Rising Star - Avier Christian

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lifestyle

Friday, 07 December 2012 02:30

By Nicole Shirley

Antigua St. John's - Avier Christian may only be 16 years old but he already knows where he wants to be in the next five years. The lad is an aspiring professional athlete who has his eyes set on the stars and sees the sky as the limit.

He is one of the many talents from the nation’s extremely rich reservoir and it should perhaps come as no surprise that the youth hails from one of the most fertile sports villages, Liberta, which is widely known as a haven for fine athletes.

That section of the island has produced the likes of former West Indies Cricketers Kenny ‘Flipper’ Benjamin, Eldine Baptiste and the Walsh brothers.

Christian, who is a product of the vibrant Liberta Sports Club, exhibited exceptional sporting abilities quite early -- first playing cricket for that team at age eight.

The 5th form student at the All Saints Secondary School sees himself playing sports professionally in the not too distant future. He is however undecided on the sport he will eventually settle in, since he plays cricket and football quite well and currently has equal passion for both games.

Perhaps that decision would be made less complicated if it solely rested on the shoulders of his father Vere, who is an avid cricket fan and is usually present at the games.

On his quest, this rising star has not only played the games on home soil, but has already had his regional baptism.

In addition to playing for his school and club, Christian is also a member of the National Under17 football team, and has represented the nation in Jamaica and St Maarten; playing in midfield.

In cricket he is an all-rounder and has played nationally on the Under 13, 15 and 19 teams respectively and on the Under15 team in the Leeward Islands version of the game.

Ace West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo sits well in Avier’s book as his favourite cricketer, perhaps acting out what the junior cricketer hopes to better in years to come.

Avier says he is pleased with the progress cricket and football have made in Antigua & Barbuda but hopes that better opportunities will be provided for those who desire to play sports professionally.

His very compact schedule includes preparing to sit seven Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) subjects and training daily for approximately 1 ½ hours with the National Under 17 football team.



The formula which will likely see Avier Christian rising beyond the next level could be a brew of his priorities properly positioned and the continued support of his parents Vere and Cheryl Christian.

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