fp Turks and Caicos

Bringing home gold for the Turks and Caicos Islands was a dream come true for two young athletes who along with several of their young colleagues helped raise the TCI flag twice at the 2011 CARIFTA games.

Held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, over the Easter weekend, CARIFTA is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the Caribbean. The TCI sent an enthusiastic team of juniors ready to take on teams from 26 competing countries.

TCI came in sixth place overall, beating out some other teams with more total medals because gold medals carry more points.

Team TCI was made up of 15 junior athletes, including Jatavia Howell, Dewandre Smith, Javanio Fulford, Shyon Parker, Junior Feli-Aimes, Clifton Jean, Angelo Germain, Deandro Toussaint, Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye, Dujuana Fulford, Christina Hinds, Kivarno Handfield, Anthony Clarke, Delano Williams and Domanique Missick.

Led by President and Team manager Neroy Kennedy and Coach Ali Williams, Team TCI brought home two gold medals and a lot of enthusiasm for the youth sports program in the TCI.

“Two gold medals at one CARIFTA championships for the region is an achievement that we can all be proud of, and we call on everyone to celebrate this historic moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Peoples Democratic Movement Leader Doug Parnell.

 “This is an opportunity for all of us to show our national pride and support a new generation of Turks and Caicos Islanders who have shown the ultimate commitment and dedication to their country by representing us to the best of their abilities. There is nothing nobler than what is embodied in the achievements of our gold medal winners.”

First is was North Caicos native Domanique Missick, who jumped an impressive 2.15 meters to secure a gold medal for the TCI in the Boys High Jump under 20. Missick took the top spot ahead of Ryan Ingraham from the Bahamas who jumped 2.1 meters to earn the silver medal.

A second gold was taken by Team TCI when Delano Williams ran 20.07 ahead of Moriba Morain of Trinidad and Tobago who ran 21.34 in the Boys 200 Meter Dash under 20.

Williams, who hails from the capital island of Grand Turk, told local media although he felt fatigued, but he gave it his all. “I really wanted it, I was determined, so I got it there,” he said.

Seventeen-year-old Williams recently won two medals at the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships in Jamaica. This included a gold medal in the 200 metres Boys under 20.

Williams and Missick attend the Munro College in Jamaica on government scholarships. Parnell told media in a statement Monday April 25, he has been in touch with Governor Gordon Wetherell to express the view that these athletes should be given full support by the Government.

“I believe that despite the sluggish economic times and the tight fiscal budget, both Domanique and Delano will be officially recognized by the Turks and Caicos Islands government. Certainly, the boys both qualify for full scholarships for their higher education,” said Parnell.

In a press briefing April 27, His Excellency the Gov. Gordon Wetherell congratulated the team for their fantastic showing. He added he was happy the government could provide the financial support to send the team, allowing them to participate in the event. He also said he would be discussing with his Advisory Council what the government might be able to do to build on their recent success.

Vice President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Amateur Athletics Association Rita Gardiner told the fp the Olympics could be an option for the gold medal winners.

Gardiner says she has been in contact with the relevant authorities in the U.K. who extended an invitation to athletes from the TCI who would be able to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London next year.

“Delano’s time at the Boys Championships earlier this month qualified him,” she said. While the TCI lacks the millions in funding required to send their own team, Gardiner said it could possibly participate as part of the U.K. contingent.