Team Saint Lucia decisively retained the OECS Boxing Championships on Sunday at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay, showcasing their prowess against a formidable challenge.
Final results are as follows:
- Saint Lucia: 24 points (4 golds, 5 silvers, 2 bronzes)
- Trinidad and Tobago (T&T): 16 points (4 golds, 2 silvers)
- Guyana: 15 points (5 golds)
- Antigua: 9 points (2 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
- Martinique: 8 points (2 golds, 1 silver)
Special Recognition Awards:
- Best Junior Boxer: Nacham Alex (Saint Lucia)
- Best Female Boxer: Akeelah Vancooten (Guyana)
- Best Youth Boxer: Terron Wintz (Guyana)
- Best Elite Boxer: John Didier (Saint Lucia)
This holiday weekend was a triumphant occasion as Saint Lucian athletes not only walked away with the OECS title but also clinched the Windward Islands Super 50 Championship, proving their dominance in the arena.
Over three nights of intense and electrifying bouts from August 1 to 3, the Lucian fighters displayed unmatched determination, successfully reclaiming the coveted title in a vibrant atmosphere that welcomed a diverse audience of sports lovers, dignitaries, business moguls, tourists, and loyal fans.
Kudos to the Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) for transforming the venue into a world-class arena that accommodated over 100 athletes and delegates. This event significantly bolstered Saint Lucia’s Sports Tourism, energizing the tourism hub of Rodney Bay.
The crowd’s unwavering support for the home team was palpable, and the visitors and their fans were equally spirited. Among the audience were diplomats from the French and Venezuelan embassies, who were recognized for their valuable sponsorship support by the SLABA management.
Shannon Labourne, SLBA Vice-President and media practitioner, excelled as the ring announcer, rallying fans to cheer for their nations and emphasizing the importance of teamwork and athlete development.
Debutant Danny Martin captured the crowd’s admiration with his tenacity in the ring, earning a scholarship to pursue studies at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC). His performance was a testament to the bold spirit of Saint Lucian fighters who rose to the occasion.
“Yes, we did it! The ‘coalition of the willing’ has shown the world that we are Stronger Together,” declared Labourne, reinforcing SLBA’s commitment to elevating standards in the next tournament.
In a post-tournament wrap-up, SLBA President David “Shakes” expressed his elation over Team Saint Lucia’s success in retaining the championship, praising the tremendous crowd support that contributed to the event’s triumph.
“We stand strong against some of the best athletes in the Caribbean, and we will continue to enhance our boxers’ training,” he asserted. He also recognized the diplomatic partners, confirming that the Venezuelan embassy has donated four scholarships for local young boxers pursuing higher education.
Christopher emphasized, “Boxing is on the rise in Saint Lucia and is gaining regional recognition. Collaborators will reap the benefits of what we’re achieving, as we are ready to share in these developments.”