In a triumphant return to competitive form, five-time national stickfighting champion O’Neil Odle emerged victorious at the inaugural National Carnival Commission’s Welcome to the Gayelle tournament. The historic event, held on January 3rd at the Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth and Sport Facility, marked a significant revival of traditional martial arts within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.
The competition witnessed fierce athletic displays as more than a dozen nationally-recruited contenders vied for the prestigious top prize of $10,000. Selwyn John secured second position while Terrance Marcano claimed third place in the intensely contested matches that characterized the evening’s proceedings.
According to the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the event exceeded organizational expectations with robust community engagement. Over 200 patrons attended the free-admission spectacle, which featured diverse entertainment segments alongside the primary competitive bouts. The ministry emphasized that the tournament series aims to strengthen and preserve the national stickfighting circuit through accessible community-based events.
Minister Michelle Benjamin personally addressed attendees, highlighting the government’s commitment to cultural preservation. The Welcome to the Gayelle initiative represents a single-round competition format scheduled across multiple communities, combining athletic competition with cultural performances.
Future installments are confirmed for January 10th at Debe Junction and January 17th at Constantine Park in Tunapuna. All events will commence at 7 PM local time with live streaming available through the NCC’s official YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram platforms, ensuring global accessibility to these cultural showcases.