Aquatic Sports 1968

The aquatic sport events on Easter Monday became synonymous with the 4-H organization that was initiated in St. Kitts by Basil Henderson.  They consist  of a number of swimming races.  Once there was also a sail boat race and the organisers even tried to include a speed boat race.  The event that everybody looks forward to is the “greasy pole”.  At the end of a well greased pole leaning over the sea, a ham is hung.  The person to reach it took it as a prize. With each try there was less grease on the pole.   Eventually a fellow who could hold on long enough would reach to the end of the pole and grab the ham.

This photograph from 1968 shows Vernon James winning the event.  The photographer was James Battice.

We at the National Archives would like to wish our readers a great Easter weekend