The Cayman Islands Athletics Association held its annual meet at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex last week. At the 8 Feb. meet, junior athletes continued their chase to reach for the CARIFTA qualifying standard, while primary school students tested their speeds against each another.
So far, two athletes have qualified for the 2020 CARIFTA Games in Bermuda. Kenrick Williams, Cayman’s national track coach, believes there are several other athletes who could also earn a spot in those games.
“At this time, I have seen some good indications, with Davonte Howell stamping his class again at this meet,” said Williams at the meet. “He ran the qualifying standard at the last meet and he’s continuing on to do well. In the high jump, we have Maleek Powell, who cleared 1.95 metres, and then we have Josh Gardener, who cleared 1.70. I think those two boys will be good candidates to make the CARIFTA qualifying standard. “I am happy with what I am seeing here today, in terms of participation, in terms of the officials coming out to help. So, it’s a good sign that we are all working together as one to bring track and field to the forefront in the Cayman Islands.”
While the recent meet focussed on junior athletes and primary students, Williams said he “would love to see more of the senior athletes” participate in these events. Williams appealed to those older athletes to take part in the local competitions. “If you are home and we are providing track-and-field meets for you to qualify for the bigger meets, why not come? Where else are you going to go? Does it make sense to pay your money to go to Jamaica, USA, when we are providing meets? We may not be providing meets with the quality people that you would like to compete against, but at least you’re at home. So, compete and let the public see you.”
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