Sports Personalities show appreciation for support

NEW YORK - Two of Grenada’s young sports competitors have expressed appreciation to those who have supported them during 2011.

Swimming sensation Oreoluwa Cherebin and figure skater Oliya Clarkson have joined with national cricket coach Dwain Gill in conveying appreciation for the support this year and best wishes in 2012.

Cherebin, who will turn 14 this month, represented Grenada at regional and international swimming championships including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Commonwealth Youth Games while Clarkson, 14, has been impressive at competitions in Italy and Turkey.

Oreoluwa Cherebin: Swimmer

In this season of goodwill and peace, I will like to take time out to say special thanks to all those who supported me during the year. This year has been very busy and challenging for me as a swimmer adjusting to school, traveling to several Championships and training. Without the help of God, my parents, coaches, family, the Ministry of Sports, Grenada Olympic Committee and supporters I would not have been able to make it. Thanks also to the Media for supporting me and all athletes. Merry Christmas and have a Christ filled New Year.

Oliya Clarkson: Figure Skater

As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Grenada Olympic Committee, Minister of Sports, Mr. Derrick James and Michael Bascombe, my parents, family and friends, coaches and Grenadians all over the world for their support and encouragement. To all, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you all.  

Dwain Gill: Cricket Coach

Happy Christmas and a productive New Year to all cricketers in particular and sports people in general.  Looking forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2012.

Grenada makes Figure Skating debut

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, November 28, 2011 – Grenada made an impressive debut in international figure skating this month in Italy.

Grenadian figure skater, 14-year-old Oliya Clarkson recently competed in the Merano Cup, organised under the auspices of the International Skating Union (ISU).

Clarkson, the youngest competitor, finished seventh in the Junior Ladies Free Skating Programme and tenth in the Short Programme. She had a Total Segment Score of 59.11 and a Total Programme Component Score of 31.28 with no deductions in the Free Skating and a Total Segment Score of 30.88 and Component Score of 16.40 and again without any deductions in the Short Programme.

It was her first major international competition with participating from 22 other nations. It was also Grenada’s first competition since the Grenada Figure Skating Association (GFSA) was granted provisional membership in the ISU.

General Secretary of the GFSA, Reena Leschinsky, who accompanied Clarkson to the Merano Cup, said that the presence of Grenada created much excitement among the traditional participants.

“They were all very excited to see our participation and flag at this event,” said Leschinsky. “Oliya created an impact and was quite noticeable and outstanding, judging from the responses.”

The New York-based Grenadian figure skater is now preparing for the Istanbul Cup 2011 in Turkey, her second competition in less than one month. She will be among 15 to compete in the Junior Ladies category from December 13-18, 2011.

Clarkson has already qualified for the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Minsk, Belarus from February 29 to March 4, 2012.