The OECS Sports Desk launched its 2004 Calendar of Events on Wednesday March 3 rd 2004 during a special ceremony at the OECS Secretariat.

For the first time, an OECS Anniversary 10K run will be staged. This is in observance of the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre that took place on June 18 1981. The OECS Birthday 10K will be held on Sunday June 20 in Basseterre .

An OECS Sports Personality Award programme slated for December of this year is another new feature on the OECS Sports Calendar.

The 2004 OECS athletics season will open with the return of OECS Lawn Tennis after several years of absence. That event is slated for March 10-14 in St. Lucia . Also returning to the OECS Sports year is the highly competitive basketball championships, scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda from June 16-21. The OECS Table Tennis tournament is back after a two-year break. That event is booked for St. Georges from October 22-24. After a two-year time out boxing will be staged in Grenada from November 12-13.

Head of the OECS Sports Desk David Peterkin told the media at Wednesday's launch that islands are selected to host the events based on availability of venues and a system of rotation. Peterkin says the OECS Sports Desk is also considering a networking of sports reporters throughout the sub-region.

Also appearing at the launching ceremony on Wednesday morning was former Combined-Islands cricketer and sports enthusiast, Premier Vance Amory of Nevis . Mr. Amory suggested special financial incentives such as

Premier Amory paid a visit to the OECS Secretariat while in St. Lucia on official business and was invited to attend the launching of the 2004 OECS Sports Calendar by the Director General of the OECS Secretariat Dr. Len Ishmael.

The OECS Sports Desk is working with Directors of Sports in each OECS member country to facilitate the launch of the 2004 OECS Sports Calendar at specific times. The OECS Sports Calendar is also available on the OECS Secretariat's Website. About 20 events are confirmed for this year's OECS Sports programme.

CONTACTS:

David Peterkin Head of the OECS Sports Desk.
Kendol Morgan Senior Communications Officer OECS Secretariat This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Raymond O'Keiffe Comm. Officer email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it