分类: sports

  • Safe Passage win Port Antonio marlin tournament

    Safe Passage win Port Antonio marlin tournament

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 62nd edition of the prestigious Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament concluded this Saturday at the Ole Marina, crowning the vessel Safe Passage as the undisputed champion. The tournament, a hallmark event in the Caribbean sportfishing calendar, witnessed an exceptional display of angling prowess over its three-day duration.

    Safe Passage’s crew demonstrated remarkable skill, accounting for a staggering nine out of the twelve blue marlin successfully released during the competition. Angler Christopher Berry emerged as the tournament’s standout individual, securing the title of top angler by personally releasing four of these majestic game fish.

    The final day of the event saw three additional marlin released back into the ocean, contributing to the tournament’s conservation-focused catch-and-release format. One marlin each was released by Christopher Berry of Safe Passage, cementing his lead; Ethan Lyn fishing aboard the vessel Integrity; and Omar Richards from the team on Prospect II.

    The event, known for drawing international fishing enthusiasts to Jamaica’s northeastern coast, underscored the region’s status as a world-class blue marlin fishing destination. The successful release of twelve marlin was celebrated as a significant achievement for both competitive sport and marine conservation efforts.

  • Holy Name, St Joseph’s Convent power to volleyball wins

    Holy Name, St Joseph’s Convent power to volleyball wins

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional athletic performances this week as Holy Name Convent and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) delivered commanding displays in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League competitions.

    In Wednesday’s Under-17 division matches, SJCPoS demonstrated remarkable consistency with consecutive straight-set victories. The team first overcame Tunapuna Secondary with scores of 25-17 and 25-19, immediately followed by a dominant performance against ASJA Girls’ College Charlieville, securing a 25-19, 25-6 win. Tunapuna Secondary managed to rebound from their earlier defeat by claiming a hard-fought victory against ASJA College at 25-17, 25-21.

    The previous day featured equally impressive Under-15 category action, with Holy Name Convent achieving a remarkable triple victory sweep. Their campaign began with a decisive win against Naparima Girls’ High School (25-7, 25-17), followed by a thrilling comeback victory over Holy Faith Convent Couva. After dropping the first set 22-25, Holy Name mounted a strong recovery to take the subsequent sets 25-16 and 15-9. They concluded their successful run with a comprehensive defeat of St Augustine Girls’ High School at 25-15, 25-6.

    Naparima Girls’ High School also enjoyed competitive success, securing two victories against St Augustine (25-15, 25-20) and Holy Faith Convent (25-19, 25-23). Holy Faith Convent found consolation in their final match, defeating St Augustine 25-12, 25-21 to conclude the day’s proceedings.

    The league action was scheduled to continue at Pleasantville Indoor Sporting Arena with boys’ Under-17 matches on January 23rd, maintaining the momentum of this exciting school volleyball tournament.

  • Jamaica’s Sara Misir wins E1 Jeddah Grand Prix season opener, earns Pilot of the Day

    Jamaica’s Sara Misir wins E1 Jeddah Grand Prix season opener, earns Pilot of the Day

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Caribbean motorsport history was written on the Red Sea this Saturday as Jamaica’s Sara Misir dominated the inaugural round of the 2026 UIM E1 World Championship. Piloting the distinctive pink Aoki Racing Team powerboat, Misir delivered a masterclass in electric marine racing to claim victory in the season-opening Jeddah Grand Prix.

    The Jamaican driver demonstrated exceptional composure and strategic brilliance throughout a demanding race weekend, overcoming multiple challenges to secure her first Grand Prix triumph while donning the team’s iconic pink livery. Her performance not only marked a personal milestone but established early championship dominance for the Aoki Racing Team in the world’s premier electric powerboat racing series.

    “This moment is absolutely incredible – securing my first victory in the pink livery and delivering this result for the entire Aoki Racing Team,” an elated Misir stated post-race. “We faced numerous obstacles this weekend, but maintained absolute focus and executed our strategy perfectly. This achievement belongs equally to my co-pilot Dani Loos and our incredible technical team working tirelessly behind the scenes.”

    Misir’s exceptional consistency and race intelligence earned her the prestigious Pilot of the Day honor, recognizing her superlative performance across the championship finals. The victory represents a significant breakthrough for Caribbean athletes in the technologically advanced realm of electric marine motorsports.

    The E1 World Championship now progresses to its European leg, with Round 2 scheduled for Lake Como, Italy on April 24-25, 2026, where Misir and her team aim to capitalize on their early championship momentum.

  • ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    In a significant event for Caribbean football, the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) convened a formal Badge Ceremony on January 21, 2026, to honor its cadre of FIFA-accredited match officials. The gathering, held at the ABFA Conference Room, served as a platform to celebrate the referees’ professional dedication and their critical role in maintaining the sport’s integrity.

    Senior ABFA leadership, including Technical Director Sowerby Gomes and Head of Referees Kelesha Antoine, presided over the proceedings. Both officials delivered commendations, highlighting the referees’ unwavering professionalism and their adherence to the highest international standards of officiating. The ceremony placed particular emphasis on the values of integrity, fairness, and the responsibility of officials to act as role models within the sporting community.

    A special segment of the event was dedicated to acknowledging three officials—Shemroy Alie, Teyarni Mourrillon, and Robet Emmanuel—for their pursuit of advanced training through regional referee development courses. Their engagement in these programs was cited as a vital investment in elevating the quality and credibility of football officiating across the nation and the wider region.

    The ABFA used the opportunity to reiterate its steadfast commitment to referee development programs. Gratitude was extended to technical instructors Darez Dundas and Ishan Philip, along with the assessors and support staff, for their instrumental role in preparing and equipping the officiating team. The association expressed strong confidence that these efforts will continue to foster the growth and professionalization of football in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Kareem Francis earns Texas football scholarship

    Kareem Francis earns Texas football scholarship

    A promising young athlete from Saint Lucia has achieved a significant breakthrough in his sporting career, securing an international scholarship through a strategic football recruitment program. Kareem Francis, an accomplished midfielder from Monchy United, has been offered a comprehensive scholarship to attend Ranger College in Texas beginning fall 2026, where he will pursue engineering studies while advancing his football career.

    The opportunity emerged from Francis’s standout performance during the Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in December 2025, where his technical skills and athleticism captured the attention of international scouts. As both a student at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and a trainee at the Carlyle Thomas Football Academy (CTFA), Francis has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both academic and athletic pursuits.

    His parents expressed profound pride in his achievement. Mother Maria James credited CTFA and Monchy United FC for creating the opportunity, noting that coaches had specifically identified Francis as a player with exceptional potential. “He is very excited, as this surprising opportunity came to hand,” she stated, emphasizing her emotional response as a parent witnessing her son’s success.

    Father Kervin Francis highlighted the years of discipline and sacrifice behind this achievement, noting that his son’s success demonstrates how young athletes from the Caribbean region can compete internationally with proper mindset and work ethic. Beyond football, Francis has distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, representing Saint Lucia in Under-15 cricket as a top-order batsman and off-spinner, and earning multiple track and field medals during his primary school years.

    Ranger College presents an ideal environment for international athletes, with their 2025 roster featuring 17 players from diverse backgrounds including Colombia, England, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Paraguay, Scotland, Spain, and Venezuela. Under Scottish head coach Ross Anderson, now entering his third year with the program, the Rangers completed the 2025 season with six wins and two draws in thirteen matches.

    The recruitment initiative behind Francis’s scholarship appears poised to benefit additional Saint Lucian athletes. Scouts Daniel Fragachan and Manuel Hernández of MAD Sports Group are reportedly planning further opportunities for Caribbean players, potentially including a Texas-based showcase event in March.

  • Belle makes history for WI U19

    Belle makes history for WI U19

    In a stunning display of fast bowling, Barbadian teenager Shaquan Belle etched his name into the annals of cricket history during a crucial ICC Under-19 World Cup clash against South Africa. The decisive match unfolded at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, where Belle’s extraordinary performance propelled the West Indies to a commanding 55-run victory.

    The slender right-arm paceman delivered a masterclass in bowling, decimating the South African batting lineup with figures of 6 wickets for just 40 runs from his allotted 10 overs. This remarkable achievement not only secured his team’s progression in the tournament but also established a new benchmark for Barbadian bowlers at the ICC U19 level, surpassing all previous records.

    Earlier in the contest, fellow Barbadian Zachary Carter laid the foundation for victory with a spectacular century. Carter’s explosive 114-run innings, featuring eight boundaries and an equal number of sixes, propelled the West Indies to a competitive total of 234 all out in 47.5 overs despite the team’s eventual dismissal.

    The South African junior squad struggled throughout their chase, ultimately collapsing at 179 runs in just 37.4 overs against the relentless West Indian bowling attack, with Belle serving as the primary architect of their downfall.

    The 19-year-old cricket prodigy, who recently completed his education at Scarborough School in the United Kingdom, previously attended The Lodge School in Barbados, demonstrating the Caribbean nation’s continued production of world-class sporting talent.

  • Antigua and Barbuda U17 Women Head to Curaçao for CONCACAF Qualifiers

    Antigua and Barbuda U17 Women Head to Curaçao for CONCACAF Qualifiers

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The future of women’s football in Antigua and Barbuda is set for an international test as the nation’s Under-17 Women’s National Team has commenced its journey to Curaçao for the highly anticipated CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers. This tournament represents a crucial developmental milestone for the young squad, offering them a platform to compete against regional counterparts.

    The team faces a demanding group-stage schedule designed to evaluate their skill and endurance. Their inaugural match is scheduled against Guyana on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. local time. Following this, the squad will confront Guatemala in an afternoon fixture on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The competition continues Thursday night with a prime-time matchup versus the Cayman Islands at 7 p.m., culminating in their final group-stage encounter against St. Lucia on Saturday at 4 p.m.

    These qualifiers are recognized as an essential proving ground for emerging football talent across the CONCACAF region. The tournament structure provides national youth teams with competitive international experience and the opportunity to secure advancement, positioning themselves among the confederation’s elite youth programs.

    The Antigua and Barbuda delegation approaches the tournament with strategic focus, aiming to deliver robust performances against a varied field of opponents. This participation is viewed as a fundamental component of the country’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its football program at the youth international level, building a foundation for future success in women’s soccer.

  • Windies salvage pride with final match win over Afghanistan

    Windies salvage pride with final match win over Afghanistan

    In a dramatic conclusion to their T20 International series, the West Indies cricket team secured a morale-boosting 15-run victory against Afghanistan in Dubai. Playing for pride after conceding the series in the first two matches, the Caribbean side demonstrated remarkable resilience to claim their first-ever win at the Dubai International Stadium.

    Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s decision to field first after winning the toss marked a strategic departure from previous matches, intended to test his squad under varying conditions ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. The West Indies, sent in to bat, built their innings around captain Brandon King’s determined 47 runs from 35 deliveries. Despite struggling to maintain momentum through the middle overs, late explosive contributions from Matthew Forde (27 off 11 balls) and Shamar Springer (16 off 9 balls) propelled the team to 151/7—the highest total recorded in the series.

    Afghanistan appeared poised for a clean sweep when openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran established a solid 74-run partnership. However, the West Indies bowlers mounted a spectacular comeback through disciplined line and length, gradually stifling the scoring rate. The match turned decisively in the 19th over when Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer achieved a sensational hat trick, dramatically shifting momentum.

    With Afghanistan requiring 20 runs from the final over, young bowler Ramon Romario Simmonds delivered under immense pressure, expertly defending the total to secure a memorable victory. This triumph provides crucial momentum for the West Indies as they prepare to face South Africa on January 27 in their final bilateral series before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

  • PRESS RELEASE: West Indies U19 secure super 6 spot with 55-run victory over South Africa

    PRESS RELEASE: West Indies U19 secure super 6 spot with 55-run victory over South Africa

    WINDHOEK, Namibia – In a decisive Group D finale at the HP Oval, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team clinched their place in the Super Six phase of the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup with a commanding 55-run victory against South Africa. The regional squad concluded the group stage with four points from three matches, having previously defeated Tanzania but fallen short against Afghanistan.

    The match unfolded with West Indies opting to bat after winning the toss. Openers Tanez Francis and Zachary Carter navigated the early overs steadily before Francis departed for 14 in the seventh over. Carter then seized control, delivering a spectacular display of power-hitting that featured eight fours and eight sixes on his way to a maiden Youth ODI century. Captain Joshua Dorne contributed 20 runs in a stabilizing 82-run partnership before the middle order briefly faltered.

    Jonathan Van Lange (29) and Shaquan Belle (18) provided crucial lower-order contributions to propel West Indies to a competitive total of 234 all out.

    In response, South Africa – who had posted 397 runs against Tanzania in their previous outing – were bowled out for 179, owing largely to a sensational bowling performance by Shaquan Belle. The paceman recorded tournament-best figures of 6-40, well-supported by Jakeem Pollard, Isra-el Morton, and Vitel Lawes, who each claimed a wicket. Jason Rowles top-scored for South Africa with 46, but the team struggled to build meaningful partnerships under sustained West Indian pressure.

    Zachary Carter earned Player of the Match honors for his match-defining century. Reflecting on his performance, Carter stated: “My intention was to maximize the powerplay, build momentum, and help secure the win. After a couple of low scores, this innings means the world – it proves that with fight and belief, we can go far in this tournament.”

    The West Indies now advance to the Super Six round, where they will face the first and third-placed teams from Group A. Their next match is scheduled for January 25 at the HP Oval, followed by a fixture at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on January 28. Broadcast coverage will be available through ESPN Caribbean, Disney+, Willow TV, Sky Sports, and via global streaming on ICC.tv.

  • Riverbank Basketball Development Project launched

    Riverbank Basketball Development Project launched

    After years of training under inadequate conditions, young basketball enthusiasts in St David, Grenada, are witnessing a transformative development in their sporting landscape. The historic Riverbank grounds, once characterized by insufficient lighting and subpar facilities, are now the focal point of an ambitious multi-phase redevelopment initiative officially launched last Sunday.

    Spearheaded by the St David Basketball League in collaboration with the St David Parish Sports Council and the Grenada National Basketball Association, the Riverbank Basketball Development Project represents a comprehensive approach to sports infrastructure enhancement. Interim President Brian James highlighted the parish’s longstanding basketball competitiveness despite the absence of formal league structures, which previously forced athletes to seek training opportunities elsewhere under challenging circumstances.

    The project, scheduled for completion by September 2026, encompasses seven distinct phases featuring substantial infrastructure upgrades. These include complete court resurfacing, installation of new backboards, enhanced lighting systems, spectator seating for approximately 150 people, modernized washroom facilities, and a multifunctional community space accommodating media requirements.

    Beyond physical improvements, the initiative emphasizes human capital development through structured training programs for local coaches, referee certification courses, and equipment provision for grassroots basketball programs. Extensive community consultations with residents, youth representatives, and business stakeholders have ensured the project aligns with local needs and aspirations.

    Significant preparatory work has already been completed, including major cleanup operations supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Solid Waste Management Authority, which removed derelict vehicles and cleared the site for construction.

    Senator Seville Francis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, endorsed the project as exemplary of community-driven initiatives aligning with national development priorities. She emphasized sports’ proven effectiveness in building discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience among youth, noting that many national leaders began their journeys on community courts similar to Riverbank.

    The project aligns with the ministry’s 2023-2027 strategic mandate focusing on youth mobilization, training, activation, and opportunity creation. Senator Francis highlighted how deliberate investment and collaboration between government agencies, parish councils, and community leaders can generate substantial long-term social benefits.

    Justin Courtney, Chairperson of the St David Parish Sports Council, recognized Riverbank’s historical significance as a breeding ground for national cricket talent and expressed confidence that the renewed basketball focus would yield comparable success. The initiative has received endorsement from Patrick Simmons, Chairperson of the Grenada National Sports Council, who views it as a developmental model for other parishes and sporting disciplines nationwide.

    As approval processes and procurement activities advance, organizers anticipate Riverbank’s emergence as a modern sporting hub that honors its historical legacy while shaping a new future for basketball and community sports in St David. The project is expected to strengthen youth development pathways, promote healthier lifestyles, enhance community engagement, and reinforce sports’ role as a vital tool for national development.