Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) and St Joseph’s Convent (SJC) emerged victorious at this year’s Island Champs athletic meet, held on Sunday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG).
VFCSS clinched the male title, while SJC triumphed in the female category. This victory marks SJC’s third consecutive girls’ championship, while VFCSS reclaimed the boys’ title, which they last held in 2024.
A total of 19 schools participated in the grand finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Track and Field Meet, following six exhilarating days of field finals and track preliminaries leading to semifinals and qualifying spots.
The atmosphere was electric as students, parents, and enthusiastic fans turned out in droves to support their favorite athletes and schools. The event also welcomed a range of dignitaries, including government ministers, corporate sector representatives, and sports enthusiasts.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Dr. Uralis Delaire, delivered a warm welcome, acknowledging sponsors and commending technical officers for their efforts.
The meet kicked off with an official March Pass featuring athletes from their respective schools, followed by pledges from participants and officials.
The DSCG was vibrant with joy and excitement on Sunday. Colorful cheerleader groups, particularly from VFCSS and SJC, energized the crowd, who passionately rooted for their teams.
Final Results: Top Three Placements
Female:
- St Joseph’s Convent (SJC) – 281 points
- Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) – 205 points
- Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) – 179 points
Male:
- VFCSS – 258 points
- St Mary’s College (SMC) – 206 points
- Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) – 139 points
SJC amassed an impressive 281 points to secure their three-peat, while VFCSS closely followed with 205. SLSA took third place with 179 points, while Micoud Secondary totaled 109, and Beanfield Comprehensive rounded out the top five with 98 points.
In the boys’ category, VFCSS surged to 260 points, dethroning defending champions St Mary’s College by a 54-point margin. SLSA narrowly edged Micoud Secondary, finishing with 139 to 137 for third place, while Leon Hess Comprehensive came in close behind at 132 points.
The day opened with the Under-14 Girls 150-meter race; Danielle Alphonse (SJC), Skai Sammy (SJC) , and Phoebe Jolie (Sir Ira Simmons). The Under-14 Boys 150-meter race featured Nasri Edwin (VFCSS), Kerfann Alexander (Micoud Secondary), and Christanio Nestor (Choiseul Secondary).
Throughout the event, SJC showcased remarkable talent, securing 16 medals on the final day, including seven in the Under-18 category. Notable performances included Destinee Cenac, who became the high jump champion and clinched gold in both the 100m and 200m, leading her team to victory in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
Ackaiha Weekes also excelled, winning gold in the 400m and 800m for LHCSS.
In the Under-16 division, Mylee Chaddie emerged as a double champion, winning the 100m and 200m races for Micoud. Aria Andrew from SLSA dominated the 400m and 800m events, contributing to her team’s relay wins.
Among the Under-14 girls, Danielle Alphonse excelled, winning both the 80m and 150m races ahead of Skai Sammy. Sammy, however, helped SJC secure a win in the 4x100m relay, while VFCSS conquered the 4x300m.
VFCSS excelled particularly in the Under-14 boys’ class, as Nasri Edwin won the high jump and shot put, along with victories in the 80m and 150m races. Evan Sankar from SMC also defended his titles in the 300m and 600m events.
As the excitement culminated in the evening with the relay races, the crowd rallied around their teams, culminating in an exhilarating finish; rounding off with the 3,000 and 5,000 long distance races.
VFCSS claimed victory in the 4x100m relay, while Anse Ger TVET Institute took the 4x400m title, led by Curtis Auguste.
This year’s Island Champs was marked by outstanding performances and spirited competition, reinforcing the vibrant spirit of athletics in the region.
[R.A]
