Canadian World Record Holder Rick Ball is welcomed to Antigua by Joyce Henry (Ministry of Tourism), Anne Harewood (Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa) and Anne Jonas (Ministry of Sports). He will be headlining the Trans-Antigua Half Marathon.
Canadian single leg amputee world record holder was treated to a very warm welcome at the V.C. Bird International Airport on Sunday. Ball, who is headlining the Sandals Foundation’s Trans-Antigua Half Marathon was elated by the wonderful reception courtesy of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports. He said, “Me and my wife Stacey are thrilled to be back in Antigua because the people are so hospitable. This is such a special occasion and I am grateful to Air Canada Vacations and the Sandals Foundation for enabling me to come to Antigua and participate in this community event that will benefit the young athletes of the island.” Ball has been shattering world records since he began running in 2007 and was recently honoured by Runner’s World Magazine who branded him as one of their 2010 heroes.
Anne Jonas from the Ministry of Sports expressed her excitement with respect to having an athlete of Ball’s stature partaking in this nationwide event. “This is not just about the event. It is much more than that because the Sandals Foundation is raising funds that will benefit the Antigua and Barbuda Triathalon Association and the Ministry of Sports is proud to support an initiative that gives back to the community,” said Jonas.
During his two-week stay in Antigua, Ball is scheduled to visit Cedar Grove Primary School and the Antigua State College. He hopes to bring a motivational message to the youth so that they too can overcome obstacles and succeed in life.
Joyce Henry from the Ministry of Tourism praised Ball for being an exemplary international ambassador. Public Relations Manager of Sandals Grande Antigua, Anne Harewood echoed Henry’s sentiments by stating, “We are deeply honoured to have such a classy individual at the forefront of the Sandals Foundation’s Trans-Antigua Half-Marathon. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase sports tourism while encouraging the general public to be active and make a positive difference in society.”
The Trans-Antigua Half- Marathon takes place on Sunday, December 5. The route begins at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa and ends at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort, which will be the venue of a festive celebration and awards ceremony.