分类： sports

Saint Lucia’s track and field sensation Jady Emmanuel is battling against the clock to recover from a significant injury ahead of next month’s CARIFTA Games in Grenada. The double CARIFTA sprint champion sustained the injury during the preliminary rounds of the Island Champs at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on March 10.

The 17-year-old rising star, who has committed to attend the University of Texas starting this September, collapsed during her fourth and final event—the Under-18 girls’ 4x100m relay—while competing for Choiseul Secondary School. After receiving the baton behind the pack, Emmanuel dramatically pulled her team into second position and was challenging for the lead when the injury occurred, forcing Choiseul Secondary to withdraw from the race.

Earlier in the competition, Emmanuel had demonstrated her exceptional form by posting the top qualifying time in the 200m and the second-fastest time in the 100m events, effortlessly advancing through the preliminary rounds. She had opted not to compete in the 4x400m relay, where her school still managed to qualify for the finals.

Preliminary medical assessments conducted after the incident have produced uncertain results regarding her leg injury, with recovery estimates ranging from one week to two months. This development has ruled Emmanuel out of the National Junior Championships scheduled for this weekend at Soufriere Stadium and likely concludes her participation in the ongoing Island Champs.

The athlete made history at last year’s CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago by winning both the Under-17 girls’ 100m and 200m events—marking Saint Lucia’s first-ever medals in these competitions at this level. This year, she would have been eligible to compete in the Under-20 division, making her potential absence particularly significant for Saint Lucia’s athletic representation.

Saint Lucia’s beloved Blackheart Football Tournament makes its triumphant return in 2026 after a one-year hiatus, with four community venues selected through unprecedented fan participation. The month-long knockout competition, scheduled from May 1-30, will unfold across four strategically chosen locations: Vieux Fort, Soufrière, Gros Islet, and Dennery.

The venue selection process marked a significant shift toward fan engagement, with organizers implementing an online poll that attracted over 2,700 votes. This democratic approach allowed supporters to directly influence the tournament’s geographical footprint, with voting specifically focused on enclosed venues that enhance both security and spectator experience.

Vieux Fort’s Phillip ‘Magii’ Marcellin Grounds emerged as the overwhelming favorite, capturing approximately 30% of all votes (800 total) despite previous security concerns that had limited its use in recent years. Soufrière Stadium followed closely with 750 votes, while Gros Islet’s Francis ‘Baba’ Lastic Grounds secured 665 votes. Dennery’s Mabouya Valley Playing Field completed the selection with 400 votes, notably outperforming Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries, which garnered merely 100 votes.

David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, CEO of Blackheart Productions, emphasized the significance of community involvement: ‘The overwhelming participation reflects the passion and growing support for community football throughout the island. These venues represent key football communities across Saint Lucia and will provide an exciting stage for teams and supporters to come together in celebration of the sport.’

The tournament, which has evolved into one of the nation’s most anticipated sporting events, promises to deliver its characteristic blend of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and community entertainment. Defending champions La Clery will return to defend their title earned in the 2024 competition. Organizers have indicated that additional announcements regarding team registration procedures, detailed match schedules, and prize structures will follow in the coming weeks.

In a thrilling display of resilience, newcomers Fired Up Fitness secured a 60-53 comeback victory against East Coast Academy in Wednesday night’s KFC National Basketball League matchup at Beausejour Gymnasium. The game’s pivotal performance came from fireman and former West Indies rugby winger Jerry Charles, who emerged as the decisive factor in the contest.

East Coast Academy established early dominance, closing the first quarter with a 24-22 advantage. However, their offensive momentum faltered dramatically as they managed only 29 points across the subsequent three quarters. Fired Up Fitness maintained relentless pressure, culminating in a decisive final period performance. With three minutes remaining and a narrow three-point lead, Charles delivered a game-sealing three-pointer that secured the victory.

Charles earned the KFC Player of the Game honor with 14 points, shouldering increased offensive responsibility after teammate Kerwin Sealy exited early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Sealy had contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds before his departure. The team received additional support from Simeon Medard and Simeon Hippolyte, each adding 9 points to the scoreboard.

Despite the loss, East Coast Academy witnessed exceptional individual performance from Sage Lewis, who achieved career-best numbers with a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. Tyler “Shrimpy” Hubain provided solid support with 7 points and 9 rebounds.

The league action continues Friday with Bonne Terre Blazers and Courts Jets both seeking their second victories in a 6 p.m. tipoff, followed by East Coast Academy facing Morne Gladiators at 8 p.m.