THIS WEEK IN NACAC
Vol. 3
No. 2
9 January 2023
Carifta is an important component of who we are as a Caribbean people
Those were the words of Jamaica’s Hon Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport as she spoke to the Carifta Games Family of Member Federations of NACAC, on Friday 6 January via Zoom, in an event organized by the JAAA to mark the start of the 100-day countdown to the 49th edition of the Carifta Games.
The annual track and field competition, recognized as perhaps the most thrilling entertainment junior event for the sport around the world, has twice been cancelled, in 2020 and 2021, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Hon Grange reminded participants that “most Jamaican athletes began at the Carifta Games before moving on to elite level engagement and world recognized achievements.”
She also heralded the fact that Carifta Games 2022, will be a qualifier for World Athletics’ U20 Championships scheduled for July, in Cali, Colombia.
In the same year that Jamaica observes its 60 anniversary of Independence in August – the nation’s Diamond Jubilee, the Minister insisted that “Jamaica continues to host an ever-expanding array of international and regional sport competitions under the Covid-19 protocols put in place by the government”. It is her confidence in this approach that allowed her to proclaim the nation’s readiness to host the Carifta Family of nations in April.
Minister Grange closed by saying, “Rest assured that Jamaica will do everything it can to make Carifta 2022 the most memorable edition of all time”.
I am comfortable!
NACAC President, Mike Sands, congratulated “the JAAA, the LOC and the Government of Jamaica for achieving the milestone of marking the 100 day countdown”.
I am now far more comfortable about the celebration of the 49th edition of the Carifta Games than I was when visiting here some months ago. On the previous occasion I stated that the speeches by the JAAA, LOC and Minister Grange were comforting. However, this visit has allowed, not just myself, but the entire Carifta Family of NACAC to be more deliberately assured at of the realization of the Games.
Sands was elated at the eagerness shown by the President of the JAAA, Garth Gayle, and Chairman of the LOC, Dr Hon, Michael Fennell, former President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA).
Jamaica awaits you…
JAAA President, Garth Gayle, was magnanimous, yet gracious, in informing the Carifta Family members in attendance at Friday’s 100- day countdown, to Jamaica.
According to Gayle, “We will ensure that the environment provided will facilitate athlete participation under the very best conditions”. He added, “Jamaica’s international standing has to be maintained and will deliver for Jamaica at the Games in Easter.”
Gayle ended by stating, “We look forward to an exciting 49th edition of the Carifta Games in Kingston, Jamaica”.
He indicated that the JAAA is genuinely experienced.
We have not underestimated the importance of the Games
In his presentation, Chair of the LOC, Dr Hon Michael Fennell, welcomed all participation to what he described as an online conversation regarding the preparations for the 49th Carifta Games.
He noted that the one held on Friday last was but the first and indicated that the second is already scheduled for 4.00pm (JA Time, on Monday 31 January 2022.
Fennell had the Carifta Games2022 Competitions Director, Ian Forbes, deliver a brief presentation on his area of the preparatory work being undertaken. Forbes assured participants that they will receive the Technical Manual for the 49th edition of the Carifta Games on Thursday
27 January.
The Jamaica National Stadium boasts relatively new surfaces for both the competition and warm-up tracks.
Forbes stated that the “JAAA possesses the capabilities in terms of technical officials, volunteers and covid marshalls
Very dedicated team of technical experts and volunteers that continue to provide service to the sport would be at the service of all those participating in the Games.
Attendees at Friday’s meeting learnt that while the future of the pandemic and its impact remain a major challenge, Jamaica has, over the last year, developed a significantly strong series of health protocols that enables the track and field compeitions of 2021 to have been successfully held, including the renowned, “Boys’ and Girls’ Champs and the National Championships that served as trials for the Tokyo Olympics held in Japan in 2021.”
Chairman Fennell stated, “The situation continues to be very closely monitored and hence, factored into the ongoing discussions to arrive at the most appropriate decision at the time.
There would have to be a policy decision arrived between the LOC, JAAA and NACAC in respect of vaccination.
There is a very competent Medical Commission of the JAAA and the members are focused on ensuring that the finest medical minds are at work on the conditions and protocols that would be implemented at Games time.
Fennell ended the LOC’s presentation by stating, “Carifta 2022 is not just another track meet. The global health conditions demand that this event receives very special attention. We must hold hands to move ahead positively while insistent upon raising the bar.”
NACAC’s Victor Lopez gains 8th Hall of Fame Recognition
Former President of NACAC, founder of NACACTFCA, and former President of CACAC, founder of the women’s track and field team at Rice University where he also coached for 25 years, Puerto Rican veteran track and field administrator and coach, Victor Lopez, has once more been inducted into a Hall of Fame.
Some individuals have been fortunate enough to be inducted into one hall of fame. To achieve the rather distinctive honour of being inducted to eight different Halls of Fame, five n the USA and three in his native, Puerto Rico, is historic and delightfully special.
López was inducted, Friday 6 January, into the Texas Track and Field Hall of Fame Class of 2022, at the Great Wolf Lodge, in the city of Grapevine.
An elated Victor Lopez graciously stated, “This would be the eighth induction to a hall of fame, five in the United States and three in Puerto Rico. I have dedicated all of them to my country and to all those who in one way or another have been part of my life.”
REMINDER!!!
REMINDER!!!
REMINDER!!!
NACAC Athletics Coaching Science Series 2022
Conducted via Zoom / FREE registration is required – REGISTRATION LINK
All times CDT (GMT -6)
Se realiza a través de Zoom / Se requiere registro GRATIS – ENLACE DE REGISTRO
Todo el tiempo CDT (GMT -6)
Sesión 1 – Habilidades atléticas, principios y métodos de entrenamiento
Jueves January 20th 6-8pm en Español Diego Vela Lu
Session 1 – Athletic Abilities, Training Principles, & Methods of Training
Saturday January 22nd 4-6pm in English Chester Morgan
Sesión 2 – Sistemas de energía y entrenamiento de sistemas
Thursday January 27th 6-8pm en español Martin Palavicini
Session 2 – Energy Systems & Energy System Training
Saturday January 29th 4-6pm in English Chester Morgan
Sesión 3 – Periodización: planificación del entrenamiento
Thursday February 3rd 6-8pm en español Martin Palavicini
Session 3 – Periodization: Planning of Training
SUNDAY February 6th 3-5pm in English Peter Thompson
Presented with the help and support of NACACTFCA / Presentado con la ayuda y el apoyo de NACACTFCA
Keith Joseph
P.O. Box 680, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Tel: (784) 457 9062 (H); (784) 457 2970 (O)
