分类： sports

In a landmark development for Caribbean football governance, Saint Lucia Football Association President Lyndon Cooper has achieved an unprecedented electoral victory by securing the position of CONCACAF Vice President for the Caribbean region. This historic appointment marks the second consecutive year that Cooper has broken new ground in international football administration, following his groundbreaking election as Caribbean Football Union president in 2023.

The election occurred during CONCACAF’s 41st Ordinary Congress in Managua, Nicaragua, where Cooper assumed his new role without opposition. The congress convened the confederation’s senior leadership alongside delegates from all 41 member associations, creating a significant gathering of football’s power brokers in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The event simultaneously celebrated a decade of leadership under CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani. Addressing the assembly, Montagliani highlighted the confederation’s progress while looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by CONCACAF members Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Montagliani extended congratulations to the six CONCACAF nations that have already secured World Cup qualification while offering encouragement to Jamaica and Suriname as they prepare for March’s FIFA Play-Off Tournament. The Canadian leader praised member associations for their role in transforming CONCACAF’s operational foundations and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to elevating standards across the region.

During working sessions, member associations approved CONCACAF’s 2026 budget and addressed statutory matters aligned with the confederation’s strategic priorities. Montagliani emphasized that the organization’s rebuilt foundation now enables long-term planning and confident investment, declaring this a pivotal moment to ‘break through ceilings’ while maintaining unity and integrity.

The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground witnessed a triumphant return of youthful athleticism on February 3rd as Vide Bouteille Primary School hosted its annual track meet, marking the event’s first occurrence at this venue in four years. The atmosphere was electric with competitive spirit and familial support, culminating in a historic third successive championship for Egret house.

Demonstrating remarkable prowess across various age divisions, Egret amassed a commanding total of 426 points. Carib Grackle secured second position with 375 points, followed by Vireo at 342 points, and Quail finishing fourth with 256 points.

The victory was spearheaded by outstanding performances from Nathan St Rose in the Under-13 boys’ category and the dynamic duo of Amelia Willie and Krishel Michael, who jointly dominated the Under-11 girls’ division. St Rose exhibited exceptional versatility, claiming victory in the 80m sprint with a time of 10.90 seconds and the 300m event in 48.90 seconds, despite fierce competition from housemate Ayden Joseph who won the 150m in 20.80 seconds.

In the Under-13 girls’ category, Rebecca Stanislaus of Quail emerged victorious after an intense three-way competition, securing wins in the 1000m (4:09.10) and 300m (53.40) events. The Under-11 boys’ division saw Akan Hippolyte of Vireo achieve a remarkable triple gold medal performance in the 80m (11.80), 150m (22.50), and 300m (53.40) events.

The event notably featured strong parental engagement, with Principal Lyrill Arthur-Stanislaus expressing particular delight at the overwhelming family turnout. ‘The substantial parental presence demonstrates tremendous support for our institution,’ she remarked. ‘We emphasize holistic development, encouraging every student to excel in their respective strengths—whether academic or athletic.’

The successful return to the cricket ground, coupled with record-breaking performances and exceptional community involvement, underscored the event’s significance in fostering both athletic excellence and school spirit.

Emerging track and field sensation Destinee Cenac has achieved early qualification for the 53rd CARIFTA Games through her exceptional performance at the inaugural CARIFTA Qualifier in Martinique. The 15-year-old high jump prodigy from Morne Stars Athletics Club cleared 1.65 meters to claim victory in the women’s high jump event at Stade Louis-Achille in Fort-de-France last Sunday.

Cenac, who attends St. Joseph’s Convent, strategically entered the competition at the exact CARIFTA qualifying standard of 1.60m, successfully clearing the height on her second attempt. She demonstrated remarkable consistency by conquering 1.65m on her first try before attempting a personal best of 1.71m. This early qualification makes her among the first Saint Lucian athletes to meet the Saint Lucia Athletics Association standards for the 2026 Games scheduled for April 4-6 in Grenada.

The talented athlete, who earned bronze in the Under-17 girls’ high jump at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago with a personal best of 1.68m, also showcased her sprinting prowess by winning the Under-17 women’s 100m in 12.57 seconds against a slight headwind.

Other notable performances at the Martinique qualifier included Lenyn Leonce’s victory in the men’s 100m (10.66 seconds) and Slorana Duplessis’s second-place finish in high jump (1.40m). Meanwhile, back in Saint Lucia, athletes competed at the Jumps and Throws Festival at George Odlum Stadium, where several competitors approached CARIFTA qualifying standards. Barbara-Marie Maximin came agonizingly close in the Under-17 girls’ long jump with a 5.30m effort, just one centimeter shy of the 5.31m standard. Jequan Joseph also impressed in the javelin throw with a 54.99m performance, nearing the 56m qualification mark.

The event showcased promising talent across multiple disciplines, with several athletes demonstrating potential to achieve qualification in upcoming events including the Independence Games and SLAA CARIFTA Qualifiers.