Football fans in Anguilla have had an opportunity to see and enjoy the Manchester United FA Cup Finals brought life and direct across the Caribbean region by FLOW, the new telecommunications company.

The event, last Saturday, May 21, was viewed on large television screens mounted on the walls of Sweet Blossoms, a new restaurant in the George Hill area, owned by Ms. Yvette Wallace and functioning over the past two months.

FLOW Anguilla’s Country Manager, Mr. Desron Bynoe , commented: “Today, we have Manchester United’s viewing party. We are partners with Manchester United with which we do coaching clinics and other initiatives for young sports enthusiasts. So today being the FA Cup Finals, which we also sponsor, and just acquired the rights of the BPL (Barclays Premier League), we found it necessary to really celebrate Manchester United’s success.

“The FA Cup is one of the most viewed finals anywhere in the world, and with Manchester United in the finals, we decided to engage a local business – Sweet Blossoms – to showcase the togetherness and what we do as a company.” Observing the number of fans in attendance, Bynoe stated: “I will sum it up quite nicely. It is a united crowd. It is united in the sense that it is not just Manchester United, but everyone is enjoying the atmosphere…”

He continued: “We have recently launched our FLOW sports which, I am proud to say, has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the last couple of months and it is the most viewed sporting network throughout the Caribbean. We also have the rights for the FA Cup in addition to Manchester United TV, the IPL (Indian Premier League) and others. This is just part and parcel of our whole community effort – and to ensure that we are not just about telecoms but that we touch every facet of community life.

“This is not something that is just happening in Anguilla. It is happening simultaneously throughout all the FLOW territories. We have viewing parties from Turks and Caicos all the way to Trinidad with sports bars filled right now with various persons. We also have tons of Manchester United’s memorabilia at this event.”

Among those present at the Anguilla function was Mr. Raymond Guishard, President of the Anguilla Football Association. He welcomed the event, by FLOW, saying it was of much interest to football fans on the island and that he looked forward to other such sporting arrangements by the telecommunications company.

Ms. Yvette Wallace, of Sweet Blossoms, commented: “This is a tremendous opportunity for us. We are new on the market and it is wonderful that FLOW has partnered with us in this event. We look forward to more partnerships as we provide a unique cuisine and space for entertainment…”

She named her business after her mother who has always been involved in food and beverage services. “I am still functioning as a full-time lawyer,” Ms. Wallace chuckled. “It is something I always wanted to do and this is how I came about with Sweet Blossoms. It was started on the 16th of March and we are still building it as we go along.”

On Friday May 20, Diamond FC exhibited a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the Anguilla National Trust, for sponsoring the team through the last season. In doing so, members of the team presented their second place League Trophy to the Anguilla National Trust.

Ms. Farah Mukhida, who accepted the trophy on behalf of the Anguilla National Trust said that the Trust was very proud of the team for placing second in the season’s regular tournament and for winning the President’s Cup. She expressed delight that the Trust was able to partner with the Club. She was grateful that the team assisted the Trust in conducting household surveys. These surveys included looking at Ramsar site designations in Anguilla, which focused on wetlands, people’s perception of wetlands and their level of awareness of wetlands.
Coach Nigel Linton commented on partnering with the Trust to help conduct the surveys, “It was a bit challenging for the team at first, but the outcome ended up being really successful and it also taught the player’s individual responsibility for reaching objectives,” he said. “By dividing up the surveys to be completed by the players, they also helped each other in getting the surveys done on time and this task was used as a team-building exercise. It was very much a team effort and the players worked very well together.”

Coach Linton added that he was very much satisfied with the performance of the club member this season, as they had initially set out objectives and targets over a four year period.

In the first year their target was to finish in the top five of the league but unfortunately they were unsuccessful in completing that task. However, this season they aimed to finish in the top three of the league. They were very successful in accomplishing that goal, by placing second this season.
He continued: “By finishing second in the league it automatically qualified them to compete at the Caribbean Club Champions, seeing that no team from Anguilla has ever competed in that competition. The club has set its sights on planning to attend the championship. Over the next few months the club will be conducting fundraisers to raise the necessary funds and sponsorship to attend the championship.” Mr. Linton saw the championship as an avenue to provide the necessary exposure for the young players who would have an opportunity to potentially be recruited by scouts.

The biggest challenge the team faces at this time, is regrouping for next season and raising the necessary funds to fulfill their future objectives. As part of the restructuring for next season, Coach Nigel Linton has been appointed to the role as Technical Director of the Team, in which Tashim Fleming will be filling in as Head Coach.

In September 2015, the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) under the direction of the Founder and CEO, Mr. Mitchelle Lake, launched a High Performance Academy (HPA), where players could attend school full time at the ATA facility, in Blowing Point, Anguilla. Players enrolled in this program engage in high performance tennis training, while enrolled at Laurel Springs School, an accredited online private school. Lake stated, “My vision for introducing a high performance academy was solely to give students an opportunity to train at a higher level whereby they can maximize their full potential in the game of tennis and achieve tennis athletic scholarships.”

The ATA’s High Performance Academy players are eager to develop their tennis game and pursue higher education beyond the boundaries of Anguilla. These are tennis players on the island who would not otherwise be given an opportunity to go off to college or university overseas via tennis athletic scholarships. We anticipate these players using tennis as a vehicle to pursue education. The pursuit of higher education for most players would be impossible without an athletic and/or academic scholarship. To this end, the ATA’s High Performance Academy provide an opportunity to local players who are interested and who are capable of taking on the challenge of high performance training.

The High Performance Academy is an excellent opportunity for senior players, especially those who aspire to pursue tertiary level education at division 1 and or division 2 schools in the United States. Players who participate in this program would be afforded over 5 hours of tennis training daily, while completing their school studies. This opportunity for intense training allows players to develop into the level of player needed for division 1 and division 2 schools, which would not be otherwise afforded to players unless they enrolled in the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s High Performance Academy. We recognize that most of our players are academically inclined to succeed at division 1 or division 2 schools, but need additional hours of training to compete for a position on the teams of these institutions.

Laurel Springs combines the benefits of traditional school with the flexibility of personalized online learning. This is very important and significant for the ATA’s local players, who need the additional training to bring themselves to the competitive level, as similar students who are also applying to universities
Currently enrolled at the High Performance Academy are three players Xander Owen-Vasilis, (son of Michelle Owen-Vasilis and Peter Vasilis) Lucien Baronier (Son of Susan Baronier and Pascal Baronnier) and Cuthwin Webster Jr. (son of Cuthwin Webster Sr. and Axa Webster). These three players grew up in the ATA’s After School Program and are currently being trained by local coaches Denny Derrick, HPA Director, George Richards, and Damien Brookes. In June 2016 the three players are travelling to T Bar M Racquet Club, Dallas, Texas to train at their High Performance Academy. The Players are training hard each week in anticipation of this intense training and anticipate that this experience will improve their individual tennis game. There will be several Fundraisers in the weeks ahead to help cover costs associated with the trip. We encourage the community to support these players and their fundraisers. For more information on ATA High Performance Academy or how you can support the players, e-mail us at info@anguillatennis.com or call us at 264-498-0697.

Photos Courtesy Keiroy Browne

Mr. Kenroy Herbert and Leana Harris of Leviticus Lifestyle presenting cheque to Mr. Vallan Hodge flanked by children with new tennis rackets

The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA), on Monday June 6th, received a cheque and tennis supplies from Leviticus Lifestyles & Travel to boost its capabilities.

Kenroy Herbert and Leana Harris of Leviticus Lifestyle & Travel presented the cheque which will go towards two 12-month scholarships as well as 10 rackets to ATA Coach Vallan Hodge.

Mr. Herbert describes himself as someone who played a little tennis at the Anguilla Tennis Academy. “I’ve noticed an increasing number of children becoming involved in competitive and recreational tennis at an early age. I thought to myself… ‘this is awesome’. Children as young as four or five years of age participate and some [of the older ones] being awarded full college scholarships because of the skills that were developed at the Academy. How great is this?”

The ATA is known for developing tennis on the island and secures scholarships for deserving students each year. Mr. Herbert believes that playing tennis is, without doubt, good for the mind and body as it has many physical and psychological health benefits associated with it. “These health benefits are particularly important for a child’s physical, emotional and mental development. However, the human system can be trained and improved at any stage of life, so these health benefits apply to adults and seniors too”, he said.

Kenroy said that upon his observation of the Academy he noticed that some of the kids did not have their own rackets, and had heard that some of them who were really good were unable to attend regularly because of financial constraints. He noted: “I thought that investing in those children’s skills would be a great thing to do. I’m a firm believer in giving children the right tools and opportunities to develop their God given talents. If not, those talents would simply be lost and that would be a very unfortunate situation”. He continued: “Children who play [tennis] develop skills and strategies that will also serve them well in life off the court. They must learn to respond to adversity, adapt to different situations and environments, and deal with stress often compounded when scores are tight or if they’re losing. Both in practice and competitive environments, tennis fosters work ethic, discipline, and sportsmanship in children, and hones their strategic and problem-solving skills”.

Mr. Herbert thanked the founders, coaches and parents who volunteer at the Anguilla Tennis Academy and encouraged them to continue preparing Anguilla’s youths for the future. The students and coaches, in turn, thanked him and Leviticus Lifestyle for generously contributing to the development of the Academy.

Xtreme Fitness Club proudly announced its sponsorship of Mr. Kelbert Walters, an Anguillian cricketer who had halted his career after succumbing to a knee injury. Mr. Walters joined Xtreme Fitness Club in an effort to begin his path to rehabilitation and resume the pursuit of his cricket career. Mr. Derrick Richardson, owner of Xtreme Fitness Club, recognised his efforts to regain his prior state of fitness and he saw it fit to facilitate his journey through sponsorship of Mr. Walters, by providing supplements that are necessary to accomplish his feat. Xtreme Fitness Club is the official local dealer for API Supplements. The brand covers a wide range of high potency supplements geared towards enhancing various health and fitness goals including weight loss, pre – and post workouts, endurance and daily health.
Mr. Richardson articulated his willingness to sponsor Mr. Walters as he views it as an opportunity to help a very skilled and oustanding cricketer reach his full potential. He further pledged Xtreme Fitness Club’s dedication to helping its customers maximise their full potential and achieve their fitness goals: “I have always been a sports and fitness enthusiast, hence I have invested in the business that I am in. Being an advocate for helping persons maximize their full potential is why I have decided to sponsor Mr. Walters in assisting with the development of his career. Oftentimes potential is observed in a person striving to further their career but lack of support diminishes or discourages that Individual. I firmly believe that we all can go further if we were to form synergies whereby we can help each other.”

Mr. Walter expressed his gratitude to Xtreme Fitness Club for its support in his endeavour:
“I just want to take this opportunity to extend sincere gratitude and thanks to Mr Derick Richardson and Xtreme Fitness Club for providing me with free gym memebership in addition to supplements and supplies from his Xtreme Fitness Club apparel and API product line.

Since my knee injury that took me out of cricket for 14 months it was a very hard road to recovery and rehabilitation. I then started at Xtreme Fitness Club in February 2016 when I began my conditioning and strengthening workout regimen in order to get back on the field. After observing my dedication and hard work at Xtreme Fitness Club, Mr. Richardson then decided to sponsor me by providing his supplements to help me improve my endurance and strength, stay healthy and get back fit and strong, thereby allowing me to continue with my cricket career on an international stage. Thanks again to Mr. Richardson and Xtreme Fitness Club.”

Xtreme Fitness Club will continue to lend support to all its customers in the hope of being the catalyst in helping the wider community reach their health and fitness goals. Further, what is demonstrated with the support given to Mr. Walters also shows its commitment in giving back to the community.

– Contributed

The AXA Body Building and Fitness team represented Anguilla well at the Sidonie Brothers Gym Invitational Classic in St. Lucia on 28th May, 2016.

The athletes representing Anguilla were: Roxanne Pinnock, who placed 2nd in the bikini category; MacWhirr Lewis, who took 2nd place in the Men’s Physique category; while McCiver Peter took 1st place in the Heavyweight category. McCiver Peter also captured the overall title for the first ever Sidonie Brothers Gym Invitational Classic St. Lucia.

The athletes were accompanied by Delegate and IFBB Judge Mr. S. Joseph Pradel from La Severin Gym.

Mr. McCiver Peter was also in Guadeloupe from the 3rd – 5th June and competed in the ERIC FAVRE SPORTS GAMES where he took 1st place in the Heavyweight category.

Joe Pradel and his support team wish to congratulate all the athletes, despite the many challenges, continued to work hard to keep the sport alive and make Anguilla proud.

The AXA Body Building and Fitness team would like to thank our sponsors, the Anguilla Tourist Board, LSF Fitness Center, G B Ferries and our anonymous sponsors. We say Thank You!

We would also like to thank the general public for your continued support over the years.

– Contributed

Main Event – Exciting Boat Race

Boat-racing and entertainment in all its forms, were the main features of the West Fest on Sunday, June 12 – an annual fund-raising event in support of the traditional August Thursday boat race at Meads Bay, Anguilla.

Mr. Cardigan Connor, in his capacity as Elected Representative for District 7, and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Sports and Culture, was particularly pleased with the event. One reason is that one of his responsibilities is to ensure the survival of the island’s boat-racing culture and the continued involvement of a new generation of young men in the national sport.
He commented on the West Fest in an interview with The Anguillian: “West Fest has come about because, a few years back, there was a serious concern that there was a lack of funding for the August Thursday boat race,” he stated. “The fact is that the community of West End has grown up with boat-racing. We go back as far as seventy-plus years with such persons as Mason Hodge along with Mac Owen from North Hill. I think they had the first challenge race which started at Meads Bay on August Thursday. We, in the community of West End, are doing our best in order to keep that tradition alive; and that’s how the West Fest was formed – to raise funds to help support the idea that August Thursday boat-racing will go ahead.
“The basis of West Fest is mainly about boat-racing and then it is entertainment with games like the hot-dog eating contest, music by the Happy Hits string band, a DJ and another local band.”

Photos Courtesy Josveek Huligar

During the West Fest, the Meads Bay boat race was won by Light & Peace, with Sonic, placing second; UFO, third; De Tree, fourth; and Real Deal, fifth – the top five boats.
Mr. Connor noted that traditionally there had always been a boat race on the Queen’s Official Birthday Holiday in Anguilla. However, over the past couple of years, because of a lack of funding, the race, normally hosted at Crocus Bay, was not held.
On Monday, June 13, at the request of the captains and crew members, there was however a boat race at Meads Bay instead. The same boats which raced the day before, for West Fest, turned up for the second race. That race was won by Real Deal; Sonic placed second; Satellite, third; De Tree, fourth; Light & Peace, fifth; and Real Deal, sixth.
Mr. Connor said he was particularly pleased that there was a huge turnout – and probably the biggest – at West Fest. “It is probably growing from strength to strength,” he remarked. “Going forward, I think one of the challenges for me, as the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for boat-racing, is to work very closely with the Ministry of Culture, and the Boat Racing Committee, to ensure that the races are on the schedules. The aim is for us to have funding in place for that purpose. Already, we have had some cancellation of races and this should not be.”

Mr. Connor extended this appeal to the general public: “In order for the boat races to continue, we need the support – not just of the business community – but the Anguillian public at large. There is always a big turnout at boat-racing and the boat-racers, as well as the boat-owners, put a lot in it. All we are asking is for a little bit of extra support where it is needed.”

Anguilla’s upcoming cricketer, 17-year-old Dimitri Adams, has been awarded a sports scholarship in the United Kingdom. It will enable him to attend Southampton University where he will study for a Business Administration Degree while also playing with the Hampshire Cricket Academy.
The son of Anguilla’s former West Indies Cricketer, Alex Adams, and health professional, Mrs. Maeza Demis-Adams – Dimitri began playing competitive cricket at the age of seven when he represented Anguilla in St. Kitts. Since then he has developed greatly in the sport, catching the attention of a number of Anguilla Cricket Association officials as well as the then Cricket Development Officer in the schools, Mr. Cardigan Connor, a former Hampshire, and Melbourne, Australia, Cricketer who migrated to the UK as a youngster and made a name for himself in the sport.

Dimitri Adams (Center) Parents, Government Officials and Cricket Board Members

Mr. Connor, now Parliamentary Secretary for Sports in Anguilla, played a key role in arranging the scholarship for Dimitri who is combining his academic studies with playing competitive cricket. Mr. Connor called a meeting on Tuesday, June 21, at the Anguilla Commonwealth Association Games Office, where he announced the scholarship award to Dimitri.
He was delighted to announce that the Sports and Academic Scholarship was awarded by Mr. John Kerr in the name of his late wife, Theresa Kerr. They were both regular UK visitors to Anguilla and guests at Cap Juluca, who loved Anguilla and its people.

“The members of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association and team will always speak glowingly of how John and Theresa did all they could in order to give Team Anguilla whatever assistance was needed,” Mr. Connor stated. “That was when the games were held in Manchester, England, in 2002; in Melbourne, Australia, in 2006; and also in New Delhi, India, in 2010.” He regretted that, “unfortunately, Theresa Kerr could not join the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Team in Glasgow in 2014 because she lost her battle with cancer.”

Mr. Connor continued: “Earlier this year, with a heavy heart, John Kerr came back to Anguilla and Cap Juluca, a place he said Theresa loved dear. It was then that I spoke to John about Dimitri Adams, a young cricketer who I first saw at the Ronald Webster Park. At that time he was about four years old and had a cricket bat. It was bigger than him, but Dimitri was more interested in playing his own game of cricket rather than watching his dad score hundreds. Dimitri will go off to Southampton University in September and will also join the Cricket Academy at Hampshire County Cricket Club.
“John Kerr believes, and I agree with him, that Theresa will be smiling at the thought that a sporting scholarship in her name will live on for the benefit of Anguillian student athletes.”

Mr.Evans McNiel Rogers, Minister of Social Development with responsibility for Sports, congratulated Dimitri for being the first awardee of the scholarship – and was grateful to Mr. Kerr and his wife for their kindness and love for Anguilla. Similar sentiments were expressed by sporting personalities: Mr. Kenn Banks, Mr. Ralph Hodge and Mr. Rollins Richardson.
Dimitri’s mother expressed gratitude for the scholarship and the prospects it presents for Dimitri. While happy for him, she spoke about the family’s pain his absence would cause in the home, but again stressed the excellent contribution of the sports scholarship to his future development. Dimitri joined in expressing his personal thanks, and his desire to achieve success to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Mauriel Carty (center) with Parents, Government Officials and Friends

On Thursday June 16th, Mauriel Carty, along with his family and coach, met with the Freeman family, Edwards family of Sunset Homes and ministers of government, at Ocean Echo for introductions and announcement of financial aid towards his sporting and academic career. Mauriel will be headed to Kingborough College in New York in September.

Janine and Ian ‘Sugar George’ Edwards of Sunset Homes and Neil Freeman, Chairman and CEO of Aries Capital, along with his wife Wendy Freeman, owner of Villa Alegria here on Anguilla, collaborated towards of the initiative to support Mauriel. In bidding him great success, Mr. Freeman said: “We would like to wish Mauriel great success in both his academic career and academic career. We hope that he improves in his athletics and will open the door to many great experiences”. He also congratulated the government and encouraged Mauriel’s coaches and parents to continue to support and motivate him.

Also offering kind words of encouragement was Mr. Edwards (Sugar George), who said: “It takes a village to raise a child. I would like to congratulate you, Mauriel, and your coaches Mr. Winston [Duncan], Mr. Rawlins [Richarson] and parents. As corporate citizens, we’ll continue to do our best in supporting the youths and kids of Anguilla in whatever way we can”.

Robert, Pamela and their grandson Jack

Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for sports, Hon. Cardigan Connor, highlighted the cadre and quality of great athletes produced, by Anguilla, with very limited resources. He said: “One of the big challenges for all our athletes is financial support. They might have the ability but the opportunities generally will come from financial support”. He expressed profound gratitude to the families and all stakeholders involved in assisting Mauriel in his sporting and academic career. Mr. Connor further stated: “Once we can get as many scholarships as we can, whether its sports or academics, it will go a long way. The idea is to get people to buy into the idea of supporting more and more scholarships for our island’s youth”.
Mr. Connor, who was elected as the representative of District 7 in the 2015 general elections, also approached some of his friends to further the initiative. He successfully convinced Robert Holdsworth and Pamela Webster who reside in Monaco, to support Mauriel Carty, a student athlete from West End. A statement from them said: “We have been visiting Anguilla for over 30 years and have developed a close association with Anguilla and its people. When Mr. Cardigan Connor spoke to us and mentioned Mauriel Carty’s natural ability, and his commitment to the sport of athletics, we were happy to provide funds to help him with his outstanding talent and for his academic future. Robert and I feel that talent should be nurtured wherever it is found, and we very much look forward to watching his future accomplishments and wish him well in the future.”

Mauriel is well known athlete who has participated in track and field from a very tender age. He was a star athlete on Yellow House of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. He even went on to represent Anguilla in numerous regional athletic meets such as the Leeward Islands Junior Championships, Caribbean Union of Teachers games (C.U.T), and the Carifta games. He also competed in the IAAF World Championships Beijing in 2015, and prior to Beijing he got the opportunity to take part in the Windsor, Slough, Eton & Hounslow training camp in the UK, from July 15th to August 15th, 2016.

Minister of Social Development, Mr. Evans McNeil Rogers, reiterated the support of his ministry: “On behalf of the Ministry of Sports and Education, I take this opportunity to thank the Freemans and Edwards for their generosity in sponsoring Mauriel in his effort to improve academically as well as his sporting ability”. He also thanked Mauriel’s parents for raising “a talented and well rounded individual”. He further proclaimed: “I must also commend my colleague, Mr. Cardigan Connor, for the work that he has been doing in laying the foundation for not only with respect to sports but also marrying it with education. Cardigan is the driving force behind this initiative and a number of similar ones, and I want to commend him and all those involved”.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, Mauriel said that from a tender age his father would wake him up very early to train, and ever since then he grew a love for athletics. He looks forward to what the future holds for him and hopes to one day either become a world class athlete or return to Anguilla and coach upcoming athletes.

Thirty-seven boys and girls, ages 7-14, from all the primary schools, and Campus B of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, will represent Anguilla at the Caribbean Teachers’ Union Games to be held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, on July 15 and 16.
The members of the team were presented at a sports and media meeting at the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Office at the Ronald Webster Park on Tuesday evening, June 21, by Mr. Alexis Ryan, a member of the Athletic Committee.

“We believe that Anguilla will surpass its previous performance, and it is the first time that we will be having a team to compete in the top ten,” he said. “The team will comprise 37 members, accompanied by nine officials.” According to him, some fifty other persons – representing parents and members of the Athletic Association – will also travel with the young athletes. Funds are being provided by the Anguilla Teachers’ Union, the Anguilla Government, the Athletic Association and other sources.

The team will be participating in various track and field events. “A full team is forty, but we have 37. That would allow us to compete in all the events,” Mr. Ryan explained. “I think the largest team we ever took to the games before had a membership of 21 athletes. You have to be in it to win it, and we are aiming this time to be among the top five.” He further said: “Our athletes went through a rigorous qualification process and we have been preparing for this for two years.”
Twenty-two Caribbean islands normally participate in the games but this year it is expected that fifteen islands will be represented instead.

The 37 athletes, in the various age categories, have been named as follows:
Under 9 Girls
Khallan Edmeade
Khedijah Bannis
Te-Jhana Young
Sienna Ferguson
Veernique Richardson
Under 9 Boys
Johniff Gumbs
Zach Davies
NIakoy Phillip
Kemari Gumbs

Under 11 Girls
Sage’ Connor
Kiera Lake
Niequana Hodge
Monae Gumbs

Under11 Boys
Keante Brooks
Shaquille Watty
Jhakia Dascent
Jemar Willock
Jaequan LLoyd

Under 13 Girls
Akoyah Phillip
Akiarra Pina Richardson
Jenell Smith
Iyesha Carty
Frankajha Fleming
Under 13 Boys
Jahlik Richard
Amikai Garvey
Devonric Mack
Omar Hodge
Raequan Gumbs

Under 15 Girls
Sethreanda Williams
Olinka Harrigan
Adrianna Charles
Mavicia Buchanan

Under 15 Boys
Eveon Claxton
Zaquarii Gumbs
Junaro Dupie
Jaiden Walker
Mackwaune Hazel

The Watkins Hodge Community Memorial Race in Anguilla was held for the third consecutive year on Sunday, June 26. The starting point, as usual, was just outside the Caracasbaai Supermarket on the Stoney Ground Road, continuing around the Queen Elizabeth Avenue to The Valley Roundabout, up the Albert Lake Drive and back.
The participating schools, in the four relays, were Valley, Orealia Kelly, and Morris Vanterpool Primary Schools and a mixed team from the Orealia Kelly and Alwyn Allison Richardson Schools.
The cash prizes were announced as being EC$500, EC$300 and EC$200 for the first, second and third places. The winners respectively were Orealia Kelly, Morris Vanterpool and Valley Schools.
The event is hosted annually by the Anguilla Community Alliance. Although it is called the Watkins Hodge Community Memorial Race, it also seeks to honour other members of the Stoney Ground, Quarter and Little Dix communities who passed away over the years.
The persons to whom the memorial race pays honour are those “who have made significant impacts on these communities through their social, economic and philanthropic contributions”. This is according to a release from the Anguilla Community Alliance whose principal leaders are Dallen Connor, President, and Sherman Williams, Vice President. Both of them are originally from the Stoney Ground community.
The late Watkins Hodge was a leading businessman, an elected representative for Valley North and, in earlier life, a cricketer.

Anguilla’s National Football Team is in Haiti participating in the 2016 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Under 20 Qualification Tournament. The other teams are from the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and host country, Haiti. All matches are being played in Haiti at the State Sylvia Cator from June 29 to July 3.

The matches were arranged as follows:
June 29: Bermuda Vs Cayman Islands; and Haiti Vs Anguilla; July 1: Cayman Islands Vs Anguilla; Haiti Vs Bermuda; July 3: Anguilla Vs Bermuda; and Haiti Vs Cayman Islands.

Anguilla’s team is being managed by Mr. Romare Kelsick and is accompanied by Technical Director, Mr. Colin Johnson, Head Coach, Mr. Darius Lantan, Assistant Coach, Mr. Nigel Linton and a medical team comprising Dr. Samuel Appiah and Mrs. Corey Richardson, Physio-Therapist.

Secretary of the Anguilla Football Association, Mr. Alkins Rogers, commented on the island’s participation in the matches: “We have young and developing talent and we expect that if our team play to their potential – once all the other circumstances are in place – we should see good results from them. We are therefore hoping that they will stick to the task and play as a team. Once they do so, they have the requisite skills that can make us proud; so we are looking forward for the best from them.”

The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) is pleased to announce that Denny Derrick, Director of ATA Programs, has successfully completed a two-week High Performance Training Program at the T Bar M Racquet Club (“T Bar M”) in Dallas, Texas. This was Denny’s second trip in one year aimed at developing his high performance training skills. Chris Wade, Athletic Director of T Bar M Racquet Club Dallas, Texas, stated that, “Denny has done an incredible job in developing his skills to become a T Bar M High Performance Tennis Professional. His willingness to educate himself on how to train top junior tennis players has been impressive. He will be a great asset to the ATA for many years to come”.
Mr. Denny Derrick left Anguilla on Saturday, June 11th 2016 and returned on June 25th 2016. Denny is currently employed by the ATA as the Director of the ATA’s High Performance program and is also responsible for the tennis program at Malliouhana, an Auberge Resort.

The Anguilla Tennis Academy has developed a great partnership with T Bar M Racquet Club, and many of its current graduates, who are on tennis athletic scholarships, received high performance training at T BAR M.
Denny stated: “I have gained a great deal of knowledge and coaching experience from the amazingly talented coaching staff at T Bar M. I was also able to improve my fitness level and playing ability competing with the high performance players at T Bar M. I am grateful for this opportunity and would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Mitch Lake, ATA Management Team, Glen Agritelley, Chris Wade and the Management and staff at T Bar M Racquet Club, for their support towards my development in the sport of tennis”.

Mitch Lake, Founder of the Anguilla Tennis Academy, stated that: “Denny is a perfect example of how the ATA meets its mission by (1) nurturing the local talent of players who grow up participating in the ATA’s programs, and (2) providing employment opportunities for its students. Having watched Denny grow up through the ATA as a player, and now become a very competent high performance coach, I am confident that the ATA and our High Performance Academy will grow to another level as Denny imparts the knowledge and skill to the players participating in the ATA’s program. I am proud of Denny’s growth as a coach and player over the past year. Our investment in the development of our local coaches will ensure the ATA and its programs are sustained for future generations”.

– Press Release

Anguilla’s bodybuilders were definitely a force to reckon with as several of its athletes were triumphant at the recently held 6th Annual Inter-Island Bodybuilding, Fitness and Physique Championship at Casino Royale in Maho, St Maarten.
Emmanuel Jeffers, Geshaune Clarke and Verdine Connor who competed in the Middle Weight Bodybuilding category claimed first, second and third places respectively. Clarke was also named overall Best Poser.

McCiver Peters won third place in Bodybuilding Heavy.
Macchwir Lewis captured first place in the Physique Tall and was also the overall Physique winner and Duquaine Brooks placed 3rd in Physique Short.
Roxann Pinnock claimed second place and Deidra Bell placed fifth in the Bikini category.
Michael Connor and Vernon Carty also competed in the show. The Anguilla bodybuilders competed among 50 athletes from Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts, Trinidad, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, St Martin and St Maarten.

The Anguilla Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation express congratulations to the athletes on their huge success in St Maarten.
The Association also express thanks to FLOW for their sponsorship in assisting with the athletes travel to St Maarten.

A capacity crowd was favourably impressed when a number of bodybuilding athletes showed off their muscular physiques at the Rodney Mac Arthur Rey Auditorium on Saturday July 9.

The athletes, who have been training at several gyms and fitness centres, in Anguilla, made various appearances to the encouraging cheers of the spectators.

Among the onlookers was Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Sports. He was asked by The Anguillian how body-building fitted in his portfolio.
“Very highly,” he replied. “What you find is that in modern-day sport – in fact you go back to competitive sport over the years to Charles Atlas – building the muscle is very important. Even with distant runners, especially sprinters, it is very much a case of bodybuilding and weight training. You also find, in all forms of sport, bodybuilding plays a major role. It is great for recovery from injury and things like that. The fact that most people look to building beautiful bodies, by carving out the best possible weight and figure of their physique, is also important.”

Even as he spoke, the bodybuilding competition was in progress. In the Men’s Physique and Novice category, Maurice Sinclair captured first place. The young Hodge brothers – Kishorn and Kiron – took second and third place respectively.
In the Men’s Physique Open, McChwir Lewis recaptured first place; Vernon “Twidy” Carty came second and Duquaine Brooks third.

Geshaun Clarke reclaimed first place for the fourth time in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding. Verdine Connor placed second and McCiver Peter, third.
Deidra Bell was the lone athlete in the Bikini category – and in the children’s segment, Kaeae Rey was the only participant.

The winners received trophies and cash prizes. All the athletes were presented with participatory medals.

The Anguilla Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation has expressed thanks to the various sponsors for contributing towards the success of the event.

Registration

The blistering sun peering down from a clear blue sky may have been an uncomfortable experience for spectators, but the 100-odd cyclists who participated in the John T. Memorial Cycle Race showed much tolerance for the hot weather conditions.
Besides any discomfort, they initially posed or playfully rode around under the view of a visiting BBC film crew for the first time.

It was the 17th Annual bicycle race which went off to a late start on Sunday, July 17, just outside the FLOW Anguilla Telecoms Building in The Valley. A total of 104 cyclists were registered for the event, a few of whom did not make the trip from some of the neighbouring islands.

The recently-elected President of the John T. Memorial Race, Mrs. Sharon Richardson-Lowe, spoke to The Anguillian about the participation in the event. “We have riders from Trinidad for the first time, St. Kitts-Nevis, Guyana, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba and Anguilla in all categories.”

Asked to elaborate, she said: “We have the Elite Category which is 18-39 years; the Masters Category, 40 years and over; the Junior Category 17 and 18 years; the Cadets, 15 and 16 year-olds; the Minines, 13 and 14 year-olds; a Benjamin Category, 11 and 12 years; Poussines Category, 10 year-olds; and the Pupil Category, 7 and 8 years.”

Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Tourism, welcomed the athletes, from the neighbouring islands, and offered his best wishes.
The longest race – all across the island – was about 129 kilometres for the Elites. There were shorter distances for the other categories.

The results of the race were as follows:
Elite Category (19-39 years)
1st Place – Jyme Bridges – Team DPS, Trinidad
2nd Place – Akil Campbell – Team DPS Trinidad
3rd Place – Dean Hodge – VCG, St. Martin
4th Place – Patricio Blade Carty – ASM, St. Martin
5th Place – Emmanuel Carbon – ASM, St. Martin
6th Place – Marvin Spencer – Antigua
7th Place – Sherwin Osborne – Anguilla
8th Place – Justin Hodge – Anguilla
9th Place – Vinesh Narine – Anguilla
10th Place – Thomas Conroy – Antigua

Masters Category (40 and over)
1st Place – Junior Niles, Guyana
2nd Place – Mark Maidwell – Mo Trouble, St. Maarten
3rd Place – Sean Weathered – Antigua
4th Place – Timothy Richardson – Anguilla

Female Category
1st Place – Sharon Bredl – St. Martin
2nd Place – Isabelle Adams – St. Martin
3rd Place Dymphne Bosses – St. Martin

Juniors Category (17-18years)
1st Place – Wilfred Chittick – Cyclone, St. Maarten
2nd Place – Tyler Cole – Team DPS, Trinidad (Cole is reigning Junior Caribbean Champion)
3rd Place – Xavi Brookes – Anguilla
4th Place – Zambezi Richardson – Anguilla
5th Place – Jamari Bryan – Anguilla

Cadets Category (15-16 years)
1st Place – Adelio Brooks – VCG, St. Martin
2nd Place – Daron Carty – Anguilla
3rd Place – Kianny Noel – ASM, St. Martin
4th Place – Emmanuel Gayral – Antigua
5th Place – Nickilon Gumbs-Niles – Anguilla

Minimes Category (13-14 years)
1st Place – Deanthony Niles – Anguilla
2nd Place – Cailan Fleming – Anguilla
3rd Place – Nicholas Carbon – Anguilla
4th Place – Caedon Fleming – Anguilla

Benjamines Category (11-12 years)
1st Place – Dyclai Nagau-Grell – ASM, St. Martin
2nd Place – Kenny Carty – ASM, St. Martin
3rd Place – Justin Riley -Anguilla
4th Place – Rolandio Lake Rogers – USMC, St. Martin

Poussins Category (9-10 years)
1st Place – Jahkim Carty – ASM, St. Martin
Pupille Category- Male (7-18 years)
Kamari Ruan – Anguilla

Pupille Category- Female (7-18 years)
Trinity Romney – Cyclone, St. Maarten

On Sunday, July 17, after a tournament of unforgettable matches and spectacular performances, gorgeously dressed female players and supporters turned out at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre, for the Sunset Homes and AIA prize giving ceremony ably chaired by Mr. Alkins Rogers.

President of the Anguilla Football Association, Mr. Raymond Guishard, used the opportunity to thank Sunset Homes for partnering with the Association in sponsoring the tournament this year. Further, he thanked the Clubs for their participation in the tournament and highlighted that without them, the tournament would not have been possible.
He was very much “proud and glad to see many of the young players from the various clubs playing in the tournament this year”, and being able to hold their own on the field. He congratulated the winners and urged the teams that were not successful to work on improving their weak areas for next season. He also thanked all persons and organizations that were instrumental in making sure the tournament ran smoothly. “Football is not just a sport. Football is becoming a family”, he added.

Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Cardigan Connor, also spoke to the players. “When you go on the field its not about you, its about Anguilla. The fact that what you produce on the field and your attitude off the field, will determine whether or not others will look to assist you,” he said. He encouraged the players to continue to do their best and to always remember that as long as they did so they would all be winners.

Female Technical Coordinator, Mr. Colin Johnson, also briefly addressed the gathering. He was very happy to see a larger turn out of spectators, especially females at the matches this season. He applauded the players for bringing fans to game saying, “it is very important that women lead women to watch women.” He was very much happy to see the infusion of young players into the matches this season, noting that they “shone brightly”.

He observed that this season showed quite a bit of improvement amongst the players. He congratulated the winning clubs, particularly the Tournament Champions, Shining Stars FC and Knockout Champions, Superstars FC on their success.

Other teams competing this season were, Lil Soldier FC, Gazelles FC and De Youngsters FC.

The presentation ceremony included monetary prizes and a number of special awards.

The awardees and winners are listed below:

Individual Awardees:
Best Goal Keeper – Davia Hodge
Best Defender – Jackeedah Bryan
Best Midfielder – Clardeena Richardson
Best Striker – Roxanne Bradshaw
Most Improved Player – Maeisha Minette
Rookie of the Year – Carlia Johnson
Most Disciplined Player – Careyanna Richardson
Hardest Working Player – Mindy Phillip
Fittest Player – Kerisa Benjamin
Best Team Player – Ianisha Carty
Best Captain –Roxanne Romney
Tournament MVP – Coleen Johnson

Most Disciplined Team Award went to Super Stars FC.

Pre- Tournament events included:
4 V 4 Competition
Juniors:1st Place –Gazelles FC
2nd Place – Super Stars FC
3rd Place – Shinning Stars FC

Seniors:1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC

Foot Volley Ball
Juniors: 1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Gazelles FC
3rd Place – De Youngsters FC
Seniors: 1st Place – Shining Stars FC
2nd Place – Super Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC

Beach Soccer
1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place – Lil Soldiers FC

Backyard Olympics
1st Place – Lil Soldiers FC
2nd Place – Shining Stars FC
3rd Place –De Youngsters FC

Indoor Soccer
1st Place – Super Stars FC
2nd Place –Gazelles FC
3rd Place – Shining Stars FC

Awards were also presented to the match officials and a special award to Ms. Esther Ward.

Shining Stars FC captured the Soccerama Championship and also placed first in the League Tournament. Super Stars FC came second and Gazelles FC third. Super Stars claimed the title of Knock Out Champions.
Following the presentation of awards, some of the female athlete showcased their attire in a brief fashion show.

Football Camp at the Raymond E. Guishard Technical Centre

Department of Sports Camp on the James Ronald Webster Park

With the closing of schools in Anguilla for the summer holidays, children across the island are having a welcome chance to develop their skills in a variety of sports.

The grounds of the Anguilla Football Academy, as well as those of the James Ronald Webster Park, are scenes of soccer and general sports training camps. Technical Director of the Anguilla Football Association, Colin Johnson, is the organiser of a two-week camp taking in both sporting areas.

Speaking on his behalf, Ms. Allison Hughes, a member of the Board of Directors of the Football Association, said that while the soccer camp was organised by Mr. Johnson, he was able to have the assistance and cooperation of a number of coaches.

“The participating children, ages 4-17, are from all the public and private schools in Anguilla,” she continued. “They are on the football field Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 noon, learning the various skills of the sport. These skills include heading the ball, kicking the ball, juggling, and so on.

“Our aim is to get the children to learn and appreciate football from young and that’s why we start to train them from age 4, and we want the bigger ones to better their skills. Hopefully, we will get better teams to represent Anguilla in the years ahead. We have about two hundred children attending the soccer camp.”

Meanwhile, at a corner of the Ronald Webster Park, some forty children are undergoing training in various other sports as mentioned earlier. Ms. Katrina Richardson, of the Department of Sports, commented on the weekday activities.

“This is the Department’s annual summer camp for children ages 6 -14,” she explained. “We are teaching basic skills in various sports and this year we have Coach Kassem from Trinidad who is introducing the children to basic rugby skills. Head Coach for the camp is Ian Connor (Tucker). We have Coaches Rodi Richardson, Tafari Connor and Everet Claxton also assisting. The two-week camp started last week and we have about forty children from the various schools in attendance.”

On Monday 18th July, a 12 member contingent of national basketball players left Anguilla to represent the island in St Maarten for the annual Battle of the Fittest Basketball tournament.

The tournament now in its 3rd year began on Monday 18th July and will conclude on Sunday 24th, July. The tournament sees representation from St Martin, Dominican Republic, Tortola, Aruba, Anguilla, Philippines, the USA & host country St Maarten.

Members of the Anguillian National Team are Knoltan Bramble, Daury Herbert, Ricardo Gumbs, Aaron Gumbs, Neil Gumbs, Junior Rogers, Ricky Coombs, Elisban Valera, Jason Hodge, Incia Brooks, Javille Brooks and Moises Retde Oliver. Accompanying the team are Head Coach, Ian ‘Tucker’ Connor, Assistant Coach Delano Mussington and Team Manager Lisa Rey.

The team participated in their first game on Monday July 18th against French St. Martin. They were not victorious, however, they remain hopeful that they can turn things around in their other games, the next one will be against BVI on Thursday July 21st.

The Anguilla Amateur Basketball Association wishes to extend a thank you to the Government of Anguilla, in particular the Department of Sports and the Anguilla Social Security Board for their generous contributions to the team. Expressions of thanks are also extended to all persons who aided and supported in all fundraising efforts. Special mention is to be made of Mrs Angela Brooks-Cornell for her selfless assistance where needed.

The National team will return to Anguilla on Monday 25th July, 2016. We wish them the best of luck in their undertakings.

– Press Release

L-R: Mr. Cardigan Connor, Mr. Rudy Webster
and Mr. Kenn Banks

On Wednesday, 20 July, 2016, President, Kenn Banks and Vice President, Cardigan Connor of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA), handed over a much needed laptop computer to Rudy Webster of the Anguilla Amateur Basketball Association (AABA).

The AABA’s laptop crashed several weeks ago during a game, leaving them to depend on the kindness of members to use their personal laptops to record statistics live, post them online for fans to follow and report the information to FIBA. The AABA’s website: www.anguillabasketball.com also gets all its information directly from the software by synchronizing with the servers after the games when everything is updated.

The new laptop is a 2016 Lenovo 17 inch, high performance laptop, with a 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor & 8GB Ram.

Mr Webster said, on behalf of the AABA, “the assistance from the ACGA is much appreciated and we will be forever grateful for the kindness shown to us during a time when fund raising is proving to be difficult.”
President of the ACGA, Kenn Banks said, “I am glad that we were able to assist the AABA in this way and trust that this laptop will help the Association in managing its league games and improving general administration; we are committed to improving the administration of the National Sports Organisations (NSOs). Our office is always available to provide them with administrative support. To this end we will be shortly adding a third computer to our office for the NSO’s use.”

The purchase was made possible through cutbacks made on administrative and office equipment costs by the ACGA over the 2014/2015 budget.

– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)