Fun, Fitness & Friendship’s blog

A review of the men’s Race

The men’s CariFin cross country ’09 race promised a lot of excitement and expectation. It very well be said to be the most anticipated events on the day’s card at CariFin Cross Country and Family Day at Sevilla Golf on Sunday May 31, 2009..
 
1. Could Nikosi Mc Leish won this and make it three in a row
2.  Who would win the team champion trophy? GHL or RBTT?
3. Would debutant Jean Marc De Boulet make any impact like the ones he made in the Urban Challenge?
Catherine Kumar President and Country Leader of RBTT Bank started the race by sounding the starter’s horn.

The race unfolded beautifully for Nikosi mc Leish with the rabbit doing most of the work in the early part of the first lap.
Mc Leish continued his dominance from the urban Challenge, where he won all three previous running events.
So it was no surprise to see the familiar tall, lanky figure of Mc Leish leading the race. Strength, determination and courage have to be the hallmark attribute that has to be demonstrated on a course like this, with tight corners, undulating terrain.
After 2 laps of the 3 lap’s event of the 6.2 miles course – Mc Leish was still leading the race.  
From the start to the beginning of the course took him 2min 22 seconds and the first loop of the course was covered in 7.14, the second loop was done a little slower time of 7.29 and the third in 7.39 and from the course to the finish line he sprinted in 48 seconds giving him a race time of 25.32.
A case of which he was slowing down after each lap, but the competition wasn’t even close to cause any threat.
The traditional competition of his arch rival and friend Rodney Julien who would of being able to take the race to him and give him the kind of high level competition that these races need to stay alive was not there. Or John Warren formerly of GHL who had the kind of leg speed to trouble Mc Leish was not a factor in the race. So the die was probably already cast even before the starter’s horn was blown to start the race.

Gilford Mornix of GHL did a three months crash course training program to get ready for CariFin … and it worked well enough to get him in second place, beating off John Donaldson, his team mate Ian Gibbs and jean Marc Deboulet.

The Team Trophy
Team GHL won the “Champions Trophy” quite easily with two of the top five finishers wearing GHL colors in first and third places. And to show their strength and team work concept place another three runners in the next five of the top ten. Jade Camps in 7th place Ryan Pierre in 8th and Quacy Sandy in 9th.

The Debutant
Jean Marc Deboulet didn’t have the kind of success he had in the Urban Challenge at Sevilla, the undulating terrain was his undoing. He had to resort to walking on some occasions on the course to catch his breath. Being a debutant in the event didn’t help; Sevilla isn’t known to give any considerations to first timers or newbie. It was a baptism of fire from the time he hit the loop of the course.
But he was able to steer the course and bring in his ship home in 5th place. Hopefully he could see the benefits of a consistent training program and with the help of people like Stanley Butcher of First Citizens we can very well see some more competitive running among the men.
Long standing performers
Let recognize the annual efforts of runners like Clem Jubrasingh and Leroy Calliste of RBTT Bank who have been long standing participants in this event and CariFin as a whole.
Shastri Girwar
Special mention must go to Shastri Girwah of RBL who tested himself by doing all four athletic events on the day. 
Shastri too has been a long standing supporter and participant in these games and have been featured as “Personality of the Month” winner.
And with the introduction of the walking category of the Urban Challenge he has found a niche where he can enjoy some measure of success. So we are grateful to see him continue to motivate himself and maintain a level of fitness, that most people his age could only admire to aspire.

This race shows who is the fastest, strongest runners in the financial services sector.
Nikosi Mc Leish won this event quite easily for the third time and get to keep the trophy and the same time align himself with runners, like Curtis Cox, Lander Rodney and Joel Bharat who are all trpple crown winners. With Cox and Lander going on to each winning it four times straight.

From the committee

The committee decided that July 09, 2009 is the date they would like to hold the CariFin prize distribution function.

The post mortem meeting was held the week before where we got the feelings of the committee members about how the event was for their membership and institution.

A survey sheet would be sent out to the larger public to gather comments on the events

The overall female results are up on our blog Click Here

The overall male results – Click Here

Check the events photos at Click Here

The committee is asking all winners of Challenge trophy to have them returned to be updated in time for the prize distribution.

Get up to date with going on in CariFin by checking our blog – Click Here

Plus much more interviews and podcast, could be heard by just clicking Here

This weekend of July 19, 2009 some of the CariFin runners would be heading to San Fernando for the start of the 20^th Edition of the Butler half marathon which starts at OWTU headquarters, Paramount Building, 99A Circular Road, San Fernando and ends at Fyzabad Charlie King Junction.

Some of GHL team members together with support team would be making the trip to Paramount building for the 13.1 mile trek.

I (Wayne Roberts) will be at the starting line for the half marathon. I really want to see how efficient I am over 13.1 mile distance. The last time I did a half it was like one hour 38 seconds…. So we will see what tomorrow brings.

CariFin champion Nikosi Mc Leish would be heading into new territory by taking part in the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) Sagicor Championships starts on Friday July 19, 2009 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

                                          

Check the Newsday coverage Click Here

Ms. Central Bank captures Ms. CariFin title for the 2^nd year running

 

The 5^th Edition of Ms. CariFin contest took place at Sevilla Golf Course Couva on Sunday May 31, 2009 as part of CariFin cross country and Family Fun Day.

Ms. Central Bank -- Melissa Mc Allister was the favourite within moments of starting the aerobics routine of the Ms. CariFin contest, as the spectators recognized and vocalized that she was the contestant to watch, and she didn’t disappoint.  She executed each movement with precision, strength and in kept up with the rhythmic beat of the music, she also used her height to an advantage in a graceful and elegant way to show her skills above the rest of the contestants in the eight minutes of the aerobics routine.

In the Question and Answer Category it came down to two contestants,

Ms. Grace Kennedy and Ms. Central Bank, in the end the judges tipped
Ms. Central Bank who had garnered more than the partisan Central Bank support but commanded a wider cross section of the crowd around.

Melissa was all radiant and excited when she was announced the winner to the applause, hugs and flashing lights of the camera.

In the after contest interview she said, “I intend to be a good example, to be fun, friendly and fit as Ms. CariFin”

She was sashed by Ms. CariFin 2008, Ms. Tessa Clifford and crowned by
Ms. Catherine Kumar, President and Country Head of RBTT Bank.

Denise Weeks of GRACE KENNEDY was first runner up, second runner up is Joelle – Ann Mollineau of GHL and third runner up is Christine Bhatto of First Citizens.

 

 

Mc Leish makes it three in a row while Awai steals the spotlight at CariFin cross country at Sevilla, Couva.

The 18th Edition of CariFin Cross Country and Family Fun Day took place on Sunday May 31, 2009 at Sevilla Golf Course – Couva. Here the members of the CariFin Family came together to celebrate – “Fun, Fitness and Friendship” – the trade mark of CariFin.
Cross country running continues to be the main event of CariFin to really test and promote personal fitness and the male and female cross country races continue to be the heart of the Games.

Nikosi Mc Leish of RBTT Bank continued his dominance from the CariFin Urban Challenge where he won all 3 running events to culminate with a hatrick of wins in the 3 lap cross country race at Sevilla in a time of 25.31.
Crystal-Ann Awai stole the spotlight in female two lap’s version of the cross country event and it was the first time for her participating in this event and she breast the finish line tape in first place in a time of 25.01.

Mc Leish took control of the race very early in the first lap and never looked back; he continued to leave the

following pack behind increasing his lead lap after lap. The following pack which included former top road runners Gilford Mornix and Ian Gibbs of GHL, John Donaldson of GRACE KENNEDY and the up and coming Jean Marc De Boulet provided very little of a challenge to Mc Leish as he cross the finish line a minute before the second place Mornix was in sight. Mornix finished in 26.36, Ian Gibbs third in 28.12, John Donaldson came in 28.13 in fourth place with Jean Marc De Boulet finishing fifth with a time of 31.35.
 
Crystal-Ann Awai said on the finish line, “I felt great, I accomplish what I set out to do” this was a confident Awia sharing her feeling after winning the toughest race in her career in which it call on her to give her all to ensure success.
Angela Parris of CLICO 2008 winner came in second in a time of 26.05, when asked about her experience running the race, she smiled and said, “If winning means doing ones best, then I am a winner.”
In third place was Mumtaz Amarali of Republic Bank in a time of 26.33. Then in fourth we got Candice Rollock of GHL with a time 27.24 with Hazel Tywang-Maharaj of RBTT Bank taking fifth spot in 27.37

Walking
The walking event for the men was won for another year by Hollis Granville of GHL in time of 17.59. He was followed by Stephen Samuel and Clem Jubrajsingh of RBTT Bank in 18.42 and 18.48 respectively.
Hazel Tywang-Maharaj won the women’s walk for another year straight in 18.50, with her colleague, Sharon Alleyne in 20.57 followed by Aretha Alleyne of First Citizens in 21.01.
The walking had the highest level of participation with 52 finishers in this event

Fun Run
The fun run was the only one of the athletic events open to spouses and other family members and 25 participants entered with Husayn Alfayed winning with a time of 10.33, Biro Phillip in second place with a time of 12.08 and third place is Ashe Holder of Republic Bank with 12.41. In the female category we have Alicia Stewart of First Citizens finishing first in 16.51, followed by Jeneen Salim of GHL in 17.28 and filling third spot is Melissa Mc McAllister of Central Bank with 17.45.

Dance Off
This second year we are having this competition and it has gain enormous traction with the crowd, it’s really a fun

things and every company is represented. This year we are please to announce the winner is Dale Mohammed and his dance partner Michellene Griffith of First Citizens taking second place was another First Citizens entrant Stacy Edmond and partner and third place went to Central Bank’s Sharon Le Maitre and her dancing partner Ronald Phillip.

Ms. CariFin 2009
Melissa McAlister of Central Bank outshone the other girls in the aerobic contest and went on to answer her question quite intelligently to win Ms. CariFin 2009. Denise Weeks of GRACE KENNEDY was first runner up, second runner up is Joelle – Ann Mollineau of GHL and third runner up is Christine Bhatto of First Citizens.

Tug of war
Winners of the Tug of War was Central Bank, in second place was Grace Kennedy and filling third spot is First Citizens.

Novelty Champions went to First Citizens, Central Bank took second place Central Bank and  Grace Kennedy fill third spot.

Best Tent
The best decorated tent was won by Intercommercial Bank; they won hands down with a design that stood

apart from the rest. Grace Kennedy was second with their flaming red theme and the green of First Citizens took third place. GHL had a somewhat local original design concept that had coconut branches as part of the set up.

The Team Captain of the CariFin Games 2009.
To be able to lead your team confidently through out the CariFin Urban Challenge, then have them well represented at cricket, football and all fours. And without fail mount a massive display of team spirit, cohesiveness, passion and energy to be able to inspire your troops to participate in every event and try to win.
That and more is what leadership means as a CariFin Team Captain.
And without a doubt and with the numbers to prove and the victories to show – Dale Mohammed – The First Citizens team captain is the – Team Captain of CariFin Games 2009. 

An Interview with Maria Reyes Mc Millian - Group Vice President, Corporate Communication for Guardian Holdings

CariFin Enews: Maria I have always been hearing about the word wellness use in terms of some of the activities done at GUARDIAN HOLDINGS…..
What do you’ll mean when you say “Wellness?”

Maria Reyes Mc Millian: The Guardian Group has a wellness programme called “Life Pulse” – activities are driven by an employee committee with complete corporate support.   Life Pulse’s mantra explains what we mean by ‘wellness’ – healthy minds, healthy bodies, healthy lives.
So there is an annual walk/run around the Savannah where employees come out with their significant others; there is also a health fair, back massages and other fun things associated with the annual fun run/walk.

From my conversation with other Guardian Holdings staff members it seems as though your attempts at creating a sense of personal responsibility for ones health and fitness has been paying dividend over the years?

MRM: Most definitely.  The financial services industry is a high paced one – the pressure is always on.  It’s critical that we take personal responsibility for our health – that we have ‘me time’ so that we can in turn provide the service that our customers deserve and expect.   A balanced life is the aim and hence the establishment of Life Pulse all those years ago.

 Would be so brave as to guess a percentage of staff that exercise regularly?

 MRM: Not really – the road is paved with good intentions but I can definitely say that the exercise bug is catching!    Our CARIFIN team is huge this year (54) – up from 38 in 2008 - and that’s not counting employees who were invited to train with the team even if they weren’t participating in the events.

 Could you say what program you have at Guardian that in a practical way encourages employees to be motivated to live an active lifestyle?

MRM: Yes.  In addition to Life Pulse and CARIFIN, we also have a Dragon Boat team and our companies play football and cricket against each other.  We also encourage employees to take part in the social activities of the Trinidad & Tobago Insurance Institute – in fact, the Guardian General team won the last cricket competition earlier this month.

 This year we have seen you have become more involved in CariFin as an institution, how is CariFin as an event helping you to achieve your objective of having your staff engage in a healthier lifestyle?

MRM: We’re a competitive bunch – no doubt about it and competition tends to drive you to excel and to ‘kick butt’ as it were.

Is their any marketing fit between CariFin and GHL and if so, what it is?

MRM: If you mean ROI, then I’d say that the return on our investment is engaged, healthier employees.  In a diverse group such as ours, we often simply know people by an email address or extension.  This is yet another way to build teamship.

Have you been to any of the CariFin events for 2009?
 What was your impression?

MRM: Once there isn’t a clash in my schedule I’m there, for sure.  I enjoy every minute of it.  I know Jason Gooding so I know it’s well organized.

In terms of your own team’s participation … which have increased quite a lot from last year…. Are you satisfied with your level of participation ….. What figure you would say is good figure for GHL based on your size

MRM: The bigger, the better.  We haven’t placed a cap. 

It’s a couple of weeks before CariFin as the person responsible for Corporate Communication at GHL what would you say to the CariFin family as we get ready for the 18^th Edition of the event

MRM: You’ve had a good run – literally and figuratively – use the opportunity to network with your colleagues and to build camaraderie across the industry.

 

CariFin 1 Lap Fun Run 2009

FUN RUN
#	NAME	AGE	SEX	BANK	TIME
1	Alfayad Husayn	M	27	GHL	10:33
2	BIRO Phillip	M	25	CENTRAL BANK	12:08
3	Ashe Holder	M	46	REPUBLIC BANK	12:41
4	Deodath Harrykissoon	M	45	FCB	12:35
5	Harold Begg	M	50	RBTT	12:42
6	Tyron St. Louis	M	29	CENTRAL BANK	12:44
7	Andy Wong	M	47	CENTRAL BANK	12:45
8	Christopher Vickles	M	17	RBTT	13:32
9	Michael Thompson	M	29	CENTRAL BANK	13:55
10	Hollis Granville	M	34	GHL	14:32
11	Nigel Gaines	M	35	CENTRAL BANK	15:34
12	Alicia Stewart	F	37	FCB	16:51
13	Terrance Rampersad	M	51	IBL	17:02
14	Jeneen Salim	F	32	GHL	17:28
15	Melissa Mc Allister	F	25	CENTRAL BANK	17:45
16	Javier Camacho	M	39	REPUBLIC BANK	19:09
17	Tricia Pierre	F	24	GHL	19:26
18	Roxanne Celestine	F	32	GHL	19:31
19	Vail Seebaran	F	41	CENTRAL BANK	19:43
20	Suzette Hope	F	34	FCB	20:12
21	Daniela Khan	F	24	GHL	20:21
22	Kyley Antar	M	19	REPUBLIC BANK	20:38
23	Selena Marcelle	F	10	REPUBLIC BANK	20:52
24	Sharon Alleyne	F	48	RBTT	21:41
25	Anthony Greene	M	59	CLICO	21:43
26	Ruth Frazer Munroe	F	72	GHL	22:54
27	Desmond Christian	M		CENTRAL BANK	23:05
28	Christine Bhatoo	F	22	FCB	24:33
29	David Griffith	M	25	FCB	24:33
30	Shastri Girwar	M	51	REPUBLIC BANK	26:34

Hi everyone I am challenging you to click the start button and get some treats…. You going to hear three winners of the games

 

1. The women’s winner – Ms. Crystal Ann Awai of GHL – give us her views on winning
2. Nikosi Mc Leish – the male winner of the cross country – give us some good advice on how to be a champion
3. Melissa Mc Alister of Central Bank – Ms. CariFin 2009 tells us how she did it….she really work at winning………. Hear for yourself.