For many of Cayman’s adolescents the CARIFTA Games are of utmost importance.

Only a few get to represent their country next month. For those that don’t they can find solace in the fact that next year could be their time to shine in the Maples Interscholastic Meet.

The event may have taken place some time ago but recently three students reaped their rewards in the form of trophies and HP laptop computers.

Jouri Haylock, Shenell Stewart and Franchesca Coleman all received those prizes courtesy of Maples.

Haylock, 12, represented Pace High and amassed 30 points in the 12 and under age group. The West Bayer nabbed first place in the 100m (running 12.7 seconds), 200m (26.8s) and high jump (1.40m).

Stewart, 13, represented St. Ignatius and nabbed 20 points in the 13-14 age group. The West Bayer won the 100m (13.1s) and 200m (27.9s).

Coleman, 16, represented John Gray High and nabbed 20 points in the 15-16 age group. The George Town native won the shot put (with a throw of 8.11m) and the discus (18.74m).

For the record Coleman was tied on points with CARIFTA team member Chantelle Morrison and youngsters Shanique Yen and Troy Long. She got the award based on her margin of victory.

The least shy of the group, Coleman said her achievement is part of a commitment to sports.

“It was amazing competing out there because I got to know, measure and learn about the other competitors in my age group.

“I also do basketball, netball and football. I guess I’m energetic like my dad (Franklin Coleman, former George Town Football Club goal keeper).

“Right now track is something I do well so I’m sticking with it. I feel I can be the next track star going forward as I have the confidence and I’m motivated to do well.”

It is not clear at press time who qualified for Cayman’s CARIFTA team from the meet. However Cayman’s youth have one final shot on Saturday to make the team.

The Cayman Islands Amateur Athletic Association hosts its final CARIFTA qualifier from 9:30am at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

Presenting the prizes to the youngsters was Maples partner Andrew Reid and Acting Director of Sports Collin Anglin.

Reid said the company was pleased to support Cayman’s youth.

“I thought it’s very good seeing these young people excel and it’s great being involved,” Reid said. “Maples’ focus now is on the public schools and it was an honour for the company to come onboard as a sponsor. We hope next year we see more school participation and more athletes come out and do well.”

Almost all of the parents of the young athletics prodigies were on hand for the award presentation which took place at the Maples office on the waterfront in George Town.

Two of them were Shenell Stewart’s parents Mary and Norman Stewart. Mom Mary was impressed with her daughter’s success.

“To be honest I’m surprised and excited. She did so well in spite of a hip injury and I’m so happy for her. She wasn’t able to finish all of her events but I feel good that she’s improving and competing with other kids as good as her.”

Jouri Haylock’s parents Locksley Haylock and Karidad Barcelo were also on hand. Dad Locksley said his son is managing sports and school well.

“He runs well and at the moment he’s really into it. Who is to say he’ll run in the future. As parents all we can do is love him and support him in his sporting endeavours. All I know is he eats and eats, he never stops eating and he burns calories like crazy.

“But seriously he’s doing well and its preparation for greater things. The fact that he’s also doing well in school says he has a good balance. With that he can be a good influence on his brothers Yannick and Keiron. Jouri is on a stage that will be hard to catch but I tell his brothers they can surpass him if they do the right things.”