NDC PAYS TRIBUTE TO CARIFTA GAMES ATHLETES

St. George, March 25, 2008 -- The young athletes that represented Grenada at the just-concluded Junior CARIFTA Games in St. Kitts should be applauded for their indomitable spirit and courageous effort, says the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Team Grenada captured eight medals - three gold, three bronze and two silver.  World Junior medalist Kirani James led the way by winning two of the three gold.  The other was picked up by track star, Rondel Bartholomew.  Emron Gibbs and Shakir Simons each grabbed a silver and Antonia Wilson was a bronze winner.  Colleen Felix bagged two bronze medals.
 
Opposition Leader Tillman Thomas, speaking on behalf of the NDC, described the athletes as "truly great ambassadors of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.''
 
He added: "They are an inspiration to the rest of the nation, particularly the youth population, and provide a glimpse of what could be achieved with even greater support from all sectors, including government and the business community.''
 
Thomas pledged that an NDC government would revise and update Grenada's sports policy to ensure that there is greater investment in all areas of sports development, including skill improvement, psychological preparedness, dieting and strength and weight training.
 
"We have to become more serious about the material and financial support we provide our athletes before, during and after we send them out to compete at regional and international events,'' said Thomas.
 
NDC candidate for St. John, Michael Church, said he always follows the exploits of Grenada's sportsmen and sportswomen with keen interest.  He had an additional incentive for monitoring the team's performance during the St. Kitts Junior CARIFTA Games, Church said.
St. John, which has produced many of the country's finest athletes over the years, was watching another villager bringing fame and glory to the parish and Grenada.
 
"I personally would like to commend all the athletes, including those who didn't win medals, for giving their utmost in St. Kitts,'' said Church, a former St. John footballer.  "Special kudos to the medalists led by the two gold won by Kirani James, who is from my constituency of St. John.''