media_artricles :: 2015

Brooks: Be the best you can be

National champ spurs on young athletes at Milo Games launch

Alena Brooks is urging North Western District primary school athletes to strive for excellence.

Brooks, a two-time Milo West Games victrix ludorum, was speaking at yesterday’s launch of the 2015 edition of the zonal track and field meet, at the Courtyard Marriott in Port of Spain.

“Once you trust in God, you believe in yourself, and you have self-discipline, you will become successful. You will become the best that you can be. And that’s what the Milo Games vision is.

“I remember proudly wearing the green for West B or the red for Port of Spain and Environs. I felt proud because when you’re that young, the Milo Games felt like the Olympics. It was the biggest thing out.”

Brooks, the reigning women’s 800 metres national champion, delivered the feature address at the launch.

The 2013 men’s 400m hurdles world champion, Jehue Gordon, as well as sprint sensation Michelle-Lee Ahye are also products of the Milo West Games.

“This Games,” said Port of Spain and Environs Sports Council chairman Kelvin Nancoo, “has produced a slew of athletes who are responsible for winning at national, regional and international events.”

The list of Trinidad and Tobago athletes who honed their skills at the Milo West Games also includes Simon Pierre, Fana Ashby, Cleavon Dillon, Renee Clarke, Honory McDonald, Kervin Morgan, Jonathan Holder and Nyoka Giles.

“You have what it takes,” Brooks told the young athletes in attendance at the launch, “to continue that tradition. It’s already inside of you.”

School Supervisor III, Olson Oliver also encouraged the athletes to realise their full potential.

“Achieve your purpose in life, and in so doing make this nation a better place.”

National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president, Ephraim Serrette pledged his organisation’s continued support for the Milo West Games.

“The NAAA is pleased to be part of this, sanctioning such an event, because this is where our future Olympians and world champions will come from. We need to support this.”

Rae-Ann Clement-Harper, senior consumer marketing manager powdered beverages at Nestle Trinidad and Tobago Limited, spoke on behalf of the meet’s sponsor.

“It brings Nestle a great sense of gratification, knowing that others view health, nutrition and wellness in the same high regard as we do.

“We acknowledge the efforts of the Ministry of Education, its principals and teachers, and all parents, students, the athletes, the volunteers and the organisers, who, year after year, give of themselves to ensure the success of these Milo West Games. Because of you, Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes are a force to be reckoned with, both regionally and internationally.

“Nestle salutes you, and thanks you for your great service in the 28 years of the Milo West Games. We look forward to the next 28 years, as we continue to foster the talent of our youth, of our champions,” Clement-Harper ended, “with the Food Drink of Champions.”

The 2015 Milo West Games will be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, next Tuesday, starting at 9.15 a.m.

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