Defining Moments

By Amadeo I. D. Francis

A story on the assimilation of a native U. S. Virgin Islander into the economic, political and social fabric of what is initially an alien culture, that of the neighboring island of Puerto Rico where, over the succeeding decades he achieves recognition for his contributions to the island's economic and international achievements. Carefully balancing his leadership roles in the local, regional and international forum, he also achieves leadership roles in the sport of Athletics. He relates his frustrations when he returns to serve his homeland with varying degrees of success and acclaim while failing to measure up to the peculiar obsessions of two of the four governors who so enthuastically invited him back home.The author documents his achievements in the field of Athletics as he progresses from his initial forays in the sport of track and field under the visionary eyes of a determined college coach through to leadership roles at national, regional, hemispheric and finally world stages. He participates in the founding of several regional and hemispheric entities that would benefit the youth of the less developed national affiliates of the international governing body, while fostering changes in the conduct of the sport. His story takes us through 13 Olympic Games in which he was involved as a competitor, a team official, a technical delegate overseeing the organization and conduct of the Athletics program and as a member of the Jury of Appeals.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1479385875
• ISBN13: 9781479385874
• Release Date: October 2012
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"