分类: sports

  • SHINE 5K to benefit hurricane-stricken children in Jamaica

    SHINE 5K to benefit hurricane-stricken children in Jamaica

    Guardian Group’s annual SHINE 5K and 10K Charity Walk and Run has demonstrated remarkable philanthropic impact through its eighth edition held on November 29, 2025. The event, which originated in 2015, has evolved into a significant movement benefiting numerous organizations dedicated to children’s welfare across Trinidad and Tobago and beyond.

    During a December 15 ceremony at Guardian Group’s Westmoorings headquarters, over thirty child-focused organizations received substantial funding from the $780,000 raised through this year’s initiative. The distribution ceremony highlighted the sustained commitment of corporate Trinidad to social development through athletic philanthropy.

    Ayesha Boucaud-Claxton, Group Head of Marketing and Communication at Guardian Group, emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative. “SHINE has transcended beyond a mere event into a genuine movement characterized by generosity, unity, and collective care,” she stated. “Our dedication to community development remains sustained, deliberate, and deeply embedded in our organizational identity.”

    This year’s edition introduced a regional humanitarian component, with portions of the proceeds allocated to support Jamaican children affected by Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025. The storm particularly impacted western Jamaica, prompting Guardian Group to extend its philanthropic reach across the Caribbean.

    “Our assistance extends beyond national borders this year,” Boucaud-Claxton explained. “This allocation demonstrates our recognition of Caribbean unity—when one territory suffers, we collectively respond as a single family.”

    Corporate partners including One Caribbean Media, Liberty Business, and SM Jaleel received special recognition for their sustained support in amplifying the initiative’s impact. Beneficiary organizations spanned diverse focus areas including the Autism Support Network, Dyslexia Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Playable Caribbean, and Just Because Foundation, all providing essential services in safety, mentorship, education, and counseling for vulnerable youth.

    The funds will primarily strengthen existing programs, expand service capabilities, and create new opportunities for children facing significant challenges. Guardian Group officials encouraged continuing the “yeoman service” provided by these organizations in transforming obstacles into opportunities for the next generation.

  • Cuba’s Yuray Preval lights up RABZ 9 with heavyweight crown

    Cuba’s Yuray Preval lights up RABZ 9 with heavyweight crown

    In a spectacular display of combat prowess, Cuban martial artist Yuray Preval emerged victorious at the RABZ 9: Boxing Day Come Early event held at The Sound Forge in Mucurapo on December 13. Preval claimed the inaugural RABZ heavyweight championship by defeating Trinidad and Tobago’s Liam “Shogun” Chin Choy through unanimous decision in the night’s main event.

    The international kickboxing showcase featured athletes from Cuba, St Lucia, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago competing across eight thrilling bouts. Preval, representing RAMS Fight Club, demonstrated exceptional technique and relentless aggression throughout the championship match, maintaining his perfect RABZ record of 5-0 victories.

    Several other fighters delivered notable performances during the event. Nevin “Hazzard” Byer secured a unanimous decision victory against Aiden Rampaul in the 145-pound division, while Nicholas “The Executive” Elliott dominated St Lucian opponent Charles Greenidge in the 175-pound category. The women’s division saw Ariel Solomon achieve victory over Vanessa Sankar via unanimous decision in the 125-pound debutant matchup.

    Additional results included Marc Sargeant’s technical knockout win against Brayan Alfonzo in the 130-pound C-class bout, and Venezuelan fighter Samuel Negrin’s technical knockout victory over Emmanuel Jugmohan. Levi Salloum earned a unanimous decision against Varenyam Maharaj in the 165-pound class, while Aaimar John and Alexi McDeigan fought to a majority draw in their 145-pound contest.

    RABZ Fight Promotions has announced ambitious expansion plans for 2026, intending to provide enhanced opportunities for champions including welterweight titleholder Ronaldo Diaz, middleweight champion Le Shaun Moreno, and newly crowned heavyweight king Preval to compete on regional and international platforms.

  • Anthony Patrick architects two upsets almost simultaneously

    Anthony Patrick architects two upsets almost simultaneously

    Veteran football strategist Anthony Patrick achieved an extraordinary coaching double on Wednesday, securing two significant victories across different competitions within hours. The seasoned mentor first guided underdogs Racing United to a stunning 1-0 victory against Caribbean champions Mount Pleasant FC, marking the latter’s inaugural defeat this Jamaican Premier League season. Demonstrating remarkable tactical prowess, Patrick immediately traveled from Ferdie Neita Park to Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex to oversee St Catherine High’s dramatic 3-2 Walker Cup semifinal triumph over perennial champions Kingston College.

    Racing United’s remarkable ascent continues as the second-year top-flight club now occupies second position in the league standings with 25 points from 12 matches, trailing leaders Montego Bay United by a single point. The decisive moment arrived during stoppage time when Damion Herrera’s 93rd-minute strike penetrated Mount Pleasant’s previously unbreached defense.

    Patrick revealed his comprehensive preparation methodology: “We conducted extensive analysis of Mount Pleasant’s tactical system and individual tendencies, developing specific strategies to neutralize their strengths. Our players executed the gameplan flawlessly, denying them opportunities to implement their preferred style.”

    The coach particularly emphasized squad discipline: “During pre-match preparations, I randomly questioned players about their specific responsibilities, and their precise responses demonstrated complete understanding of our tactical approach.”

    Following his first victory, Patrick delegated initial Walker Cup sideline duties to trusted assistant Theo Brown—his former Bridgeport protege from their 2006 Manning Cup triumph—before arriving during the second half. With St Catherine protecting a narrow 2-1 advantage against relentless Kingston College pressure, Patrick’s tactical adjustments proved decisive as Dwight Gentles secured his second goal in the 69th minute, ultimately ensuring the semifinal victory.

    Patrick elaborated on their strategic approach: “Theo and I identified vulnerabilities in Kingston College’s wingback positioning and ball-handling capabilities. We implemented a false-nine formation to exploit transitional opportunities, which our players executed magnificently.”

    The coach specifically praised standout performers Gentles and Kedean Young—whom he described as among schoolboy football’s elite talents—while expressing optimism about securing silverware for both school and parish in the upcoming final.

  • New Zealand openers pummel Windies on first day of third Test

    New Zealand openers pummel Windies on first day of third Test

    New Zealand’s cricket team delivered a masterclass performance on day one of the third Test against West Indies at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, establishing overwhelming dominance through a historic batting display. The home team finished at 334/1, leaving the Caribbean visitors searching for effective bowling strategies throughout the proceedings.

    The foundation of New Zealand’s commanding position was built upon a monumental 323-run opening partnership between Devon Conway and Tom Latham, a collaboration that ranks tied for the 12th-best first-wicket stand in Test cricket history. Latham’s exceptional innings of 137 runs from 246 deliveries featured 15 boundaries and one maximum before veteran paceman Kemar Roach eventually broke through for his 294th Test wicket.

    Conway remained unbeaten at stumps with an impressive 178 runs from 279 balls, demonstrating remarkable consistency with 25 fours as he approached the 200-run milestone. Nightwatchman Jacob Duffy provided support with nine not out, contributing to New Zealand’s impressive scoring rate of 3.71 runs per over.

    West Indies assistant coach Rayon Griffith acknowledged the challenging day, stating: ‘It was a tough day. It’s cricket, that is how it goes. Sometimes you have tough times and sometimes you have easier days.’ He specifically commended the quality of batting displayed by the New Zealand openers.

    Roach emerged as the sole successful bowler for the visitors, finishing with figures of 1/63 from 19 overs. The match resumes on December 18 at 6 pm TT time for what promises to be another demanding day for the West Indies bowling attack.

  • Reggae Boyz could face Nigeria in play-off after Super Eagles complaint against DR Congo

    Reggae Boyz could face Nigeria in play-off after Super Eagles complaint against DR Congo

    Jamaica’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces potential disruption as Nigeria launches a formal challenge against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification. The Super Eagles have filed an official complaint with world football’s governing body alleging their opponents fielded ineligible players during last month’s African play-off final.

    The controversy centers on several players who recently switched international allegiance to represent DR Congo, including prominent figures Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The Nigeria Football Federation contends these athletes violated FIFA regulations by holding dual citizenship despite Congolese law prohibiting the practice. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi asserted that FIFA was “deceived into clearing them” through what the federation considers fraudulent documentation.

    Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s protest, it would fundamentally alter the inter-confederation playoff structure. Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, initially scheduled to face New Caledonia in March with the winner advancing against DR Congo, might instead confront Nigeria for the coveted World Cup berth. This potential matchup would create a dramatic final qualification showdown between two nations separated by the Atlantic but connected through football’s global appeal.

    The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has vehemently rejected the allegations, characterizing Nigeria’s challenge as an attempt to “win via the back door.” In a strongly worded social media statement, Fecofa declared that World Cup qualification should be determined “with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks,” while simultaneously welcoming the formal investigation.

    The impending FIFA ruling carries significant implications for all involved federations, potentially reshaping the final qualifying landscape for the 2026 World Cup scheduled across North America and Mexico.

  • Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Cornwall College, Clarendon College set up Ben Francis Cup final clash

    Two Jamaican scholastic football powerhouses, Cornwall College and Clarendon College, have successfully navigated their semi-final matches to secure a highly anticipated championship clash in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup competition. The decisive matches unfolded on Thursday, setting the stage for a final confrontation scheduled for Saturday at the National Stadium.

    At Drax Hall, Cornwall College delivered a commanding performance against McGrath High, securing a 2-0 victory. This triumph marked their second win over the St Catherine-based school within a fortnight, following a previous victory in the daCosta Cup quarter-finals in Montego Bay. The match was decisively shaped by Shakeen Gibson’s exceptional performance, with the player netting both goals. Gibson broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from inside the 18-yard box. He later sealed the victory in the 81st minute, expertly finishing a setup from teammate Kavontae Gooden by slotting the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Griffiths.

    Simultaneously, a dramatic semi-final unfolded at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. Clarendon College and Mannings’ School were locked in a 1-1 stalemate after regulation time, necessitating a penalty shootout. Clarendon College ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-1 win on penalties. Anthony Reid had initially put Clarendon in the lead with a goal in the 12th minute. However, Mannings’ School fought back, with Jordan Turner equalizing in the 53rd minute, ultimately forcing the nail-biting shootout. This hard-fought victory earns Clarendon College a consecutive appearance in the Ben Francis Cup final.

  • Blue Marlins have record-breaking Trinidad meet

    Blue Marlins have record-breaking Trinidad meet

    The Blue Marlins Swim Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines delivered an extraordinary performance at the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational, held from December 11-14 at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva. Competing in a 50-meter long-course pool against 47 teams, the six-member Vincentian contingent achieved a remarkable 13th place overall finish while breaking multiple national records.

    The competition witnessed historic achievements from the young athletes. Hazen Da Briel demolished his own SVG National Long Course Record in the Male 15-16 200m Individual Medley, clocking 2:24.30, and secured a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke while achieving personal bests in 10 of his 12 events.

    Belle Adams continued the record-breaking trend by surpassing her own national mark in the girls 11-12 400m Individual Medley with a time of 6:32.63. Her performance earned three bronze medals across freestyle and butterfly events.

    In a family triumph, Zane Dabriel broke his brother Hazen’s Male 8-and-under backstroke National Record set in 2018, while also claiming bronze in the 50m breaststroke. Caghry Williams demonstrated consistency with two silver medals and one bronze in breaststroke events, achieving personal bests in 9 of 11 races.

    The entire team showed significant improvement, with Zoey May and Raya Adams delivering perfect performances by setting personal records in all their respective events.

    The delegation, managed by Marcus Da Briel with chaperone Bettie Jn Baptiste-Adams, received high praise from Head Coach Tamarah St. Hilaire, who expressed immense pride in the swimmers’ development and acknowledged the supporting parents and assistant coaches Kyle Dougan and Anwar Medjehed for their contributions to the team’s success.

  • Gusto scores, but Pack lose in title matchup

    Gusto scores, but Pack lose in title matchup

    In a dramatic overtime finale at WakeMed Soccer Park, the University of Washington Huskies captured their first-ever NCAA Division I men’s soccer championship with a 3-2 victory over North Carolina State. The championship match, played in frigid 25-degree conditions, concluded just 1:54 into golden goal overtime when Harrison Bertos delivered the title-winning shot inside the penalty area.

    The unseeded Huskies established early dominance with a 2-0 advantage before NC State mounted a spirited comeback. Wolfpack striker Donavan Phillip ignited hopes in the 66th minute with an acrobatic finish for his 19th goal of the season – leading all Division I scorers and marking the program’s highest tally since 1982. The comeback gained momentum when senior midfielder Taig Healy equalized at 2-2 in the 87th minute, forcing the championship into extra time.

    Phillip, who had previously scored four goals in the NCAA tournament and five game-winners during the season, was unable to provide another decisive moment. The Castries-born forward now faces a career crossroads with one year of eligibility remaining at NC State. Despite being selected 62nd overall by Colorado in last year’s MLS SuperDraft, Phillip indicated strong inclination toward returning to college soccer under coach Marc Hubbard’s guidance.

    Reflecting on the emotional loss, Phillip acknowledged the departing seniors while expressing optimism about the program’s future: ‘I have one more year. I’m really feeling for those seniors that ended a little short, but they know they’re gonna leave the programme in a better place. I feel like there’s only up from here.’

  • Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    Saint Lucians back from 3×3 basketball training in Nassau

    A 12-member delegation from Saint Lucia has concluded its participation in the FIBA Caribbean 3×3 Development Camp and Under-23 Tournament, returning from a five-day basketball immersion in The Bahamas. The event brought together emerging talent and officials from multiple Caribbean nations, including host nation Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, with competitions held at both DW Davis Gymnasium and Nassau Beach Soccer Arena.

    Saint Lucia’s women’s squad featured collegiate athletes Dasha Eugene and Keri Ann Lewis alongside Neanna Francois and Jeaneve James. Despite demonstrating competitive spirit, the team faced formidable opposition—suffering decisive losses to eventual champions Jamaica (16-2 and 22-4) and a narrow 15-12 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago. The men’s team, comprising Sidney Didier, Jamil James, Jaixan Justin, and Junior Dupree, experienced challenging matchups with a 17-10 loss to Haiti, 16-14 defeat against Cayman Islands, and an overtime thriller against Jamaica that ended 12-10 in Jamaica’s favor.

    The developmental aspect extended beyond competition as Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) deployed coaching staff Colleen Edwards and Christus Michel, referee Shadrack Theodore, and 3×3 systems manager Christian Seales. Theodore engaged in specialized referee training under American instructor Glenn Tuitt, while Seales advanced his technical expertise through FIBA’s 3×3 platform clinic. All participating athletes benefited from skill development sessions conducted by FIBA 3×3 specialist Luca Carvalho.

    This initiative, supported by the Olympic Solidarity Programme, represents FIBA’s strategic effort to enhance high-performance pathways and accelerate the sport’s growth throughout the Caribbean region. CBC President Leslie Collymore emphasized the event’s significance: ‘The 3×3 Caribbean Camp and Cup represents our vision for a more unified, competitive and development-driven basketball ecosystem across the region, not only in 3×3 but holistically.’

    The SLBF acknowledged crucial support from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, National Lotteries Authority, and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority that enabled the young athletes’ international exposure and development opportunity.

  • St. Kitts And Nevis Set To Compete In FIFA Series 2026 In Indonesia – SKN PULSE

    St. Kitts And Nevis Set To Compete In FIFA Series 2026 In Indonesia – SKN PULSE

    The Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has achieved a significant breakthrough in international football by securing participation in the prestigious FIFA Series 2026 (FS26), scheduled to be hosted in Indonesia. This landmark achievement represents a crucial developmental milestone for the federation’s senior men’s national team program, positioning the Sugar Boyz for unprecedented global exposure.

    The FIFA Series, an innovative global initiative launched by FIFA’s governing body, is specifically designed to provide national teams with enhanced opportunities for high-level international competition outside traditional confederation boundaries. The tournament brings together carefully selected national squads from across FIFA’s diverse continental confederations, creating a unique platform for competitive friendly matches during FIFA’s official international match calendar windows.

    This strategic participation will enable St. Kitts and Nevis to engage with varied international playing styles and tactical approaches from opponents they would rarely encounter in conventional CONCACAF competitions. The Indonesian-hosted matches promise to deliver invaluable competitive experience ahead of crucial regional qualifying tournaments, while simultaneously offering Kittitian and Nevisian players a distinctive opportunity to demonstrate their football prowess before Asian football audiences and international scouts.

    The FIFA Series framework emphasizes cross-confederation development, global competitiveness enhancement, and the promotion of football diversity across emerging regions. For St. Kitts and Nevis, this invitation signals growing recognition of their football development progress and provides a strategic platform for continued improvement against world-class opposition.