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• St Lucia allocates USD$8 Million for George Odlum Stadium rehabilitation following Julien Alfred’s historic Olympic success

  In the wake of Julien Alfred's historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J. Pierre, has announced a significant allocation of USD$8 million for the rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium. This investment aims to restore the stadium to its original purpose and ensure that the nation’s athletes have access to world-class facilities.

  The announcement comes as the island prepares to embark on five days of celebration from September 24-28 in honour of Alfred’s remarkable achievements. Alfred made history by winning St Lucia's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 100m with a national record of 10.72 seconds. She followed that performance by securing the country’s second Olympic medal with a silver in the 200m, finishing behind the USA's Gabby Thomas. In recognition of Alfred’s historic accomplishments, September 27 has been declared a public holiday on the island.

  Prime Minister Pierre, speaking on the allocation for the stadium, emphasized its importance for the future of St Lucia’s athletes. "We have allocated USD$8 million for the rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium to return it to the athletes of Saint Lucia," Pierre announced. The stadium, named after the former politician and diplomat George Odlum, has been a central hub for the island’s sports activities but has fallen into disrepair over the years.

  

  This investment is seen as a vital step in supporting the next generation of athletes, inspired by Alfred’s success, and providing them with the facilities needed to compete on the world stage.

  In addition to the stadium's rehabilitation, Prime Minister Pierre also signed two contracts with the Saudi Fund for Development, securing USD$6.9 million to complete the long-delayed St. Jude Hospital.

  For the first time in its 15-year history, the project has secured all necessary funding, facilitating the transfer of patients, doctors, and staff back to its original operation site. "I would like to thank H.E. Sultan Abdulraham A Almarshad of the Saudi Fund for Development for partnering with us as we continue to work towards the completion and reopening of St. Jude Hospital," Pierre said.

  As St Lucia honours its newly crowned Olympic champion with public celebrations, the government’s investment in sports infrastructure signals its commitment to nurturing talent and building on the island’s growing success in athletics. The rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the island’s sporting future, as the next generation looks to follow in Julien Alfred’s golden footsteps.

   

   

   

• Veteran coach Harrison joins STETHS to lead athletic and football development

  Renowned track and field coach, formerly of Munro College, Kingston College and Jamaica College, has taken his wealth of coaching experience to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), where he is set to play a key role in the development of the institution's sporting programmes.

  Coach Harrison officially joined the STETHS team on September 2, after having worked with the school in an unofficial capacity during the summer.

  Harrison, a seasoned Physical Education teacher and coach, will not only continue his role on the track but will also extend his expertise to the school’s football programme. His responsibilities at STETHS go beyond coaching, as he will be tasked with overseeing the school's entire sports programme, ensuring that there are comprehensive development initiatives in place for student-athletes.

  Principal Keith Wellington, speaking on Harrison’s appointment, highlighted the coach’s experience and leadership qualities as crucial additions to the school’s sports culture. "Coach Harrison brings significant experience and maturity as a Physical Education teacher, coach, and mentor," Wellington said. "He is expected to provide guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership to our overall sports programmes. It is also expected that Coach Harrison's addition to the STETHS team will lead to more of our student-athletes optimizing their talents across our various school programmes."

  In addition to his coaching duties, Harrison will serve as a classroom teacher at STETHS, fostering the holistic development of students both academically and athletically. His mandate also includes the coordination of sports activities, working closely with Wellington to ensure that STETHS’ co-curricular programmes are robust and inclusive.

  Harrison’s distinguished coaching career includes stints at Kingston College, where he served from 2014 to 2018, and Jamaica College, where he led the school to victory in the ISSA Boys and Girls National Championships in 2021. Despite his success, his contract at Jamaica College was not renewed for the 2024/2025 academic year, paving the way for his new role at STETHS.

  With his extensive experience and proven track record of success, Coach Harrison's presence is expected to enhance STETHS' already formidable sports tradition, especially in track and field and football. Principal Wellington remains confident that Harrison will provide the technical expertise and mentorship necessary to elevate the school's athletic achievements.

  STETHS has long been known as a powerhouse in rural Jamaica, and the addition of Coach Harrison to the team signals their intent to continue that legacy while nurturing young talent for years to come.

• SKNAA boss Delaney aims to revitalize St Kitts and Nevis Athletics with help from Kim Collins

  Newly re-elected President of the St Kitts and Nevis Athletics Association (SKNAA), Delwayne Delaney, has ambitious plans to boost the country's athletics program, with the pivotal involvement of 2003 World 100m Champion, Kim Collins. Delaney, who secured his second term as president on September 7, revealed that the legendary Collins will play a central role in enhancing the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in the twin-island nation.

  “Just probably a week from now, we will be making an announcement as it relates to Mr Collins,” Delaney told Sportsmax.TV during an interview on Wednesday. “He is our world champion, he is still a household name within track and field,” he said. “He is still recognized on the global market, and even if persons haven’t heard about St Kitts and Nevis, they mention Kim Collins and they say, ‘Ah, yes, I know.’ So, we definitely have to be tapping into his expertise where he can lend his support in moving the product forward.”

  Delaney, himself a former sprinter and 2011 Pan American Games silver medalist in the 4x100m relay, emphasized that Collins’ global recognition and vast experience would be crucial in helping to modernize the country’s athletics landscape. The president believes that involving Collins in their strategy will not only inspire younger athletes but also provide invaluable insights into competing at the highest level.

  

  Delaney (c) and some members of his new executive elected on Saturday, September 7.

  The broader vision for athletics in St Kitts and Nevis involves a comprehensive development plan that will encompass athlete training, coaching education, and the upskilling of officials. Delaney noted that the nation has long had the talent to compete internationally, but strategic development and adaptation to the modern demands of track and field are necessary to reach new heights.

  “We think that we have a good product here in St Kitts and Nevis. We have always had a good product here and I think honing into those athletes and those nuances that we have will definitely benefit the sport and ultimately, the athletes who are the main stakeholders in all of this,” Delaney explained.

  “We look forward to a very productive tenure moving forward. We have a very good crop of athletes, we just need to further develop them.

  The SKNAA president also took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s rising stars, including Carifta medalist De’Cheynelle Thomas, Akanye Samuels, Chesson Liburd, T’anna Liburd, Jaylen Bennett, Naquille Harris, and Zahra Allers-Liburd. He expressed optimism that with the proper guidance, these athletes could help St Kitts and Nevis become a “real force” in athletics.

  

   Track and field now is not the same as when I used to compete back in the mid-2000s. The standards and qualification processes for major meets have changed, so we need to get our athletes and coaches up to par to remain competitive,” Delaney explained.

  Delaney emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for athletes and coaches to thrive, noting that partnerships with both the public and private sectors will be crucial in achieving these goals. He also highlighted the strong relationship St Kitts and Nevis shares with regional training programs, particularly those in Jamaica.

  “We will explore collaboration with the private sector, public sector—that being government—and even our regional partners. We have had a very good relationship with the clubs and camps in Jamaica, having trained there quite extensively with Mr (Glen) Mills and forging relationships with the MVP Camp, my former teammate Michael Frater, and others. With a strategic approach, we can gain much,” Delaney said.