Saint Lucia Athletics Association Honors Athletes at Awards Ceremony

The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) orchestrated a grand celebration of athletic achievement, aptly themed “Celebrating Excellence: Celebrating the Spirit of Athletics,” on January 25, 2025. The event, held at the prestigious VIP Players Pavilion of the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, served as a vibrant gathering of athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, sponsors, and supporters, all united to acknowledge the exceptional contributions that propelled Saint Lucian athletics to remarkable heights throughout 2024. The evening was a testament to the power of sport in fostering community, national pride, and individual accomplishment.

President Dora Henry, in her address, emphasized the vital role of athletics in building a strong sense of community and national identity, highlighting the significance of the Olympic year and outlining the six pillars that would guide her executive’s focus. Her words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the transformative power of sport beyond individual achievement. Honorable Kenson Casimir, the Minister of Youth Development and Sports, echoed this sentiment, offering words of encouragement and unwavering support to the nation’s athletes, recognizing their dedication and the inspiration they provide to the nation.

The heart of the ceremony was the presentation of awards, recognizing the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, and officials who represented Saint Lucia with distinction at regional and international competitions throughout 2024. These accolades celebrated participation and success at prestigious events like the CARIFTA Games, the RAN Under 17 Games, the World U20 Championships, the World Indoor Championships, and the pinnacle of athletic competition, the Olympic Games. The awards served as a tangible recognition of their hard work, dedication, and the honor they brought to their nation.

Beyond individual athletic prowess, the SLAA acknowledged the crucial roles played by those who support and nurture the athletic ecosystem. Cuthbert Modeste was honored as Coach of the Year, recognizing his expertise in guiding and developing athletes. Andrew Wayne Rameau received the Technical Official of the Year award for his invaluable contributions to ensuring fair and accurate officiating. Brendaline Descartes was recognized as Administrator of the Year, acknowledging her dedication to the smooth operation and management of athletic activities. Furthermore, Theodore Henry Bailey was honored with the Long Service Award, a testament to his long-standing commitment and unwavering support to the development of athletics in Saint Lucia.

The celebration extended beyond track and field events, encompassing the achievements of road runners who demonstrated exceptional endurance and speed. Jason Sayers, Neville Dupre, Michael Biscette, and Marbeq Edgar were all recognized for their outstanding performances in road races, highlighting the diversity of athletic talent within Saint Lucia. Their achievements underscored the importance of recognizing athletic excellence across various disciplines.

Guest speaker Ajani Lebourne delivered a captivating feature address, inspiring attendees with his reflections on the crucial role of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in athletics. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing the values that underpin athletic success and the transformative power of sport in shaping character and fostering personal growth. The address served as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s goals.

A visually engaging “Year in Review” video presentation captivated the audience, showcasing the highlights and accomplishments of the 2024 competition year. This dynamic retrospective provided a vivid recap of the year’s athletic triumphs, reminding everyone of the dedication, passion, and skill displayed by Saint Lucian athletes. The video presentation served as a powerful testament to the collective efforts and successes of the sporting community.

Adding a vibrant cultural element to the evening, 2024 Calypso King Dezral Long entertained the audience with a spirited performance of his winning song. This musical interlude injected an element of celebration and national pride into the proceedings, showcasing the rich artistic talent within Saint Lucia. Long’s performance provided a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, further enhancing the evening’s festivities.

The culmination of the evening arrived with the presentation of the prestigious Athlete of the Year awards. Ricardo Mann and Jady Emmanuel were recognized as the Juvenile Athletes of the Year, highlighting their exceptional talent and potential at a young age. Denzel Phillips and Naya Jules received the Junior Athlete of the Year awards, acknowledging their outstanding performances and promising futures in their respective athletic disciplines. These awards represented the pinnacle of recognition, celebrating the exceptional dedication, talent, and achievements of Saint Lucia’s rising stars. The ceremony concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired by the remarkable achievements of Saint Lucian athletes and the unwavering support of the sporting community.