Despite Julien “Juju” Alfred, Johnson “Johno” Charles, and Daren Sammy claiming prestigious awards at the 43rd National Sports Awards, the highlight was Pyson Nicholas, an eight-year-old student with disabilities from the Augier Combined School.
Born without legs, he is an active athlete who rides a skateboard and has a keen interest in football, was awarded the Inspiration trophy for being a true inspiration to all athletes on the island.
Alfred rightfully earned the title of Sportswoman of the Year, following her historic Olympic Gold medal victory and impressive performances on the track. Charles, the ‘evergreen’ athlete, was named Sportsman of the Year due to his outstanding batting skills for the West Indies, his pivotal role in securing the Kings’ first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, and his remarkable contributions across various T20 leagues.
The Junior Sportswoman of the Year award went to rising swimmer Fayth Jeffrey, while dynamic table tennis player De Andre Calderon took home the Junior Sportsman of the Year award.
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized that Saint Lucia’s sporting landscape has reached new heights, attributing this progress to the exemplary performances of its athletes. He noted the importance of recognizing not only the sports personalities but also everyone involved in the development of the island’s athletes, aiming to inspire both current and future generations.
“We uphold the values of discipline, education, and perseverance that lie at the core of sportsmanship,” declared Casimir.
“Twenty-twenty four (2024) was a groundbreaking year for Saint Lucia’s sporting landscape,” he asserted. “We shattered records and ventured into new territories, achieving victory. Our athletes have illuminated the stage, leaving their mark locally, regionally, and internationally, filling us with immense pride.”
He acknowledged the success of these athletic performances, which stemmed from the robust collaboration between national sports federations and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.
“Together, we provide our athletes with top-tier sporting opportunities that sharpen their skills and prepare them to compete at the highest levels,” he stated.
The Sports Minister specifically recognised cricket, praising Team Saint Lucia Women for their triumph in the Windward Islands ODI and T20 titles, as well as the Boys Under-15 team for winning the Windward Islands WINLOTT Under-15 title on home soil.
He also highlighted the Saint Lucia Kings’ victory securing their first Caribbean Premier League (CPL) championship title.
Despite numerous outstanding performances from Saint Lucia athletes, Casimir noted, “No achievement in 2024 has resonated with us quite like the brilliance of Julien Alfred. Track and Field catapulted Saint Lucia to sporting glory when, on August 3, 2024, Julien sprinted to an astonishing 10.72 seconds, capturing Saint Lucia’s first-ever Olympic Gold Medal.”
Julien followed this feat with an Olympic Silver medal, instilling an overwhelming sense of pride, joy, and national unity among the people.
The Sports Awards concluded with various other key presentations:
– Coach of the Year: Daren Sammy
– Technical Officials of the Year: Wayne Rameau and David Oliver
– Administrator of the Year: Brendaline Descarte and Roseline Preville
– Coaching Dedication Awards: Keith Charlery, John Eugene, and Alton Crafton (cricket); Cuthbert Modeste (athletics); Donaline Joseph (netball)
Athletics and cricket took home the majority of the top awards at the event:
– Association of the Year: Saint Lucia Athletics Association
– Outstanding Teams Awards: Cricket, Boxing, Table Tennis, Volleyball
– Boxers achieved success in the Caribbean Champion of Champions and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States titles
– Volleyball secured the Under-19 CAZOVA Men’s beach volleyball championship and the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association gold medal for the Women’s team
– Caribbean Under-15 table tennis champions
Additional awards included:
– Sports Journalist Award: Cindy Wilson (Volleyball)
– Sports Media Personality: Elijah Williams (Vybe Radio)
– Best Achievement School: Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School (Trophy + $5000 cheque)
– Inter District Sports Achievers: District 8 (Canaries and Soufriere) (trophy + $5000 cheque)
– Male Student-Athlete: Noah Dorville (Swimming accomplishments)
– Female Student-Athlete: Chantal Charles (Table Tennis)
Notable Achievement Awards were presented to:
– Chelsea Wahid and Kaieem Elizee (chess players)
– Riley Smith (10-year-old tennis player)
– Zaine Pierre (La Clery football coach) for winning multiple football championships, including SPFL champions and various national titles
– National goalkeeper Vino Barclett
– Saint Lucia Drag Racing team
Biggest Fan Award:
– Jonathon “Abok” Joseph is a Gros Islet superfan, who assiduously follows the district teams in football and cricket.
Record Breakers Award:
– 11 athletes shattered 24 records across sports…
Swimmers – Fayth Jeffrey, Jayhan Odlum-Smith, and Antoine Destang
– Track and Field athletes – Joy Edward, Michael Joseph, Naya Jules, Denzel Phillips, Khailan Vitalis, and Julien Alfred
Minister’s Award:
– Charles Sayers – former footballer, marathon runner, and coach/ mentor
– Winston Lubin – coach and administrator
Lifetime Achievement Award:
– Michael “Midget” Pierre former athlete, coach, PE teacher, administrator, and mentor…
Special Olympian of the Year:
– Joshua Henry
– Alternative Sports Personality of the Year
– Tris Ann Richards – chess player, administrator, and advocate
Team of the Year
– La Clery – won three Football Championship titles in 2024