media_artricles :: 2014

CARIFTA athletes lauded by NAAA

MEMBERS OF the Trinidad and Tobago contingent at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships in Fort de France, Martinique returned home yesterday with a haul of 25 medals — six gold, seven silver and 12 bronze.

After the three-day annual meet, Trinidad and Tobago finished second on the medal count, with Jamaica leading the way with 88 (42 gold, 34 silver and 12 bronze), while Barbados were third with 16 medals (five gold, five silver and six bronze).

The NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago) held a brief welcome reception for the squad at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport.

The experienced Machel Cedenio retained the boys Under-20 400-metre crown, while he was part of the victorious boys Under-20 4x400m relay team.

About the 400m win, he said, “it feels good, going out there and defending my title.”

He had more to say about the 1,600m relay gold medal. “2009 was the last time we won the 4x4 and last year, we had the opportunity to win but we didn’t. We kept that in mind and this year we kept focus, we went out there and win the 4x4.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2014, Cedenio noted,“I’m looking to win World Juniors (in Eugene, United States), that’s my goal right now, that’s basically it, run good times and a couple of meets in Europe.”

NAAA president Ephraim Serrette pointed out, “we had five more medals than last year. Our athletes, I think, performed exceptional. It’s always nice when you leave on a high, and we left (on Monday) night on a high, with the boys 4x400 metres event.

“We had good success, both on the field and on track, very good performances,” he continued. “We look forward to analysing our performances from this Championship, and we look forward to the CAC Juniors and World Championships.”

Serrette was also appreciative of the fan support the TT team received.

“I also want to thank the supporters who would have travelled with the team. We have growing support from the parents as well as the track and field fans.”

Team manager Dexter Voisin praised the work of the local media in their coverage of the Games.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen the interest in the local media with regards to covering this meet before and even during the (Games),” said Voisin. “I’d also like to thank Jehue (Gordon) who travelled with the team in Martinique.

“Jehue, just like Keshorn (Walcott) and many of our top athletes, have passed through the CARIFTA before. It’s very good to see one of our prominent athletes travelling with the team. I saw him in the stands cheering on.”

Also speaking at the welcome reception was Huey Cadette, who extended greetings on behalf of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) — he is the secretary for the Division of Education, Youth Affairs and Sport.

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