Sport must have a seat at the diaspora table

by Michael Bascombe

The Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 is a significant chance for Grenadians living abroad to engage with the country’s growth. However, it is unfortunate that sports were not among the main topics to be discussed.

This exclusion is particularly noteworthy since many of Grenada's top advocates are linked to the sports community. Numerous professional athletes, coaches, administrators, sports medicine experts, officials, and sports scientists are based in the diaspora. They bring decades of experience, extensive international connections, technical know-how, and a sincere wish to aid Grenada's advancement.

Interestingly, the idea for this type of collaboration was first presented at the Grenada Diaspora Founding Conference in 2011. That gathering aimed to create a framework to leverage the Diaspora's skills, financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and professional knowledge for national development, and sports play an integral role in that vision. It transcends mere recreation. It represents an investment in youth, education, healthcare, tourism, employment, and national identity.

For over a year, various stakeholders in Grenada and the Diaspora have pushed for a National Sports Symposium to align with the 2026 CARIFTA Games. This symposium would unite government officials, private sector representatives, sports organisations, and international specialists to tackle issues surrounding sports infrastructure, pathways for athlete development, governance, funding strategies, sports tourism, and public-private partnerships. Proposals were sent to both the Minister of Sport and the Prime Minister’s Office, aiming to gain governmental backing for what could become a lasting national legacy.

There should be no justification for sport being absent from the Diaspora Homecoming discussions, particularly in light of the progress Grenada has made in recent years.

The successful hosting of two CARIFTA Games within three years demonstrated the country's organisational capacity and strengthened its reputation as a regional sporting destination.

Significant investments have also been made in upgrading sporting infrastructure, creating a stronger platform for future growth. At the same time, Grenadian athletes, many of whom are based in the Diaspora, continue to excel on the international stage. Track and field has consistently produced world-class performances, while cycling has emerged as another discipline making impressive strides through the achievements of Grenadian cyclist Red Walters, competing across Europe and beyond.

These accomplishments should have provided every reason to place sport prominently on the Diaspora Homecoming agenda and to engage the very people whose expertise and experience can help build on this momentum.

The Diaspora Homecoming could have served as a perfect forum to extend these discussions. Regrettably, it was a missed chance to connect with a community that has already shown its dedication to Grenada through its accomplishments and ongoing contributions.

This should not be seen as mere criticism but as a reminder that sports should be acknowledged as a vital component of national development.

We must ensure that sports retain a prominent role in national conversations, not only during major events but also in initiatives like the Diaspora Homecoming.

Grenada boasts a remarkable pool of sporting talent within the Diaspora. The current challenge is to establish systems that enable this talent to make a meaningful impact on the country's future.

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.

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 

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 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

Grenada’s sprinters hoping grass training brings first Olympic medals

Photo illustration of Grenada's medal hopefuls

by Scott Cacciola – The Wall Street Journal

At Olympic competitions, the reigning world champion typically faces gold-medal expectations. But Kirani James, world champion in the 400-meter sprint, needs only to win a bronze medal in London this summer to ignite what would be the most spirited sports celebration in the history of his homeland, the Caribbean island of Grenada.

Since launching its first Olympic team at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Grenada has never won an Olympic medal, coming closest in 2004 when Alleyne Francique finished fourth in the men's 400 meters in Athens. This year, Grenada boasts not only the world champion 400-meter sprinter; it's also sending to the Games a runner who last year posted the third-fastest time in the event.

How a nation of 110,000—roughly the equivalent of Peoria, Ill.,—produced two world-class 400-meter sprinters is a mystery. But many in Grenadian running circles point to the same factor: a cultural tradition of training on grass. This training method, which is now being widely praised, was actually foisted on the country's current Olympians by accident: When Hurricane Ivan struck the island in 2004, it destroyed its only synthetic track, leaving its young athletes with little choice. "Running on grass makes you stronger," said Francique, the retired Olympian who now coaches track at Texas A&M.

Of the world's 204 countries, about 80 have never won an Olympic medal. The medal-less hail from Asia (Cambodia), Africa (Liberia), the Middle East (Jordan), Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Central and South America (El Salvador and Bolivia).

But each Summer Games, four or five countries usually reach the podium for the first time, and this year no nation is better positioned to do that than Grenada, a country best known for exporting nutmeg.

Grenada's hopes for 2012 can be traced in large part to its moment of near-glory at the 2004 Games in Athens. By finishing fourth there, Francique inspired runners all across Grenada. Further deepening his influence, he won the indoor 400-meter world championships in 2004 and 2006.

Watching Francique represent Grenada in 2004 were two young countrymen: James, now 19, and Rondell Bartholomew, 22. James, who was 11 years old at the time, said he can still remember watching Francique's 400-meter final on television with his family and being totally transfixed. "He gave us the belief that we could compete," James said.

It wasn't only in honor of Francique that James and Bartholomew gravitated toward the 400. As in Jamaica and other Caribbean ports, sprinting is a popular pastime in Grenada—but James and Bartholomew explained that it's nearly impossible to post blazing 100- or 200-meter times on grass, which is too slippery from the starting blocks.

James and Bartholomew grew up in different parts of Grenada and didn't even meet until a few years ago. After attending different U.S. colleges, they rarely cross paths even now. James has an endorsement deal with Nike, Bartholomew with Adidas.

But something they shared growing up was a plush, green training environment. Bartholomew said he also spent countless hours sprinting on soft sand under the direction of his former Grenadian coach Neville Glean. "He really believed in that stuff," said Bartholomew, who now lives and trains in Levelland, Texas, where he attended South Plains College. He still devotes most of his preseason training to grass and builds up only gradually on a synthetic track, where he said, "You have to be really careful you don't get shin splints."

At Texas A&M, Francique is exporting his Grenadian philosophy. Several days a week, he directs his sprinters away from the track and onto playing fields for their workouts. He estimates that his athletes spend up to 75% of their time training this way. "The track will beat you up," he said. It's worth noting that Texas A&M has won three of the last four national men's outdoor track-and-field team titles.

Whether training on a soft surface like grass actually improves performance is unclear, said Dr. Reed Ferber, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Ferber, who directs a running-injury clinic, said there has been little research on the topic. But it is apparent, he said, that running on more rigid surfaces, such as asphalt or synthetic tracks, typically results in "more loading on the joints" and a greater likelihood of injury.

Of course, grassy fields pose risks too, as Bartholomew discovered when he visited his family in Grenada over the winter. Returning to the grass track of his youth, he stepped in a hole and injured his hip, though it has recovered.

The concept of working out on softer surfaces isn't exactly groundbreaking. Roger Black, who won silver in the 400 meters at the Atlanta Games in 1996, was part of a coterie of top-notch British runners who trained on a grass track at the University of Southampton. And when Jamaican sprinter Don Quarrie arrived at Southern Cal in the late 1960s, he eschewed the school's newly installed, top-of-the-line synthetic track in favor of an old cinder track. According to Peter Thompson, a longtime coach and former official with IAAF, track and field's governing body, Quarrie felt he could more effectively build muscle and develop tendon elasticity on cinder. He became a four-time Olympic medalist. "He recognized that it wasn't necessarily an advantage to train all the time at a high-class facility," Thompson said.

James turned professional after his sophomore year at the University of Alabama but has remained in Tuscaloosa, where he runs under the direction of Harvey Glance, who retired as Alabama's track coach last year. James is the only athlete he still coaches. "When you have the pleasure of working with the No. 1 athlete in the world, that's a no-brainer," said Glance, who won gold as part of the U.S. 4x100-meter relay team at the Montreal Games in 1976.

If either James or Bartholomew medals in London, the celebration in Grenada would be spectacular. Last year, after James won his world title at age 19, a street was named after him in St. George's, the capital.

Asked what would happen if James and/or Bartholomew were to medal, Conrad Francis, the country's coordinator of sport, put it this way: "Euphoria."

Relay quartet post national women's record

by Michael Bascombe

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, June 10, 2012 - Track and Field officials in Grenada are encouraged by the performances of some of the athletes who represented Grenada at the OECS Invitational Championships in St Kitts on Sunday.

Eight (8) athletes represented Grenada at the second edition of the track and field meet held at the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium in Basseterre.

The highlight of the Grenadian performances was the Women’s 4x100m Relay team which set a new national record of 44.95 seconds. The team of Sherine Wells, Janelle Redhead, Lucy Fortune and Trish Bartholomew erased a five year-old national mark of 45.41 seconds set by Ann-Marie Francis, Rena Mitchell, Allison George and Sherry Fletcher at the 2005 CARIFTA Games in Tobago.

The national team finished behind St Kitts and Nevis (44.90).

Also on the commendable side were Emron Gibbs and Janelle Redhead. Gibbs produced his personal best of 66.45 metres in the Men’s Javelin but behind Albert Reynolds of St Lucia who won with 71.55m. Gibbs’ previous best was 63.57m.

Redhead picked up Grenada’s lone gold medal in the seven-medal haul. She won the Women’s 200m in 23.21 seconds ahead of Kamaria Durant of Trinidad and Tobago (23.54) and Vigil Hodge of St Kitts and Nevis (23.58). Sherine Wells (23.72) and Trish Bartholomew (23.93) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Redhead also took bronze in the 100m “A” race in 11.78 seconds while Wells was second in the 100m “B” in 11.74 seconds.

Joel Redhead finished second in the 200m “A” race in 21.28 while Andon Mitchell was fourth in 21.49. Mitchell was also fifth in the 100m “A” race in 10.46. Kittian Kim Collins won the race in 10.09 seconds.

Lucy Fortune took the third position in the Women’s 400m in 56.32. She suffered from stomach cramps but managed to compete in the relay event.

The other athlete, Tevin McMeo was fourth in the Men’s 400m in 51.68.

St Kitts finished with the most medals – a total of 17 including six gold medals. There were also athletes representing Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

Janelle Redhead of Grenada wins Women's 200m - OECS Invitational Meet

Amateur footage by Michael Bascombe

Event 5 Women 200 Meter Dash Open
=====================================================================
Name Year Team Finals Wind
=====================================================================
Finals
1 Redhead, Janelle Team Grenada 23.21 1.1
2 Durant, Kamaria Trinidad and Tobago 23.54 1.1
3 Hodge, Virgil St.Kitts & Nevis 23.58 1.1
4 Wells, Sherine Team Grenada 23.72 1.1
5 Bartholomew, Trish Team Grenada 23.93 1.1
6 Morton, Brittney St.Kitts & Nevis 24.61 1.1

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.

Grenadian Felix is Champion Decathlete in NCAA

Courtesy Boise State

DES MOINES, Iowa - Boise State's Kurt Felix was the crowned NCAA National Champion in the decathlon on Thursday scoring a school record 8,062-points at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships held at Drake University.

Felix won the 10-event competition by a comfortable 106-point margin, becoming the first Bronco to ever win an NCAA title or become an All-American in the decathlon. 

"It was my last NCAA competition, so it feels really good," said Felix. 

The redshirt senior joins the elite club including Eugene Greene (triple jump - 1991), Jake Jacoby (high jump - 1984) and Gabe Wallin (javelin - 2004, 2005) as the only men's track and field NCAA Champions at Boise State. 

His crown came much in part from career-best performances in the discus and pole vault and a javelin win on day two. He collected four career-bests (100m, 400m, discus, pole vault) and two event wins (long jump, javelin) throughout the two-day, 10-event competition. 

"I knew I had to come out here and start out having a good second day," said Felix. "So I came out and didn't get as good of a start as I wanted to in the hurdles, but I PR'ed (personal record) in the discus. So that built me up for the pole vault and I got a PR in that. And then I came into the javelin, where I was the favourite, and I was close to those guys. And I tried to have a big enough lead coming into the last event." 

Felix began his day with the 110-metre hurdles, running a personally mediocre time of 15.01-seconds. He placed third in his heat and 11^th overall in the hurdles earning 848-points and fell to second overall in the 10-event standings. Arkansas' Gunnar Nixon moved into first, leading Felix by 52-points. 
Felix fought back for the lead, recording a personal record in the discus in the process. The Grenadian threw 136'-2" (41.51m) to place sixth in the event, collecting another 695 points. An ever-changing battle for the lead, Felix regained the top spot while Nixon fell to third overall. Nebraska's Bjorn Barrefors worked his way into the second-place spot, just 44-points behind Felix. 

Courtesy Boise State

Moving to the pole vault, Felix had to have a solid performance to retain a chance at the title in an event he's not strong in. Felix pulled out a championship meet performance, earning two personal best heights in his outdoor career. He cleared 15'-1" (4.60m) to place 14^th in the event and earned 790-points. With stronger competitors in the event, it was no surprise Felix fell to third overall, however he sat only 72-points behind leader Gonzalo Barroilhet of Florida State. Barrefors retained the second-place spot sitting only 26-points ahead of Felix. 

Rebounding from a weaker event for Felix, the decathlon moved on to his strongest event, the javelin. There he overtook the event lead on his second throw and improved his third throw to 227'-6" (69.36m) earning him 880-points. The javelin win launched him back to the top spot in the decathlon standings, sitting 147-points ahead of Barroilhet heading into the final event. 

In the 1500-meters, Felix ran a strong race, clocking a time of 4:42.93 to place 17^th. His effort earned him 662-points which was enough for him to retain the overall lead and earn the champion title. 

Texas-Arlington's Romain Martin ran a strong 1500-meter race to move him into second in the overall standings with 7,956-points. Arkansas' Kevin Lazas also ran strong, bumping him to third-place and a 7,955-point total. 

Felix earns his first outdoor First Team All-America honour with the win as well as his second score above the Olympic "B" standard this season. 

He will continue his season at the 2012 Olympics in London, competing on Wednesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 9. He will represent his home country of Grenada. 

Kurt Felix of Grenada leads NCAA Decathlon

DES MOINES, Iowa - Boise State's Kurt Felix had a solid first day of competition in the decathlon at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships held at Drake University. The redshirt senior leads the 10-event competition with 4,187-points after five events, sitting 10-points ahead of Arkansas' Gunnar Nixon heading into day two on Thursday. 

"I got a good start with the 100-metres," explained Felix. "But going into the long jump we had to jump into a head wind and that affected everybody. I was hoping to get a better first day score, but it was a pretty good performance." 

Felix, of Grenada, got off to a stellar start Wednesday morning, clocking a .12-second personal record in the 100-meters. He won the second head of the competition in a time of 10.90-seconds; good for 883-points and a second-place finish overall in the event. 

"The 100-metres was a PR for me (10.90, 2nd fastest in event) and it put me in good place," said Felix. "My first day has to be really strong because my second day's not as strong as some of the other guys - like in the pole vault and the hurdles. So I'm always trying to get a quick start in the first day." 

The Boise State record holder in the decathlon went on to collect the long jump win with a mark of 24'-3.50" (7.40m) on his first of three jumps. Felix won the event with 910-points and moved 41-points into the overall decathlon lead. 

Event three of the day was the shot put where Felix garnered a 12^th-place finish and 672-points after throwing 42'-11" (13.08m) on his third and final throw. He fell to second-place in the overall standings, just 12-points behind Arkansas' Kevin Lazas, who led the competition after three events.

Felix regained the decathlon lead after placing second in the high jump, the day's fourth event. He collected 850-points after clearing 6'-8.75" (2.05m) moving to the overall lead ahead of Nixon by three-points.

In the day's final event, Felix recorded his second career-best effort, clocking a time of 48.77-seconds in the 400-metre dash to place fifth in his heat and seventh overall. His score of 872-points was enough to maintain the overall lead in the decathlon, sitting 10-points ahead of Nixon.

Nixon sits in second overall with 4,177-points, while Cornell's Nick Huber sits in third with 4,065-points.

Thursday marks the second day of the decathlon competition with the 110-metre hurdles kicking off at 10:30 a.m. (MT). The 20 remaining competitors will then compete in the discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500-metres before a national champion in crowned. 

* Boise State

Eight to represent Grenada at OECS Track Invitational

ST GEORGE’S, June 5, 2012 - Eight athletes will represent Grenada at the OECS Invitational Track & Field Meet at the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium in St Kitts on Sunday.

Top athletes from the Eastern Caribbean will be battling for athletic supremacy in the OECS as well as seek Olympic Qualifications for the London Olympics.

Competing in Basseterre on Sunday will be Andon Mitchell (100/200); Joel Redhead (200/400) Tevin McMeo (400); and Emron Gibbs (Javelin) among the men.

The female members include Janelle Redhead (100/200); Trish Bartholomew (200/400); Sherine Wells (100/200) and Lucy Fortune (400). The ladies will also compete in the 4x100m Relay.

Albert Joseph and Kerlon Peters will be accompanying the team to St Kitts.

Grenada's Felix and Beckles in 2012 NCAA Championships

NEW YORK, June 4, 2012 - Grenadian Kurt Felix is set to represent Boise State University this week (June 6-9) at the 2012 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field National Championships being held in Des Moines, Iowa. The four-day meet will be hosted at Drake University's Drake Stadium/Jim Duncan Track for the second-straight year.

Felix, a redshirt senior, will compete in the decathlon for the second time in his career at an NCAA outdoor national meet. He competed in the 2010 NCAA decathlon, placing 13 ^th, and enters this season's competition ranked fourth. He holds a career-best, school record and Grenada national record set this season in the 10-event competition with 7,972-points. Showing to be a tight race for the national title, Felix sits only 95-points behind this year's leader, Isaac Murphy of Texas who has totalled 8,067-points this season. 

Felix, the 2012 Mountain West Decathlon Champion will begin his quest for the national title on Wednesday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. (ET) with the 100-metre dash. He will continue competition on Thursday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m. (ET) with the decathlon's 110-metre hurdles. 

Kanika Beckles is the other Grenadian competing in this week’s 2012 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field National Championships being held in Des Moines, Iowa.

Beckles will be representing Texas A&M University and is a top contender for the Women’s 400m and will also compete in the 4x400m Relay.

Beckles has been a success story at Texas A&M University. Her first race was a disappointment when she ran 1:00.08. But under Coach Alleyne Francique she improved to 53.94, 53.42, 52.92, 53.77, 51.72, 51.93, and 52.38.

Texas A&M became the first track and field program to ever win three straight men's and women's NCAA Outdoor Championships and will be seeking to extend that streak to four consecutive years. The Aggies became the first school to win dual titles in 20 years when they won their first set in 2009.

In 2010, A&M matched the rare achievement of consecutive dual NCAA titles claimed by LSU (1989-1990) under current Aggie head coach Pat Henry, who has totalled 33 NCAA Championships - 27 at LSU and currently six with Texas A&M University.

Rooting for Grenada’s Olympic-bound athletes

By Lincoln “Toro” Depradine

ST GEORGE’S, June 4, 2012 – South St. George MP and Minister of Labour, Glynis Roberts, says Kirani James appears in “fine form’’ as the Grenadian athlete builds up to the Olympic Games this summer in London, England.

Roberts was among Grenadians at home and abroad that followed last Saturday’s 400 meter race at the 38^th Prefontaine Classic in Oregon in the United States.

James, the 400 meter World Champion, was just beaten into second place by American LaShawn Merritt.

However, James was disqualified because he jumped the starters’ gun. 

“It was entirely my fault. It was nothing I was confused about; I just wanted to go out there and compete,” 19-year-old James told reporters after the race. “It’s also a learning experience in terms of just being patient in waiting for the gun.’’

Labour Minister Roberts said that the disqualification aside, James demonstrated that he is in “good shape and is on target to compete with the top athletes at the Olympics. I wish him all the very best. I know Grenadians everywhere are rooting for him, Rondel and the rest of the Grenada team that will be going to London.’’ 

James is expected to compete in at least two more meets before the London games.

Rondel Bartholomew will open his 2012 season by competing in the 400 meters at this coming weekend’s Adidas Grand Prix in New York.