Kimesha Walters, Gleaner Writer

There was an air of excitement, celebration and anticipation as the nervous residents of Evergreen district gathered to watch their star, Simone Facey, compete in the 200-metre race in Berlin yesterday.

Some prayed for a miracle, others just kept their fingers crossed, but everyone was hoping that a new light would shine on their community. Adorned in their national colours, and with 'pot cover', more than 20 residents converged on a bar owned by Facey's cousin, Kemar Brooks, in the square of the northwest Manchester community.

High spirits

While Facey placed sixth and did not medal, nothing could break the spirit of friends and family members who had made arrangements for celebrations from early yesterday. Brooks said they normally played music in the community on Saturdays, but his cousin had brought a reason for premature partying.

"Tru she reach the finals, that kinda boost us up to play music," he said, enthusiasm still high in his voice. "Likkle more, people a guh come a road an wi a go talk bout it (the race) and have a drink," added Brooks.

Riding on the thrill of seeing her neighbour and friend qualify, Dorreth White explained that some community members were cooking cow foot and mannish water to hand out free of cost. As she spoke, music blared in the background, hinting at what they were preparing for later that evening.

"People did a knock pot head and a shout. All me jus done shout, an mi feel good fi know she inna di finals," she exclaimed.

Still proud of Facey

Sandra DaCosta, another cousin, said she was still proud of Facey's performance. "I feel proud she reach so far although she never get a medal. I hope she will have better luck next time." Facey's mother, Merlene Forbes said, echoing the same sentiments.

Forbes, who said she watched the race at a cousin's house, was reserved when she spoke to The Gleaner. "Mi did feel nervous," she said.

"Mi nearly drop down when me see har a run come in and she neva come nutt'n."

Nonetheless, the proud mom expressed her gratitude for her only child who is involved in athletics. "Mi feel happy. Mi proud a har," she declared.

kimesha.walters@gleanerjm.com