Bailey gets athletics scholarship

Keiffer Bailey became the fourth athlete from the IT-DAT Academy to secure an athletics scholarship at one of the more prestigious colleges in Jamaica. Bailey follows in the footsteps of Akaine Slater, the 400-meter champion at the last inter-collegiate champions event in Jamaica; OJ Jackson 200 and 400 meter runner; and Aravanda Shallow. The former Girls’ High School and SVG Community College student will attend GC Foster College in St. Catherine, Jamaica on a three-year scholarship.Bailey will pursue studies in physical education and massage therapy, and is looking forward to this opportunity. “With the history of athletics in Jamaica, this exposure for me will be very good, and to be in that category is something I always dreamed of. Seeing it come through makes me happy even more. I hope this exposure and training will help me to move to another level and get better”.  Bailey further stated, “As a Vincentian, I feel good setting the way for other athletes, especially the young female athletes coming through”. She will take part in the Team Athletics Round the Town Road Race on Sunday, before she leaves the state on Monday, and is looking forward to team up with her fellow Vincentians. The specialist 200, 400 and 800 m and 5 and 10 K events, is grateful to the persons who were always encouraging her. “I am thankful to my coach (when I am ready to give up, he was always there to encourage me to continue), my team mates at the IT-DAT Academy, family members and all sponsors including Team Athletics, National Lotteries Authority and the Wendell Hercules Foundation.” Michael Ollivierre is delighted to be associated with another athlete going on an athletics scholarship. “I am hopeful the athletes will make something good out of this exposure, while I look to set up a base in Jamaica for easy access, so they can train in different conditions and further their education. Also, I am trying to do something similar at UWI just to get them to expand the options”. (Vin)