The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division witnessed a thrilling twist on October 28, as Naparima College, the southern powerhouse, suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat against St Anthony’s College in Westmoorings. This loss marked Naparima’s second defeat in three games, significantly altering the league standings. Despite entering the match with a narrow one-point lead over St Benedict’s College, Naparima’s inability to maintain a two-goal second-half advantage cost them dearly. St Anthony’s captain Mordecai Ford emerged as the hero, delivering a sensational hat-trick to secure the victory. Meanwhile, St Benedict’s capitalized on Naparima’s stumble, ascending to the top of the league with a 3-1 win over Malick, amassing 30 points from 12 games. Defending champions Fatima College also made strides, moving to second place after an emphatic 11-0 victory over Carapichaima East Secondary, fueled by Jonathan Mason’s hat-trick. Presentation College San Fernando, now in fourth place, kept their title hopes alive with an 8-0 thrashing of St Augustine Secondary, thanks to Isaiah Jacob’s hat-trick, which took his goal tally to 17. With three games remaining for St Benedict’s and Naparima, and two for Fatima and Presentation, the league is poised for a nail-biting finish. The upcoming clash between Naparima and St Benedict’s on November 3 promises to be a pivotal encounter in the title race. In Westmoorings, Naparima initially dominated, leading 1-0 at halftime after Riquelme Phillips capitalized on a defensive error. However, St Anthony’s goalkeeper Necose Moore’s heroics and Naparima’s missed opportunities kept the game alive. Ford’s second-half brilliance, including a stunning free-kick and a match-winning set-piece, sealed the dramatic comeback. St Anthony’s jubilant celebrations at the final whistle reflected the magnitude of their victory. Elsewhere in the league, St Mary’s College and Trinity College Moka secured crucial wins, while Signal Hill Secondary triumphed in the Tobago derby. The SSFL premier division standings now set the stage for an intense conclusion to the season.
分类： sports
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Antigua Triumphs Again as Caribbean Dinghy Champions for 2025
The 2025 Caribbean Dinghy Championship (CDC), hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club (AYC), concluded on Sunday after three exhilarating days of racing, marking a historic celebration of skill, unity, and regional camaraderie. This year’s event, organized by the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA), not only highlighted elite sailing talent but also underscored the Caribbean sailing community’s vibrant spirit and inclusivity.
Team Antigua and Barbuda emerged victorious once again, securing their sixth consecutive Nations Trophy. Their consistent excellence and teamwork solidified Antigua’s reputation as a regional sailing powerhouse. Close competitors, including teams from St. Maarten and Trinidad & Tobago, delivered strong performances, finishing second and third overall, respectively. St. Maarten’s sailors achieved podium positions across all categories, showcasing their depth of talent.
Individual sailors also shone brightly, with standout performances from Ozani Lafond (ILCA7), Shanoy Malone (ILCA6), and Carrack Jones (ILCA4.7) of Antigua, Nathan Shephard (Optimist) of St. Maarten, and Keston and Tristan Monroe (RS Ventures) of Trinidad & Tobago. Notably, Grayson Burrell of St. Kitts & Nevis and Joshua Weihardt of St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated their first-ever podium finishes, highlighting the championship’s growing inclusivity.
A historic moment unfolded as Ammarilla Henry, representing the National Sailing Academy’s Sailability Programme, became the first para-athlete to compete and earn a podium finish at the CDC. Her second-place achievement, alongside teammate and coach Kayon Guiste, inspired the crowd and symbolized the event’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.
Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim, Commodore of the AYC and Chairman of the 2025 CDC, expressed pride in the sailors and the host club, emphasizing the championship’s role in celebrating Caribbean youth and unity. International Judge Pat Bailey commended the sailors for their sportsmanship, while Alison Sly-Adams of the CSA and NSA praised the event’s organization and its impact on inspiring future generations.
The championship concluded with a lively Prize-Giving Ceremony at the AYC Events Centre, attended by former CSA presidents. Participants from Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda were celebrated for their performances and sportsmanship. A celebratory lunch by Bar-B’s Restaurant added warmth to the event, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie among sailors, coaches, and officials.
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Nieuwe sport- en educatiehub voor jongeren in Reeberg geopend
The district of Reeberg in Wanica, Suriname, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art sports complex, marking a significant milestone for local youth development. Officially opened during the Sports and Education Fair, the facility on Roodbontstraat is a project spearheaded by the Y-Academy Foundation, led by Chairman Gino Naarden. The complex aims to provide a safe and accessible space for young people to engage in sports, play, and foster both physical and mental growth. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS) has endorsed the initiative, with Acting Sports Director Enrique Ralim praising the foundation’s efforts and pledging active collaboration. ‘Such initiatives are invaluable for youth development. The ministry will be actively involved in Y-Academy’s next event,’ Ralim stated. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to youth and sports development, noting that investments in sports translate into investments in the nation’s future—promoting health, mental resilience, and societal stability. Y-Academy’s innovative approach combines sports and education to empower local communities through talent development. Naarden officially handed over the complex to Reeberg residents, urging them to maximize its potential. ‘Healthy youth are the foundation of a strong Suriname. It starts here, in our neighborhoods,’ he stressed. Local children, including Jamie, Meredientje, and Shesharya, expressed their excitement, describing the new sports field as a dream come true—a dedicated space to play, learn, and grow together.
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Global athletics champions relax in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, the Caribbean island nation, has recently emerged as a favored destination for world-class athletes following the 2024 Olympics. The island, already renowned as the home of 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred, has welcomed a series of high-profile visitors, including triple World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Alfred’s role as a Tourism Ambassador for her homeland appears to be yielding significant benefits, drawing attention to the island’s allure. Jefferson-Wooden, who married her college sweetheart Rolan Wooden II in March 2025, chose Saint Lucia for her belated honeymoon after a demanding athletics season. The 24-year-old from South Carolina, fresh from her gold medal triumphs in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events in Tokyo, Japan, celebrated her nuptials at the luxurious Jade Mountain resort. She expressed her joy on social media, stating, ‘I love being Mrs. Wooden!!! Saint Lucia owes us nothing.’ Joining her at Jade Mountain in October was British sprinter Amy Hunt, a World Championships 200m silver medalist and Olympic 4x100m silver medalist. The 21-year-old from Nottinghamshire shared her enchantment with the island, posting, ‘Saint Lucia, I’ve only been here for 24 hours, but I’m in love.’ Meanwhile, Julien Alfred has been showcasing her homeland to former University of Texas teammate Rhashidat Adeleke, an Irish Olympian, and social media influencer Tiara Williams. The trio was spotted on a catamaran in Soufrière, enjoying the island’s vibrant culture. Adeleke, Williams, and American long sprinter Vernon Norwood also attended a reception for Alfred at BodyHoliday. Norwood, a seven-time global relay gold medalist with Team USA, added to the star-studded guest list. Saint Lucia’s appeal was further cemented in 2024 when Keisha Caine Bishop, mother of Olympic gold medalist and quadruple World Champion Noah Lyles, visited the island after meeting Alfred at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Five Dominican players named finalists for 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award
Five standout Dominican players—Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez, Jorge Polanco, and Jéremy Peña—have been named finalists for the prestigious 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award. This accolade recognizes the most exceptional offensive performers at each position in Major League Baseball (MLB), celebrating their remarkable contributions to the game. Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman, emerged as a dominant force this season, smashing 45 home runs, driving in 110 RBIs, and maintaining a .264 batting average, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most formidable hitters. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman, delivered consistent offensive prowess with 23 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .292 average. Julio Rodríguez, the Seattle Mariners’ center fielder, achieved a rare 30-30 season, combining 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases, alongside 95 RBIs and a .267 average. His teammate, second baseman Jorge Polanco, bolstered Seattle’s infield with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .265 average. Meanwhile, Houston Astros shortstop Jéremy Peña showcased maturity and consistency, finishing the season with a .304 batting average, 17 home runs, and 62 RBIs. The Silver Slugger Award winners, determined by votes from MLB managers and coaches, will be unveiled in the coming weeks, spotlighting the league’s elite hitters.
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The ladies changing the game in football
Two Saint Lucian women, Examin Philbert and Dr. Natasha Innocent-Thomas, are making history as trailblazers in football administration. Their recent appointments to FIFA Standing Committees, alongside Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), mark a significant milestone for gender representation in global sports governance. The trio will serve from 2025 to 2029, following the FIFA Council Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. While all three appointments are noteworthy, the inclusion of women in these decision-making roles is particularly groundbreaking, given the historical underrepresentation of women in sports administration. This development is expected to inspire greater professional growth in Saint Lucian sports and beyond. Philbert, currently the women’s football coordinator for the SLFA and president of the Vieux Fort Football League, has been appointed to the FIFA Women’s National Team Competition Standing Committee. This body plays a pivotal role in shaping women’s football globally, overseeing events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Dr. Innocent-Thomas, a respected medical professional with extensive experience in sports medicine, will serve on the FIFA Medical Committee. Her role is critical as the committee addresses health, medical, and player welfare issues in an era of increasing global football demands. Both women emphasized the transformative potential of their appointments. Philbert highlighted the opportunity to strengthen Saint Lucia’s global football network and enhance women’s football programs. Innocent-Thomas underscored the importance of improved health management for athletes, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for young women and girls, demonstrating that careers in football extend beyond the pitch. Philbert and Innocent-Thomas encourage aspiring professionals to pursue diverse opportunities in the sport, from media and marketing to governance and medicine. Their journey to FIFA leadership exemplifies the rewards of perseverance, preparation, and passion for the beautiful game.
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Destang named Florida swimmer of the year
Antoine Destang, Saint Lucia’s most accomplished young swimmer, continues to make waves both nationally and internationally. As he gears up to represent his country at the upcoming Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Destang is still basking in the glory of his high school achievements. Now a freshman student-athlete at the University of Michigan, he has already begun to carve out a promising collegiate career.
Destang’s recent accolades include being named Florida Swimmer of the Year for his age group at the 2025 Florida Swimming Annual Awards Banquet. This honor places him alongside swimming legends like Katy Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in history. His senior year at The Bolles School was marked by multiple top-ten national performances in the 15-17 age group, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure.
Earlier this year, Destang shone at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, securing a bronze medal in the freestyle and a silver in the 100m butterfly. His performance in the latter event was the third fastest in CARIFTA history. Competing for the Bolles Sharks, he amassed five medals and eight top-ten finishes in the first quarter of 2025, including a silver in the 100-yard backstroke at the Florida Senior Championship.
Destang’s versatility was further highlighted at the French Elite Championships and the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where he competed against seasoned professionals. At Michigan, he has already achieved a top-ten finish in the 100-yard butterfly, signaling his potential to become a world-class swimmer.
As the OECS Championships approach, Destang aims to help Saint Lucia improve on their previous fourth-place finish. Despite being overlooked for Saint Lucia’s Junior Sportsman of the Year award in 2023 and 2024, his consistent performances and record-breaking swims have cemented his status as one of the Caribbean’s brightest swimming talents.
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Paul misses Track World Championship medal
Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling sensation Nicholas Paul narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2025 Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile, on October 26. Paul, who had previously secured silver medals in the 2021 and 2023 editions, finished fourth in the men’s sprint event, marking a disappointing end to the nation’s campaign. This year’s result contrasts sharply with the past two championships, where Paul had been a standout performer. Ranked fourth in the International Cycling Union’s individual sprint standings, Paul faced Dutch speedster Harrie Lavreysen in the semi-finals. Despite a valiant effort, Paul was outclassed by Lavreysen, who went on to claim gold in the final. In the bronze-medal race, Paul faced Australian Leigh Hoffman. Although Paul briefly took the lead in the first race, Hoffman’s resilience in the sprint lane secured him the bronze. The second race saw Hoffman dominate, leaving Paul without a medal. The championships also saw mixed results for other Trinidad and Tobago cyclists. Makaira Wallace, making her World Championships debut in the women’s keirin, failed to advance beyond the first round. Akil Campbell finished 16th in the men’s elimination race, while his sister Teniel did not complete the women’s points race. Despite the setbacks, Paul’s performance in the keirin and 1km time trial, along with the participation of veteran Njisane Phillip, highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the global stage.
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NLCL Nation’s Cup to kick-off Xmas holidays
Trinidad and Tobago’s premier youth football academies and clubs are preparing to showcase their talent against Caribbean rivals at the NLCL Nation’s Cup – International Holiday Fun Festival. Scheduled to take place from December 19 to 21 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of young footballing talent. The tournament will feature competitions in four age categories: Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, and Under 15, with participants vying for cash prizes, trophies, and medals. Organized by the Next Level Foundation, the event builds on the success of previous NLCL Community Cup tournaments. Bermudez Biscuit Company’s Dixiee returns as an official sponsor, alongside key supporters such as Next Level Consulting Ltd, Agostini Ltd, Point Lisas Nitrogen Ltd, and First Citizens. Notable youth clubs like City FC, Cox Coaching School, Creek Sports & Cultural Club, Dunstan Williams Soccer Academy, and Union Hall United have already confirmed their participation. Beyond the matches, attendees can enjoy live performances, DJs, a Family Fun Zone, and complimentary samples from vendors. Brian K Jordan, foundation chairman, emphasized the event’s focus on community engagement and youth development. Germaine Jordan, tournament chairperson, encouraged additional sponsors and teams to join, highlighting the importance of investing in young footballers. For further details, interested parties can visit NLCL Community Cup’s social media pages or contact the organizers directly.
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Ramkissoon elected TTCB treasurer, John remains 2nd VP
Stephen Ramkissoon has successfully retained his position as treasurer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) following the organization’s annual general meeting (AGM) and elections held on October 25 at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. Ramkissoon, who assumed the role earlier this year after his predecessor Kiswah Chaitoo was ousted in a motion of no confidence, will now serve a full four-year term. He secured the position with a decisive 29-12 victory over Central Sports owner Richard Ramkissoon, who is no relation. The elections also saw Kerwin John, head of the Tobago Cricket Association, retain his role as second vice-president after defeating Rajendra Mangalie 27-13. Additionally, Avinash Suruj of the Central Zone was elected third vice-president, outpacing veteran administrator Parasram Singh 29-12. Five new members—Ravi Teeluck, Anand Rampersad, Ann Brown John, Frank Simmons, and Mitra Ragoonanan—joined the executive with membership status, while Sharaz Mohammed of the Secondary Schools Cricket League fell short with only ten votes. Azim Bassarath, who has led the TTCB since 2009, retained his presidency uncontested. However, this marks his final term due to recently amended term limits. Altaf Baksh and Henry Chase were also elected unopposed as first vice-president and general secretary, respectively. Ammar Samaroo, secretary of the TTCB elections committee, confirmed the process was seamless, stating, ‘Everything went extremely smoothly and according to plan.’