The cricket world is in mourning following the untimely death of 17-year-old Vonde Bowers, a rising star in the national under-19 cricket team. Bowers, a student at Ottos Comprehensive School, tragically lost his life after being fatally stabbed in Gray’s Farm on July 29. He was discovered by passersby and rushed to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he succumbed to multiple stab wounds. Today, his funeral is being held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Valley Road, St John’s, with burial to follow. The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a player who had shown immense potential and dedication to the sport. Bowers’ death has sparked widespread grief and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect young people. Hundreds gathered last month for a candlelight vigil in Gray’s Farm, where he was remembered for his exceptional talent, kind nature, and passion for cricket. Police have since charged a 16-year-old from Hatton with his murder. This tragic incident has left the community grappling with the loss of a young life full of promise and has highlighted the urgent need for addressing youth violence.
分类： sports
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Run Barbados turns 42 with new wellness chapter
Barbados’ iconic sports tourism event, formerly known as Run Barbados, is undergoing a transformative rebranding. Now titled the Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, the event will take place from December 4 to 7, 2025, with an expanded focus that merges competitive running with holistic health experiences. This evolution introduces elements of movement, mindfulness, and community engagement, marking a significant shift in the event’s 42-year history. Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), emphasized the strategic move as a response to global trends in sports and lifestyle, as well as Barbados’ ambition to become a leading destination for sports and wellness tourism. The event has seen steady growth, with 1,600 athletes from 25 countries participating in 2024, up from 1,200 entrants from 18 countries the previous year. Carter highlighted that the inclusion of wellness programming is expected to further boost international interest. The event’s economic impact is substantial, driving visitor arrivals and benefiting industries such as hospitality, transport, retail, culture, wellness, and technology. Kamal Springer, BTMI’s Manager of Sports, announced that the 2025 edition will extend by one day to accommodate a new opening wellness event, fostering deeper connections between international visitors and local runners. Last year, the event attracted 700 overseas visitors and over 1,400 local participants. Organizers are also focusing on local engagement through media partnerships and school incentives, including $5,000 prizes for the largest primary and secondary school groups. The event’s international reach continues to expand, with past participants from Kenya, Iceland, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and across the Caribbean. The 2025 wellness agenda will highlight Barbados’ East Coast through a collaboration with Walker’s Reserve and WIRRED, featuring a 5K hike on December 7. Springer encouraged the hiking community to participate and witness the conservation efforts in the area.
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GOLDEN BOY RETURNS!
Jamaican sprinter Oblique Seville returned to his homeland on Wednesday, arriving at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston with little fanfare. However, the 24-year-old’s recent triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo has cemented his status as the island’s newest athletic hero. Seville made history by clinching the 100m gold medal with a personal best time of 9.77 seconds, ending Jamaica’s three-year drought in individual sprinting events at major global championships. Despite the subdued reception at the airport, Seville’s achievement has been hailed as a national pride, marking Jamaica’s sole gold medal at the event. Reflecting on his victory, Seville expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, ‘It does make me feel special because I am the only gold medalist and I actually went out there and literally did my best.’ His win also signifies a new era for Jamaican athletics, as the last 100m champion from Jamaica was the legendary Usain Bolt, who dominated the event in 2015 and 2016. Seville is now focused on building on this success, emphasizing his potential to improve further if he remains injury-free. ‘Physically, yes, I can go faster,’ he asserted, signaling his ambition to continue making waves in the world of sprinting.
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Barbados to host CPL final in 2026
In a landmark announcement, the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados, marking the first time the prestigious event will take place at this iconic venue. The decision was confirmed by Pete Russell, the tournament’s Chief Executive Officer, who expressed optimism about the event’s success.
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Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, led by head coach Annett Daley, is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final clash against Australia in the World Netball Youth Cup (WNYC). The match, set to take place at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. Australia, having topped Pool B, enters the game as a dominant force, while Jamaica, finishing second in Pool C, aims to showcase their resilience and skill. Daley has urged her players to focus on executing the basics—catching, passing, and driving—while maintaining confidence in their abilities. She emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by Australia’s reputation, reminding her team that self-belief is key to success. Despite a recent 33-64 loss to England, Daley remains optimistic, highlighting moments of potential during the match and encouraging her players to trust their skills. With Australia’s impressive WNYC track record—four titles and three runner-up finishes—the young Sunshine Girls face a tough but not insurmountable challenge. Daley’s message is clear: play hard, execute the fundamentals, and let the results speak for themselves.
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Barbados set for 2026 CPL final
The Kensington Oval in Barbados has been selected as the venue for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final and all playoff matches, marking a significant return to the heart of Caribbean cricket. This decision follows four consecutive years of the CPL playoffs being held in Guyana, which proved to be a financial boon for the country. In 2022, Guyana generated US$84 million from the tournament, with a record-breaking US$101.6 million in 2023. Although 2025 figures are yet to be released, the season’s success suggests a similarly positive economic impact. Barbados is now poised to reap comparable benefits. CPL CEO Pete Russell highlighted the unprecedented ticket sales for this year’s tournament and expressed optimism for continued success in 2026. He also anticipates a strong performance from the Barbados Royals, who will be playing on home soil in front of their passionate fan base. Russell emphasized the importance of the home team’s success, noting that hosting the final in Barbados will be a historic moment for the country. Additionally, rule changes will see all players re-entering the draft after this tournament, ensuring fresh and exciting team dynamics for the upcoming season.
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St. Clair Hodge Selected for FIVB’s “Beyond the Sport” Global Athlete Program
St. Clair Hodge, a prominent figure from St. Kitts and Nevis, has been chosen as part of the inaugural cohort of the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) Volleyball Athletes’ Commission’s ‘Beyond the Sport’ Program. This prestigious initiative, scheduled from October 6 to 10 in Lausanne, Switzerland, aims to assist volleyball and beach volleyball players in transitioning from elite competition to the next phase of their professional lives. The program offers a week-long seminar focused on practical tools, expert insights, and networking opportunities tailored for athletes nearing retirement or recently retired. Hodge, who also represents the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), expressed his enthusiasm for the program, describing it as a rare and invaluable opportunity. ‘It’s an opportunity for retiring and retired volleyball players, whether beach or indoor, to network, upskill, and learn new things,’ he explained. Participants have already received preparatory coursework on personal branding, reputation, daily routines, and career accomplishments. Hodge believes these early exercises underscore the program’s commitment to helping athletes understand their strengths and position themselves for success. Beyond personal development, Hodge is eager to leverage the experience for the benefit of sport in St. Kitts and Nevis and the broader ECVA region. ‘This is a perfect opportunity to advance my understanding of global operations, make international connections, and see how things are done on the global stage,’ he said. Hodge’s selection is a testament to his influential role in local and regional sports. He currently serves as Chairman of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) Athletes’ Commission and sits on the executive of the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Volleyball Association (SKAVA). His involvement in the ‘Beyond the Sport’ Program places him among a pioneering group of global volleyball leaders preparing to shape life after playing.
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Dominica nabs bronze at ECVA Men’s Final 4 tournament in Antigua & Barbuda
In a thrilling showdown at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Men’s Final 4 tournament on September 21, Dominica emerged victorious, securing the bronze medal with a commanding performance against Grenada. The match, held at the YMCA in St. John’s, Antigua, saw Dominica dominate in straight sets—25-19, 28-26, and 26-24. Dominica’s offensive prowess was on full display, with a significant 40-34 advantage in kills, complemented by eight blocks. Despite committing 27 errors compared to Grenada’s 24, Dominica’s resilience and strategic play proved decisive. Yahn Florent led the charge with 13 points, earning him the titles of Best Scorer, Best Opposite, and Best Receiver. Middle blocker Nester James also played a pivotal role, contributing 12 points. On the Grenadian side, Darron Oxford’s 15 points were commendable but insufficient to secure a win. Dominica’s head coach, Ithoma James, expressed pride in his team’s comeback after earlier losses, while Grenada’s assistant coach, Javin Noel, voiced frustration over the team’s inability to execute their game plan effectively.
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Knight Riders clinch CPL title in tense final against Amazon Warriors
In a nail-biting showdown at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) emerged victorious in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) in a match filled with dramatic twists and turns. This victory marked a redemption for TKR, who had faced defeat against the same opponents in the 2023 final at the same venue. The Warriors, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but struggled early on. Their innings faltered as key players like Quentin Sampson, Shai Hope, and Shimron Hetmyer fell in quick succession, leaving them at a precarious 65/5. Despite a late fightback, GAW managed only 130/8, with Saurabh Netravalkar’s exceptional bowling (3/25) being a standout performance. TKR’s chase began explosively, but the Warriors fought back with crucial wickets, including those of Colin Munro and Nicholas Pooran. Sunil Narine’s counterattack and Kieron Pollard’s explosive three sixes in the 14th over shifted the momentum decisively in TKR’s favor. However, a late collapse saw Pollard, Andre Russell, and Alex Hales dismissed in quick succession, reigniting hopes for GAW. Ultimately, Akeal Hosein’s composed finish, including a six and a four, sealed the win for TKR, who clinched the CPL 2025 title in front of a stunned home crowd.
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Breaking: Knight Riders limp to fifth CPL title
In a nail-biting showdown at the Guyana National Stadium, the Trinbago Knight Riders secured their fifth Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title by defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors by three wickets. The match, held early this morning, saw the Knight Riders overcome a challenging chase to emerge victorious.