Celebrating Anasia

President’s Open 2015

     One of the most difficult things in life to deal with is the trauma caused by the loss of a loved one!  In fact, it is the MOST difficult, according to many Psychologists!  Each of us deals with it at some point, and usually it is the loss of our Parents.  However, when it is a child, it IS much more difficult, as they are perceived as so innocent and unworthy of such an abrupt conclusion to LIFE!

     On their way to Saratoga on Friday, June 16, 2006, to compete at the 2nd Annual President’s Open, which was scheduled for Saturday, June 17th, the NY Novas Track & Field Team experienced just that feeling, when Princess Anasia Thompson Hogan (PATH), was thrown from the van in which she was riding, during an unfortunate vehicle accident on the NYS Thruway, just south of Kingston, NY. “Probably one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, was to go forward with the President’s Open the following day, after receiving news of this fatal accident”, says Executive Director of the Empire State Sports Council, Anthony Mills.  He remembers, “Coach Taylor made it clear to go ahead anyway, as that was the appropriate conclusion to this unexpected set of circumstances.”

     It has been 10 years since that President’s Open, and although NO ONE can ever do ANYTHING to compensate for the loss of a life, the Empire State Sports Council (ES Sports) wanted to do something to not just remember, but CELEBRATE the life of Anasia, who was in 3rd grade at the time of her passing.  Because she enjoyed, in fact excelled, at the 400m dash event, along with having a spot on the NY Novas 1600m Bantam Girl’s Relay Team, ES Sports announced this year that it would Celebrate Anasia by naming the 400m event at each President’s Open going forward, after her.  There will be a Special Award given to the Sub Bantam and Bantam Girl that wins the 400m event at the Liberty Tour Banquet in September (more details to follow).

     The 2015 winners  of the Princess Anasia Thompson Hogan (PATH) 400m Award are as follows, and Pictured Below:

          Sub Bantam – Destoni Tudy (Nova Starz)

          Bantam – Paige Smith-Griffin (Nova Starz)

     To make it a completely successful day, the NY Novas, now the Nova Starz, also took 1st Place in the Team Scoring at the President’s Open, amassing 495 points, which moves them into 2nd Place in the Liberty Tour Team Standings, behind Chatham Gold, which still holds 1st Place overall at the conclusion of the 3rd stop of the Liberty Tour Track & Field Series.

     Liberty Sports Gear has partnered with the Empire State Sports Council (ES Sports) and is offering more than $1,000 in Gift Certificates, that can be used by the winning clubs for Equipment, Footwear, Team Uniforms, and more!  The Liberty Tour Track & Field Series is comprised of six (6) events, and the Adirondack District Championships are next up on Saturday, June 13th, with a 10:00 am start time.  Be sure your Track & Field club makes it to each remaining Liberty Tour event, so that your Team is in the best position to earn one (1) of four (4) Team Prizes.  The top Prize is worth $500 of Liberty Sports Gear!

     Below, we captured performances from each of the top four (4) Teams in the Liberty Tour Team Standings. after the conclusion of the first three (3) events.  Just scroll on down to catch the Thumbnails of some of the FUN and EXCITMENT on what was a wonderful day for Track & Field!  Click the Thumbnail to view the entire photo with the caption, which includes the Team Points for the top four (4) Teams.

      For all of the Results from the 2015 President’s Open, just click “Results” from the navigation bar for the Liberty Tour.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the Adirondack District Championships at Taconic Hills High School on Saturday, June 13th! To register, go  to:  http://essportscouncil.org/liberty-tour/post/adirondack-championships/