分类： sports

Tacarigua witnessed a celebration of track and field prowess on January 3 as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) honored Trinidad and Tobago’s top performers at its annual awards ceremony. The event, held at the National Racquet Centre, crowned javelin specialist Keshorn Walcott and sprint sensation Leah Bertrand as Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year respectively.

This recognition comes merely days after both athletes secured the highest honors at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s 31st awards ceremony on December 29, completing a remarkable double achievement. Walcott’s golden moment arrived at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan, where he launched his javelin to a championship-winning 88.16 meters. Bertrand simultaneously achieved personal milestones, setting new benchmarks of 10.92 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.54 seconds in the 200 meters.

The awards ceremony comprehensively recognized excellence across disciplines and age groups. Jereem Richards, the world championship silver medalist in the 400 meters, received the Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete award, while Tyra Gittens-Spotsville claimed the female field equivalent.

Youth athletics received prominent recognition with Christopher Sammy earning Youth Male Athlete of the Year for his double-gold performance in the 1,500m and 3,000m at the Carifta Games. Oshea Cummings mirrored this achievement by securing the female youth honor following her gold and bronze medals in middle-distance events.

The junior categories saw defending champion Janae De Gannes retain her Junior Female Athlete of the Year title, with Jaden Marchan taking the male equivalent. Both athletes medaled at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.

Specialized discipline awards went to Tafari Waldron and Alexia John (Cross Country Athletes of the Year), Nicholas Romany and Aniqah Bailey (Road Running Athletes of the Year), and the multi-talented Vincent twins—Tenique and Tyrique—who dominated the combined events categories.

Club accolades were claimed by RSS Phoenix (Juvenile and Junior Club of the Year) and Abilene Wildcats (Senior Club of the Year), while Daeshaun Cole received the prestigious President’s Rising Star award.

The ceremony also paid tribute to long-serving contributors, including posthumous recognition for coaches Eldwin Noel and Verna Edwards, highlighting the community’s enduring commitment to athletic development.

In the small community of Tabaquite, a remarkable young athlete is redefining what’s possible for girls in competitive football. Mikaylee Francis, a 13-year-old standard five student at Tabaquite Roman Catholic School, demonstrates extraordinary balance between academic excellence and athletic prowess while challenging deep-rooted gender stereotypes in sports.

Francis’s journey began at age seven when she discovered football through her cousin’s team involvement. “I took a natural liking for it,” she recalls, describing how casual observation evolved into genuine passion. With maternal support, she formally joined Gasparillo Youths Football Club at age 11, competing in the Under-12 category despite being one of the few female participants.

The path hasn’t been without challenges. Francis regularly encounters skepticism about girls’ football capabilities, with critics asserting she “can’t play football as good as a boy.” Rather than being discouraged, she responds with competitive confidence: “Well, let us play and see who is better.”

Her inaugural competitive match against Pleasantville Government Primary proved emotionally charged. “I was scared… we didn’t win, and I was so heartbroken I started to cry,” Francis remembers. This early disappointment became a foundational lesson in resilience, with mother Megan Parasram encouraging persistence and teamwork.

As a striker, Francis thrives on goal-scoring opportunities and team dynamics. She maintains rigorous training twice weekly under coach Sandra Pompey’s guidance, emphasizing discipline as crucial to improvement. Her pre-match routine involves strategic stretching and shot practice, approached with notable composure for her age.

The dedication has yielded impressive results. Francis recently earned a trophy when her school placed second in the Victoria District National Primary School Football League. She additionally received TT Football Association recognition for scoring the most goals in July/August’s G-League, with her team qualifying for national playoffs.

Balancing academic responsibilities with athletic ambitions requires careful prioritization. Francis acknowledges occasionally missing games for “pressing things for school,” with mathematics standing as her favorite subject. Beyond football, she enjoys basketball with her siblings—two brothers and a younger sister.

Looking toward 2026, Francis aims to secure placement at her first-choice secondary school, San Fernando Central Secondary. Her long-term aspirations include representing Trinidad and Tobago nationally and pursuing professional international football. Inspired by Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal, she also nurtures ambitions to become a nurse, motivated by desires “to help people.”

Coach Pompey describes Francis as “a strong, well-disciplined player with a lot of potential,” expressing the team’s collective pride in her accomplishments. Mother Megan Parasram shares this pride, noting that seeing her daughter “happy and smiling” brings greatest satisfaction.

For girls hesitant to pursue football, Francis offers empowering advice: “Don’t listen to anyone if they tell you can’t play football. You can, and you can do very well.” Her story stands as testament to what determination, support, and genuine passion can achieve against societal expectations.

Rio Claro cricket prodigy Aadian Racha stands on the precipice of international acclaim as the sole Trinidadian representative selected for West Indies’ 15-man squad competing in the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6. The lanky all-rounder, whose right-arm fast bowling complements his left-handed batting prowess, has emerged from Trinidad’s youth cricket system to secure his position among the region’s most promising talents.

Racha’s selection culminates a year of demonstrated excellence during Youth ODI series victories against Sri Lanka (4-3) and England (5-2). Across eight appearances, the 19-year-old delivered compelling performances with both bat and ball—scoring 85 runs at a 17.0 average while claiming 11 wickets at an economical 4.53 rate. His standout moment arrived December 1 in Grenada with a devastating four-wicket haul for 21 runs against England, complemented by a crucial 31-run innings that secured a 59-run victory.

Despite financial constraints preventing centralized training camps, Racha has maintained rigorous preparation under the guidance of former Trinidad leg-spinner Imran Khan and current Red Force coach Rayad Emrit. Through simulated match scenarios at the National Cricket Centre in Couva and Stefon’s Ultimate Indoor Sporting Facility in Rousillac, he has refined his tactical awareness and pressure bowling techniques.

‘This selection represents not only my dream but my father’s aspiration to see a Trinidadian represent the West Indies at any level,’ Racha told Newsday during a January 3 interview. ‘With dedication and faith, I believe I can deliver World Cup performances mirroring my recent contributions.’

The Windies enter Group D competition against Afghanistan, South Africa, and Tanzania, with warm-up matches scheduled against Ireland (January 10) and Japan (January 13). Captain Joshua Dorne leads a squad strengthened by wicket-keeper/batsman Jewel Andrew’s previous Under-19 World Cup experience and subsequent senior team appearances.

Racha remains optimistic about the team’s prospects: ‘Our collective bond and understanding of individual roles create a foundation for success. Each player brings unique strengths that could carry us deep into the tournament.’

The tournament structure features four groups of four teams, with top-three finishers advancing to the Super Six phase. Semifinals commence February 3-4, culminating in the February 6 championship at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) presents a compelling narrative of rivalry and reunion as defending champions Defence Force prepare to confront San Juan Jabloteh in a pivotal Friday night encounter at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. The match gains additional intrigue with Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock’s strategic transfer to Jabloteh after instrumental contributions to Defence Force’s unbeaten championship campaign last season.

Leacock, the 26-year-old striker who shared top scoring honors with 16 goals and claimed the Forward of the Season award in 2024/25, now represents the opposition alongside returning playmaker Lindell Sween. The 19-year-old Sween rejoins Jabloteh following a brief European stint with Croatia’s NK Jarun, with coach Marvin Gordon anticipating both reinforcements will bolster his seventh-placed squad against the league’s sole undefeated team.

Defence Force, operating as the Army/Coast Guard combination, currently occupies third position with 20 points from eight matches while maintaining two games in hand over frontrunners Police FC (22 points) and second-place Club Sando (21 points). Their defensive resilience and attacking prowess remain unquestioned despite Leacock’s departure.

The evening features a competitive double-header with former champions AC Port of Spain facing MIC Central FC Reboot in the opening fixture. Both teams sit narrowly separated in fifth and sixth positions respectively, promising a closely contested battle.

Concurrent matches across multiple venues include Police FC seeking redemption against bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers following their surprising defeat to Prisons FC. The resurgent Prisons squad, now fourth in standings, confronts Point Fortin Civic while Club Sando tests their title credentials against struggling 1976 FC Phoenix.

The league table reflects intense competition with mere points separating contenders, setting the stage for a potentially transformative matchday in Trinidad and Tobago’s premier football competition.

Trinidad and Tobago’s javelin legend Keshorn Walcott approaches the 2026 athletic season liberated from competitive pressures, having cemented his legacy with a long-awaited World Championship gold in September 2025. The two-time Olympic medalist now focuses exclusively on achieving one monumental final throw that would permanently etch his name in athletic history.

Walcott’s triumphant moment in Tokyo culminated a 13-year pursuit of world championship glory, adding the missing piece to a collection that includes Olympic gold from London 2012 and bronze from Rio 2016. This breakthrough has fundamentally transformed the athlete’s mentality as he prepares for his final competitive campaigns.

“There’s no real pressure this year,” Walcott revealed. “I feel like I have accomplished everything possible in the sport. My goal is to conclude my career exactly as I began—simply enjoying the process while pursuing one extraordinary throw that the world will remember.”

The Toco-born athlete has targeted surpassing the 90-meter barrier again, potentially reaching for a staggering 93-94 meter throw under ideal conditions. His personal best of 90.16m, achieved in Lausanne during 2015, remains the benchmark he aims to exceed. Walcott came remarkably close in 2021 with a 89.12m effort at Finland’s Paavo Nurmi Games that earned him silver.

Walcott’s 2026 schedule includes strategic appearances at July’s Central American and Caribbean Games, the Commonwealth Games in July/August, select Diamond League events, and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in September. This carefully curated competition calendar reflects his methodical approach to achieving peak performance when conditions align perfectly.

The athlete attributes his recent success to collaboration with German biomechanics coach Klaus Bartonietz, whom he credits as the architect behind his World Championship victory. The 2025 season also saw Walcott launch his KW Sports and Rehabilitation Center in Woodbrook—his first business venture outside competition.

Reflecting on his challenging journey to the world title, Walcott described 2025 as “a year of exhaustion, uncertainty and trust.” Balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with intensive training under a new coaching regime created immense physical and mental demands. Yet this rigorous process ultimately yielded the most perfect competitive outcome imaginable.

The TT Olympic Committee recognized Walcott’s extraordinary year by naming him Sportsman of the Year at their December 29 awards ceremony. As he enters what may be his final competitive season, Walcott does so with unprecedented mental clarity and freedom—conditions he believes could produce the throw that defines not just his career, but the sport itself.

With the 2026 CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers approaching, Trinidad and Tobago’s coaching staff faces formidable selection challenges as they evaluate over 40 prospects for the final squad. Head coach Randolph Boyce must finalize his roster before TT’s opening match against Barbados in February.

Among the standout candidates are three England-based talents: Reading FC’s Kayden Bancey, Crystal Palace U-15 player Jashaun Christmas, and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tate Ormonde. The trio has been training alongside domestic prospects at a intensive residential camp at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium over the past fortnight.

Bancey, qualifying through his Trinidadian mother and grandmother, brings creative attacking midfield capabilities. “Playing as a central attacking midfielder, I believe I can contribute more goals or create different scoring opportunities,” the 15-year-old stated in a TTFA media release. “Representing your country is an honor—that alone constitutes a significant achievement.”

TT finds itself in Group A alongside Barbados, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and tournament favorites Mexico. The stakes are exceptionally high: only the group winner will advance to the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Christmas draws inspiration from Crystal Palace teammate Rio Cardines, who progressed through TT’s youth system to become a senior national team regular. “Watching him excel for his country motivates me to improve,” Christmas remarked. “Making my family proud and representing at higher levels would undoubtedly enhance my development upon returning to academy football.”

Ormonde, primarily a right-back with midfield versatility, described the camp as “tough and really intense” but invaluable for his development. “The players push me to my limits, and I believe this daily challenge is making me a better athlete,” he noted, while acknowledging the competitive yet welcoming environment among local players.

TT’s qualification campaign runs from February 3-12 at Mucurapo’s Hasely Crawford Stadium, culminating with a decisive match against Mexico on February 12.

Cricket enthusiasts in Tacarigua are set for an exhilarating weekend as the Norman’s Windball Cricket League recommences its competitive action on January 3rd. The Buggy Haynes Recreation Ground will serve as the battleground for both best of the rest and premier division knockout matches, marking a pivotal phase in the tournament’s progression.

The day’s schedule commences at 12:30 PM with Allegiance squaring off against D Crushers in a round-of-16 encounter within the best of the rest category. The victorious team will advance directly to quarter-final competition against Tacarigua Recruits at 2:00 PM. The afternoon’s proceedings will culminate with a premier division round-of-16 showdown between Moondogs and More Fire International.

January 4th will witness the continuation of premier division knockout battles beginning at 9:30 AM as Poison Sports confront Savannah Boys. Subsequent matches feature CSK versus Cheers Anthrax at 11:30 AM, followed by Supersonic taking on Hit & Run at 1:15 PM. The day’s final encounter at 3:00 PM will see defending champions Acono Sauce Team testing their mettle against Caparo Warriors in what promises to be a gripping contest.

The tournament structure extends beyond the current weekend with Over-40 quarter-finals scheduled for the following weekend. With over $100,000 in total prize money distributed across all divisions, the competition maintains significant financial incentives for participating teams. The league championship is projected to reach its conclusion by the end of January, maintaining intense anticipation among players and spectators alike.

West Indies cricket endured its most devastating year in modern history during 2025, according to veteran commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira, who delivered a scathing assessment of the structural collapse within Caribbean cricket’s foundation.

The symbolic nadir occurred at Sabina Park, Jamaica, where Australia’s demolition of the West Indies for a mere 27 runs represented what Perreira called “the unhappiest day since I started watching the West Indies in 1953.” In an exclusive interview with Newsday, the seasoned analyst rejected the notion that this humiliation was an anomaly, instead identifying it as the inevitable consequence of deeply entrenched systemic failures.

Perreira highlighted the alarming absence of West Indies batsmen from the ICC Test rankings’ top 50—with Shai Hope languishing at 60th—as evidence of the regional first-class championship’s inadequacy. “Most of our batsmen just don’t have the fundamentals,” he stated, explaining that bowlers in domestic competitions fail to apply sustained pressure, leaving technically deficient batters unprepared for Test cricket’s demands.

The commentator dismissed Cricket West Indies’ emergency consultations with legends Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, and Clive Lloyd as “cosmetic exercises” designed for public consumption rather than meaningful reform. He instead advocated for fundamental changes: reintroducing English county teams to regional tournaments to elevate competition quality, revitalizing secondary school and club cricket infrastructures, and implementing specialized coaching from under-17 levels upward.

Perreira particularly criticized the coaching structure that burdens Daren Sammy with triple responsibilities across white-ball, red-ball, and selection duties. “It’s just too much for one coach,” he argued, pointing to inconsistent performances—breaking a 34-year ODI series drought in Pakistan followed by a 5-0 T20 whitewash against Australia—as proof that specialized coaching staff are essential.

Administrative concerns extended to CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow, whom Perreira believed should have resigned after being elected to parliament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to properly serve his constituency.

Despite the overwhelming gloom, Perreira identified a silver lining in the emerging fast-bowling trio of Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph—though he expressed frustration about the latter’s unexplained fitness delays. He also sounded alarms about the women’s game stagnating due to inadequate grassroots investment, warning that the region falls further behind the “Big Three” nations annually.

Perreira’s ultimate prescription involves abandoning short-term fixes and dramatically expanding cricket’s base at school levels, cautioning that without such fundamental changes, 2026 may replicate 2025’s disappointments.

Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic excellence will be celebrated on January 3rd as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) prepares to host its prestigious annual awards ceremony at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. The event promises to recognize outstanding achievements across multiple track and field disciplines following a remarkable competitive season.

Heading the list of anticipated honorees are two-time Olympic medalist Keshorn Walcott and rising sprint sensation Leah Bertrand, both fresh from receiving top accolades from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). Walcott, coming off a spectacular 2025 season that saw him claim gold in the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Championships, was recently named TTOC’s Sportsman of the Year. His championship-winning throw of 88.16 meters marked a triumphant return to the pinnacle of his sport.

Bertrand, who dramatically lowered her personal bests to 10.92 seconds in the 100-meter and 22.54 seconds in the 200-meter events, captured the TTOC Sportswoman of the Year title. The 23-year-old sprinter, who also won the same honor in 2024, appears poised to complete a remarkable double by securing the NAAA’s top prize for the second consecutive year after previously claiming both the Senior Female Athlete of the Year and Women’s Track Athlete of the Year awards.

The ceremony will also spotlight emerging talent, including 22-year-old sprinter Shaniqua Bascombe who enjoyed a successful comeback season culminating in gold medal performance in the women’s 100-meter final at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Bascombe clocked an impressive 11.19 seconds before contributing to Team TTO’s silver medal finish in the women’s 4×100-meter relay.

On the junior circuit, 19-year-old jumper Janae De Gannes is expected to receive recognition following her bronze medal in the long jump at the Junior Pan Am Games and her role in the silver-winning relay team. De Gannes previously secured silver in the girls’ Under-20 long jump at the CARIFTA Games, where compatriot Gianna Paul completed a dominant one-two finish for Trinidad and Tobago with gold.

The comprehensive awards program will distribute 62 prizes spanning categories from Under-9 to open divisions, acknowledging not only athletes but also coaches and other key contributors to the development of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago.