Participants of the Kids Athletics Camp at Capoons Bay Playfield get a feel of the hurdles. Photo: VINO

The hurdles are safe for children as they are made of foam. Photo: Provided

The participants on Day 2 of the Kids Athletics Camp at Capoons Bay Playfield. Photo: VINO

President of the BVI Athletics Association, Mr Steve Augustine shows the children how to throw the Javelin. Photo: Provided

Children get competitive at the Kids Athletics Camp. Photo: VINO

Mimicking the Javelin throw. Photo: Provided

Scaling the hurdles. Photo: Provided

Mimicking the Javelin throw. Photo: Provided

Mimicking the Javelin throw. Photo: Provided

The Camp, which runs through until Saturday July 22, takes place on the field at Capoons Bay from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. each day and will culminate, according to President of the BVI Athletics Association, Mr Steve Augustine, with a fun filled action packed mini track meet.

“We have done it a few times before and have had great turn outs,” Mr Augustine told Virgin Islands News Online.

“There will be a plethora of events and you will see the kids showcase their newfound talents. However, we are also trying to introduce them to the not so popular events, so it will be fun filled and a great family afternoon,” the athletics boss added.

Fun training

Since Monday July 17, 2017 the enthusiastic participants have been put through their paces with the introduction to many aspects of the sport, which Mr Augustine noted have been well received

“Firstly, the idea of only having a short time frame is to keep the attention span nice and tight, but is plenty of time to take them through warm up routines and get them focused on the activities they will try. We have done Jumps, Javelin, Shot Put and many other activities. It is not about all day training, but about fun and to show them different skills.”

All the equipment, supplied by the Governing body the IAAF, are designed specifically for children, with safety in mind. The Javelins are not tipped with sharp points, the hurdles are foam and the shot puts light and plastic, but also give the children an idea of what the real things would be like.

Prior to the start of the session on Monday, participants shared what were their favourite events in Track and Field, and that included sprints, high jump, long jump and distance running.

The Camp continues up until the Saturday Meet and there is still space available. Parents can register their children Capoons Bay Playfield.

Special appearance by Kyron A. McMaster

Today, Wednesday July 19, 2017 there will also be a special treat- an appearance by the Virgin Islands Own World Leading 400m Hurdler, Kyron A. McMaster.