A kaleidoscope of colour blanketed the Queen’s Park Savannah on Glorious Saturday as scores of aeronautic enthusiasts displayed their skills and creativity at the Radio 90.5FM 20th Annual Easter Kite Flying Competition.
Approximately 175 contestants vied for top honours in eight categories at this year’s golden celebration. Kites of varying shapes, sizes, colours and designs drifted across the cloudless sky as pilots tactically navigated along the Savannah grass.
Soaring to victory in the ‘Best 90.5 Kite’ division, was 2018 runner-up Nigel Hosein, who wowed the judges with an ingenious addition of LED lights to his showpiece. Although his kite was visually appealing, it was also able to maintain its ascent and flutter for hours in the high winds.
Following his triumph, Hosein was elated. “All the hard work I put into this kite paid off in the end. It feels great to come out and win alongside my supportive family members. I invested over $1,000 into my presentation this year and I am also going to donate the kite to the 90.5FM studio as a gesture of gratitude to them.”
The most tightly contested division however, was the bmobile-sponsored ‘Mad Bull’ category which saw the highest influx of entrants. In the end, it was Jason Juanetty’s intricately designed blue/black/yellow masterpiece which flew above the rest. Juanetty’s kite stood over 10-feet tall but eased its way into the blue abyss and maintained its flight. This was his second ‘Mad Bull’ win since he began competing in 2017.
“It’s a great feeling to show youths that kite-making is still alive,” said the 43-year old backed by his contingent of 15, all hailing from Vistabella. “This is a family event for us every year. Thanks to 90.5 for hosting the event and bmobile for spearheading this particular category. I love to build ‘Mad Bulls’ and next year’s kite is already in the planning.”
TSTT’s Manager Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations, Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, was present to witness the day’s activities and was awed by the innovation of the participants.
“We have been involved with the Kite-Flying competition for many years and it’s refreshing to see families coming out for a day of fun and outdoor activity,” she said. “Culture, alongside Health, Education and Sport, is one of our pillars at the bmobile Foundation. We believe it is critical to preserve this rich cultural history. Some of the designs and creativity of the participants show the true fabric of Trinidad and Tobago. As a people, we are indeed a ‘melting pot’ of talent.”
Other winners from the remaining categories saw Sherin Mohammed sail to the ‘Most Colourful Caribbean Airlines Kite’; Ayanelle Alexander top the field in the ‘Best Newsday Kite’; Suresh Manthony claim the title of ‘Best Dairy Dairy Box Kite’, Justin Tambie rise to the occasion in the ‘Best Chee Zees Kite’ (new division); Penny Mahase glide to victory in the ‘Most Innovative’ and Sanjeev Singh finish golden in the ‘Chickee Chong’ division.
Managing Director of Caribbean Lifestyle Communications, Kiran Maharaj, expressed pleasure with the impressive turnout and remains committed to hosting such family-oriented events.
“It’s an honour to know that The People’s Radio Station 90.5FM hosts the biggest family event on T&T’s calendar. This event brings together generations, family, friends and communities and encourages spending quality time with a fun-filled activity. Over the years we’ve had people from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and other countries visit Trinidad for this event. Being here for 20 years with people who have literally grown up on the event is fulfilling and we thank all of our supporters and our sponsors.”
Participants and supporters were also provided with entertainment courtesy Karma, Dil-E-Nadaan and Kes the Illusionist. They were also privy to a flurry of giveaways courtesy the event sponsors.