Participants and spectators witnessed an action-packed, fun-filled day yesterday at the annual Senior Games at the National Stadium.
The games, organized by the Ministry of Social Care, featured well-received athletes Ainsley Lovell, Barney Braithwaite, Kathy Harper-Hall, Shirley Harper and Victor Young taking to the new track as they shone in their respective events.
Doriel Green, at 81, was the oldest participant, was in high praise, thanking God for giving her the strength to participate in her 12th straight Senior Games since its inception in 2003.
She added that she was thrilled to see more people being involved in the games.
“Thank you to God for giving me the strength to compete and I am glad to see everyone involved in the Games,” Green said.
Outstanding figures at the games, Braithwaite and Young rekindled their “rivalry” in the 100 and 200 metres in the 75-79 age group
Young said he was satisfied with his performance and noted that his daily routine was the key for his success over the years.
“It was a satisfying day. My training played a role in my success,” he said.
Sprinter Shirley Harper, of Freedom Striders, said her performance was commendable but she needed a bit more competition in the 65-69 age group.
“I did quite well. The run was a satisfactory and it was what I had expected to do,” she said. “I wanted a little more competition. It tends to spur me on a bit.”
Some competitors, including Ainsley Lovell, gave their views on the newly relaid track.
“This is a new track and it feels different and takes some getting used to,” she said.
Ever the perfectionist, Lovell said that although her run was commendable, she was not satisfied with her times in the 55-59 age group.
“Personally, I do not think my times are up to standard and that is something I would have to work on,” Lovell said.