Outstanding performances from Jeremiah Joseph, 14, of St Dominic's Roman Catholic Primary School and Shaniqua Bascombe, 13, of Maraval Roman Catholic Primary School earned them the prestigious Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year titles respectively at the Port-of-Spain and Environs Sports Council Sports Awards held on Wednesday at the VIP Lounge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.
Bascombe, a member of the Cougars Track and Field Club and Joseph who is unattached, were lauded for their consistent performances at the Games this season.
Joseph, the champion Under-15 athlete in the 100, 200 and 400 metres did not compete at the Junior Championship but his performances at the National Games, the Rotary Games and the East Games saw him enter the winner's enclosure.
Bascombe on the other hand came back at the NGC/NAAA Juvenile Championship and won the 100m and 60m hurdles event. She then proceeded to the Junior Championships in Bacolet, Tobago and finished third in the U-16 Girls 100m.
Joseph emerged as victor ludorum at the East Port-of-Spain Games and repeated his breathtaking performances with similar accolades at the Port-of-Spain Rotary Games and the Atlantic National Championship. But Bascombe was not to be outdone, clinching the honour of victrix ludorum.
he sprinter also specialises in the 100, 200m events. Hailed as T&T's top U-14 female athlete, she also delivered memorable victories against her seniors.
Olympian Michelle-Lee Ahye held court at the VIP Room dominating the day's proceedings. Her presence met with loud applause from all especially when she handed over the "Coach of the Year" award to her former coach and teacher Abeyola Akowe, which brought her mentor to tears.
Ahye did not allow the opportunity to educate parents on the power of sports in nurturing their children to become better citizens to pass. Using her experiences as an Olympian and international athlete she declared that sport taught her how to prepare physically and mentally, as well as instilled lifelong values and character building, which have turned athletes into pioneering women and men.
"From my personal experience I can tell you first hand that sport is wonderful. It can bring you comfort and pleasure, as it teaches you so much about yourself, your emotions and character; how to be resolute in moments of crisis and how to fight back from the brink of defeat. In this respect, the lessons of sport cannot be easily duplicated; you quickly discover your limits, but you can also build self-confidence and a positive sense of yourself," said Ahye.
Khaylon Antoine of Chinapoo Government was also bestowed with Spirit of Port-of-Spain award.Team accolades went to Eastern Boys Government, the U-15 champion football champion, Dunross Preparatory School took the U-12 Championship while St Agnes Anglican took top honours in the girls' football.
Rosary Boys RC and Eastern Girls Government rose to the top of the table in cricket in the boys' and girls' categories, respectively.Sport Minister Darryl Smith was unable to come to the function due to pressing matters.
School Supervisor III Olson Oliver received his plaque for Meritorious Service for his sterling contribution to education and sport.
School Supervisor I, Carl Thomas, brought words of welcome from the district. He did so in style before former Physical Education Teacher Garnet Pierre brought the house down with his rendition of "Happy Day."
School Supervisor II, Vijay Jagroop, was eloquent in his address and he lauded the POS Sport Council for their magnificent contribution to Port-of-Spain and T&T at large. He said, "Nowhere else in the country do you have a functional sports council that has shown the results of our Sports Council. We have shown all and sundry that we are the best. What more can you ask for. We should all be proud."
Chairman of the Sports Council, Kelvin Nancoo, then gave his address itemising the rationale for the Sports Council and the success which has been derived. He said, "I want to thank all the principals who have learnt from the past and I ask you to listen before attempting to lead. Because if you don't listen, failure is waiting. When you fail the children, you fail the nation and that is the big picture."
Honour roll
Sportsman of the Year:
Jeremiah Joseph
Sportswoman of the Year:
Shaniqua Bascombe
Football champions
Boys
U-15: Eastern Boys Government
U-12: Dunross Preparatory
Girls: St Agnes Anglican
Cricket Champions
Boys: Rosary Boys RC
Girls: Eastern Girls Government
Athletics
POS champions: West B
Special Awards
Sports Council Awards
Media awards: Rey Davis (Power 102FM), Rachael King (Trinidad Guardian).
Spirit of Port-of-Spain:
Khaylon Antoine
Most Successful Principal (Primary): Stanley Mahase
School of the Year (Sport): Diamond Vale Government School