Felix performance hailed by Grenadian sports officials

by Michael Bascombe
ST GEORGE’S, June 8, 2012 - Sporting officials in Grenada are hailing the performance by Kurt Felix, who was crowned the national champion in the NCAA Decathlon on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Felix, who represented Boise State University, captured the gruelling two-day, 10-event competition by a 106-point margin to become the first from his school to win an NCAA title as well as an All-American in the Decathlon.

He scored a school record 8,062 points, his second score above the Olympic “B” Standard this season.

Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons said Felix performance again demonstrated the recognition of Grenadian talents through hard work and dedication.

“Kurt has reaped the benefit of his commitment and another example of what young people could achieve in life,” Simmons said.

“Government will continue to provide the incentives for our sportsmen and women to achieve world class accomplishments,” he said ahead of his Ministry’s handing over of a cheque to the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) to assist in its financing of Team Grenada to the Olympic Games starting in London next month.

General Secretary of the GOC, Veda Bruno-Victor and President of the Grenada Athletic Association (GAA), Charles George also extended congratulations to Felix on his recent accomplishment at the collegiate level.

“Our hope is that Kurt would translate this performance to a higher level,” said Bruno-Victor who has been mobilising resources to send athletes to qualifying events.

The former track and field coach is confident that Felix will find a niche among top contenders in the multi-event, starting with the London Olympics.

“He is young and has the ability to rise among the best in this multi-event competition,” said Bruno-Victor who is also Permanent Secretary in the Sports Ministry.

President of the GAA, Charles George said that this latest performance by Felix is the end product of some of the early coaching done at the local level. He said that the GAA will continue to provide the avenues for young athletes to develop in their respective disciplines.

The former standout at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School and the Junior CARIFTA Games produced personal records in the 100m (10.90), 400m (48.77), discus throw (41.51m) and pole vault (4.60m). He also won the long jump (7.40m) and javelin (69.36m).

Felix believes he could score big in future competitions now that he is out of school and he does not have to concentrate on a long NCAA season.

He will begin his Olympic competition on August 8.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports will hand over cheques to the Grenada Olympic Committee and the Grenada Broadcasting Network. The money to GBN will assist in relaying coverage of the Olympics through IMC, the parent company of SportsMax.