media_artricles :: 2014

Walcott surprises hometown with Christmas treat

“It’s all about hard work and blessings,” Keshorn Walcott told a group of excited primary schoolers who asked him the secret of his success.

The 2012 Olympic gold medal winner was speaking with children from his old school L’anse Noir Moravian, and the neighbouring primary school Toco RC Primary School at a special Christmas treat, he and the blink/bmobile Foundation had arranged for them at Toco Regional Complex recently. West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo was on hand to lend his support.

“It’s the season for giving and blink/bmobile and I decided to do something to give back. L’anse Noir Moravian is where it all started for me…it was my base,” Walcott said. “I think it’s important to start where I started, with the schools that were close to the community where I grew up. To finally be in a position to give back fills me with great pride and partnering with an experienced entity like the blink/bmobile Foundation on this initiative is very important to me,” he added.

L’anse Noir’s Principal, Christine Rogers said: “Spending time with role models is invaluable to the students’ development. Keshorn Walcott was a very disciplined and talented student, he is an ideal example for the children.” Arlene Williams, one of the teachers at the school said, “They love Keshorn Walcott so much. I even have a child named Keshorn Walcott in my class. They feel so proud to be here just to be with him.”

Acknowledging what a special treat the occasion was for the pupils, Bravo said, “It’s good to see a very busy and successful person like Keshorn take time off to spend with his home town Toco and primary school.” TSTT staff was on hand to help out at the event and Acting Chief Marketing Officer, Camille Campbell, said they were there to support Keshorn Walcott because giving back to the community is important.

TSTT staff volunteer at the event, Liza Goorahlal, was enjoying helping the children use the bouncy castle and climbing wall provided. “My family is from Toco, so I have roots here and, finally, I really love little children. Also, the role model aspect of it, Keshorn Walcott and Dwayne Bravo being here is something that will inspire the young ones.”

Though quiet, happy and well-behaved throughout the presentations, the children erupted into glee and were heard squealing with delight when they were let loose on the grounds to play in the bouncy castle and climb the climbing wall.

Omarion, nine, of Toco RC, said he was really enjoying the occasion. He said he especially liked the excitement of the bouncy castle and to see Keshorn Walcott. He added: “It’s good the people came back to us to give us something for Christmas to make us happy.”

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