NO doubt about it, the National Sports Awards is truly becoming the Levern Spencer show, and Saturday evening (February 15th 2020) at the Grande Pavillion dubbed ‘Saint Lucia Tent’ in Rodney Bay was no exception as Spencer received her 16th Sportswoman of the Year title and Albert Reynolds his third consecutive Sportsman of the Year award.
Prolific swimmer Mikaili Charlemange, currently attending university in the USA was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year ahead of Julien Alfred (Athletics) and Qiana Joseph (Cricket). West Indies Under 19 captain Kimani Melius won the Junior Sportsman of the Year award for the third consecutive time ahead of JayhanOdlum – Smith (Swimming) and D’Andre Calderon (Table Tennis).
Aside from Mikaili’s win, it was a big night for the Saint Lucia Aquatic Federation (SLAF) – the SLAF won the Association of the Year award, while Lightning Aquatics Swim Club captured the Club of the Year title for the second straight year.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, under the distinguished patronage of his Excellency, the Governor General Sir Neville Cenac, who was a no show for various reasons. Prominent guests included Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Minister for Youth Development and Sports Edmund Estaphane along with other cabinet colleagues – Guy Joseph, Dominic Fedee, Harold Stanislaus,- members of the diplomatic corps, nominees/awardees, and specially invited guests to include parents.
Robert Rene took charge of the 40th edition of the National Sports Awards as Master of Ceremony and on the night, there were featured video clips of the top nominees and their great sporting moments of 2019, as well as three rousing musical pieces by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band.
This year’s ceremony not only honoured athletes, coaches, sponsors and the media, but also paid tribute to Errol Weekes, deceased – Karate Instructor (Posthumous Award for Outstanding Service to Sports); Denis St Claire – Volleyball Coach (Lifetime Achievement); Gregor Philgence – Long Distance Road Walker (Minister’s Award).
The Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year each received $10,000.00, while the Junior Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year were awarded an educational grant of $7500.00.
Following are the other award winners:
Administrators: Marlene Emmanuel – Basketball; Claudius Roger Butcher – Rugby; Paula James – Swimming.
Coaches: Conrad Fredricks – Boxing; Emmanuel Bellas – Football; Shem Maxwell –Netball; Brian Charles – Swimming; Chris Wells – Tennis; Terry Verdant – Volleyball.
Technical Officials: Dora Henry; Dr Diane Worell – Swimming; Chantel John – Rugby.
Special Olympian – Alex Quiany Pierre. Also receiving an award was Youth and Sports Officer in the Ministry for Youth Development and Sports, Ligorious Marquis for his sterling contribution.
Winning Teams: National Women’s Volleyball Team – Won the Eastern Caribbean (ECVA) Women’s championship Under 20.
National Men’s Volleyball Team – Won Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Men’s Under 20 Championship.
Rugby 7’s National Female Team – The team captured 5th place in the Annual Monique Ribeaut Rugby 7’s title. The tournament was held in Le Gosier, Guadeloupe.
Under 15 National Football Team – Crowned champions of the Under 15 CONCACAF Boys Division 2 Football Championship (the victory was over Puerto Rico with a 3-1 scoreline).
The Special Olympic Football Team – The Football Team represented the island for the Special Olympics World Games Championship held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Media: Dave Pascal (The Star); Reginal Andre (The Mirror); Michael Pierre (Vibes Radio); Marius Modeste (Freelance) and Anthony De Beauville (The VOICE Publishing Co).
