Hundreds of children had the chance to hone their skills in track and field, football, cricket and other sports yesterday at the Michelle-Lee Ahye Coaching and Family Day, which was held at the Defence Force Headquarters on Airways Road, Chaguaramas.
The event, which was hosted by Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ahye and organised by the T&T Athletes’ Foundation under director Afeisha Wright, saw the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe taking time off from her busy schedule to attend the formal opening and address the gathering.
The Family Day gave children personal time with qualified coaches from the National Association of Athletics Administrations led by Michelle Alleyne-Pennie. There was also be football which was guided by Trendsetter Hawks Football Academy under the tutelage of Anthony "Dada" Wickham and former national standout Travis Mulrain. Cricket coaches present to conduct to sessions were Stacey-Ann King and Namir Suepaul.
The Sports Minister was full of praise for Ahye who as the Commonwealth 100 metres women’s champion chose to give back to her country and to the young athletes in this way.
Cudjoe said, "I applaud Michelle for her commitment to Sport and the country. It is not often that we see top athletes giving back so easily. I applaud Michelle and I know that coming out of this day, some new talent will be unearthed. I wish Michelle all the best and I want to thank each and every one who came out today (yesterday) to support her and sports. Congratulations."
National juvenile and junior champions, Cougars Track and Field Club, were out in full force at the event, which saw some 200 children receive an all-inclusive package including free coaching in various sports, as well as snacks and lunch.
Ahye said, “This event is part of my drive to help younger athletes. I really want to help junior athletes and younger athletes that are coming up throughout in T&T. I have deferred from doing the normal thing, which is donating equipment or money. The T&T Athletes Foundation and I had decided to help the overall kids of T&T in the form of coaching and getting them more heavily involved in sports and we have come through.
"This event is one of many that I want to be a part of which encourages youth to get into sports. When I saw the children today, I was elated and I am thankful that I can give back to the children and to the country."
Also in attendance were the country’s first Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford, president of the NAAA Ephraim Serrette and its secretary Dexter Voisin along with sprinter Kyle Greaux and javelin thrower Shakiel Waithe.