MILO Games renamed as Kelvin Nancoo West Games

The 30th annual event was launched yesterday at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Mucurapo.

Elisa Doldron, head of consumer marketing, Nestle Trinidad and Tobago Limited and Nestle Caribbean Incorporated, announced during her address at the function, “I am happy to announce the decision by the organising committee to officially rename these Games, the Kelvin Nancoo West Games.” She continued, “Nancoo has invested the last 29 years leading this organising committee and working with each of the primary schools within Port of Spain and environs to develop the athletic talents of our nation’s youth.

“It is because of his drive and commitment that we have seen these Games grow from strength to strength over the years.” The Games will be staged on Tuesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 9 am.

Nancoo, the Games’ livewire, acknowledged, “It feels great, it feels like people really appreciate the things that you have done. I have given, and I continue to give, and I think it’s a really good accolade.

And I accept it.” About the decision to change the name of the event, Nancoo added: “The sponsors decided that this Games needs a name to go with it. And the name that everyone knows is Kelvin Nancoo.” A number of top national runners have featured at the Milo Games, including 2003 World 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon and national sprint star Michelle-Lee Ahye.

Asked if he envisioned that the Games would have lasted this long and also served as a feeder for athletes in TT , Nancoo replied, “Yes I did.

That was the plan. We wanted to build and keep building and we haven’t stopped. We’re going to get even better.” As far as the future of the Games is concerned, Nancoo said, “This may end up being a two-day Games where we can get the people to perform at their best, relax one day and come back out the next day. It all depends on how the bureaucrats see it. That’s the way it is done in the US, that’s the way it is done (in) any part of the First World countries. And I think that’s the way we eventually have to go.” Doldron, in her address, noted, “This year we have invested $120,000 into these Games, as a significant contribution toward the future of our youth.

“At this time when our young children and our society at large are faced with so many negative forces, we believe that engaging in sporting activities, being part of a team and focusing on what is good, can only help to keep them motivated and committed to living a healthier lifestyle.” A total of 22 schools are expected to participate this year.