Athletics - First memorial event triggers powerful emotion |24 May 2018

Stad Popiler was once again vibrant on Saturday as track and field stars of the eighties and nineties were back in action during a memorial event hosted in memory of three deceased athletes.

Long and triple jumper Danny Beauchamp, sprinter Alex Confait and coach Arthur Agathine were being honoured by the athletics family for their contributions and dedication towards the sport.

According to the organisers, they are planning to make the event an annual one, in memories of other deceased athletes and also as an opportunity for ex-athletes to come together, have fun and share old memories.

Vice-President Vincent Meriton and other ministers were present on Saturday to bring their support to the athletes and also to champion the cause.

Among the event’s on Saturday’s programme were  100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 3,000m (men and women), 110m hurdles (men), 4x100m, long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin.

Thrower Ralph Molle praised the initiative even if he said it has taken too long to come up with such idea. He said Saturday’s event brought him back to the first day he stepped into the ‘circle’ back in 1989.

Thinking about the departed athletes, Molle said Danny Beauchamp was like a brother to him, always bringing a smile on everybody’s face.

As for Arthur ‘Aga’ Agathine, Mole remembers him as his physical education teacher back at the National Youth Service before meeting him again at Stad Popiler when he started practicing throwing events. “He was a good coach and friend,” added Molle.

Gonzague Boniface even shed some tears for his friends Danny and ‘Aga’ before taking the field on Saturday. Despite being the ‘tough guy’, Boniface could not hide tears, reminiscing the good times spent at Stad Popiler in the company of the departed athletes.

Thrower Selwyn Beauchamp did not miss the meeting on Saturday. He praised Agathine for his contributions towards his success. “His absence, though hard to digest, should be a motivation for the young athletes, while the memories should also drive them to work harder and perform better,” noted Selwyn Beauchamp.

Even if they dug into their reserves to complete the 100m race, sprinters Danny Benoit, François Vinda and Danny Charles were happy to be part of the event, which they said keeps the athletics family together and strong. “It was a time to come together and enjoy,” they added.

As for sprinter Alain Souffe, he welcomed the idea and asked the athletics federation to host it more often.

Among the spectators at Saturday’s competition was Mersia Richardson, daughter of Arthur Agathine, who made the trip from England to attend the event.

She welcomed the idea and described it as an inspiration for future generation of athletes.

Ms Richardson also praised the organising committee for such an initiative which she said serves as recollection for the ex-athletes who she said paved the way for new and future generations.

The accompanying photos were taken during Saturday’s event, while Mersia Richardson is pictured with her late father Arthur Agathine.

R. D.