分类: sports

  • Dominica Athletics Association Awards Ceremony 2025 and cocktail reception slated for this weekend

    Dominica Athletics Association Awards Ceremony 2025 and cocktail reception slated for this weekend

    The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) has unveiled plans for its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony, set to unfold on December 6th at the Public Service Union venue. Under the aspirational banner “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Future,” the event promises to be a landmark occasion recognizing the nation’s athletic achievements.

    For decades, the DAA has served as the cornerstone of track and field development throughout Dominica, systematically nurturing talent from introductory programs to elite international competition. The association’s press release highlighted the exceptional 2024/2025 athletic seasons, which witnessed Dominican athletes delivering standout performances on both regional and global stages. This period also saw significant growth in youth participation and an expanded national athletics calendar, signaling robust health for the sport.

    The gala evening will honor the extraordinary contributions of athletes, coaches, technical officials, dedicated volunteers, and strategic partners whose collective efforts have propelled Dominican athletics forward. The program will include formal award presentations, special recognition segments, and an elegant cocktail reception to facilitate celebration and networking among the sporting community.

    Emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the festivities, the DAA stated that the ceremony fundamentally supports its core mission: to elevate the profile and standard of athletics within Dominica while motivating emerging generations to pursue greatness in all aspects of life, extending far beyond the track.

  • Local football leagues get Licensing Tips

    Local football leagues get Licensing Tips

    Saint Lucia’s football landscape is undergoing significant transformation as the nation moves toward full professionalization of the sport. On December 3, 2025, the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) hosted a comprehensive Club Licensing Workshop at its La Clery headquarters, drawing over 25 administrators from across the island’s football community.

    The strategic session, facilitated by Concacaf Professional Football Administrator Leanne Lopez and Trinidad & Tobago Football Association’s Club Licensing Manager Amara Felix Toussaint, focused on implementing international standards within the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League. The workshop emphasized critical operational areas including player registration protocols, transfer procedures, and sustainable development frameworks designed to elevate local clubs to global compliance standards.

    SLFA President Lyndon Cooper delivered a compelling address underscoring the urgency of adoption, stating: ‘Small countries like ours face a stark reality – implement these regulations or risk exclusion from regional and international competitions. The club licensing system isn’t optional; it’s mandatory for any club aspiring to compete beyond our shores.’

    Cooper announced the establishment of a pioneering club licensing board that will collaborate with the SLFA appeals committee to ensure transparent and equitable license distribution. This governance structure will maintain fairness regardless of club size or resources, creating a level competitive landscape.

    Concacaf’s representative Lopez emphasized the organization’s commitment to Saint Lucia’s development, noting: ‘The talent potential here is tremendous. Club licensing serves as a catalyst for professionalization, and we’re enthusiastic about supporting this progression through continued dialogue and resource allocation.’

    The workshop also highlighted critical international calendar deadlines for player registration and transfers, emphasizing the importance of temporal compliance for global participation. This initiative marks a foundational step in Saint Lucia’s journey toward football excellence, positioning the nation for enhanced regional competitiveness and international recognition.

  • Herbert Morrison crush Muschett 108 – 2 in ISSA basketball

    Herbert Morrison crush Muschett 108 – 2 in ISSA basketball

    In a spectacular display of dominance, Herbert Morrison Technical achieved an extraordinary 108-2 victory against Muschett High in Thursday’s Under-16 ISSA Rural Area Zone A basketball matchup. The game, held at Herbert Morrison’s home court, marks their second consecutive decisive win following last week’s 94-30 triumph over York Castle High.

    The match transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance as four Herbert Morrison players scored in double digits. Shemar Russell and Michael Johnson jointly led the scoring charge with 22 points each. Russell delivered a remarkable triple-double performance, additionally securing 12 rebounds and 14 steals. Significant contributions came from Antonio Kerr with 14 points and 6 rebounds, and Tyler Linton with 10 points and 11 steals.

    Herbert Morrison established overwhelming control from the opening quarter, concluding the first period with a 22-0 advantage. By halftime, the lead had expanded to 45-2, followed by a second-half shutout that produced 63 unanswered points.

    Meanwhile, the institution’s Under-19 contest against Ocho Rios High encountered premature termination due to inclement weather. Herbert Morrison maintained a commanding 37-5 lead with approximately five minutes remaining in the first half. Joshua Ferguson had impressed with 15 points, exclusively from three-point shots.

    In related tournament action, Munro College secured dual victories against Christiana High in Zone B competitions. Their Under-16 squad orchestrated a 33-17 comeback win, propelled by Sheldon Forrester’s 19-point performance. The Under-19 encounter witnessed Munro overcoming two separate deficits to claim a 33-26 victory, with Keneil Moodie leading scorers at 17 points.

    Zone A witnessed York Castle High achieving redemption with a 66-49 Under-19 victory against Ocho Rios High. Christian Andorn’s exceptional 36-point performance, complemented by Chadrick McFarlane’s 23 points, powered a determined comeback after trailing early in the contest.

  • LOCKED ON TARGET

    LOCKED ON TARGET

    Jamaica’s national women’s football team delivered a historic performance with an unprecedented 18-0 victory against Dominica in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on November 29. Despite setting a new national record that surpassed their previous 14-0 achievement against St. Lucia in 2014, team captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw maintains a grounded perspective, emphasizing the need for continued refinement rather than celebration.

    The Reggae Girlz demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess with multiple players achieving hat-tricks. Shaw herself contributed three goals during the fourth, 39th, and 43rd minutes, marking her 60th international goal for Jamaica. Teammates Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown matched this achievement with triple goals of their own, while Deneisha Blackwood, Natasha Thomas, and Shaneil Buckley each secured two goals. Atlanta Primus and Shania Hayles completed the dominant display with additional scores.

    Shaw, who recently returned to the squad after a break, highlighted the professional execution but identified areas for enhancement: ‘We scored numerous goals but could have been more clinical. This is something we must develop further.’ The Manchester City striker views her leadership role as both privilege and responsibility, particularly given Jamaica’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

    Beyond athletic aspirations, Shaw recognizes the team’s significance as a source of national pride during challenging times in Jamaica. She emphasized the collective leadership within the squad, noting how veteran players and emerging talents collaboratively elevate performance standards both on and off the field. This shared responsibility framework creates a supportive environment where players mutually encourage and challenge each other toward continuous improvement.

  • Freemantle scores 300th win as retirement looms

    Freemantle scores 300th win as retirement looms

    In a remarkable career milestone, esteemed horse trainer Lawrence Freemantle has secured his 300th victory as he approaches retirement. The historic win was achieved on Saturday, November 29, 2025, when Phoenix Risen, ridden by jockey Demar Williams, triumphed in the three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming event. The race, featuring competitors aged six-years-old and upward (non-winners of three), covered four furlongs (800 meters), with Phoenix Risen winning by a decisive length and a half margin.

    Freemantle, who began his training career in 2001, described the achievement as “an overwhelming feeling” in exclusive comments to the Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide. Despite recent competitive breaks due to limited quality horses, the veteran trainer strategically programmed his return specifically for this milestone.

    Reflecting on his journey, Freemantle acknowledged the special significance of both his first winner, King of the Band with jockey Leo Miller, and this 300th victory. When identifying career highlights, he immediately cited Mr Skill as his standout performer – a horse with whom he achieved an exceptional record of 12 wins from 22 starts, progressing from $350,000 claiming level to Overnight Allowance status.

    The trainer, who has also handled notable horses including Military Move and Natural Desire, characterized his overall career as “very good” with substantial shares of winnings and strong performances. Though approaching retirement, Freemantle hinted at continued competition, smilingly noting he still has “a few shots left to fire” before concluding his distinguished tenure in horse racing.

  • Run Julie Run looks to defend Chairman’s crown

    Run Julie Run looks to defend Chairman’s crown

    Caymanas Park prepares to host the fourth edition of the US$40,000 Chairman’s Plate this weekend, featuring a competitive field of twelve horses in an Overnight Allowance race. The event, set at a challenging distance of nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820 meters), is open to thoroughbreds aged three and upward.

    Defending champion Run Julie Run emerges as the horse to beat following her strong third-place finish in the Jamaica Cup behind top competitors Mojito and Girvano. The classy filly has demonstrated exceptional capability at this distance and appears well-positioned to reclaim victory.

    American contender Divine Force presents a significant threat after displaying impressive late acceleration to secure third place in his November outing over 7½ furlongs. His powerful stretch running style suggests he could dominate at this longer two-turn distance, making him a dangerous competitor.

    Jamaica Derby winner I Dream Again enters the race despite recent disappointing performances at this level. The three-year-old bypassed the Mouttet Mile specifically for this event and is anticipated to deliver a much stronger showing.

    Other notable entries include consistent performer Blue Vinyl, who should find this distance more suitable than his previous Gold Cup appearance, and Unruly Mo, another American import who appears well-suited to the extended distance.

    The field also contains several outsiders with limited winning prospects, including Oil Machine, Immeasurable Joy, Provident, Neo Star, Pretty Perfect, Sheer Delight, and Mack And Rome, all facing significant class challenges against the favored contenders.

  • Sir Don shatters Mr Sensational Trophy with 16-length romp

    Sir Don shatters Mr Sensational Trophy with 16-length romp

    In a breathtaking display of equine dominance, two-year-old colt Sir Don secured a monumental victory in the $2-million Mr Sensational Trophy at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Trained by Anthony Nunes and ridden by jockey Raddesh Roman, the American-bred bay colt demolished the competition by an extraordinary 16 ¼ lengths.

    Sir Don completed the 7-furlong Restricted Stakes race with an impressive time of 1:26.1, maintaining his perfect record with three consecutive wins. The victory showcased both the colt’s raw talent and strategic racing intelligence as he initially held back before unleashing an unstoppable burst of speed in the final stretch.

    Trainer Nunes expressed measured satisfaction with the performance, revealing that the team had trained the colt lightly for this event. “We were hoping he would use his class and stay the seven furlongs, and he did that, which was nice,” Nunes commented to the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

    Despite the decisive win, Nunes maintained a pragmatic outlook regarding Sir Don’s future. The trainer indicated careful consideration would determine whether the colt would compete in one final December event or be rested until the following racing season. Nunes acknowledged that while Sir Don has demonstrated exceptional ability, the true test would come when facing horses of comparable talent in future competitions.

    The race unfolded with strategic precision as Sir Don broke well and established an early lead ahead of Midnight Traveller (Tevin Foster), God’s Plan (Omar Walker), and Salute The Don (Dane Dawkins). Rather than maintaining relentless pressure, jockey Roman strategically eased the tempo at the half-mile turn, allowing competitors to close within a length before unleashing Sir Don’s full power in the final stretch.

    Salute The Don secured second place while Fernando (Tajay Suckoo) finished third in the contest that highlighted Sir Don’s emerging status as a potentially exceptional racing prospect.

  • Trinidad and Tobago cricketers shine in Peru

    Trinidad and Tobago cricketers shine in Peru

    The Trinidad and Tobago national cricket teams delivered a spectacular performance on the opening day of the T20 tournament at the 2025 Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru, on December 4th, securing victories across all matches with exceptional individual displays.

    In the women’s competition, the TT squad demonstrated formidable prowess with two commanding wins. Their opening match against Jamaica concluded with a comfortable seven-wicket victory, largely attributed to veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed’s brilliant 4/12 bowling figures across four overs. The rising talent Samara Ramnath provided crucial support with 2/14, restricting Jamaica to a modest 77/6 despite West Indies batter Rashada Williams’ resilient 47 not out from 61 deliveries.

    The women’s team continued their dominance with a staggering 108-run triumph over Barbados. Opener Shunelle Sawh anchored the innings with a solid 46 off 45 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Britney Cooper (25 not out), Shania Abdool (23), and Djenaba Joseph (22). Barbados’ batting lineup collapsed dramatically against TT’s bowling attack, particularly spinner Karishma Ramharack who recorded impressive figures of 3/3, limiting Barbados to just 38/9.

    The men’s team mirrored this success with equally impressive performances. They decimated host nation Peru by nine wickets, with spinner Damion Joachim producing a masterclass performance of 4/3 including two maiden overs. Opening batsman Kamil Pooran unleashed a devastating assault, hammering 54 not out from just 19 deliveries with four boundaries and five sixes, guiding TT to victory in merely 5.3 overs.

    Completing their perfect day, the men’s team secured a second victory against Jamaica by six wickets. Pacer Shaaron Lewis led the bowling attack with 3/13, while Leonardo Julien’s unbeaten 60 from 41 deliveries ensured a comfortable chase of Jamaica’s 133/8 total.

    The tournament continues on December 5th with TT positioned as early favorites following their comprehensive opening-day dominance.

  • Soca Sliders snare 5th place in Park City

    Soca Sliders snare 5th place in Park City

    The Trinidad and Tobago national bobsleigh team continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency in international competition, achieving their fifth consecutive extended podium finish at the Park City leg of the North American Cup on December 3. The four-man crew, affectionately known as the ‘Soca Sliders,’ captured fifth position among fifteen competing nations with a combined time of 1:37.51 across two heats.

    Piloted by Axel Brown with team members Xaverri Williams, Shakeel John, and Micah Moore, the Caribbean squad delivered a strong opening run of 48.66 seconds followed by a slightly slower second descent of 48.85 seconds. This performance marks their third top-five finish within a fortnight, building upon fourth and fifth placements achieved during the previous Whistler, Canada leg of the competition circuit.

    The victory was claimed by Brazil’s quartet featuring Edson Bindilatti, Davidson De Souza, Rafael Da Silva, and Edson Martins, who clocked an impressive 1:36.87. South Korea secured second position (1:37.23), while Canada claimed third (1:37.25) in a tightly contested event.

    The Park City event follows an exceptional achievement by the Trinidadian team just four days prior, when the pairing of Brown and De Aundre John captured silver in the two-man bobsleigh event—the nation’s strongest performance in the young season. As of December 4, the team was scheduled for additional four-man competition, though results remained pending at time of reporting.

  • Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    The Mayaro Resource Center in southeastern Trinidad became a hub of youthful athletic energy last weekend as more than 120 aspiring footballers participated in the transformative “Shine On” Youth Football Festival and Camp. This comprehensive development initiative, strategically organized by the All Mayaro Sports Foundation (AMSF) with sponsorship from energy company bpTT, provided specialized training for boys and girls aged 6-17 across a two-day immersive program.

    Expert coaches delivered technical instruction focusing on fundamental skills including ball control, precision dribbling, accurate passing, and tactical awareness. The curriculum extended beyond physical techniques to incorporate essential mental conditioning and focus development. These learned competencies were subsequently applied in competitive age-group matches on the second day, allowing participants to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities in practical game scenarios.

    The event culminated with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional performers who exemplified the training principles. In a significant nod to local football heritage, the festival honored four distinguished Mayaro-born female athletes—Donna-Mae McIntosh, Shaquilla Hamilton, Linfah Jones, and Chrissy Mitchell—who have represented Trinidad and Tobago at elite international levels. Their recognition served as powerful inspiration for the next generation.

    This developmental program operates within the broader framework of the annual Mayaro Football League, now in its 27th season with eight regional teams competing for the Razack Jan Memorial League and Leston Paul Knockout Cup titles. AMSF Chairman and TT Football Association Vice-President Jameson Rigues revealed ambitious plans to establish a permanent sports development academy that would maintain the impressive participant engagement witnessed during the camp.

    The festival’s thematic direction incorporated input from Miss Mayaro and Miss World TT delegate T’Mia Francis, who utilized the platform to advance her ‘Beauty with a Purpose: Shine On’ initiative. Demonstrating social consciousness, girls’ camp uniforms featured purple and pink colors to raise breast cancer awareness while encouraging female participation in competitive sports.

    Eleven-year-old standout participant Deshawn Charles expressed profound appreciation for the camp’s emphasis on discipline and respect alongside technical training, noting: “This camp inspired me to really put in the work to achieve my dream of making the national team.”

    Mayaro MP Wilfred Nicholas Morris praised bpTT’s decades-long community support, while bpTT Vice-President Karissa Bissoon reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sporting development as a pillar of opportunity and empowerment for Trinidadian youth. The event also attracted officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, including former national footballer Ryan Stewart, underscoring its significance within the national sports landscape.