Swimmer Andre Sandy and middle distance runner Christie Marie Maharaj beamed on the stage yesterday after being named the top athletes of the year at the Atlantic Youth Excellency in Sports (YES) awards ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port-of-Spain.
It was an exciting morning for all gathered at the fourth edition of the awards that honoured the leading athletes of last season. There to share in the moment with the bright-eyed young athletes, coaches and administrators was Olympic gold and bronze medallists Keshorn Walcott.
Sandy of Point Fortin RC was presented his award by Nigel Darlow, Atlantic Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who had earlier praised the youngsters and encouraged them to continue to excel in their respective sport. He also expressed his company's commitment through its many programmes mentioning the Manchester United football coaching programme, even throwing some shade at United's supporters in the audience, following the team's Champions League loss yesterday to Sevilla 2-1.
"We want to be part of the national effort to create a nurturing environment that helps to develop the heroes of the next generation," said Darlow, speaking directly to the young athletes.
"Heroes whether they excel in sports which Atlantic sponsors or whether they excel in academia or art or craft - heroes are essential for the advance of a nation.
"Heroes are essential whether they are leaders on the field of play whether they are those who work silently behind the scenes without recognition or accolades."
Sandy was a hero indeed in his outstanding performances throughout the season at both the national level and at local meets. He won bronze at the Amateur Swimming Association of T&T (ASATT) National Long and Short Course Championships and topped the Tsanami, Torpedos Sprint Invitational and Flying Fish meets to name a few.
Sandy was nominated alongside some leading performers from last year including footballer Lindell Sween, Cricketer Nick Anderson Ramlal, Imanni Matthew (track and field) and James Castagne-Hay (triathlon) in the boys champion Youth of the Year were
"It feels very good," said Sandy, whose favourite event is the 200-metre freestyle. "I was nervous but God helped me through and and very happy to win the award."
Maharaj, who collected her award from Tony Sirju-Ramnarine, Atlantic vice president Corporate Operations, has been outstanding in athletics both on track and cross country earning her the girls' version of the award. The other nominees were J'eleisha Alexander (football), Aby Bando (cricket), Makaira Wallace (triathlon) and Amelia Rajack (swimming).
"It feels overwhelming," said Maharaj. "It was hard work morning and evening, a lot of training but with the extra hours I was able to to do it
At the school level, Maharaj was named the victrix ludorum in the St George East District, emerging the "Most Valuable Athlete" in the district Games. The Pine Haven Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) student/athlete also won the National Primary Schools 3K.
She said, "I am hoping to make the Carifta team next year and possibly represent T&T at the Olympic level."
And who else to inspired her other than two-time Olympic medallist Walcott, presented the award for "Team of the Year". That honour went to the Port-of-Spain and Environs for its brilliance at track and field. Retired school principal Kelvin Nancoo collected that award after receiving the prize for being the "Coach of the Year".
The "Administrator of the Year" also went to the Port-of-Spain and Environs with its secretary Gregory Johnson, picking up the award for his input in coordinating football in the district.
Also on hand to present Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and Nadia McCarthy, Atlantic's vice president Human Resources and Dudnath Nagessar, curriculum officer in the Ministry of Education, who brought greetings on behalf of the Minister Anthony Garcia, who was unable to attend.
"We salute Atlantic's commitment to its corporate and social responsibilities," said Nagessar. "Embrace the opportunity provided by Atlantic."
Following the addresses, the audience was treated to a animation with Smart twin Yannick and Yasmin on the big screen, singing their remix version of the soca artiste Dexter "Blaxx" Stewart's contribution for this year "Hulk" encouraging the youngsters to be heroes and champions.
Before dismissing the gathering though, presenter Keron "Tim Tim" Boodoosingh announced that there was another special treat and this time it was Blaxx himself singing the original version of the popular tune with his trusty Hulk impersonator stomping alongside to the delight of the audience.
He encouraged the athletes to trample all obstacles before them to succeed and they responded by chiming in at the chorus grunting: Hurrawr hurraaaawwwwrr!
HONOUR ROLL
Youth Champion of the Year
Boys: Andre Sandy (swimming)
Girls: Christie Marie Maharaj (track and field)
Administrator: Gregory Johnson (football)
Coach of the Year: Kelvin Nancoo - Track and field
Team of the Year: Port-of-Spain and Environs (track and field)
Fair Play award: North Eastern Educational District - Track and field