Caribbean Aerobics a big hit

ORGANISERS of the recent Caribbean Aerobics Championships 2 have declared the fitness clash as their best presentation to date. And plans are already underway for next year’s competition at which a wider cross-section of the region will be present to stake their claim. The finals comprised keen competition in the Endurance Marathon; Team; Pairs and Individual competitions held on Saturday at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo. Emerging Endurance Marathon winner was Eleanour Patrick, a 36-year-old Maraval resident who trounched a field of 95 fitness enthusiasts for the $10,000 winners’ cheque and the challenge trophy. In second place was crowd favourite Nicole Cain who placed second for the second consecutive year while third was Ceemoy Murray. The trio led a sweep of the top five positions by women. Selwyn Melville, organiser of the competition said yesterday he was satisfied with the performance of the participants which he said was of a higher level than last year’s inaugural Caribbean Aerobics Championships. He said this year participants came from Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico and Jamaica. However the overseas entrants were not able to unseat the local competitors who more than held their own in the finals.

“We were able to promote a show which was more refined this year since we learnt from our mistakes and were more co-ordinated in the production. Also more attractive prizes and incentives were offered for both athletes and patrons which added more interest and motivation,” said Melville. The well-known sports commentator and events co-ordinator said he was pleased with the general outcome and discounted reports of a disturbance on Saturday night. Reports stated that disappointed supporters of one participant attempted to throw some missiles when the results were announced. However Melville said this was an isolated event and had no bearing on the show nor had any significant impact. “The show was not interrupted, no one was hurt neither were the security called in. In fact there was no disturbance, just an isolated incident which did not deserve the prominence it was eventually given after the fact,” said Melville.

Also giving full marks for the show was Newsday’s Marketing Representative Dominic Hinds who was present on Saturday for the duration of the competition. “I was moved to express my appreciation to the organisers on the way the entire competition was conducted. It was a first class presentation and cannot be marred by the deviant behaviour of persons who obviously do not respect order and conform to good conduct,” said Hinds yesterday. He complimented Melville for the successful conclusion of the zonal competitions and the finals and said he looked forward to Caribbean Aerobics Championships 3.

Results
Burnout: 1 Eleanour Patrick 2:06.16; 2 Nicole Cain 2:00.16; 3 Ceemoy Murray 1:59.16; 4 Angela Parris 1:53.45; 5 Michelle John 1:52.08; 6 Nicole Robinson 1:51.09; 7 Gerard Forde 1:49.53; 8 Yarma Lakhan 1:49.56; 9 Gerard Richards 1:47.55; 10 Gerard Arneaud 1:45.05.
Teams: 1 Jillian Aimable, Narissa Lezama, Jenelle Lezama, Varma Lakhan 82 pts; 2 Nicole Guevara, Tricia Arkles, Kavita Maharaj 76; 3 Joycelyn Richards, Dinish Bachan, Narisa Singh 66.
Pairs: 1 Narisa Singh, Joycelyn Richards 84.5 points; Jason Chapman, Carla Portillo 76; 3 Kamlan Aleong, Delton Frank 72.
Individuals: 1 Neil Diaz; 2 Anderson Morris; 3 Varma Lakhan.