The ‘You Go Girl’ panel discussion and Girls Run TT return this year as the Ministry of Sport and Community Development launched the Pink Reign Campaign at the Hilton Conference Centre in Port-of-Spain on Wednesday.
The Pink Reign programmes aim to encourage and support the development of women and girls throughout T&T. This year marks five years in existence and, according to the Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, it has increased awareness and participation in the different aspects of sports and physical activity.
“I’m happy to see five years into the programme," said the Sports Minister. "As we celebrate five years of the Pink Reign campaign, the programme has developed so beautifully over the years.”
Reflecting on a past incident, Cudjoe-Lewis recalled her early days as the newly elected Minister of Sport and Community Development. She stated there were some doubts about whether she would be a great fit for the position but she looked past the comments and worked towards advancing the government’s plans in sports. The Pink Reign programme is one of those advancements that turned out great for sports and the community.
Her response then was: “I’m no athlete and sports is not my forte, however, I’m here to advance the government's mandate. I don’t consider myself an athlete. I’m a roadrunner.”
The Pink Reign campaign focuses on four pillars including - Conversations with Women and Girls, the Life Skills Workshop, Girls Run TT, and the Let Her Play module.
The Girls Run TT programme, which was first launched in 2021, is an in-person or virtual race. The "Let Her Play" programme has three components "Dance, Jump and Cheer", "Girl, Defend Yourself," and "Keep On Moving."
Young girls and women learn sporting skills and basic self-defense and also participate in aerobics and Zumba.
The "Conversations with Women and Girls" gives insight into the journey of girls and women who succeed in sports. Whereas, the Life Skills Workshop is a programme on career planning in sports. It also involves self-marketing and brand creation, networking, dressing for success, etiquette, public speaking, and interview skills.
At this year’s event, the organisers awarded several women for their participation in the 2023 Girls Run TT.
In the youngest participant category, nine-year-old Arya Joseph took the title as she ran 298.38 miles. The most senior participant award went to Ingrid Muriell. The 74-year-old ran a total of 498.07 miles. The most engaged on social media award went to Gabrielle Barkley. Barkley ran 296.76 miles.
The Pink Reign Panthers took the award for the largest group of finishers with 3284.71 miles, while Team Poon took second place with 1998.23.
There were also the top ten recognitions on the Pink Reign board for 2023. Representing no team was Latoya Thompson-Jacod in number three with 1010.57 miles. Up ahead was Loraine Phillip from the CARIFIN team with 1047.97 miles. Arianna Jeannine Parma, who achieved 1500.09 miles, received the top recognition award.
AWARDS
Youngest participant: Arya Joseph (298.38 miles)
Most Senior participant: Ingrid Muriell (498.07 miles)
Most engaged on social media: Gabrielle Barkley (296.76 miles)
The largest group of finishers: Pink Reign Panthers (3284.71 miles) and Team Poon (1998.23 miles)
Pink Reign Panthers
Natasha Simon-John (561.26), Alicia Hospedales (543.74), Petronella Solomon (408.16), Geniel Bailey (407.84), Jermice Clarke (379.74), Joanna Fiddler (372.67), Janelle Jeffrey-Joseph (315.27), Angelina Brown (296.03).
Team Poon
Nirvanna Maraj (288.08), Daniela Poon Meneses (286.75), Brigid Poon-Lewis (286.03), Jeannie Samlalsingh (285.13), Valentine Lum Young (285), Annette Marques (283.56), Frances Lum Youn (283.56), Julie Lum Young-Ashman (283.25).
Top 10 recognition on the Pink Reign Board 2023
Ariana Jeannine Parma (1500.09), Loraine Phillip -CARIFIN (1047.97), Latoya Thompson-Jacob (110.57), Margaret Wong Chong (868.32), Shelifa Mohammed (846.10), Maureen Hamilton - One More Mile (837.11), Daphne Parris (787.26), Waheeda Alexander (777.35), Naadiya Mohammed (693.18), Davi Ramkallawan (677.10)
