Central Branch Retains Title at Sports Championships 2010

Central Branch Retains Title at Sports Championships 2010

Principal declares school 'home of champions'

By Trevesa Ashman and Michael Schurton, Sports Champs Senior Editors

July 23, 2010, Kingston, Jamaica

Central Branch All Age School was again crowned as School of the Champs at the 10th Annual Sports Championships staged by Word Time Ministries of Jamaica held at the St. Andrew High School for Girls, St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Central Branch retained the title which they have won four consecutive years since 2007. The school won a total of 36 medals, 12 gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze medals. Only nineteen athletes captured individual gold medals at Sports Champs 2010 and Central Branch accounted for twelve gold medalists.

Additionally, Central Branch athletes also walked away with several top awards. These awards include: 1st runner Champion Boy, Cannigga Williams, 1st runner Champion Girl, Saralee Roberts and 2nd runner up Champion Girl, Keelia Parkinson. Saralee Roberts also won the award for Most Improved Athlete. Rohan Walker of Jamaica College and formerly of Central Branch was crowned the champion boy. Walker won six gold medals, the highest medal tally.

The Best Effort Award and the Courage Award won by fourteen year old Cannigga Williams. Cannigga Williams who was representing the school for the second year at Sports Champs won by a unanimous vote by the Sports Officials. He was selected for the awards based on his outstanding performances in Class 2, despite facing a recent loss of his uncle who died in Western Kingston during the Labour Day unrest. The victorious Central Branch track team included captain Cannigga Williams, Akeno Bailey, Regginal Rusell, Raheem Foster, Javone Gooden, Oshane Shaw, Jaleel Heath, Bradley Milford, , Keelia Parkinson, Saralee Roberts, Sheneil McNeil, Lasann Lucas, Sashel Smallwood, Chantelle Henry, Janell Porter, Shinola Emmanuel and Monifa Green.

Newly appointed Principal of Central Branch All Age Michael Sutherland was ecstatic at the performances of his school. “I am so trilled. I am just so ecstatic” Sutherland stated with a deep sense of satisfaction. “As the new principal what better tribute could I get than to have retained this title. We are not only the school of champions, but we are also the home of champions.” He said. Sutherland also stated that he fully supported the quest of Word Time Ministries of Jamaica to produce future Olympians. “I know that we will see this dream realized. I am looking forward to see my students been future Olympians”. He also stated that the goal to produce future Olympians was possible.

“Our athletes has always performed at the highest and always prepared to give of their best at Sport Champs. I believe that the dream to produce Olympians is very possible” he said. Sutherland said further that he will be providing the athletes with every possible support and the resources to ensure that they excel at Sports Champs 2011 and beyond.

Central Branch All Age School is perched on the border of Western Kingston and South St. Andrew and located in the bustle of downtown Kingston on 27b Slipe Pen Road. Head Coach Sebastian Naraysingh was trilled. “Yes, I am trilled that Central Branch retained the title as School of the Champs. This certainly means a lot for the school, our students, athletes and our track programme” he stated. Coach Naraysingh said that he was looking forward to the school's participation in Sports Champs 2011. "We are planning to compete in the 2011 games with even more athletes” he said.

He also highlighted the fact that the school is expected to continue its momentum and is predicting a great season during the local school’s athletic season. Speaking about his performance as Coach Team Hope Coach Naraysingh had high praise for his athletes. "Sports Champs was a close call. We came with the aim to better our position over 2009". He noted that Team Hope moved from last position in 2009 to second in 2010. "It is expected that the team should make a mark improvement over this year’s performance." the coach stated “My athletes are always prepared and are determined to perform at the best.” Naraysingh stated. He also noted that the athletes from Team Hope gave of their best and performed at their highest while enjoying every moment of the meet.

Assistant Coach of Central Branch All Age Dudley Tahir was acclaimed Coach of the Champs for 2010, winning the title ahead of Windward Road's Primary and Junior High's Coach Owen Henry and Coach Sebastian Naraysingh of Central Branch All Age. Windward Road was the 1st Runner School of the Champs. Coach Owen Henry said that every athlete was eager and ready to participate and performed at their best. “All the athletes just wanted to participate in Sports Champs 2010” he noted. Coach Henry added, “This is a great achievement to see our young athletes so motivated and eager to complete. We did not have to ask athletes to run like with other meet. The athletes came to us and pleaded just for a place on the track in order to run for the schools and team.”

Coach Owen Henry further stated that he is looking forward to seeing the same spirit of unity and sense of community for future championships. He requested that the organizers to bring back the same team management who planned the event.” I would love to see the same team of organizers and officials for the 2011 games. They displayed such great spirit of unity and togetherness.” He also stated that the rivalry was friendly, loving, and positive and in a family spirit which augurs well for the organizers of the event. He also commended the hard work and dedication of members of the Sports Champs foundation. He noted also that he was extremely happy that all the athletes from all teams had great fun, fellowship and delicious and nutritious cooked meals which made the event a truly great one. Coach Henry highlighted that the unity of the organizers and the coaches of the three teams was one of the most outstanding and memorable aspect of Sports Champs 2010.