分类: sports

  • Charlemagne House storm to glory at Fond St Jacques

    Charlemagne House storm to glory at Fond St Jacques

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and determination, Charlemagne House (Yellow) emerged victorious with 1,030 points at the Fond St Jacques Primary School sports meet, held at the Soufrière Mini Stadium on February 20. The championship battle saw intense competition as Hippolyte House (Blue) secured second place with 1,002 points, while Alcindor House (Red) claimed third with 989 points.

    The path to victory required extraordinary effort from Charlemagne House, which faced a significant 31-point deficit against Hippolyte in the pre-track standings. Through exceptional team performance and strategic scoring in track events, Charlemagne executed a remarkable comeback to seize the championship title.

    Individual excellence shone throughout the competition, with several athletes achieving top honors as Victors and Victrices Ludorum across multiple age categories:

    – U7 Victrix Jayda Pascal (Alcindor) demonstrated exceptional skill with 1 Gold and 1 Silver medal
    – U7 Victor Mavrick Daniel (Hippolyte) dominated his category with 2 Gold medals
    – Alcindor House showcased particular strength in middle categories with U9 Victrix Gabrielle Augustin (2 Golds) and U9 Victor Blake Alexander (2 Golds)
    – U11 competitors Shadia Arunel (Alcindor) and Vernanly Amedee (Alcindor) both achieved perfect 2 Gold medal performances
    – The senior categories featured outstanding performances from U13 Victrix Merabel Mon Louis (Charlemagne) with 3 Golds and 1 Silver, and U13 Victor Janik Prospere (Hippolyte) with 3 Gold medals

    The event highlighted not only individual athletic excellence but also the spirit of sportsmanship and team competition that defines primary school sports in the region.

  • Sulphur Springs claim Les Etangs sports crown

    Sulphur Springs claim Les Etangs sports crown

    Sulphur Springs House (Yellow) emerged victorious at the Les Etangs Combined sports meet after an intense competition, securing the championship with a final tally of 1,115 points. The Yellow team faced formidable challenges from rivals Piton House (Green), who finished a close second with 1,045 points, while NSD Ravineau House (Blue) completed the podium with 946 points.

    The path to victory required remarkable consistency and determination from Sulphur Springs athletes. Entering the track events with a preliminary lead of 626 points, the Yellow team maintained their advantage despite a strong surge from Piton House, who narrowed the gap significantly during the track competitions with 561 points. Ravineau House remained in contention throughout with 531 pre-track points.

    Individual excellence highlighted the competition with several standout performers across age categories:

    In the Under-7 division, Lily George of Sulphur Springs earned the Victrix Ludorum title with two gold medals, while Kimani St Luce of Piton House claimed the Victor Ludorum honors with dual gold medals.

    The Under-9 category saw Mackalah Medard and Amelia Calixte demonstrating exceptional talent, with Calixte contributing significantly to Ravineau’s efforts with one gold medal. Etahj Alexander of Piton House dominated the boys’ division with two gold medals.

    Tahjma Nestor from the winning Sulphur Springs team excelled in the Under-11 girls’ category, capturing two gold medals and one silver. Elijah Alexander of Piton House achieved an impressive triple gold medal performance in the boys’ division.

    The Under-13 competitions featured Nahla Augustin of Ravineau House earning two golds and one silver in the girls’ category, while Emerson Lansiquot of Sulphur Springs completed a perfect hat-trick with three gold medals for the champions.

  • Record-Breakers, Champions and Trailblazers Headline 2025 Senior Sportswoman of the Year Nominees

    Record-Breakers, Champions and Trailblazers Headline 2025 Senior Sportswoman of the Year Nominees

    The National Sports Awards has revealed its prestigious shortlist for the 2025 Senior Sportswoman of the Year, showcasing an exceptional roster of female athletes and administrators who have brought distinction to Antigua and Barbuda through their remarkable accomplishments in regional and international competitions.

    This distinguished category honors women who demonstrate unparalleled excellence, resilience, and transformative impact across diverse sporting disciplines. The nominees represent a wide spectrum of athletic pursuits, from traditional track and field to emerging sports, highlighting the nation’s growing sporting diversity.

    Track sensation Joella Lloyd achieved a breakthrough season, shattering national records in both the 60-meter and 100-meter events while reaching the semifinals at the World Indoor Championships. Her performance earned her a professional contract, marking a significant milestone in her career.

    Cricket standout Shawnisha Hector secured a senior retainer contract with Cricket West Indies following impressive displays during the T20 Blaze Tournament, signaling her ascent in international cricket circles.

    Seventeen-year-old football prodigy Gabrielle DeSuza emerged as a top scorer for both Senior Women’s and Under-20 National Teams, capturing MVP honors and demonstrating exceptional skill in international play.

    Fencing champion Jewel Crump successfully defended her national title while representing the country abroad, while golfer Kimberlyn Weatherill claimed multiple championships including the Antigua and Barbuda Open Ladies Net title and Eastern Caribbean Golf Championship.

    Netball leader Everdine Parker-Barnarde guided her club to victory in the Village League while competing internationally, and sailor Emily Gaillard balanced academic pursuits with podium finishes on competitive U.S. circuits.

    Bodybuilding ambassador Melissa Seaforth achieved world championship status at the IFBB Bikini Fitness Pro Masters competition in Malta, adding multiple European podium finishes to her credentials.

    Swimming history was made by Aunjelique Liddie at CARIFTA, becoming the first Antiguan female to break the 59-second barrier in the 100-meter freestyle and 27 seconds in the 50-meter freestyle, while securing numerous medals and national records.

    Volleyball athlete Jassania Joseph secured the ABAVA Local League title and contributed to a silver medal victory at the ECVA Under-21 Tournament, while cricket captain Sacha Michael led her club to dual championship titles with significant personal contributions of 223 runs and seven wickets.

    In sports administration, Jnai received recognition for her organizational leadership within the Antigua Barbuda Basketball Association, where she supervised over 400 games and coordinated the association’s premier awards ceremony.

    Event organizers emphasized that these awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women who continue to inspire national pride and elevate the country’s sporting profile through their dedication and excellence.

  • Ten Young Athletes Nominated for 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year Award

    Ten Young Athletes Nominated for 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year Award

    Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting future shines brightly as the National Sports Awards reveals an impressive roster of nominees for the prestigious 2025 Junior Sportsman of the Year honor. This distinguished recognition celebrates the nation’s most promising young athletes who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence across diverse sporting disciplines throughout the competitive season.

    Among the standout contenders, sprinter Gideon Roberts earns his nomination following an undefeated campaign that saw him capture multiple national titles while establishing a new championship record at the NACAC Age Group Championships. The basketball court witnessed Tajahron Davis’ exceptional leadership as he guided Clare Hall Secondary School to both league and playoff championships, subsequently earning Male Player of the Year honors while extending his dominance to club and regional competitions.

    Cricket sensation Matthew Miller, merely sixteen years of age, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season that culminated in his selection for the West Indies Under-19 squad. His outstanding performance included accumulating 930 runs and claiming 55 wickets across various competitions while serving as team captain. Cyclist Tahje Browne demonstrated his pedal prowess by securing multiple national junior titles and capturing bronze at the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships before taking his talents to Europe with the Zappi Junior Development Team.

    Football prospect Dajari Barthley achieved the rare feat of balancing academic excellence with elite athletic performance in England while representing Antigua and Barbuda’s Under-20 national team. Sailor Shanoy Malone dominated the Caribbean Dinghy Championships with an impressive 13 victories in 15 races, captaining his nation to victory while achieving international podium finishes and qualification for the Junior Pan American Games.

    Swimming star Alessandro Bazzoni reached the podium in all six of his events at CARIFTA, securing three gold medals while shattering multiple age-group records, including a long-standing OECS mark. Table tennis talent Mekhi Simmons claimed several Under-19 titles and secured regional gold in Mixed Doubles at the OECS Championships, competing successfully against both junior and open division opponents.

    Multi-sport phenomenon Elite Thomas demonstrated exceptional versatility by winning gold at the Rainbow Cup Triathlon while maintaining an undefeated national record in junior cycling and excelling in local road running events. Volleyball standout Asafa Donovan completed a strong season by leading his school to an undefeated championship run, earning MVP honors while capturing both gold and silver medals in regional competition.

    Award organizers have emphasized that these exceptional young athletes represent the vibrant future of Antiguan and Barbudan sports, with the ceremony serving to celebrate their remarkable achievements and dedication to sporting excellence.

  • Overseas players dominate SITTU Barbados Open Chess Tournament

    Overseas players dominate SITTU Barbados Open Chess Tournament

    The Barbados Beach Club in Christ Church served as the backdrop for the conclusion of the second annual SITTU Barbados Open, a prestigious international chess tournament that attracted over 100 competitors from ten different nations. The five-day event, characterized by intense competition under the Caribbean sun, saw international grandmasters and masters claiming victory across multiple sections in decisive fashion.

    In the premier Section A, Canadian Grandmaster Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux delivered a commanding performance, securing the title with an undefeated record of 7.5 points from nine games. His consistent play resulted in six victories and three draws, establishing clear dominance in the round-robin format. The Canadian contingent continued their strong showing with International Masters Mark Plotkin and Aaron Reeve Mendez finishing second and third respectively, both accumulating 6.5 points with Plotkin prevailing on tiebreak criteria. Barbados’s national champion, FIDE Master Martyn Del Castilho, emerged as the top local competitor with 4.5 points, concluding his campaign with a victory over Jamaica’s Candidate Master Darren McKennis.

    Section B witnessed a flawless performance by Venezuela’s FIDE Master Jose Mora Moron, who achieved a perfect score of seven wins from seven games. Mora Moron’s dominance was such that he mathematically clinched the section title by the sixth round. He capped his impressive run with a decisive final-round victory against Barbados Women’s Champion and Woman FIDE Master Hannah Wilson. Local talent Emar Edwards secured sole possession of second place with five points, benefiting from a draw between Justin Parsons and Guyana’s Taffin Khan in the final round.

    The competitive intensity continued in Section C where Loki Clarke registered a perfect seven-win sweep. Having already secured the section victory in round six, Clarke maintained his aggressive approach to defeat Woman Candidate Master Kiarra Eversley in the final round. Savion Little captured clear second place with 5.5 points after drawing his final match against Allan Herbert, while Aaron Jaikaran claimed third position with a last-round victory over veteran Cyprian LaTouche.

    The most dramatic conclusion unfolded in the Novice Section D, where four players finished tied at six points each after a tumultuous final round. Nathan Simmons-Patterson entered the final match as sole leader with six consecutive wins but suffered a critical defeat against Conrad Grits. This outcome, combined with victories by Derick Boyce and Harry Shepherd, created an unprecedented four-way tie. The title was ultimately awarded to Harry Shepherd who edged out his competitors by the narrowest of margins on tiebreak criteria. The section featured intense competition among 50 participants, with Jaekeb Barrow, Rene Lashley, Gabriel Canterbury, Ernest King, and Canada’s Savinos Minas rounding out positions five through nine.

    The successful tournament has generated significant anticipation within the chess community for next year’s edition, promising continued growth for Caribbean chess on the international stage.

  • Blackman and Gollop retain NAPSAC titles in dominant fashion

    Blackman and Gollop retain NAPSAC titles in dominant fashion

    In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Blackman and Gollop Primary School successfully defended both their boys’ and girls’ championship titles at the Chef Foods NAPSAC Championships on Thursday. The event, held at the Usain Bolt Complex, witnessed the school achieving a commanding double victory for the second consecutive day, mirroring Hilda Skeene Primary’s accomplishment from the previous day.

    The girls’ team from Blackman and Gollop dominated their competition with an impressive 325.50 points, leaving Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary trailing in second place with 224.50 points. Ellerton Primary secured third position with 132 points, followed by Lawrence T Gay Memorial (108), St Catherine’s Primary (102), and Gordon Greenidge Primary (78.50).

    Their male counterparts demonstrated even greater supremacy, amassing a remarkable 374.50 points. Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary again claimed second place with 200 points, while Lawrence T Gay Memorial took third with 139 points. The boys’ division saw St Catherine’s Primary (105), Ellerton Primary (104.5), and Gordon Greenidge Primary (91) completing the top six positions.

    Individual excellence shone through as Nathan Philips, an Under-13 competitor who recently transferred to Blackman and Gollop, earned the Victor Ludorum honor with triple victories in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. Meanwhile, Itege-Esat Griffith from Wilkie Cumberbatch dominated the Under-11 Division with wins in the 100m, 200m, and 300m events, securing the Victrix Ludorum title.

    The championship witnessed extraordinary athletic performances with eighteen records broken throughout the competition. Philips set new standards in the 100m with a blistering 13.12 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 13.45 seconds, and established a new 200m record of 26.80 seconds, surpassing the former 26.97-second benchmark.

    Zuri Stoute of Wilkie Cumberbatch made her mark in the Open Girls High Jump, clearing 1.28m to break the previous record of 1.25m. Shortly after her field achievement, Stoute transitioned to the track where she comfortably won her section of the Under-13 Girls 400m.

    The NAPSAC Zonal action continues its schedule with the Rubis Andrea Blackett Zone competition set for Friday.

  • BCA Warns of Major Action Against Ruta Maya

    BCA Warns of Major Action Against Ruta Maya

    A brewing storm within Belize’s paddling community threatens to disrupt one of the nation’s most cherished sporting traditions. The Belize Canoe Association (BCA) has signaled potential drastic actions against the organizers of the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, including a possible full-scale boycott of this year’s event.

    BCA Vice President Elvin Penner issued a rallying cry via social media, urging paddlers to demonstrate unity at this Saturday’s Boom-to-City Race. The association has called for a subsequent meeting to address what it describes as years of “disrespect and unfair treatment” from Love FM and the race committee.

    The association is considering multiple assertive measures: demanding official BCA sanctioning of the Ruta Maya event, imposing sanctions on paddlers who compete without association approval, refusing media interviews, organizing symbolic protests at finish lines, and even establishing an entirely new river race competition.

    Simultaneously, a separate controversy has engulfed the public sphere regarding the race’s restructured finish location. The decision to move the traditional conclusion from Belcan Bridge to the Grand Resort has polarized communities across Belize City.

    Local vendors expressed significant concern about losing one of their most profitable weekends, while longtime fans lamented the erosion of decades-old traditions. Conversely, some residents supported the change, citing safety improvements and fairer competitive conditions in the less congested waterway approaching the new finish.

    The debate has transcended sporting circles, evolving into a broader discussion about cultural preservation, economic equity, and community representation in sporting decisions. As both conflicts intensify, the future of Belize’s premier canoeing event hangs in balance, with Saturday’s race potentially determining whether reconciliation or rupture lies ahead for this beloved national tradition.

  • Jacobie wins US college conference high jump title

    Jacobie wins US college conference high jump title

    In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Saint Lucian track and field star Jenneil Jacobie secured the women’s high jump championship at the Southland Conference Indoor Championships on February 25. The 21-year-old athlete from Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, achieved a winning clearance of 1.75 meters at Birmingham’s Crossplex facility in Alabama, marking an impressive comeback after missing the entire 2025 season due to injury.

    Jacobie, who previously claimed the 2024 outdoor championship title, has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in her return to competition. Earlier this season, the East Texas A&M University student-athlete set a new personal best of 1.87 meters, cementing her position among the NCAA Division I’s top ten high jumpers nationally.

    The championship competition unfolded strategically as Jacobie entered the event at 1.69 meters, a height that eliminated most of the twenty competitors. Only three athletes remained in contention at this level, with Jacobie clearing the bar effortlessly on her first attempt. Competitors Iradi Blasco from Nicholls State and Jacobie’s teammate Amara Idinna also cleared 1.69 meters, though both required three attempts to advance.

    At 1.72 meters, the competition narrowed to the two East Texas A&M teammates after Blasco failed to clear the height. Both Jacobie and Idinna required three attempts each to continue, setting up a dramatic finale. Idinna, whose previous career best stood at 1.68 meters, ultimately secured the silver medal after failing to clear 1.75 meters. Jacobie clinched the gold medal decisively, clearing the winning height on her initial attempt.

    As the current Southland Conference record holder in high jump, Jacobie now awaits confirmation of her qualification for the NCAA Division I Championships, potentially representing another milestone in her inspiring athletic journey.

  • Is a La Ruta Maya Boycott Coming?

    Is a La Ruta Maya Boycott Coming?

    BELIZE CITY – This Saturday’s Guinness-powered Boom to the City canoe race has evolved into a potential precursor for broader athletic protests, according to emerging reports from the Belize Canoe Association. Vice President Elvin Penner indicates the event may foreshadow significant disruptions to the upcoming La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, including the possibility of an organized paddler boycott.

    The escalating tensions between the Belize Canoe Association and Love FM, the longstanding organizer of La Ruta Maya, have reached a critical juncture. Penner has publicly called for solidarity from paddlers, sponsors, and enthusiasts to demonstrate against what he characterizes as “years of disrespect, disregard, abuse, mistreatment and unfair treatment” from the event organizers.

    Following Saturday’s race, the Association will convene a decisive meeting to determine their official stance regarding the modified La Ruta Maya event, which has unexpectedly altered its traditional finish line for the first time in its history. Central to the discussion will be whether to require official sanctioning of the race by the governing canoe association.

    Penner outlined the potential consequences of such a decision: “Should Love FM refuse our sanctioning requirements, we would then implement sanctions against any paddler participating in an unsanctioned event. This would prohibit their participation in future Association-sanctioned races and disqualify them from representing Belize in international competitions.”

    In a significant development, the Association has already initiated discussions about creating an alternative event. “Preparations have commenced to develop a superior competition, executed properly from inception,” Penner confirmed.

    The Association is also considering economic pressure tactics, including potentially requesting that Bowen and Bowen support the paddlers’ position. Failure to gain corporate backing could result in a consumer boycott of Belikin products.

    Additional protest measures under consideration include a comprehensive media blackout of Love FM coverage and symbolic demonstrations at the race finish line, signaling a profound shift in Belize’s canoe racing landscape.

  • Jesse House paint Leon Hess red yet again

    Jesse House paint Leon Hess red yet again

    Mindoo Phillip Park witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess as Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School hosted its annual track and field championships. The event was marked by historic performances, with seven meet records broken and a commanding victory for the defending champions, Jesse House.

    Jesse House secured a resounding overall title with a massive haul of 1,066 points, decisively outpacing second-place Bourne House at 839 points. Ellis House claimed third with 739 points, followed by the host team, Leon House, with 718 points.

    The competition featured a series of record-shattering performances across various age divisions. In the Intermediate 2 class, Bourne’s Dante Zephirin set a blistering new standard in the 200m, clocking in at 24.4 seconds. The junior boys’ division saw exceptional talent from Jn Dave Forde of Jesse, who led a sweep in the 400m with a time of 1:10 before claiming gold in the 200m at 27.5 seconds.

    Multiple athletes emerged as triple champions, demonstrating remarkable versatility. Jesse’s Tajiri Isidore dominated the Intermediate 3 boys’ division, securing gold in the 100m (12.4s), 200m (26.0s), and 400m (1:03.0). Neah Mortley showcased her distance running prowess for Jesse in the junior girls’ category, winning the 400m (1:13.6), 800m (2:51.2), and 1200m (5:01.9).

    The senior divisions featured equally impressive performances. Ellis’s J’Lani Mitchell seamlessly transitioned to senior competition, winning both the 100m (12.0s) and 200m (24.7). Jesse’s Akaiah Weeks, the defending 800m champion, demonstrated her endurance by claiming triple gold in the 400m (1:05.5), 800m (2:44.7), and 1500m (6:42.0).

    Relay events provided thrilling conclusions to the meet, with Jesse House particularly dominant in the 4x100m and 4x400m competitions across multiple divisions, further cementing their overall championship victory.