分类: sports

  • Benna Girls Celebrate Tournament Triumph With 9–0 Final Win

    Benna Girls Celebrate Tournament Triumph With 9–0 Final Win

    Antigua and Barbuda’s women’s national football team, the Benna Girls, have achieved a spectacular triumph at the Turks and Caicos Islands International Festival Invitational, securing the championship title with an extraordinary 9-0 victory against the host nation in Saturday’s final match.

    The team delivered a masterclass in offensive football, demonstrating remarkable coordination and scoring efficiency throughout the tournament finale. The scoring commenced with Gabrielle DeSuza, who would later receive the Golden Boot award as the competition’s highest goal scorer. The offensive onslaught continued with Nafisa Quashie and Nicelle Drew each contributing two goals to the tally, while Keitonya Skepple similarly netted a brace. Additional goals from Kevoncia James and Zoya Simon completed the historic scoreline.

    Beyond the team achievement, individual accolades highlighted the squad’s exceptional talent. Goalkeeper Amya Hodge received the Golden Glove distinction for her impeccable defensive performances throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Kai Jacobs earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player recognition for her outstanding contributions on both ends of the pitch.

    The championship concludes a flawless campaign for the Benna Girls, who maintained an unbeaten record throughout the invitational while consistently demonstrating superiority over all opponents. Football officials and supporters have unanimously applauded the team’s exemplary discipline, cohesive teamwork, and attacking brilliance, characterizing this achievement as a transformative moment for women’s football development in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • The Casimir legacy and the way forward: Part 1

    The Casimir legacy and the way forward: Part 1

    The conclusion of Saint Lucia’s 2021-2025 sports term reveals a period of significant transformation under Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir’s leadership. This era witnessed both structural reforms and remarkable athletic achievements that reshaped the nation’s sporting landscape.

    Substantial government backing through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and National Lottery Authority fueled numerous accomplishments. David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, president of the Saint Lucia Boxing Federation, acknowledged unprecedented support that enabled hosting multiple regional tournaments, including three major boxing events this year alone. “This should become the boxing paradise for the region,” Christopher noted, rating the administration’s support at nine out of ten.

    The establishment of semi-professional leagues for football and cricket marked a groundbreaking structural shift. Francis ‘Parry’ Daniel, CEO of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, highlighted the creation of a two-tier league system that has revolutionized player development and community engagement. “The Semi-Pro League has re-ignited belief,” Daniel emphasized. “Players believe they have a future. Communities believe in the sport again.”

    International recognition came through major events including Saint Lucia’s hosting of T20 World Cup matches, with the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground earning top regional ranking for pitch and outfield quality from the International Cricket Council. The island also successfully hosted the 52nd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and revived the Saint Lucia Open Golf tournament.

    The Elite and Emerging Athletes Programme provided approximately EC$481,000 in 2023 alone to support athletes with travel, equipment, and training needs. Dora Henry, president of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, confirmed this support significantly eased global representation for athletes while calling for continued investment in facilities and sport science.

    The Alternative Sports Unit, spearheaded by Craig Gustave, diversified the athletic landscape by promoting non-traditional sports including e-sports, motorsports, chess, and mixed martial arts. Mandalee Mason of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation praised the government’s supportive role in their developmental initiatives.

    Despite these achievements, stakeholders acknowledge that further development is needed to bring Saint Lucian sports fully up to international standards, with specific areas for improvement to be addressed in subsequent analyses.

  • Malone, Gaillard to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Youth Sailing World Championships

    Malone, Gaillard to Represent Antigua and Barbuda at Youth Sailing World Championships

    Antigua and Barbuda will showcase its emerging sailing talent on the global stage as Shanoy Malone and Emily Gaillard secure qualification for the prestigious 2025 Youth Sailing World Championships in Portugal. The two athletes will compete in the highly competitive ILCA 6 single-handed dinghy categories, with Malone representing in the men’s division and Gaillard in the women’s division.

    The international regatta, commencing December 12, 2025, will assemble the world’s most promising youth sailors across various disciplines. This selection underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s enduring maritime heritage and strategic investment in nurturing competitive sailing prospects.

    Both sailors have developed their expertise through structured pathways including the Antigua Yacht Club’s developmental initiatives, regional sailing competitions, and the World Sailing Emerging Nations Programme—a dedicated effort to enhance competitive capabilities in developing sailing nations. Their progression demonstrates the effectiveness of these programs in identifying and refining athletic potential.

    The championship serves as a critical platform for young sailors to gain international experience against elite competition, potentially paving the way for future Olympic participation. Antigua and Barbuda’s continued presence at this level highlights the nation’s commitment to sporting excellence and youth development through maritime sports.

  • The athlete who made Saint Lucia believe

    The athlete who made Saint Lucia believe

    The extraordinary ascent of Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia has reshaped both her destiny and the collective consciousness of her nation, inspiring citizens domestically and abroad. Her athletic achievements have become a unifying symbol for politicians seeking electoral support and ordinary citizens searching for motivational figures, establishing her as an exemplary model across generations.

    Alfred’s accomplishments represent multiple historic breakthroughs for Saint Lucia. She secured the nation’s inaugural Olympic gold and silver medals at Paris 2024, emerged as its first Diamond League Champion—a double championship feat—and claimed a World Championships bronze medal. These pioneering victories have fundamentally altered national perception, demonstrating that small island nations can not only compete but excel on the world stage.

    The Ciceron-native’s influence has profoundly impacted Saint Lucia’s sporting landscape, particularly in athletics. Her prominence has generated unprecedented attention toward athletic development, capturing the interest of corporate entities. 1st National Bank (St Lucia) Ltd, her longstanding sponsor since her University of Texas collegiate days, positioned her as brand ambassador, paving the way for other corporate partnerships like sprinter Naomi London’s collaboration with Bank of Saint Lucia.

    Alfred’s inspirational effect extends beyond track and field. Following her Paris victory, the Saint Lucia Kings cricket franchise credited her performance as direct motivation for capturing their maiden Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League title. Head coach Daren Sammy described his team as “inspired” by Alfred’s achievements, noting it was the most focused unit he had ever coached.

    The athlete’s cultural impact transcends sports entirely. Saint Lucian professionals across industries identify the 24-year-old as a guiding symbol in their respective fields. Culinary chefs representing Saint Lucia at Barbados’ TASTE competition aspired to be recognized as “culinary Julien Alfreds,” while veteran tradesman Douglas Morgan, after receiving international crane operation certification, expressed feeling “like Julien Alfred” in his professional excellence.

    This ‘Juju Effect’ has significantly benefited Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. During the Paris Olympics, Saint Lucia ranked as Google’s second most-searched country—a phenomenon directly attributed to Alfred’s visibility. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority formally appointed her as Tourism Ambassador in September 2024, celebrating her as “the world’s fastest woman.” This designation has attracted prominent athletics figures to the island, including triple World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and family members of sprint star Noah Lyles.

    Despite her career’s relatively early stage, Alfred has established an enduring legacy as a transformative force elevating professional aspirations across Saint Lucian society.

  • Sharks end 2025 on high note at Lucian Grand Prix

    Sharks end 2025 on high note at Lucian Grand Prix

    The Sharks Swim Club emerged victorious at the 2025 Lucian Grand Prix swimming championship, held December 5-7 at Rodney Heights Aquatics Centre, capping off the aquatics season with an impressive display of team dominance and individual excellence. Competing against five rival teams, Sharks secured the overall title with 1,277 points, narrowly edging out Sea Jays Swim Club who finished second with 1,197 points.

    The victory was characterized by exceptional team depth and several record-breaking performances. The Sharks women’s squad demonstrated particular strength, accumulating 635 points compared to Sea Jays’ 356, while the men’s team contributed 606 points to secure the overall victory despite finishing behind Sea Jays’ male swimmers.

    Individual standouts included Zoe Fortune, who dominated the 9-10 division with four gold medals and 55 points, leading four teammates in the top five rankings. The team’s depth was further evidenced by four swimmers in the Under-9 girls top ten and seven in the top eight for the 13-14 age group. Veteran swimmer Tamykh Bryan, at 22 years old, contributed 27 points as the sole competitor in the 18-and-over female category.

    Keyanno Elibox continued his impressive form by winning three of his six events to top the Under-9 boys division with 63 points, fresh from his recent success at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Swim Championships.

    The championship witnessed significant record-breaking achievements, including one senior national record and three age-group marks. Jayden Xu set a new national record in the 25-meter short-course men’s 200m with a time of 2:16.09, shaving 0.14 seconds off the previous record set by Christopher Phillips in 2016.

    Sapphire Parks established herself as a rising star by setting three new age-group records in the 11-12 category. The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships standout remained unbeaten throughout the competition, setting new benchmarks in the 100m freestyle (1:02.25), 200m backstroke (2:33.33), and 200m breaststroke (2:54.19).

    Head coach David Peterkin praised the collective effort, stating: ‘Our swimmers fought throughout the Grand Prix weekend, swimming many best times, and our coaches prepared them down to the final taper. Our officials, technical staff, timers, and marshals were essential to making this meet happen. The team’s battle cry, ‘Let’s go, Sharks!’ truly resonated throughout the competition.’

    The final team standings saw Lightning Aquatics finish third with 536 points, followed by RR Aquatic Swim Club (361), Southern Flying Fish (255), and Rodney Heights Aquatics Club (155).

  • FFB Condemns Player After Dog Kicked at PLB Final

    FFB Condemns Player After Dog Kicked at PLB Final

    The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has issued a stern condemnation following a disturbing incident during the Premier League of Belize Opening Season Finals. The federation expressed outrage after video evidence emerged showing a player deliberately kicking a stray dog that had entered the playing field during the championship match between Progresso FC and Verdes FC in Benque Viejo, Cayo District, on Saturday night.

    The FFB characterized the player’s actions as ‘completely unacceptable and fundamentally incompatible with the core values and ethical principles of football.’ The incident, witnessed by both stadium spectators and television viewers, quickly ignited widespread public anger across social media platforms following the circulation of video footage online.

    In an official statement, the federation confirmed the matter has been escalated to its Disciplinary Committee for formal review. The committee will conduct a thorough investigation to determine appropriate sanctions against the identified player, Latrell Middleton, who was captured on video committing the act.

    Public reaction has been vehement, with many social media commentators condemning both the player’s actions and what they perceive as organizational failures. Critics highlighted the presence of an unsupervised animal at a major sporting event as indicative of serious security and protocol deficiencies. Several commentators argued that event organizers share responsibility for ensuring player and spectator safety, including preventing animals from entering the competition area.

    One particularly vocal social media user connected the incident to broader societal issues, stating: ‘This unfortunate event reflects the pervasive problem of animal abuse within our nation. Such behavior must be confronted at all levels of our society.’

  • Benna Girls reach finals with 6–1 win over Renegades FC

    Benna Girls reach finals with 6–1 win over Renegades FC

    The Benna Girls soccer squad has spectacularly secured their place in the championship final following an emphatic 6-1 triumph against Renegades FC from The Bahamas. The match showcased an offensive masterclass, with Gabrielle DeSuza emerging as the undeniable star by netting an impressive hat-trick. She was powerfully supported by teammates Kai Jacobs, Keitonya Skepple, and Nafisa Quashie, each contributing a crucial goal to complete the decisive scoreline. This victory extends the team’s remarkable streak of dominant performances, solidifying their status as formidable contenders. The squad now prepares for a highly anticipated championship clash against Turks and Caicos, scheduled for Sunday at 6:00 PM. In the wake of this semi-final success, a passionate call to action has been issued to fans and supporters, urging them to rally behind the Benna Girls as they pursue the title in what analysts predict will be a fiercely competitive final match.

  • U13 cricket competition lays foundation for future success

    U13 cricket competition lays foundation for future success

    Saint Lucia’s cricket landscape witnessed a transformative moment as the inaugural Under-13 Grassroots Tournament concluded triumphantly in December 2025. The eight-week championship, powered by the Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, culminated with Soufrière claiming victory against Babonneau in a spirited final showdown at Vieux Fort.

    The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) heralded the event as an unprecedented success in youth sports development. SLNCA President Wayne Auguste expressed profound satisfaction, noting: ‘The rapid skill evolution and deepened game understanding among these young athletes within such a brief timeframe has been extraordinary. Their progress validates our strategic investment in cricket’s future.’

    A remarkable tournament hallmark was cricket’s dramatic expansion into non-traditional regions. Communities like Laborie participated with exceptional enthusiasm, signaling the sport’s growing appeal beyond historical strongholds. Auguste emphasized the importance of nationwide outreach, stating: ‘Our next cricket superstar could emerge from any corner of Saint Lucia. Witnessing a female coach leading the Laborie team was particularly inspiring, and we encourage more women to embrace coaching roles.’

    This tournament strategically bridges the Republic Bank Five for Fun program (targeting primary school children) and the Sandals Under-19 district competition. The association’s visionary roadmap includes introducing a hardball program featuring age-appropriate 4¾-ounce balls and professional equipment including scaled bats, protective gear, and full kits to mirror international standards.

    Further expansion plans reveal an upcoming Under-10 category with modified rules to accommodate younger participants, recognizing that earlier engagement significantly enhances player development.

    Championship coach Dalius Monrose praised the tournament’s impact: ‘This initiative was long overdue. Our players demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the competition, evolving from beginners to knowledgeable cricketers who understand game strategy and execution.’ Monrose advocated for dedicated cricket facilities in Soufrière to sustain the sport’s momentum.

    Auguste concluded by acknowledging the Laborie Credit Union’s pivotal role, describing them as ‘ideal partners aligned with human resource development through sports investment.’ The tournament’s resounding success establishes a robust foundation for cricket’s continued expansion across Saint Lucian communities.

  • Coach David Riley appointed to World Athletics Commission

    Coach David Riley appointed to World Athletics Commission

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant development for Caribbean athletics, Jamaican track and field expert David Riley has secured a prestigious appointment to the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission. The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) officially confirmed this elevation on Monday, marking a milestone for the nation’s sporting representation on the global stage.

    Riley, who serves as head coach at Excelsior High School while holding dual roles as World Athletics Global Calendar Liaison and deputy chairman of the Competitions Commission at JAAA, underwent an extensive vetting procedure before his nomination. The JAAA release emphasized that his selection directly recognizes his exceptional work in athletics coaching, educational programs for coaches, and athlete development initiatives spanning both national and international contexts.

    This appointment carries substantial implications for Jamaica’s role in international sports governance. Riley’s position will enable direct Jamaican input into the formulation of global coaching policies, the establishment of international standards, and the creation of athlete development frameworks. The move signals growing Caribbean influence within World Athletics’ decision-making processes.

    JAAA President Garth Gayle celebrated the appointment as a moment of national pride, stating: ‘Coach Riley’s placement on this commission reflects the extraordinary respect that Jamaican coaching professionals command worldwide. It validates the exceptional expertise within our coaching community and guarantees that Jamaica’s distinctive viewpoints and proven methodologies will actively inform the future trajectory of global athlete development and coaching excellence.’

  • Manchester United blow lead three times in 4-4 Bournemouth thriller

    Manchester United blow lead three times in 4-4 Bournemouth thriller

    In a Premier League spectacle characterized by offensive brilliance and defensive frailty, Manchester United were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by a resilient Bournemouth side at Old Trafford on Monday. The result saw United miss a crucial opportunity to climb into fifth place in the league standings, as they repeatedly surrendered hard-earned advantages in a match that delivered eight goals.

    The contest began favorably for the hosts, with Amad Diallo capitalizing on a Djordje Petrovic error to nod into an unguarded net in the 13th minute. Despite United’s commanding attacking display, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed just before halftime. Antoine Semenyo overpowered Luke Shaw to equalize, only for Casemiro to restore United’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a header that Petrovic should have saved.

    The second half commenced with a stunning Bournemouth blitz. Evanilson needed just 37 seconds to slot home his first goal since August, before Marcus Tavernier’s expertly drilled free-kick completed a rapid turnaround, putting the visitors ahead 3-2.

    United demonstrated characteristic resilience in response. Captain Bruno Fernandes unleashed a magnificent free-kick into the top corner, and Matheus Cunha then swept home to put United back in front at 4-3. However, the lead proved temporary once more. With six minutes remaining, Eli Junior Kroupi delivered a fine finish to secure a deserved share of the points for the Cherries. Bournemouth nearly snatched a sensational victory in stoppage time, but substitute David Brooks was twice denied by superb saves from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

    Post-match, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed frustration at more dropped points at home, though he acknowledged a superior performance compared to recent outings. The result leaves United sixth on goal difference, while Bournemouth move up to 13th, ending a seven-game winless streak.