against the thuggish bully — and she’s suing the city for $5.5 million.

“I’m doing this so that something is going to be done, so that it will never happen again to another parent,” said Diane John, who learned of her son Kristoff’s March 6 beatdown at George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School when the Daily News this week showed her a video of the incident.

“You send your kids to school to learn,” she said. “It’s supposed to be a safe place and for this to happen is shameful and disgusting.”

Prominent attorney Sanford Rubenstein filed a blistering claim against the city Thursday naming the Education Department and Hudson as defendants.

“Stephan Hudson negligently, violently and viciously grabbed (Kristoff) by his arm, hand and neck, and dragged him across the floor and pushed him numerous times into a table,” the claim reads.

The claim also contends that school officials including principal Janine Kieran “attempted to conceal and cover up the truth” by lying to John about the incident and preventing her from seeing video of the beating.

Rubenstein is also seeking criminal charges against Hudson on behalf of Kristoff and his mother.

Kristoff’s anguished mother said she hasn’t slept through the night since she viewed the shocking video obtained by The News — and she wishes none of this ever happened.

“I have so much pain in my heart for my son. No parent should go through this,” said John, a childcare worker who brought Kristoff from her native Grenada in 2011 so the boy could go to high school in the city.

The thumping her son received during his freshman year at Westinghouse drove him back to his family’s home country in April — and turned him against school, she said.

The claim alleges that 15-year-old Kristoff — who, at just 116 pounds, weighs less than half as much as Hudson — suffered “serious and permanent” injuries to his back and neck as a result of the beating.

At the time, Hudson told John that is was the boy who attacked him — not the other way around. When John asked for a look at the school surveillance video her son told her must exist, school officials blew her off, she said.

“They covered it up and blamed my son — and I believed them,” said John. “They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott was “disturbed” by the video, which shows Hudson thumping Kristoff, and will seek the teacher’s firing, a department spokeswoman said.

Rubenstein, who is also representing a Brooklyn student who was blinded in a June cafeteria beatdown in a separate, $16 million suit against the city, said that safety in the public schools is a “problem.”

“Parents are concerned and this occasion gives parents more reason to be concerned,” said Rubenstein.

Grenada’s Felix named MW Male Student-Athlete of the Year

Kurt Felix

BOISE, Idaho, June 28, 2012 - Boise State track and field student-athlete Kurt Felix was named the 2011-12 Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year Award winner, Thursday (June 28), as the league's top male athlete across all sports.

Felix was named the 2012 MW Men's Outdoor Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Year after being crowned national champion in the men's decathlon at this year's NCAA Outdoor Championships. The senior scored a Boise State school record, Mountain West record and Grenada national record of 8,062-points over two days of action to win the 10-event competition by a 106-point margin. 

Felix received the men's Outstanding Performance and High Point Performer awards at the 2012 MW Indoor Championships after winning a conference title in the heptathlon and finishing in the top three in the long jump (second), triple jump (third) and high jump (tied for third), earning all-conference honours in all four events. He duplicated awards at the MW Outdoor Championships two months later, claiming crowns and all-MW accolades in the decathlon and javelin. 

Felix, who earned All-American status in both the long jump (indoor) and decathlon this season, will be competing in the latter event for Grenada at the 2012 Olympics in London. The decathlon competition is scheduled for Wednesday-Thursday, August 8-9.

TCU's Whitney Gipson (track and field) was named the MW Female Student-Athlete of the Year after sweeping the 2012 indoor and outdoor national titles in the long jump.

Established by the Mountain West Joint Council in May 2010, the MW Athlete of the Year Awards are bestowed annually to one male and one female student-athlete who have achieved athletic excellence during the past academic year.

In addition to superior athletic achievement, criterion for the MW Athlete of the Year Award requires that nominees be in good academic standing throughout their season of competition, and demonstrate good character and conduct on and off the playing field. 

Year               Male                                                                   Female
2009-10          Jerry Hughes (football), TCU                                Jodi Ewart (golf), New Mexico
2010-11          Jimmer Fredette (basketball), BYU                       Danielle Minch (volleyball), Colorado State
2011-12          Kurt Felix (track and field), Boise State                 Whitney Gipson (track and field), TCU

SOURCE: Boise State

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott will seek the firing of Brooklyn teacher in brutal beating of student caught on video

Walcott calls video disturbing. Schools spokeswoman calls disciplinary action taken against George Westinghouse Technical Education High School teacher Stephan Hudson was inadequate

By Ben Chapman / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott was “disturbed” by video of a hulking teacher pummeling a scrawny student at a Brooklyn school and will seek the teacher’s firing, a spokeswoman said.

A principal accused of covering up the beatdown at George Westinghouse Technical Education High School is expected to keep her job for now.

“The chancellor was disturbed by the video footage and believed the disciplinary action given to the teacher was inadequate,” said schools spokeswoman Jessica Scaperotti, adding that the principal’s handling of the matter is under investigation.

RELATED:SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS TEEN TAKING SEVERE BEATING FROM TEACHER

The News on Wednesday exposed the shocking video of 15-year-old freshman Kristoff John taking a beating from teacher and security dean Stephan Hudson on March 6.

Hudson’s only punishment for brutally tossing Kristoff to the ground and bashing him into a table was a disciplinary letter to his personnel file from Principal Janine Kieran.

The boy’s mother Diane John says that Hudson told her it was Kristoff who attacked him, not the other way around. When she asked Kieran to investigate, the principal never called her back.

It wasn’t until the Daily News gave John a video that showed 300-pound Hudson giving Kristoff a thumping that she realized she’d been lied to by the school.

After seeing the exclusive clip, John called for Hudson’s job. Walcott had the same reaction.

Walcott says he’ll immediately begin the bureaucratic process to fire the tenured teacher who has worked in city schools since 1990.

Officials also plan to review Kieran’s actions.

The boy’s mother said she is considering a lawsuit against the city and wants to hear why Hudson beat her son — then lied about it.

“I’d love to hear his side of the story for real, and not some bogus lies,” she said.

Hudson did not respond to calls for comment, and Kieran has declined repeated requests for an interview.

Shortly after the altercation, Kristoff left Westinghouse and moved in with an aunt in his family’s native Grenada. His mom blames the beating for his departure.

Other related Videos

Mother of beaten teen speaks to media in NY

Coverage from Television networks in NY

Grenada's Kerry Ollivierre smashes CISC record

Kerry Ollivierre

By Michael Bascombe

SAVANETA, Aruba, June 26, 2012 –Grenadian swimmers were in fine form on Tuesday evening as they picked up three medals including one record-breaking performance at the 19^th Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Aruba.

Kerry Ollivierre smashed a championship record in winning the 50 metres breaststroke in the Boys’ 11-12 age category. His winning time of 33.37 seconds bettered the previous record of 33.43 set by Jamaica’s Kevaughn Campbell in 2010.

“He worked on his mistakes in the preliminary because he was ranked number one going in so he knew that he could do it,” said team manager Pamela Cherebin, who is accompanied by Carlton Simon (coach) and Susanne Paparo (chaperone) as team officials.

Also splashing unto the medals stand were Oreoluwa Cherebin and Corey Ollivierre. Cherebin picked up her third medal with a victory in the girls’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in a new national record of 35.90. Her previous personal best was 36.25 seconds.

Oreoluwa Cherebin (centre)

Corey Ollivierre took silver when he tied with Alexander Rodriquez of the Dominican Republic in the Boys’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in 32.22 seconds.

“Corey went in ranking 6^th and Ore 2^nd, so they were pleasant surprises,” said Cherebin. “Corey went into the meet with a good attitude and was not in medal position.”

Kerry and Oreoluwa were ranked 4^th and 5^th places respectfully but both came out second in the 200m breaststroke.

The manager said that the team’s performance has exceeded expectations including Gabrielle Paparo and Delron Felix who had personal best times.

The national team goes into the final day of competition on Wednesday with a total of six medals including one gold and two silver medals from Oreoluwa Cherebin and one gold and one silver from Kerry Ollivierre.

Kerry, Delron and Gabrielle swim in the 50m freestyle and Oreoluwa and Corey compete in the 200m IM. Kerry will also contest the 100m breaststroke.

Grenada's Immigration & Passport Dept receives UN award

NEW YORK, June 25, 2012 - Grenada’s Immigration Chief believes that the recognition of his department for improved delivery of service is a reflection of the potential of the public service in Grenada.

The Immigration and Passport Department of Grenada on Monday received an award as part of the 2012 United Nations Public Service Awards at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The award was for “Improving the Delivery of Public Services” in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Superintendent Godfrey Fleming received the award as part of activities marking the 10^th anniversary of United Nations Public Service Day and the start of the Public Service Forum.

It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide.

“This award will serve as a flagship for the rest of our public servants and civil society in Grenada in the way we execute our responsibilities,” said Supt. Fleming.

“I also hope that this award will create a better synergy between the public service and the customers that we are serving in Grenada.”

He credits the award to what he described as a group of committed officers who go beyond the call of duty, even working on weekends to ensure that they accomplish targets.

Supt. Fleming was accompanied by Consul General Derrick James and Immigration officer Cpl. Ron Joseph.

A total of 471 nominations from more than 80 United Nations Member States were received in 2012, with 16 Member States participating for the first time.  

The winners are as follows:  first place — Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and United States; and second place — Australia, Canada, Egypt, Georgia, Grenada, India, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Oman, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey.

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration selects winners according to category and region.  The five UNPSA categories are:  prevention of corruption; improving service delivery; promoting innovative mechanisms for citizen participation in policy-making; advancing knowledge management in government; and promoting gender responsive service delivery.

Also honoured were winners that have made outstanding progress in improving their e-service delivery and strengthening their citizen engagement through e-participation modalities.  The top five regional performers in the 2012 Survey were recognised:  Republic of Seychelles for Africa; United States for the Americas; Republic of Korea for Asia; Netherlands for Europe; and Australia for Oceania. 

More than 400 participants from across the globe attended the event, which will also include the United Nations Public Service Forum.  The Forum will take place from June 26 to 27, and will focus on “Innovation and Citizen Engagement for Effective Governance”.

This high-level global event is expected to make recommendations on how to promote greater understanding of policy options and practices to promote innovation in pubic governance and effectively engage citizens.  

Areas of focus will be institutional frameworks, leadership capacities, national development strategies and uses of information and communications technologies, including e-participation and preventing corruption in public service.

Grenada's Immigration & Passport Dept accepts UN Award

http://youtu.be/SopBBO1He9s

Grenada's Immigration Chief says UN award reflects potential of public service

http://youtu.be/0EEq7Lc_wFI 

Grenada Government seeks partnership for High Performance Centre

Sports Minister Patrick Simmons

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, June 24, 2012 - The Grenada Government is considering a programme to develop and harness the talents of young athletes at home.

The Cabinet this week gave permission to Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons to engage the St George’s University (SGU) to develop a home-grown academic programme for athletes, especially those who are completing Secondary Schools.

“It’s embryonic and will have inputs from key stakeholders including SGU and some national federations,” the Minister said.

The intervention by government is in light of the limited availability of sports scholarships especially in the United States.

“The possibilities for scholarships at Junior Colleges in the United States are becoming fewer and starting later this year stricter roster limits the chances of athletes,” Simmons said.

The Minister is referring to a decision taken by the Board of Directors of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to hold the number of non-U.S. players at no more than one-fourth of a team’s allotment of scholarship players. It means that potential scholarship seekers from Grenada particularly in basketball, football and track would be affected when the new measure takes effect in August.

The proposed programme has been welcomed by two of Grenada’s leading coaches. Former two-time world indoor 400m champion Alleyne Francique and current national track and field coach Albert Joseph have endorsed the plan to develop a home-grown programme.

Both Francique and Joseph, who were in Trinidad this weekend to see the Grenadian athletes at the Trinidad and Tobago National Championships, believe that the programme will ensure that the many talented athletes could benefit from a tertiary education as well as training from the island’s experienced coaches.

“This is welcomed news and I hope that the plan is acted upon immediately,” said Francique, who was at the Hasely Crawford Stadium to see three of his athletes from Texas A&M University including Grenada’s Kanika Beckles.

“All that is needed now is a high performance training centre which could include a six-lane track and we are good to go. There are qualified coaches on the island,” he said.

“We have personnel with the technical knowledge to produce world class athletes,” said Joseph, who will be team coach for Grenada’s track and field athletes at the Olympic Games in London.

“The islands with their home-grown programmes tend to do much better in international competitions,” he said in making reference to St Kitts and Nevis.

Suriname recently launched its Regional Sports Academy and National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States have agreed to an OECS Olympic Sports Academy.

“Through our joint efforts, before long, we may add a new hero to the list of Caribbean top athletes trained and polished in our own Regional Sports Academy,” said Desire Bouterse, President of Suriname about the state-of-the-art facility to provide further training in the area of Sport for Development, as well as elite athlete development.

Jason Roberts Foundation receive second year of funding from UK Home Office

LONDON, June 19, 2012 - The Jason Roberts Foundation is pleased to announce they have been awarded a second year of funding with a grant of £9,600 to continue their Respect Brent CAGGK Project tackling youth crime in Brent.

The Respect Brent CAGGK Project is financed by the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund.

Over the last year the project has delivered, from the Stonebridge Pavilion in Brent, a weekly programme of sports based activities, including football and basketball, to deter gang related activity and promote community cohesion.

The project has been supported by a volunteer and mentoring programme to provide training and progression routes to participants. A number of non-accredited workshops have also been delivered including; What is a gang, Conflict Resolution, Peer Mentoring Training and Gun and Crime Culture – to educate young people from the local area on these issues, and to encourage them to take ownership of the project and their community.

Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation said, “The Respect Brent CAGGK Project has been a great success over the last year, and we are grateful to have received further funding from the Home Office through the Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund. During 2011/12 we have seen over 350 young people regularly attending our sports and gang prevention programmes. By providing regular and structured activities we are creating a safe and familiar environment for local young people to come to and spend their time. This additional funding will enable us to continue the project and to expand this work by delivering additional sessions and providing pathways into volunteering, employment and further education.”

Click on the link to see an interview with two of the participants involved in Corner League – a 12-week football tournament with young people from local estates including Chalk Hill, Church Road, Harlesden, Stonebridge Sudbury and Wilesden, coming together every Monday demonstrating they were able to unite using a common interest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oavU05EPDiM&feature=youtu.be

The Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives (CAGGK) fund will provide £4 million for the voluntary and community sector over the next two years: £2 million was made available during 2011/12 and a further £2 million during 2012/13.

The funding criteria are focused on voluntary sector organisations working with young people at risk of involvement in gang, gun and knife crime or to support those who are involved to leave.

Each successful organisation will receive up to £10,000 each per year to prevent the involvement of teenagers in gun, gang and knife crime.

The Home Office has committed £18 million of funding for 2011-2013 to support the police, local agencies and the voluntary sector to tackle knife, gun and gang-related violence and prevent young people entering a cycle of crime.

The funding will support enforcement and prevention work by police in three crime hotspot areas. It will sit alongside positive activities for young people and local work to bring about long-term changes in attitudes and behaviours. The money includes up to:

·         £3.75 million for the three police forces areas where more than half of the country’s knife crime occurs – London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

·         £4 million for local voluntary organisations across England and Wales working with young people to stop involvement in knife and gang violence – the Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives Fund.

·         £10 million for prevention and diversionary activities and engagement with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, including knife related violence, through the Positive Futures Programme.

·        £250,000 for one further year of the Ben Kinsella fund for young people to run anti-knife crime projects in their local area.

The funding will run from April 2011 to March 2013, when police and crime commissioners will be in place.

To read more about the work of the Home Office on Knife, gun and gang-related violence visithttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/knife-gun-gang-youth-violence/

If you would like more information about the Foundation’s Respect Brent – CAGGK Project or would like to get involved please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org

For more information about the work of the Foundation please visit www.jasonrobertsfoundation.com