SVGCA celebrates 40th Independence by recognizing four outstanding young sports persons

Arnos Vale, St. Vincent – To celebrate the 40th Independence of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the SVG Cricket Association Inc. awarded four national sports persons for their outstanding representation over the last 12 months.The four awardees were swimmer Mya Defreitas (age 14), sprinter Ulanda Lewis (age 16), cricketer Xharia Jack (age 18), and footballer Diel Spring (age 18).The awardees were nominated by their respective associations based on the three criteria: (1) Must be Under 21; (2) Must have represented SVG within the last 12 months; and (3) Performance on national duty must be outstanding.All four individuals received awards value EC$1500; in cash, supplements, and treatment/massage from Byam’s Physical Therapy.The handover of awards took place on October 28, at the opening ceremony of the Masters T20 Festival 2019, held at the Prime Minister’s Residence.President of SVGCA Inc., Dr. Kishore Shallow, at the function expressed that the gesture is a form of appreciation for the efforts of young Vincentian athletes. “On behalf of the SVGCA, I am happy we are in a position to recognize our young sportsmen and sportswomen by demonstrating our appreciation in a tangible way that they are so deserving. This gesture is in line with our continued advocacy for sports, as well as encouraging a balanced approach to sports and academics.”Over the years, SVGCA Inc. has shown a strong commitment to social impact with gestures of scholarships, sponsorships, financial contribution to the Zero-Hunger Trust Funds, and other awards. Last year, they also coordinated with other sporting organizations a walk to champion Sports against crime.Information on Awardees:Name: Mya Defreitas
Discipline: Swimming
Age: 14
School: Girls High School

• Made finals at the Carifta Championships.
• Swam for SVG at the FINA World Championships in South Korea. 
• Won medals at the OECS Swimming Champs.
• She will represent us at the Tokyo Olympics next year. 

Name: Ulanda Lewis
Discipline: Athletics
Age: 16
School: Central Leeward Secondary School

• Created history at the recently concluded Carfita Games in Cayman Islands by winning two Bronze medals in the U – 17 100m and 200m. 
• Erased all her records in the sprinting events in her school sports and Inter-Secondary School Sports. 
• Attended the Windwards Islands Secondary School Games and won both the 100m and 200m at the competition, making her the youngest double champion.
• Ran a time of 11.80 in the 100m and 24.19 in the 200m, which qualified her for next year U20 world championship in Kenya.

Name: Xharia Jack
Discipline: Cricket
Age: 18
School: SVG Community College (recently graduated)

• Standout local performance including 5 wicket haul. 
• Windward Islands U19 player
• Outstanding performance in academics: Grade 2 in Biology, Chemistry, and Spanish

Name: Diel Spring
Discipline: Football
Age: 18
School: Petit Bordel Secondary School (graduated)

• Aggressive defensive midfielder
• Plays for North Leeward Predators Football Club
• Outstanding local performance
• Youth national player for many years
• Gained selection to senior men’s Vincy Heat football team