The Cougars Track and Field Club came out in their numbers on Saturday when the club held their first Thanksgiving Service at the St Agnes Anglican Church in St James.
The champion Juvenile and Junior team of T&T celebrated their achievements over the past decade and gave thanks to Almighty God for their successes.
Reverend Marsha Joseph, who officiated at the service, was the hero of the day as she gave the club members and parents many positive things to think about.
She likened life’s journey to a marathon and not a sprint and made it clear that we all need to run to the line. She intimated that with God everything is possible and we should serve thank God for all that he does for us daily.
She said, “Natural talent is a gift from God but through coaching and harnessing the athletes can develop to the fullest. She encouraged the athletes that they must be humble and must recognise and appreciate the sacrifice of their coaches and parents."
Reverend Joseph made it clear that fair play, honesty and integrity are hallmark words in sport and life but over the past few years, it has fallen badly. She warned all in the church to be wary of temptation as it comes in many ways. But she stressed that we must confess and apologise to those that we have hurt.
In what was a superb thanksgiving service, Kelvin Nancoo, the man whose vision, commitment and love have seen Cougars win eight national juvenile titles, two national titles and four Barbados Relay Fair Championships in ten years, thanked the parents for their support, the athletes for their discipline and dedication.
He thanked the coaches, especially Abeyola Akowe of whom he said, "The club could not have achieved its objectives without her contribution. She played a major part in the success of the club. I thank coach Rawle Phillips, Clint Charles, Hayes Jones, Ashton Gill and Nattifer Thomas for their dedication and commitment displayed over the years.
"What we have achieved in ten years is wonderful but we could not do it without God and believing in ourselves and each other. We are the best club in the country and we will with God’s Grace win the Juvenile Championship, the Junior Championship and the Barbados Relay Fair in 2020. To God be the glory.”