Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Yandy Stafford cops Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold at Pan Am Artistic Gymnastics Cup

    Yandy Stafford cops Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold at Pan Am Artistic Gymnastics Cup

    In a historic achievement for Trinidad and Tobago, young gymnast Yandy Stafford clinched the nation’s first-ever gold medal at the Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup held in El Salvador on November 6. Stafford triumphed in the vault event, delivering a flawless performance that earned her a score of 13.35 and a place in the record books. This milestone marks a significant moment for Trinidad and Tobago in the realm of international gymnastics.

    Stafford was part of a five-member national team that traveled to El Salvador on November 3 to compete against some of the region’s most talented young gymnasts. The team included Shanika Joseph, Asia Ali, Zariah Gittens-Dopwell, and Caeli La Roche, representing both the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) hopes level two and level one divisions. All five athletes participated in the all-around competition on November 5, with Stafford finishing fifth in her division with a total score of 46.75.

    On the second day of competition, Stafford showcased her versatility by qualifying for three event finals: vault, beam, and floor. While she placed sixth in the floor exercise with a score of 11.45, her defining moment came during the vault finals. Executing a Yurchenko pike vault with precision and a perfect landing, Stafford secured the gold medal, a first for Trinidad and Tobago in this prestigious event. She later concluded her day with a seventh-place finish on the beam.

    The Pan American Junior and Youth Artistic Gymnastics Cup is a biennial event aimed at preparing young athletes for senior elite competition by the age of 16. Following their strong performances in El Salvador, Stafford and her teammates are now gearing up for their next challenge: the 2025 Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) in Couva on December 6 and 7.

  • Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo

    Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo

    The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the semifinals of the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition kick off on November 8 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. Four elite schools will battle for a spot in the championship, with Fatima College, Presentation College San Fernando, St Mary’s College, and Queen’s Royal College (QRC) vying for glory. The action begins at 4 pm with Fatima College taking on Presentation College, followed by St Mary’s College facing QRC at 6 pm. The stakes are high, as the winners will advance to the gold-medal match on November 9 at noon, while the third-place playoff will commence at 10 am. The semifinalists have little time to recover, making endurance and strategy crucial. Fatima College enters the semifinals with momentum, having dominated QRC 112-67 in their final preliminary-round game on October 26, thanks to standout performances from Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin. St Mary’s College also impressed, securing their Group B victory with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College on October 25, led by Nkobi Ince’s 35 points and Zane Peters’ 31 points. This weekend, one of these four teams will emerge victorious, claiming the prestigious RBC Royal Slam title and etching their name in college basketball history.

  • San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie

    San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie

    In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.

  • Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby

    Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby

    The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is set to witness an early-season blockbuster as defending champions Defence Force face off against title contenders Miscellaneous Police FC on November 9 at the St Police Barracks. The match, scheduled for 7 pm, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. Police FC has begun the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, securing back-to-back victories. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh on October 24, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against MIC Central FC Reboot on November 1. In contrast, Defence Force has struggled to find their rhythm, starting their title defense with two consecutive draws. They were held to a goalless stalemate by 2023/24 champions AC Port of Spain in their opener and then squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with FC Eagles on October 31, conceding a late stoppage-time goal. Despite their slow start, Police FC coach Todd Ryan remains wary of the defending champions. ‘Police and Army, that’s probably the biggest rivalry in top-tier football,’ Ryan remarked. ‘We don’t care what start they got…they’re still unbeaten from last season. We need to ensure they stay at the bottom of us.’ Ryan emphasized the importance of this match, calling it a ‘local derby’ and a crucial step toward achieving their ultimate goal: qualifying for Concacaf football. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach Devorn Jorsling remains optimistic, dismissing their early struggles as a temporary setback. ‘When the smoke clears, we will be champions of the league,’ Jorsling asserted. The clash is part of a packed matchday, with Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and AC Port of Spain vs. FC Eagles also set to take place on November 9.

  • The last chance

    The last chance

    As the FIFA international match window approaches, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team coach Dwight Yorke is leaving no stone unturned in preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With critical matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Yorke has been conducting intensive training sessions to ensure his team is in peak condition.

  • Chapman’s Power and Santner’s Poise Help NZ Level Series

    Chapman’s Power and Santner’s Poise Help NZ Level Series

    In a high-octane encounter at Eden Park, New Zealand secured a narrow three-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I on Thursday, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. Mark Chapman emerged as the hero for the home side, smashing a blistering 78 off just 28 deliveries, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 207 for five in their 20 overs. His explosive innings, studded with seven sixes and six fours, earned him the Player-of-the-Match accolade. The West Indies, despite a shaky start, staged a remarkable comeback led by Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd, who combined for a 62-run partnership in just four overs. However, their valiant efforts fell short as they were restricted to 204 for eight. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi were instrumental with the ball, claiming three wickets each to stifle the visitors’ chase. The series now moves to Nelson for the third T20I on Saturday, promising more thrilling cricketing action.

  • Three Belizean Athletes in the U.S. Awarded Scholarships

    Three Belizean Athletes in the U.S. Awarded Scholarships

    Belize is making strides toward its Olympic debut, with ambitions to qualify for the Games by 2032. The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association is supporting this vision by funding the training of six elite athletes, three of whom are based in the United States and have secured Division One university scholarships. These athletes shared their aspirations and the pivotal moments in their careers. Brandon Adolphus, a track and field athlete, highlighted his contribution to winning three conference titles at the Division One level and his focus on qualifying for the PanAm Games and improving his Olympic prospects. Davia Richardson, a swimmer, emphasized her goal of winning medals at future championships and how the scholarship will aid her in attending meets and enhancing her training. Brooklyn Lyttle, another track and field athlete, recounted her peak performance at the New Balance Nationals and her aim to consistently place in the top three at future events. These athletes represent Belize’s growing presence on the international sports stage and its commitment to achieving Olympic success.

  • Calvin Ayre Foundation Invests EC$84,132 as Platinum Sponsor of National Swim Team for OECS Championships

    Calvin Ayre Foundation Invests EC$84,132 as Platinum Sponsor of National Swim Team for OECS Championships

    The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering youth and sports development by providing a substantial EC$84,132 Platinum sponsorship to the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF). This funding is earmarked for the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, set to take place from November 7th to 9th, 2025, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The regional event will showcase young athletes from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), promoting both elite athletic performance and regional solidarity. The sponsorship covers round-trip airfare and accommodation for Antigua and Barbuda’s 39-member delegation, ensuring the team is fully prepared to defend its championship title. Jamilla Kirwan, Manager of the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering youth through sports. Edith Clashing, President of the ABSF, expressed profound gratitude, highlighting that this marks the first time a private sponsor has offered such significant support. The delegation departed Antigua and Barbuda on November 6th, 2025, with high hopes for the competition.

  • Saint Lucia Eye Success in Eastern Caribbean Volleyball

    Saint Lucia Eye Success in Eastern Caribbean Volleyball

    A determined Saint Lucia volleyball team is set to compete in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship, scheduled for November 12–17 at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda. After clinching the title in 2021 but missing the playoffs in 2023, Saint Lucia is eager to reclaim its position at the top. This year’s tournament will feature six teams, including host nation Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Anguilla, and defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines. The Saint Lucia squad, comprising 10 players, includes a mix of seasoned athletes and promising talents. Notably, Peter Emmanuel, an 18-year-old middle blocker, and setter Delano Baptiste, both returning from the 2023 campaign, are expected to play pivotal roles. Captain Daniel Mayers-James, who was named MVP in this year’s inter-school competition, will lead the team. The tournament format includes a single round-robin stage followed by playoffs, with Saint Lucia opening against St Vincent & the Grenadines. The champions will not only receive gold medals and a prestigious trophy but also secure a spot in the NORCECA 2026 Pan American Cup. ECVA president Glenn Quinlan emphasized the championship’s role in bridging junior and senior national teams and elevating regional competitiveness. Teams will compete using the elite Mikasa V200W ball, ensuring high-quality play.

  • West Indies fall 3 runs short despite fireworks from Powell, Shepherd

    West Indies fall 3 runs short despite fireworks from Powell, Shepherd

    In a heart-stopping encounter on Thursday, November 6, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by just 3 runs in Auckland, leveling the five-match T20 international series at 1-1. The match, filled with dramatic twists, showcased the resilience of both teams but ultimately saw the Black Caps emerge victorious.