NEVIS CYCLE & TRIATHLON CLUB

TRIATHLON - WORLD RENOWNED TRI STAR SERIES TO COMMENCE THIS WEEKEND

In a recent interview, members of the St.Kitts-Nevis Triathlon Association enlightened the general public as to the schedule of the upcoming tri-star series which commences this weekend.  The event which commenced last year, received much accolades for its international touch, the professional way in which it was coordinated and the boost it gave to the island of Nevis as a significant sports tourism product.

Chief organizers Winston Crooke and Greg Phillip in response to the question: “ Why do we do it?” both noted that their efforts were strictly voluntary but that they found joy in attracting so many world renowned professionals to the island which effectively serves to develop the sport on the island and provides huge entertainment value.  Ms Julie Claxton who represents the Pink Lily Cancer Care Association but who is also significantly the Sales and Marketing Manager at the Nevis Tourism Authority, was quick to point out the link between the event and the value of Tourism to the island of Nevis.  She was also overwhelmed at the support her Cancer Care Association receives due to its involvement with the event.

The grand Triathlon event will actually be held on Saturday 31^st March but the series of related events will commence this coming Saturday, 24^th March with the OECS short course swim.

The long course swim which will also be an OECS event will be held on Sunday 25^th March.  This was previously referred to as the annual cross channel swim between Nevis and St.Kitts.  However, now in its tenth year, the Nevis Island Administration has sponsored the event to the tune of $10,000.00 and this time around, the swimmers will commence the course in St.Kitts and conclude at the Oualie Beach in Nevis with much celebration.  Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Alsted Pemberton, at a recent press conference indicated that the Government was happy to make the significant input because it was recognized that the event had critical significance to the development of the island, especially from a Sports Tourism perspective.

Also involved in the schedule is the Pink Lily run/walk which Ms Claxton noted will help to raise well needed funds for her organization in the quest to have early identification of persons affected by various forms of Cancer and also in counseling and providing treatment for persons already affected. She noted that within the last two years, her Association has provided free screening for 200 women and some of the funds were raised through last year’s event. She expects all 200 women and more to participate in the run/walk this year. Registration for the event will be held at the Memorial square in Charlestown on Friday March 23^rd.  The run/walk will commence at the prestigious Four Seasons Resort, to Charlestown and culminates at Sunshine’s on Pinneys Beach.

The chief organizers also had warm commendations for the numerous volunteers who have again put up their hands to assist with coordinating the event. They are led by Chief Volunteer Coordinator, Mrs. Veta Morton.  They are also appealing to members of the general public to come out in huge numbers to support their local athletes and also the overseas stars who will be coming in.  Members of the general public are also reminded that due to the fact that the grand Triathlon event involves a ride through the island on a few occasions by the athletes, to avoid parking on the island main road for the entirety of the event.

The full schedule is as follows:

Saturday March 24^th---OECS short course swimming competition

Sunday March 25^th—OECS long course swimming competition-from St.Kitts to Nevis

Wednesday March 28^th----Pink Lily run/walk

Saturday 31^st ---Tri Star 111—Triatholon event—the big one