This Week in NACAC: Highlight on the Bahamas

Last week, the distinctive Junkanoo musical strains were in full flow at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, as part of the celebrations of the achievements of track and field stars, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Devynne Charlton, at the just concluded World Athetics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

Miler-Uibo won gold in her pet event, the 400m, while Charlton copped silver in the 60mH.

As has become the norm for successful Bahamian athletes, the two successful female athletes were treated to fun-filled and entertaining ‘welcome home’ following their stint in Belgrade. They were met at the Sir Lynden Pindling International Airport, then taken to The Bahamas House ofAssembly and finally, a reception at the national stadium.

Both athletes were elated at the reception and expressed their gratitude toall involved, especially the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg

Miller-Uibo, not one for the Indoors, explained that it was a wish from her mother that got her to make the trip to Belgrade. It was, she said, her mother’s wish that she be firmly established as the world’s best at the 400m, Indoors and Outdoors. She delivered in Belgrade in fine style.

For her part, Charlton expressed her appreciation for the reception and for all The Bahamians who supported her even though they were not in Belgrade.

Now they both turn their focus on the World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Oregon, in the Summer.

Carifta 2022 Update

Teams preparing to participate in the 49^th CARIFTA Games scheduled for Kingston, Jamaica, 16 – 18 April 2022, as well as patrons from the host country and across the Americas planning to be in attendance, can all breathe a sigh of immense relief with the most recent announcement of the Jamaican government that eases covid restrictions, ahead of what is perhaps the most exciting track and field entertainment package.

A release from the Local Organising Committee for the Games, informed the CARIFTA Family of member federations of an advisory in respect of the Jamaica Disaster Risks Management Act stated, “Consequent on the abolition of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), announced by the Prime Minister, the Local Organising Committee for the 2022 CARIFTA Games has revised its policy in regard to the requirements for participation and in particular Vaccinations for Covid 19.”

The LOC made it clear that “no proof of vaccination for COVID 19 will be required from participants including athletes, coaches and other support personnel, officials, representatives of the media, volunteers and spectators.”

By way of caution, however, the LOC strongly recommended and encouraged “everyone to continue to practice all the standard safety measures such as good personal hygiene, wearing of masks, and social distancing.” The foregoing has to do with the fact that “the Covid 19 virus is still with us and due care and attention must be observed by all.”

Finally, the LOC gave the assurance “that we will continue to sanitize all relevant areas at the Athletes Village and the warm-up and competition facilities at the National Stadium and one of our Partners for the Games, Konnexx Services, will be undertaking this responsibility as a part of our Agreement.”

NACAC has been in constant communication with the LOC, especially in respect of the health protocols that would be in place at the time of the Games. In this regard, NACAC President, Mike Sands, quickly stated his “distinct pleasure at hearing the news from the LOC. This event is closely followed by track and field aficionados around the world and is attended by scores of coaches seeking out new talent to replace the retiring elites.”

Sands reiterated the importance of the event returning after an absence of two years and the added significance to this edition being that “Jamaica is celebrating 60 years of Independence. What better way to celebrate as a nation that with the sport that has played a major role in the global establishment of ‘Brand Jamaica’.”

In related news, at the deadline for the submission of Bids for hosting the Carifta Games of 2023 and 2024, NACAC received some documentation from The Bahamas (2023) and Grenada (2024)

Around NACAC

El Salvador

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FEDEATLETISMO

The Athletics Federation of El Salvador continued the process of strengthening its administrative development programme when it convened another Annual General Assembly on Saturday 26 March 2022.

The General Assembly comprised Athletes, Coaches, Judges, Club Representatives and Association Members, in addition to the Board of Directors led by Gloria Ramos (President), Daniela Gonzalez (Vice President), Carlos Clemente (Secretary General), Rene Navas (Treasurer) and Secia Rodriguez (Vocal).

Matters discussed and approved by the Assembly, included the Presentation of the Work Report 2021, the 2021 Financial Statements, the 2022 Competition Calendar and the 2022 Budget

The Assembly also elected the Disciplinary Commission, chaired by Cristian Alvarado, with Sandra Martinez, and Juan Carlos Rodriguez. Alexander Christmas and Jorge Rhodes are substitutes.

The Assembly was held at the Federation’s facilities and was attended by 25 members. Also in attendance, but as observers, were members of the Salvadoran Olympic Committee (COES) and the National Sports Institute (INDES).

ESA athletes in Guatemala

Athletes from the preselection event of the Salvadorean Athletics Federation, had the opportunity to participate in the Ranking Nacional de Medio Fondo, Fondo y Lanzamientos organized by the Federación Nacional de Atletismo de Guatemala, at the facilities of the Doroteo Guamuch Flores National Stadium in Guatemala City.

The Federation is using every opportunity to train the preselected athletes in the areas of middle distance and long distance.

Haiti

The Athletics Federation of Haiti held its Elective General Assembly over the weekend. The activity was overseen by Mr Alfred Emmanuel, sent by NACAC for this purpose.

According to an early report the Assembly was successfully held and apart from the election of a new executive, the new constitution was approved for the organization.

NACAC will update the membership when the full report is submitted by Mr Emmanuel.

Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan Athletics Federation remains intent on conducting several activities on its Calendar for 2022.

Over the weekend the federation conducted three events. The II North Caribbean Region Athletics Championships, Bilwi, the I Festival of relays in celebration of the first anniversary of the Athletics Academy FNA- Mayor’s Office, and, the XV Padre Odorico de Andrea Road Race, Jinotega – San Rafel del Norte.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Vincentian athletes at home were engaged in the National Junior Championships organized by Team Athletics St Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG) on Saturday last.

The highlight of the Championships was the performances of the athletes who have already made the national team to the CARIFTA Games. In this regard Shonte Matthias continued to show fine worm as also did Keo Davis, both of whom are sprinters in the U17 category.

Among the seniors Devonric Mac served up a very good performance in defeating arch-rival Kyle Lawrence in the 100m.

Kodi Grant was again the best of the U17s in the Long Jump.

Among the athletes who are student athletes in Jamaica, Javon Rawlins achieved a personal best of

10.46 in the 100m. In the 200m, Akani Slater (21.48), Sage Primus (21.49), and Earl Simmons (21.79). OJ Jackson (48.33)

Among the Girls, Annecia Richards (54.82) and Odiesha Nanton (55.20) competed.

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER!

MF Annual Reports deadline in four (4) days.

NACAC is urging its member federations to ensure that they comply with the World Athletics deadline of 31 March 2022 for submission of their Annual Report Forms online.

All are reminded that the Guidelines indicated that “the goal of the Annual Report Form (ARF) is to allow World Athletics to better know its membership and create and tailor development and education programmes for Member Federations.”

World Athletics reminds us all that “it is therefore important that Member Federations comply with this obligation and submit correct and updated information which provides World Athletics with data references to help track progress and to give the current state of athletics worldwide as well as in each country.”

The information submitted through the ARF may be made publicly available in the context of giving a global view of our sport.

Over the years we have made every effort to have our member federations comply as defaulters are likely to lose some important benefits.

This is therefore an urgent reminder to all our member federations to submit their reports even before the deadline.

REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER! REMINDER!

She Runs – She Leads Webinar Series – Starts in three (3) days

World Athletics is inviting member federations to be part of the latest of its webinar series entitled, She Runs – She Leads.

Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, one of the most well-known empowering voices in coaching and training in the world of sports, will deliver game-changer experiences that inspire change, challenge thinking, encourage self-empowerment and growth.

Register to join the She Runs-She Leads Series:

30 March 2022: Gain Self-Confidence and Crush Self-doubt

7 July 2022: Personal brand/image

27 October 2022: Stakeholder Management and Influence Skills