Team Saint Lucia’s athletes who participated in the recent 38th CARIFTA Aquatic Championship and the 52nd CARIFTA Track and Field Championship in Trinidad and Tobago were met with a ‘Hero’s Welcome’ at the George FL Charles International Airport on Wednesday.
The athletes delivered outstanding performances over the Easter weekend, with special recognition for gold medal winners Jady Emmanuel (track) and Sapphire Parks (swimming), who collectively secured six medals.
Their remarkable achievements brought immense pride and joy to the nation which was reflected at a reception in the Airport’s VIP Lounge, which was attended by government officials, local sports representatives, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Youth Development and Sports Minister Kenson Casimir, and Grenada’s Prime Minister Deacon Mitchel, who made a surprise visit during a layover.
“We have shown that we can succeed in Saint Lucia,” PM Pierre proudly proclaimed.
He highlighted the trailblazers in Saint Lucian sports, such as Olympic Gold Medallist Julien Alfred, Daren Sammy, Johnson Charles, Levern Spencer, and others who have set a high standard in regional and global arenas.
Encouraging these young athletes, PM Pierre asserted, “You too can show your potential. You are the future. With discipline, perseverance, and hard work, you will succeed.”
He emphasized that these qualities, alongside sacrifice, are essential for achieving greatness.
Sports Minister Casimir commended the athletes for their exceptional performances.
“I am incredibly proud of your achievements. Historically, we were satisfied with merely reaching finals, but your recent accomplishments signify a significant shift,” he stated, noting that many athletes achieved personal bests, earned medals, and demonstrated remarkable improvement.
Team officials like Dora Henry, President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association and swimming Coach Brian Charles praised the team for its performance.
The swimming team won 16 medals. Young Sapphire Parks was highlighted for her outstanding performance, which included 4 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
Saint Lucia’s track and field athletes made their mark with two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, finishing an impressive sixth on the points table.
Jady Emmanuel achieved a historic sprint double, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m events, solidifying her legacy. Destinee Cenac also shone, capturing bronze in the High Jump with a leap of 1.68m after just three months in the sport.
The Saint Lucia swim team made significant strides, amassing a remarkable tally of 16 medals: 6 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze, which earned them 148 points and a 10th-place finish overall.
Sapphire Parks dominated in the Under 11-12 girls’ category, earning the prestigious High Point award with her impressive medal haul. Additionally, the team celebrated its first-ever relay medal—a bronze in the 4x50m freestyle, achieved by Tristan Dorville, Antoine Destang, Karic Charles, and Ethan Hazell.
Saint Lucia will host the 40th CARIFTA Aquatic Championships in 2027.