ANGUILLA--Anguilla’s long-jumper Shara Proctor arrived at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Friday afternoon, September 21, for a vacation with family and friends. Welcomed at the ferry by her proud father, Orris Proctor, Chief Minister Victor Banks, Deputy Governor Perin Bradley and other government officials, she was presented with a beautiful floral bouquet while posing for photographs.
At the welcoming ceremony, Director of Sports Andre Collins welcomed Proctor back to the shores of Anguilla saying “We are here to recognise Shara for all her athletic accomplishments this year. We are happy to welcome and celebrate you.”
Chief Minister Victor Banks also welcomed and congratulated Proctor saying, “You are one of the island’s veteran athletes, and a role model for Anguilla’s youth. Your successes demonstrate that success is achievable despite the scant athletic resources available on the island.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Tourism Cardigan Connor recognised Proctor for her sterling representation of Anguilla over the past 12 years, even before she represented England and Great Britain. He said, “I know in your heart you call Anguilla home. Congratulations on your 2018 athletic season. Keep making us proud as I know you will.”
Thanking everyone present for coming out to welcome her home, Proctor said, “I’ve had a long 2018 season, and coming home to this warm reception means the world to me. Every time I come home it’s a special feeling – I feel the appreciation from everybody. I want to encourage the young athletes to keep fighting. I came up with very little resources, and if I can make it this far, you can as well. Anguilla is small, but there is a whole world out there with opportunities, so grab the opportunities and make the best of it.”
Proctor has been competing for Great Britain since 2011 and is a national record holder for both Anguilla and Great Britain. In 2015 at the World championships in Beijing, she became the first British female long-jumper to jump over seven metres, setting a new British record.
