分类： sports

The 2025 OECS Swimming Championships saw Saint Lucia narrowly miss the team title, edged out once again by Grenada. However, the spotlight firmly belonged to four Saint Lucian swimmers who claimed high point trophies in their respective divisions. Among them, Sapphire Parks emerged as a standout performer, competing for the fourth time and making her debut in the Under-13 category. Parks, a Form 1 student at St Joseph’s Convent and an alumna of The Montessori Centre, dominated the competition at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent and the Grenadines on November 9. She secured an impressive haul of ten gold medals and one silver, amassing 97 points. Belle Adams of SVG, with Saint Lucian heritage, trailed in second place, 33 points behind. Parks’ stellar performance included setting two new OECS records in the 50m and 100m backstroke, shaving more than a second off the previous best time in the latter. With ten OECS records to her name, including seven in the 9–10 division, Parks is poised for even greater dominance in the coming years. Her progression is no surprise, given her earlier achievements at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, where she was the youngest member of Team Saint Lucia. At Trinidad and Tobago’s National Aquatics Centre in Couva, she clinched four gold medals and eight overall, earning the high point trophy for her division. Parks’ journey from finishing second in the Under-9 class in 2022 to becoming a three-time OECS champion and first-time CARIFTA champion is a testament to her dedication and talent. Beyond swimming, Parks is a well-rounded individual, excelling in academics and track athletics. She placed third in District 1 and fifth overall in Saint Lucia for her CPEA exams. Her ambition extends to representing Saint Lucia at the Olympics, following in the footsteps of notable athletes like Julien Alfred, Danielle Beaubrun, and Mikaili Charlemagne. Parks, a member of the Sea Jays Legends Swim Club, aims to further her swimming career overseas, with her mother exploring prep school options to elevate her training and competition. For this young star, the future is brimming with potential and promise.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, the Saint Lucia Golf Association (SLGA) successfully organized the Hurricane Melissa Relief Tournament, raising an impressive $120,000 for the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA). The event, held on November 8 at the Cap Estate Golf and Country Club, saw 48 golfers compete in a relaxed better-ball format, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. The tournament was a direct response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck western Jamaica just 11 days prior, claiming at least 45 lives and causing an estimated $6 billion in damages. The Jamaican golf community, including players, caddies, and facilities, suffered significant losses, making the SLGA’s initiative all the more impactful. Key figures like Dwayne King and Andre Dhanpaul spearheaded the effort, with over 80 sponsors, including Xhale Luxury Villa and Jade Mountain, lending their support. Sandals Saint Lucia hosted the event, which also featured a silent auction offering prizes such as dinners, day passes, and rafting experiences. The winning team of Anselm Mathurin and Simone Skinner shot an impressive 12-under 59. Jodi Mun-Barrow, president of the JGA, expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the emotional and financial relief provided by the SLGA’s generosity. The tournament not only highlighted the resilience of the golfing community but also underscored the power of collective action in times of crisis.

As the West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting December 1, veteran cricket commentator Joseph Reds Perreira has pinpointed the Caribbean team’s batting as the decisive factor in their quest for victory. Historically, the Windies have struggled in New Zealand, securing only four Test wins away from home, with their last triumph dating back to 1995. Despite these challenges, Perreira remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the importance of consistent batting performance. He noted that while the bowling attack could be competitive if executed correctly, the batting lineup will ultimately determine the series outcome. The West Indies and New Zealand have clashed 49 times in Tests since 1951, with New Zealand holding a slight edge with 17 wins to the Windies’ 13. However, New Zealand’s home advantage has often been a significant factor in their success. Perreira also highlighted a potential setback for the West Indies: the likely absence of star allrounder Jason Holder, who is reportedly unavailable due to commitments in a T10 competition in Dubai. Holder’s absence could disrupt the team’s balance, as he has been a pivotal player with 3,073 runs and 157 wickets in 69 Tests. Perreira expressed concern over the team’s preparation, suggesting that a pre-series camp in New Zealand would have been beneficial but was hindered by financial constraints. He also emphasized the need for wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach to acclimatize early to the swing-friendly conditions. Despite these hurdles, Perreira remains hopeful for a festive miracle, urging fans to wait for the official squad announcement and favorable weather conditions. The series promises to be a stern test for the West Indies, who aim to deliver a Christmas present to their fans by the end of December.