Sport

Former 100 metres record holder, Asafa Powell, received a rousing welcome when he recently visited the Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School in St Lucia, courtesy of communications providers LIME.

Powell, who was visiting St Lucia for the first time, also experienced his first-ever helicopter ride, overflying the world-famous Pitons and Sulphur springs, before attending a reception at the school.

Canon Laurie Anglican Primary won the special visit from Powell as part of a LIME text-messaging promotion in support of the recent CARIFTA Games, of which LIME was one of the sponsors. The school also won a Ja$165,000 sports makeover from LIME. The cash will be used to purchase equipment to boost its physical education programme.

The students at the school were extremely delighted with their VIP guest and they put on a fantastic show in his honour. They then thronged him, trying to get his autograph or just trying to touch him.

showing appreciation

Powell expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and encouraged the students to work hard to achieve their dreams and never give up in spite of the many distractions around them.

He told them that regardless of their background or where they came from, with hard work, discipline, and dedication they could succeed in life.

Permanent Secretary in St Lucia's Ministry of Youth and Sports, Donovan Williams, encouraged the students to emulate Powell "who is truly world-class," and not to settle for mediocrity. He praised LIME for stepping up and supporting the general development of young people, and for continuing to be a leader in the sponsorship of sports in the Caribbean.

pay heed

LIME general manager Sean Auguste urged the students to pay heed to the track and field great and to follow his advice.

"Asafa (Powell) is one of the world's finest athletes and an excellent role model. Everywhere he goes, he inspires people with his positive thoughts and attitude, and there is a lot that he can teach young people about what it takes to reach the level that he has," Auguste said.

Following the welcome reception, Powell held a training session with 30 of the school's student athletes at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. The youngsters were extremely attentive and had fun doing drills, learning sprint techniques and even running against the man himself in a relay race.