media_artricles :: 2013

Cedenio, Goodridge cop First Citizens awards

Machel Cedenio and Jodi Goodridge were named the First Citizens Sports Foundation’s Male and Female youths of 2012 at an award ceremony at the Hyatt International Hotel on Friday evening. The two were selected by an 11-member panel from among the top ten nominees.

Cedenio, a quarter-miler, helped TT 4x400 relay team to a bronze at the World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain in 2012. He then placed fifth in the 400m final three days later. On his return Cedenio was selected as part of TT’s 4x400 team for the London Olympics and was the youngest member of the local athletes at the age of 17. While he did not get an opportunity to hit the track he said the experience of being there will remain with him through out his career.

Goodridge, on the other hand, has been making strides in cycling. Last year, herself and teammate Aziza Brown won the team sprint gold at the Pan American Junior Championships in Guatemala City. She then went onto claim bronze in the women’s 500m time trial and in the process setting a new national record with a time of 37.86 seconds.

The cyclist was not present and her father collected the award on her behalf. Meanwhile, a surprised Cedenio said he never thought he was going to win the top award.

“I am just shocked. I did not think I did enough last year so I was not expecting this, but thanks to God. This will indeed propel me to do even better this year,” said Cedenio.

Chairman of the Foundation, Keith Clifford, said 2012 was an exceptional year for the young athletes of the country. He said after the annual ritual of evaluating and reviewing the nominees for the awards, they are confident of a bright future.

“It is indeed gratifying to observe the young athletes of this nation, who by their achievements are bringing joy and optimism to our people. Our Foundation’s mission is to recognise and promote the excellence in sport at all levels of society. The athletes we recognise and honour are models of excellence in their chosen sporting disciplines,” said Clifford.

He said the successes of the young sporting men and women could not have been possible without the support of their parents, teachers, coaches and teammates.

“We pay tribute to those who contributed to these monumental achievements. May this recognition serve as an inspiration to other youths as they aspire to fulfill their own dreams,” said the chairman.

Meanwhile feature speaker, three-time Olympian Ayanna Hutchinson encouraged the young sport personalities to stick to their dreams.

“Do not be moved by what others may say about you, once you work hard you can achieve your dreams. You must also not be afraid of failing as this is part of the process to you succeeding,” said the former sprinter.

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