EPPS Holds Annual Track and Field Relay Festival

The vibrant Nevis Athletic Stadium buzzed with youthful energy on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, as Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School hosted its much-anticipated annual Relay Festival. Sponsored by A-1 Farms, the event served as a showcase of athleticism and teamwork, drawing participation from various primary schools across Nevis and attracting several distinguished guests, including the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley, and the Minister of Education, Hon. Troy Liburd. The festival also extended its reach beyond Nevis, welcoming St. Paul’s Primary School from St. Kitts, highlighting the inter-island camaraderie fostered through sporting events. Gingerland Secondary School and Basseterre High School, also from St. Kitts, joined the competition, adding another layer of challenge and excitement for the younger athletes. Rounding out the participant list was the Over the Top Track Club, bringing a touch of seasoned athleticism to the day’s events. While the intent was inclusive and celebratory, the recent spate of hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks unfortunately prevented the participation of some local schools, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by contagious illnesses within school communities.

The Relay Festival, a staple in the Nevisian sporting calendar, presented a diverse range of relay events, catering to different age groups and skill levels. From the energetic sprints of the younger participants to the more strategic baton passes of the older students, each race pulsated with the thrill of competition and the shared joy of participation. The atmosphere within the stadium was electric, charged by the cheers of supportive parents, teachers, and fellow students. While the focus of the day was squarely on team spirit and the sheer enjoyment of sport, some individual performances sparked noticeable excitement. Young athletes demonstrated impressive speed, agility, and determination, showcasing the promising future of track and field in the region. The older student relays allowed for a display of refined technique and coordinated team effort, highlighting the dedication and coaching efforts behind their performances.

The collaborative spirit of the event was evident in the organized precision of the organizers and volunteers. Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School, in its role as host, effectively managed the complexities of the event, ensuring smooth transitions between races and maintaining a positive and supportive environment for all participants. The contribution of A-1 Farms, as the event sponsor, played a crucial role in facilitating the success of the festival, demonstrating the positive impact of community partnerships in promoting youth development and sporting activities. The presence of dignitaries such as Premier Brantley and Minister Liburd underscored the significance of the event within the broader context of community engagement and the importance placed on youth sports within the Nevisian society. Their presence served not only as an endorsement of the event but also as an encouraging sign for young athletes aspiring to excel in their chosen sport.

Coach Adelvin Phillip, a key figure in the organization of the Relay Festival, emphasized the underlying ethos of the event, clearly stating that the meet was not designed to determine an overall winner. This philosophy underscores the importance placed on participation, personal achievement, and the development of crucial life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Instead of focusing solely on winning, the emphasis was on celebrating the collective effort, the joy of movement, and the camaraderie fostered through shared experiences. This approach cultivates a positive sporting environment where every participant feels valued and encouraged, regardless of their individual performance.

The absence of a designated winner in the Relay Festival fostered a unique atmosphere of friendly competition and mutual support. The emphasis shifted from solely outcome-based results to the process of participation, promoting the intrinsic value of sport and its ability to foster positive character development. The event, therefore, became a celebration of athleticism in its purest form, where the focus resided in the effort, the camaraderie, and the shared joy of participating in a community event. This approach not only encouraged individual growth but also strengthened the bonds within and between the participating schools and clubs. The shared experience of striving for collective goals and supporting each other’s efforts transcends the competitive aspect and cultivates a sense of unity and community.

The 2025 Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School Relay Festival, despite the challenges posed by the absence of some schools, ultimately proved a resounding success. It served as a testament to the power of sport to unite communities, foster positive youth development, and celebrate the joy of physical activity. The event showcased the vibrant spirit of Nevisian sportsmanship, the commitment of educators and coaches to nurturing young talent, and the crucial role of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. The echoes of cheering crowds, the thrill of close races, and the smiles of proud participants will undoubtedly resonate long after the final baton has been passed, serving as a motivating force for future generations of athletes and reinforcing the importance of events like the Relay Festival in shaping the fabric of the Nevisian community.