On Saturday evening, November 1, Duty Free Pointe Seraphine in Saint Lucia became a vibrant hub of diverse sporting activities as the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 Alternative Sports Season. The event showcased an eclectic mix of non-traditional sports, including chess, darts, paintball, surfing, racecars, BMX, vehicular audio, and video games, all aimed at bringing these lesser-known disciplines into the limelight. The season, which will run through March, seeks to elevate sports that often lack formal organization or mainstream recognition. The launch featured interactive booths hosted by national federations for mixed martial arts, chess, pools, esports, paintball, and surfing, allowing attendees to engage directly with these sports and witness elite practitioners in action. Highlights of the evening included the display of the Invest Saint Lucia Toyota Supra MK4, a dominant force in regional drag racing, and the popular esports booth, which drew significant attention from younger participants. Minister for Youth Development & Sports, Kenson Casimir, and Invest Saint Lucia chairman, Lyndon Arnold, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of fostering alternative sports. To ensure the sustainability of these sports beyond the five-month season, the ministry has already initiated capacity-building efforts, including a seminar in September focused on governance, financial management, and strategic planning for clubs and associations.
