Caribbean News Now!

By Reginald Gumbs

HAVANA, Cuba -- Son of Reginald “Calypso Reggie” Thomas and Jacqueline Gumbs, I am Reginald Gumbs, originally from Sandy Point but now residing in Parray’s, St Peters; former student of the Beach Allen Primary and the Washington Archibald High School. At the tender age of 20 years, I am presently a scholar student in Cuba at the “Escuela Internacional de Educacion Fisica y Deporte” (EIEFD) or in English the “International School of Physical Education and Sports” which is a six- year degree.

Reginald Gumbs

My story is not one full of spectacular events but rather simple. I was given the opportunity to represent my country and further develop myself academically as well as physically. I took this chance and made the best of it, basing away as one of the top students in my class both academically and physically.

At my school am given the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, which cover from the basic Spanish to the physical, mental and emotional aspect of an athlete. For my first year, I studied the language for four months alone and in my fifth month mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry were added to my curriculum, which gave me a total of five subjects for the year, which I aced with all 5s.

For my second year here, just finishing my first semester, I studied morphology, basic gymnastics, information technology, physical preparation, history of sports, Spanish and introduction of profession, finishing all with top grades of 4s and 5s. For my second semester, I face subjects such as the fundamentals of philosophy in physical education and sports, the data analysing, athletics, chest, biochemistry, theory and practice of games and the history of Cuba and Spanish.

At the end of every semester we are given the opportunity, once we have attained 5s in a subject, to do an exam called Premio. Premio is an exam structured so that the students compete against each other, where their knowledge and capabilities are put to the test. Only the top three students are awarded the opportunity to attain marks to help raise their grades. I participated in two: physical preparation and basic gymnastics. I did exceedingly well, tying for first place with a student from Venezuela in physical preparation and wining basic gymnastics.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is what my folks would say, so my attention isn’t fully on academics but shared with my love for athletics, which is the main reason why I am here.

Once the former National Champion for long jump, which is my main event, I came here with the ambition to reach the #1 spot in Olympic, World, or even Pan American Games, which would give my home country more recognition. I have noticed that many of the other students from other countries do not know about St Kitts and Nevis.

I placed St Kitts and Nevis on the mouths of everyone after my first appearance in a school competition, placing second behind the school record holder, who is also my teammate in long jump, winning the triple jump, and became the starter for the school 4x100m relay team after displaying outstanding results in my 100m dash. In the year that I have been here, I represented the school in seven competitions where I increased my personal best. For this year I am looking towards attending three competitions.

In life, I’ve learnt to set three goals, short, mid and long term goals. Each goal would link towards me accomplishing my long term goal. My short term goal was to do well academically and athletically, no matter the obstacles thrown my way. That allowed me to engage my mid-term goal, which is to become one of the top coaches in St Kitts and Nevis and, to do so, I need to attain all the necessary experience and knowledge, which has led me to university in Cuba.

Although Cuba was never one of my destinations, I believe that God had a different plan for me. My long term goal is to become a physiotherapist. Inspired by one of the best I set my eyes on becoming the best in St Kitts and Nevis and internationally, doing my country proud.

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