Philipsburg: --- The Department of Sports held an inspiring and training session to promote Track and Field and to encourage about 40 young children from the Dutch Quarter and Belvedere Community Centers to become athletic stars.
Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus was present, along with Olympic Star and Athlete Churandy Martina, who competed in the 100 and 200 meters dash in the Summer Olympics 2008 in Beijing, China, to encourage the youth to become track stars, but first emphasizing school.
"The children are excited to be here Churandy, today is your day. Are you ready kids," Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus asked. "If you want to be a Track star, you have to do well in school, you have to eat healthy, and you have to train hard. You are here to learn from a great runner, learn as much as you can for this is an excellent opportunity to get a first hand experience. You all are here to learn how to be an Olympic Star."
Les Brown, Head of the Sports Department explained that Mr. Martina is here on a promotional tour, encouraging students to participate in Track & Field.
Churandy, (born 3 July 1984) is a sprinter from the Netherlands Antilles, said a few words to the students. "I am pleased to be here again. Last December, I was on St. Maarten and spoke to students on the elementary level about the sport of Track & Field. I want to do the same thing here. But first, I want you all to do well in school. Listen to your teachers, do your homework, and study hard. This is basic."
Churandy was stripped of his Olympic 200m silver medal after the United States team's objection that he had run out of his lane was upheld. Nevertheless, he remains a proud figure in the Netherlands Antilles and one of the world's fastest sprinters.
