The Sprint and Technical Camp has long been a dream of Ms Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and at the end of the day, when she was finally able to catch a breath, she stated "It went much better than I had originally thought. I'm ecstatic and we will definitely be making this an annual event. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The London 2012 Olympic Games and 2011 IAAF World 400m Champion, Kirani James, spoke to the youths about the importance of balancing school with track and making sure they always gave their best. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Close to a 100 youths atended the Camp and having soaked in all the information they will now be able to drive their own paths to success through dedication and goal driven ambition. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The message delivered by professional athletes; London 2012 Olympic and 2011 IAAF World 400m Champion Kirani James; Dwight Phillips, a four time World Long Jump Champion World; along with Harrigan-Scott, her husband, Joey Scott, “JJ” Johnson and James’ Coach Harvey Glance was clear to all the student athletes in attendance at the camp that basically it was up to them to determine far they can reach. Talent alone, the athletes were told, won’t take them to the top, but clearly defined goals, ambition and determination are all key factors that set the “also rans” from the stars.

The Camp has long been a dream of Harrigan-Scott and at the end of the day, when she was finally able to catch a breath, she stated “It went much better than I had originally thought. I’m ecstatic and we will definitely be making this an annual event.”

“It's been a wonderful experience,” she continued, “I was really impressed with the enthusiasm of the kids, how they interacted with the pro athletes and how they asked questions. That was my main focus to get them involved so they can make themselves better and set themselves goals for the future. To make sure our kids get the exposure they need to stay positive and stay motivated in the sport.

London 2012 Olympic Games and 2011 IAAF World 400m Champion, Kirani James, who spoke to the youths about the importance of balancing school with track and making sure they always gave their best, also shared the view that “it’s extremely important to pass on experiences to the upcoming youths, not just in sports but also in life.  They need to get a real genuine feel of where we at, where we come from and what it takes to be successful,” noted James.

James' also commented that his main goal for 2013 is to be more consistent, “stay on top and be where I am for as long as I possibly can.”

“JJ” was also more than enthused by the interest shown by the young student athletes. “We had a massage therapy workshop, a nutrition workshop, an anti doping workshop and also a technical workshop,” he commented “and it’s been an awesome time, the youths were very responsive, they’ve taken in as much as they can and hopefully they will absorb it too.“

A few of the local coaches were also in attendance, however, as Harrigan- Scott commented ”this is more about the athletes and their drive and ambition" and so it is up to the youngsters to carry over what they have learnt and be the ones to drive the process.