By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 12th April 2023) -Team Unstoppable SKN were warmly welcomed hero style during a welcome home ceremony held on Wednesday 13th April 2023 at the Kayan Jet Lounge followed by a motorcade through the streets of Basseterre following the staging of the 50th CARIFTA games hosted in the Bahamas (8th to 10 April).
Coming out of the regional sporting event, the federation received three medals namely: Akanye Samuel-Francis Gold-54.14 Under 17 Males 400m, Jaylen Bennett Silver-48.59 Under 17 Males 400m and De’Cheynelle
St. Kitts and Nevis Athletics Delwayne Delaney in providing a game overview during the welcome ceremony congratulated the team saying “job well done.” This games was a tremendous success registering 3 medals Akanye winning gold, Jaylen winning silver and De’chenelle winning the bronze.
First time ever in five years we have captured a gold medal at the CARIFTA Games. We had two fourth place finishes by Mr. Jermahd Huggins, just missing the medals. We had a total of 14 finalists, 18 personal bests; most by any standard any meet at one point in time, two very very strong multi eventers in Ms.
Jazhara Claxton and Mr. Jermahd Huggins, and having I think for the first time two 400 metre under 17 females in the finals and having for the first time having an under 17 100 metre finalist and an under 20 finalist.” According to him: “The motto country above self was demonstrated throughout the entire meet.” Challenges for Team SKN saw Jahzara Claxton who copped a silver medal in the women’s heptathlon being disqualified for a lane violation and was judged to have placed 7th overall.
Also, the SKN Athletics was successful at the appeal which resulted in Jaylen Bennett running an individual timed Males U17 200m final but unfortunately he was unable to medal. The organization praised him for running an “impressive time of 22.06s.” That event saw the end to Team SKN’s participation on the last game day.
Notably, there was controversy surrounding Bennett’s name not having been on the list in the call room but was rather shown on the public screen line-up. He ran his solo race following the closing ceremony. In speaking to Claxton openly, he shared: “…tough deal but once we have life, we have hope and two more years in the category and she will be back and she will capture that medal  which was supported by applause by those present.
Delaney also highlighted that “The comradery and team spirit within the team was ever present. It was fuelled by the fans both here and broad and which we are most grateful for.” The other members of Team Unstoppable SKN are: Shamarie Newton, William Sharpe, Jelani Johnson Alexander Caines, Aldrett Nisbett, Stephan Balson, Ashaun Wilkinson, Cacious Mason T’anna Liburd, Trishanie Warner,Mikayla Gumbs,Gianna Phipps, Chesson Liburd, Akanye Samuels, Kenron Freeman, Leon Thompson Jr and Kaliyah Jones.
Other members of the squad were: Kurvin Wallace – Head Coach, Dwayne Warner (Vice-President) and Roatter Johnson – Assistant Coaches and Clytie Gilbert – Team Manager. The 50th CARIFTA Games was won by Jamaica, followd by host country Bahamas in second and Trinidad and Tobago in third.
Front Page Image: SKN CARIFTA Games medalists enter the welcome ceremony area at the Kayan Jet Lounge on Wednesday 12th April 2023 (credit: SKNIS)
