NIA-CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (April 13^TH, 2011) — Planning the Caribbean’s first TRISTAR triathlon was “a great exercise and example of collaboration and cooperation with the various ministries.”

This was according to Minister of Sports in the Nevis Island Administration [NIA] the Honourable Hensley Daniel during his address at the Mar. 31 launch of TRISTAR 111 Nevis’ International Triathlon 2011.

The triathlon, which was described as a “signature event” by Minister Daniel, demanded the assistance of the ministries of tourism, sports and culture.

“I want to thank the triathletes for joining with the Pink Lily Foundation for the 5k walk. That suggests that we want to connect health and sports and of course that is very important to us,” he explained.

The collaborative work of the employees within the participating ministries coupled with the diligence of the St. Kitts-Nevis Triathlon Federation “brought everything together so that all Nevisians can enjoy the best,” Minister Daniel stated.

In addition to commending the various ministries, Mr. Daniel spoke highly of the sporting programmes and initiatives within the NIA.

The NIA’s support of TRISTAR 111, he said, fell in line with its financial support of “all of Nevis’ sports associations.”

“I want to say to the triathlon association/federation that we didn’t have any difficulty doing that because we see how the money we spend is going to benefit the people and we see the multiplying effect in the economy,” he said adding that benefits were in store for the hoteliers.

“Unlike many of the other associations, we see immediate benefits from the triathlon exercise and so you must imagine that we will welcome some more of these in the promotion of the larger picture of sport tourism,” Mr. Daniel said.

He also challenged sportsmen and women to “pick up the enthusiasm, zeal and effort” demonstrated by the triathletes so that sports in Nevis can be taken very seriously.

“As the Minister responsible for sports, our task is to provide the opportunities for competition,” he said, adding that the improvement of the island’s facilities demonstrates the NIA’s commitment towards sports.

“We have been able, with the help of the government and in particular the Public Works Department, to repair the road to facilitate the biking and I want to give the Public Works Department a particular round of applause. That road is not easy to repair. We had been repairing it for some time now and so we have done all that we could to ensure that you have a successful event,” Minister Daniel said.

TRISTAR 111 Nevis’ International Triathlon 2011 was held on Apr. 2.