In a display of youthful athleticism and spirited competition, Walcott House emerged victorious over Lewis House at the Vieux Fort Infant and Primary Schools championship held Wednesday at Phillip Marcellin Grounds. The closely contested meet culminated in a decisive 496-437 point victory for Walcott, with enthusiastic support from teachers, parents, and community members fueling the competitors throughout the event.
The championship showcased exceptional talent across multiple age categories. In the girls’ open 1000m race, McKenzee Ambrose, Andia Tal, and Shannia Classe delivered impressive performances, while the boys’ 1200m event featured strong showings from Markie Louis, Treyvion Felicien, and Khalil Jonas.
Notable individual achievements emerged in the Under-11 and Under-13 divisions. Arianna Descartes demonstrated remarkable consistency in U11 girls’ events, while Aiden Smith dominated the U13 boys’ category. Mariella Descartes excelled in U13 girls’ middle-distance competitions, highlighting the depth of talent across age groups.
Relay events formed a centerpiece of the championship program, emphasizing teamwork, coordination, and technical precision. Athletes including Arianna Descartes, Kyron Beckford, Curticia Marcellin, Aiden Smith, and Nya Joseph executed flawless baton exchanges and powerful anchor legs, contributing significantly to their teams’ successes.
Organized under the leadership of physical education teachers Sashima Harry and Jesse Fontallio, the event represented weeks of dedicated preparation. Fontallio emphasized the institutional support for physical education, noting: ‘The principals of both schools recognize physical education as essential to holistic student development. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making events like this possible.’
The championship benefited from substantial community and corporate backing, with donations and parental involvement playing crucial roles. ‘We’ve received tremendous support from the commercial sector and parents alike,’ Fontallio told St Lucia Times. ‘The turnout today demonstrates how deeply our community values youth development through sports.’
This collaborative meet established a robust framework for future inter-school initiatives within the Vieux Fort district, effectively embodying the ‘Phoenix Stars Rising’ ethos while promoting comprehensive student development through athletic excellence.