One of the things that is going to happen in CariFin as a matter of the format change is the removal of the Urban Challenge block from the first 3 running event.
Developing over say like the last 5 to 6 year there seems to be a big disconnect. This disconnect comes about because a lot of the participants or most of the participants see quite satisfied to end their CariFin Games experience after the 3 running event. The name Urban Challenge and having some hefty hampers and trophy seem to contribute to it. Actually the Urban Challenge came out of the 4 part series. The Aerobics was dropped and the 3 running urban events stood along and many people felt quite comfortable to end it there and don’t participate in the finale at CariFin.
Only CariFin games.
Hence this year we are having just the CariFin Games. We would have a leader board to show the performances over the 4 events of those who take part in all 4 events to cater prizes for them.
We must remember there is no Urban Challenge this year, we have moved away from that format. So please be informed.

Wendy Darbasie & Akeem Simon

The 2012 CariFin (Caribbean Financial Institutions) Games the 21^st Edition, first competitive event got off to a good start – The One Lap Savannah took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Wednesday April 25, 2012 in-front of TGI a little after 5.00 pm.
The Central Bank duo of Akeem Simon and Wendy D’arbasie secured the win in the male and female run category making sure early dividends are paid to them.
Deodath Harrikissoon and Carla Questelles-Forde left nothing to chance when they cross the finish line in 1^st place for the walking category giving also double wins to Team First Citizens.

This the 21^st edition of the CariFin Games which main focus is the promotion of fun, fitness and friendship throughout the financial community saw a good turnout to this year’s event with a near 500 participants coming out for the evening’s event. There are both walking and running category as well as male and female.

Deodath Harrikissoon & Carla Questelles-Forde

This is Akeem Simon 2^nd year participating in CariFin Games and leading up to this event, Simon said, “I really want to bring it home for Central Bank.” He place 6^th in this event last year in a time of 15.37 and this year he is number one in 14.31.
2^nd spot was held down by the man John Donaldson (the cross country champion – 2011) in a time of 14.37. In 2011 he placed again 2^nd in this event but with a faster time of 14.23.  In 3^rd place was Robert Sharpe of Republic Bank with 15.10 timing.
Wendy D’arbasie has a few CariFin belts to her name, last year she finished 2^nd in 18.18 but that effort was enough for her to win this year’ race – her time being 18.18 again. D’arbasie said after the race, “Even if it had stronger runners I would of push myself a little more.” It sounded like she still had some gas left in the tank at the end. In second place was Alana Joseph-Duncan of RBC in 19.02 with another Central Banker Salina Pouchet in 3^rd with 19.33.

In the walking race it was a repeat situation for the female winner – Carla Questelle-Forde of First Citizens this year’s effort was timed in 28.05 while last year she did 28.09. Deodath Harrikissoon pulled it off this year in 27.21 but placed 2^nd last year in a much faster time of 24.33.

There was an increase in participation levels for this year’s One Lap Savannah event with some teams with as 200 participants. The increase was across the board with both running and walking.

The teams onboard for this year CariFin Games are Central Bank, CITI, DIC, First Citizens, Guardian Holdings Limited, Intercommercial Bank Limited, RBC, Republic Bank Limited and Scotiabank.
The next is the Green Mile event, scheduled for Wednesday May 02, 2012 at 5.00 pm inside the Sand Track at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

The CariFin roving reporters Wayne Roberts and Brian Wiltshire was out in the field interviewing the participants to get a perspective on their participation in the CariFin Games and the Green Mile event in particular.
The people in this podcast are Desmond Christian, Elton Scott, Carl Herrilal, Carla Questelle-Forde, Akeem Simon, Shayne Barran, and sounds from The CariFin Rhythm Section

Please wait for movie to download. Thanks

Enjoy!

Take in the action from the CariFin Games One Lap Savannah….. Check out the great highlights

Catch it on Flickr.com

Highlights of CariFin Games 2012, One Lap Savannah. This took place at the Queen’s park Savannah. The race had both walking and running categories. some 400 plus runners and walker participated in this event.
Take a look and enjoy!

On Wednesday Afternoon at 5.00 pm CariFin (Caribbean Financial Institutions) Games One Lap Savannah kicks off the action for this years Games. This much anticipated event by the financial sector has streams of walkers and runners already registered to toe the start line. This event is schedule to start in front of TGI in the Queen’s Park Savannah. There are both walking and running categories.
Last year’s male champion Mark Thomas of Republic Bank has already stated his intention to defend his 2011 One Lap Savannah title.
Esla Anthony of Team CBTT has opted out of this year’s competition because of studies. This opens to the door for a new winner at next Wednesday’s One Lap event.
This is the 21st edition of these Games and the main focus is to promote Fun, Fitness and Friendship. The opportunity to network with their colleagues in the sector is a wonderful addition to the experience. Garnering and promoting the responsibility of personal fitness and health as primary initiative of everyone within the scope of the work place is a great opportunity and CariFin has embrace this concept.
The 2.28 mile circular distance of the Queen’s Park Savannah has a CariFin Record held by Nikosi Mc Leish of 12.43 which was done in 2010. To win last year Mark Thomas did 14.22
A faster time than 12.43 is not expected this year as Mc Leish has not participated since then and is not likely to participate on Wednesday.
Again the door seems wide open to anyone who can step up to the plate and post a better time and walk away with the One Lap

Mark Thomas

title.
Second place finisher in this event last year, John Donaldson formerly of Grace Kennedy but now representing First Citizens and the eventual cross country winner will be trying to make amends for his close defeat last year by Thomas. He is fit and hopefully mentally prepared to add this title to his already lofty set of wins in the CariFin Games.
With Esla Anthony observing from the side lines her team mates from last year the ever green Wendy D’arbasie and Chelsea Ann Phillips could make the going difficult for the others unless some new talent show up topple the scheme of things
The Central Bank trio of Esla Anthony, Wendy D’arbasie and Chelsea Ann Phillip who posted 17.06, 18.18 and 18.45 respectively to take the top 3 spots set the pace for the then Urban Challenge. (note there won’t be a Urban Challenge this year)
In 2012 it is left to see if this dominance would continue.
With a whole year behind us this has given everyone a whole year to train and also the opportunity to likewise improve. CariFin One Lap on Wednesday and the Games in general is just waiting excitingly to unfold. Not just who would win but what the teams compositions is like, who are on the team, the mix, who are returning, who are the new people and possible how they have improve and what they could do.

Wendy D'arbasie

What to expect from the teams, are there supporters going to come out, are we going to see them in their team colors routing for their team members. Which team would be better represented by their “Fans”. CariFin 2012 is the year of the “Fans” and we would look to forward to see how the Fans would come out and make a difference for their teams. I am personally asking the fans of the teams and the institutions to come out and make a difference to your team increase it visibility and presence. Take your team to another level.

This year we are challenging the Fans (The colleagues of those participating) to come out and represent and to celebrate their team’s spirit, presence, triumphs and victory. Come and urge your team members on.
So to kick off the recognition of the Fan and to embrace the power of the Fan we are introducing the “Fan Power Play” an award for the institution Fans can who can create the most attention, they can use horns, any instrument, voice, costume, or dance movement.
What to expect on Wednesday at the One Lap Savannah. The action starts at 4.15 p.m.with a pre – show the MC’s for this is James Saunders of C TV and our own Rona Arrindell. The pre-show leads off with the prayer – Pat Wiltshire, then National Anthem – Gerelle Forbes, Welcome Address – Sloane-Seale. MSc , Introduction of the teams, here teams, and team leaders and top participants would be announced as well as the team “rallying cry” and to crown it off.
At the end we recognize and honor the winners of the walk and run event with a medal presentation

Grace Kennedy shows some support

Reflect, Reminiscent, Relive the scenes of CariFin Games One lap Savannah Event