A Royal Welcome for Rick Ball (l to r): Evans Jones (Ministry of Sports), Annette Michael (Ministry of Tourism), Anne Harewood(Sandals Foundation), Rick Ball, Jamol Pilgrim, Craig Ryan (Xtreme Health and Fitness)

 

November 28, V.C. Bird International Airport - Canadian world record holder Rick Ball returned to Antigua and Barbuda on November 26 to headline the second annual Trans-Antigua Half Marathon. The 46 year-old single leg amputee was greeted by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Sports, the Sandals Foundation and Xtreme Health and Fitness Ltd.

 “It is great to be back in the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda and I am so honoured to be representing Canada in such a meaningful way,” said an elated Ball as he shook hands with sprinting sensation Jamol Pilgrim. The Antigua and Barbuda native recently qualified for the London Paralympics in 2012 in the 100m and 200m. As a spokesperson for this year’s event, the 20 year-old single leg amputee hopes to bring his message of overcoming adversity to the nation’s youth.
 

Deputy Director of Sports Evans Jones was on hand to congratulate both men for their contribution to the development of sports in Antigua and Barbuda. “These two elite athletes are fantastic ambassadors for their countries and for the sport of track and field,” commented Jones. The Sandals Foundation’s Anne Harewood echoed his sentiments and said, “We are thrilled that Air Canada Vacations has come on board for the second straight year to support an event that encourages youth to go after their dreams despite obstacles. Rick and Jamol are inspirations and they bring the importance of community to the forefront.” The Ministry of Tourism’s Annette Michael presented Ball with a lovely gift and commended him for helping the nation’s sports tourism product.
 

The Sandals Foundation Trans-Antigua Half Marathon is scheduled to occur on Sunday, December 4 at 6am. The route starts at Sandals Grande Antigua and ends at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort. Participants have the option of walking or running the 5K, 10K or ½ Marathon. All registration takes place at Xtreme Health and Fitness on Friar’s Hill Road. For more information, call 562-7482.