Sports management personnel on the island have lauded the accomplishments of young athletes competing in the recently concluded schools’ athletic meets, while acknowledging the input of organisers for the meticulous preparations and smooth running of the events.
Young and energetic student-athletes turned out to represent their various academic intuitions and districts at this year’s Island Champs and Inter District Primary School Sports Meet, respectively.
Daveril Albert, a Grade six student at the Camille Henry Memorial School (CHMS) who represented District II at the recently held Inter District Primary School Sports Meet, was all smiles as he was won the Under-11 Victor Ludorum Trophy.
Acting Director of Sports Clivus Jules presented young Albert with his award at the CHMS’s assembly session on Thursday.
The primary schools’ athletic meet at the Soufriere Mini Stadium brought out much joy and cheer to competitors and supportive fans as well.
The young aspiring athlete captured gold in the 80-meter, 150-meter, and 4×75-meter relay, and bronze in the 4×150-meter relay races to earn the coveted top prize.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports held discourse with stakeholders to discuss held Island Champs and Inter Primary qualifiers and finals.
Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir attended the session, which also included Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Uralise Delaire, Acting Director of Sports Clivus Jules, Education Officer, Dr. Vernetta Lesporis and other top-level ministry staffers. A contingent from the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) including newly appointed Secretary, Shirley Ann Lubin and President of the Secondary School’s Principal Association, Neil Fontinelle were also in attendance.
The group acknowledged the successes of the respective events and gave it a ‘thumbs-up’. Nonetheless, they admitted there were a few challenges and would continue to work as a team to improve both championships for 2025.
During the review, two of the major areas assessed involved the seating capacity at the Soufriere Mini Stadium for spectators and athletes and the efficient registration of athletes.
St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC) and Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) captured top honours for Island Champs, while District 8 emerged as champions in the Inter Primary School category.