Saint Lucian sprinter and Olympic medalist Julien “Juju” Alfred has once again claimed the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year title, while emerging West Indies cricketer Ackeem Auguste secured the Male Sportsman of the Year Award at the 44th annual National Sports Awards: Nourishing Our People, Strengthening Our Nation.
The event took place at the Royalton Hotel on February 14. In the junior category, rising star sprinter Jady Emmanuel was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year, and dynamic swimmer Antoine Destang earned the title of Junior Sportsman of the Year.
The night also honored a host of athletes, administrators, coaches, and technical officials, showcasing the breadth of talent in Saint Lucia’s sports community. Attendees at this significant occasion included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister of Education, Youth Development, and Sports Kenson Casimir, MP for Babonneau John Paul Estephane, members of the diplomatic corps, and officials from the sports ministry.
Minister Casimir celebrated the remarkable achievements of local athletes on a global scale, highlighting the contributions of Alfred, Auguste, Emmanuel, and Destang. He stated, “We gather to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Saint Lucia sports.”
He added, “Tonight, we honor not only outstanding performances, but also the discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance that define our athletes and their supporters.”
The Minister remarked on the growing presence of Saint Lucian athletes in diverse sports like Martial Arts and Body Building, while also acknowledging the challenges posed and realized by athletes in the emerging alternative sports. He emphasized that 2025 was a year of exceptional accomplishments for Saint Lucia, demonstrating that talent and determination can establish a nation firmly on the global sporting map.
Recent upgrades to playing fields, including new lighting infrastructure, were also highlighted. Notably, the construction of the Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet aims to serve the country’s most populous community.
Plans for a state-of-the-art aquatic center and the rehabilitation of George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort were also discussed.
In the Winning Teams category, several teams were recognized, including the National Golf Team, National Boxing Team, Senior Male Cricket Team, Senior Male Beach Volleyball Team, Under-21 Ladies Beach Volleyball Team, Senior Female National Volleyball Team, and National Table Tennis Team.
The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) expressed its delight at winning the coveted Team of the Year in the Excellence Awards category, calling the night “historic and unforgettable.” They highlighted their pride in the exceptional performance that showcases dedication and discipline.
Among other notable achievements, the SLAA celebrated:
– Destinee Cenac – Female Athlete of the Year
– Makeba Alcide – Administrator of the Year
– Noya Alexander – Technical Official of the Year
– Finley Louis – Coach Dedication Award
– Mannie Eleuthere – Male Student of the Year
The Saint Lucia Aquatic Federation (SLAF) also made a significant impact at the ceremony, celebrating:
– Antoine Destang – Junior Sportsman of the Year
– Tessa Charles-Louis – Administrator of the Year
– Yasmin Tyson – Technical Official of the Year
– Brian Charles – Coach Award
– CARIFTA 2025 Boys 15-17 Relay Team
– Special Recognition
In terms of record-breaking performances, the event recognized exemplary athletes including Sapphire Parks, Antoine Destang, and the OECS 15 & Over Relay Team.
Excellence Awards included:
– Bernard Cinco Serieux – Alternative Sports Personality of the Year
– Saint Lucia National Table Tennis OECS Team – Team of the Year
– Chris Wells – Coach of the Year (table tennis)
The evening also acknowledged winners from the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL), with awards presented by Saint Lucia Football Association President Lyndon Cooper.
Cooper received a Special Award for his commitment to sports development, particularly in football.
Other distinguished awardees included:
– Stephen Naitram – Sports Journalist Choice Award
– Anthony De Beauville – Media Personality of the Year – Jade Mountain – Corporate Sponsors Award
The National Sports Awards underscored Saint Lucia’s dedication to recognizing and nurturing talent in sports, celebrating the remarkable spirit and achievements of its athletes.
Other notable awardees included :
– Special Award – Florian Combie (volleyball /coach)
– Minister’s Award – Cuthbert “Tros Tee Nee” Modeste (athletics/coach, youth development)
– Lifetime Achievement Award – Francis “Fano” George, Lifetime Commitment to Sports