Tremendous Turnout for 25th Annual Kite Flying Competition

Turks and Caicos, April 20, 2017 – Providenciales – Large ones, small ones, traditional and artistic, a beautiful assortment of kites took to the Turks and Caicos skies on Easter Monday.   Continuing in grand tradition, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board held the 25^th Annual Kite Flying Competition and beach party on the islands of South Caicos and Providenciales in collaboration with private sponsors.

Skillfully crafted kites, with bold designs and long tails, soared high above the skies as spectators watched kite makers vie for trophies in various divisions.   Local churches provided food and drinks, whilst Pastor Alexander Minott on South Caicos and the Tourist Board team in Providenciales ensured the event flowed smoothly.

“Our annual Kite Flying Competition continues to be a staple on the calendar for locals and tourists alike,” says Tourism Training Manager, Blythe Clare.  “This year we saw tremendous support from our communities and a surge in the number of kite entries in Providenciales. We welcomed first time participants, returning veterans, and sadly saw the retirement of competition veteran King Yelo from Providenciales, who has consistently won multiple categories year-after-year.”

The annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, which kick-started the kite flying competition, too saw record number of eager participants with the winners collecting over 14 eggs each.  Face painting and giveaways were also part of the day’s activities.

There were a number of private sponsors who contributed to the success of the events across the islands and the Tourist Board wishes to register its gratitude.  They are:  The Sands at Grace Bay, Turk’s Head Beer, Gordon’s Electrical, Executive Tours, Villa del Mar, C.O.R.E. Resources, IGA, Business Solutions, TCHTA, N.W. Hamilton, PTV8, Caicos Express Airways, Caicos Wheels, Discovery Tours, West Bay Club, Point Grace, Miller Simon O’Sullivan, Do It Center, Blue Mountain Water, and Casablanca Casino.

The official results for both islands by categories were:

SOUTH CAICOS COMPETITION

 Smallest Kite

1^st  Place       Judy Been

2^nd Place       Luc Clerveaux

3^rd  Place      Vivienne Clare

Largest Kite

1^st  Place       Turton Clare

2^nd Place       Trofibio Clare

3^rd Place       Arthur Vargas

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Most Eggs (Girl)      Callie Hall
Most Eggs (Boy)     Edmario Blackman

PROVIDENCIALES COMPETITON

 Smallest Kite

1^st   Place      Aaron Rodney

2^nd  Place      Deon Rodney
3^rd Place       Jewel Diamond

Largest Kite

1^st   Place      Dylan Brubaker

2^nd  Place      Linda Grant

3^rd  Place      Ollie Stubbs

Best Company Kite

1^st   Place      West Bay Club

2^nd  Place      Gungo Shack

3^rd  Place      TCIPS Comprehensive  High School

Best Traditional Kite

1^st Place        John Ewing
2^nd Place       Nia Ewing
3^rd Place       Demari Fulford

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Under 7 years
Most Eggs (Girl)      Tianna
Most Eggs (Boy)     Tyreek

7 – 10 years

Most Eggs (Girl)      Tracey
Most Eggs (Boy)     Antwan

The 25^th Annual Kite Flying Competition continues this weekend, Saturday, April 22 on the island of North Caicos.  The Grand Turk competition is scheduled for Saturday, April 29. Residents and visitors in the respective communities are encouraged to come out and participate in good family fun.

Patrons on North Caicos and Grand Turk are reminded that kites entering the annual competition must be handmade and registered with the judges prior to taking flight. Kites in all classes must fly for at least 2 minutes. Kites flown in last year’s competitions will be disqualified from entry.  Prizes and trophies will be given for The Smallest Kite, The Largest Kite, Best Company Kite, and Best Traditional Kite.

Children and adults are welcome to fly non-competition kites throughout the day and beyond the competition period.

For more information regarding the 25th Annual Kite Flying Competition, contact the Tourist Board office in Providenciales at (649) 946-4970 or in Grand Turk at (649) 946 2321.

Header photo: (L-R): Dylan Brubaker, Ollie Stubbs, Linda Grant all winners at this year’s Kite Flying Competition along with participant Bruce Walkin

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