The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) celebrated a year of elite performance and promise on January 24, staging its annual awards ceremony at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Under the theme “A Legacy of Performance, A Future of Possibilities,” the federation recognized athletes, coaches, administrators, and technical officials whose achievements defined the 2025 athletics season.
Among the evening’s top honorees were World Athletics bronze medallist Julien Alfred and quarter-miler Marvric Pamphile, who were crowned Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively, reaffirming their status as flag-bearers for Saint Lucian athletics.
Distinguished guests and national support
The ceremony drew wide national representation, including Minister for Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation, Kenson Casimir, alongside officials from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee and the National Lotteries Authority.
Athletes, coaches, administrators, technical officials, and proud family members filled the venue, reflecting the collective spirit behind the island’s athletic success.
The SLAA also spotlighted the next generation of talent. Double CARIFTA sprint champion Jady Emmanuel captured the Junior Female Athlete of the Year award, while record-breaking thrower Denzel Phillips claimed the Junior Male Athlete of the Year title.
At the juvenile level, Avery Maryat and Hadassah Jules were recognized for their outstanding performances over the past 12 months, further reinforcing the strength of Saint Lucia’s developmental pipeline.
Coaching, service, and leadership recognized
Excellence beyond the track was equally celebrated. Denise Herman of Choiseul Athletics was named Coach of the Year for her impact on athlete development. Finley Louis of Abilene Wildcats received a Coach Dedication Award in recognition of 20 years of committed service to the sport.
Volunteerism and leadership were also highlighted. One of the federation’s youngest technical officials, Noya Alexander, was honored as Volunteer of the Year, while former Athlete of the Year and former National Sportswoman of the Year, Makeba Alcide, was adjudged Administrator of the Year.
A message that reached beyond sport
Adding emotional depth to the evening, corporate executive and former beauty queen Louise Victor-Frederick delivered a heartfelt address, recalling her own days as a promising schoolgirl athlete. Her remarks underscored how figures such as Julien Alfred inspire not only sporting excellence, but ambition, resilience, and possibility across wider society.
As the SLAA closed another celebratory chapter, the awards night stood as both a tribute to recent triumphs and a confident statement of Saint Lucia’s athletic future.
