Lessons from Grenada’s 2026 Penn Relays experience

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s participation in the 2026 staging of the Penn Relays once again emphasised both the immense value and the undeniable challenges of competing on one of track and field’s most prestigious high school stages.

No question, exposing our young athletes to competition beyond the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships (Intercol) is a step in the right direction. The Penn Relays is an institution that tests not only speed and strength, but discipline, preparation, and the ability to perform under global scrutiny.

However, participation at that level demands far more than enthusiasm; it requires early planning, structured preparation, and strategic partnerships.

The reality is simple. The Penn Relays does not accommodate late decisions.

With the 2027 edition already set for April 22–24, and registration codes typically distributed by February, schools have a clear window to begin preparations. That preparation must include early confirmation of intent (by September–October), structured training cycles aligned with peak performance in April, visa application timelines, fundraising strategies, and travel logistics and accommodation planning.

Too often, ambition is present, but execution falls short due to late starts.

One of the most underutilised advantages available to Grenadian schools is access to experienced individuals such as Phil Zodda.

With his deep understanding of the US high school system and direct ties to Grenadian athletes, including past connections to figures like Dr Sean Lambert and Lee Cuffie, who he coached at South Shore High School in Brooklyn, NY, Zodda represents a bridge between local ambition and international standards.

Engaging expertise like his could help navigate Penn Relays qualification and registration processes, understand event standards and expectations, structure relay teams and baton exchange strategies, and build relationships with US-based meets and institutions.

This type of collaboration should not be optional; it should be institutionalised.

The continued participation of the Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) must be commended, particularly given the logistical and financial burdens often carried by the Alumni International Foundation (AIF).

However, participation alone is not enough. There must be a deliberate effort to conduct post-event reviews (technical and administrative), build a multi-year participation plan, and develop a sustainable funding model beyond emergency fundraising.

A critical lesson from recent participation is that reliance solely on alumni support and last-minute sponsorship is not sustainable. Grenadian schools must develop their own structured, local fundraising programmes to complement external assistance.

This can include annual school track meets or relay festivals as revenue-generating events, community fun runs and sports days involving parents and alumni, corporate sponsorship packages tied to school athletic programmes, crowdfunding campaigns targeting the Grenadian diaspora, and merchandise sales (team apparel, memorabilia) linked to major competitions.

Fundraising should not begin weeks before departure; it should be a year-round, organised effort embedded within the school’s athletic programme.

By creating consistent revenue streams, schools can better manage costs associated with travel, uniforms, equipment, and preparation, while reducing the pressure on alumni bodies like the AIF.

If Grenadian schools are serious about sustained participation at the Penn Relays and similar high-level competitions, several measures should be considered.

There is a strong case for establishing a National Schools International Competition Calendar to identify key meets such as the Penn Relays, Florida Relays, and regional invitationals. This would allow for coordinated planning and reduce duplication of effort.

Additionally, a centralised support unit, possibly in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, could assist schools with documentation, visa guidance, registration processes, and travel coordination.

Given that the Penn Relays is built on relays, schools must also invest in baton exchange clinics, specialised relay coaching, and maintaining consistent relay team combinations. Beyond the Penn Relays, schools should actively pursue participation in smaller US invitationals, Caribbean meets, and exchange programmes with US high schools.

Equally important is athlete readiness. Preparation must extend beyond physical training to include mental conditioning, understanding travel expectations, media engagement, and maintaining academic eligibility.

Perhaps one of the most important areas requiring urgent attention is talent identification.

GBSS once led the way in scouting athletes at the primary school level, a system that helped build generations of elite performers. That tradition must be revived.

Other institutions such as Presentation Brothers' College (PBC), Boca Secondary School, and St Andrew's Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) have already recognised the value of early recruitment, actively identifying and nurturing talent from both primary and private schools.

GBSS must re-enter that space, not as a reaction, but as a structured programme.

Previous Story: Grenadians shine and struggle at Penn Relays finale in Philadelphia

Grenadians shine and struggle at Penn Relays finale in Philadelphia

by Michael Bascombe

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 26, 2026 - Grenadian athletes delivered a mix of standout performances and tough lessons as the 130th staging of the Penn Relays concluded at Franklin Field on Saturday.

Leading the way for Grenada were Nazzio John and Jamora Alves, both of whom made significant impressions at one of the world’s premier track and field meets.

John produced the highlight of the weekend, capturing gold as part of the Ohio State University team in the College Men’s 4x100 metres Championship of America. Running the opening leg, the Grenadian sprinter set the tone for teammates Kyler Brown, Nick Biega, and Marcus Brown, as the quartet stormed to victory in 39.56 seconds.

The triumph marked Ohio State’s fourth title in the event, adding to their historic wins in 1929, 1931, and 1932.

John had also qualified for the Men’s 100 metres Championship final after clocking 10.30 seconds in Friday’s preliminaries. However, he was withdrawn from the final alongside teammate Brown, with coach Rosalind Joseph opting to protect her athletes amid cold and rainy conditions.

The final was won by Gary Card of the University of Technology, Jamaica, in 10.34 seconds, slower than his record-breaking 10.03 run in the preliminary round.

On the field, Alves, representing St John's University, continued her consistent form with a fourth-place finish in the College Women’s Discus Throw Championship. Battling adverse weather, she recorded a best mark of 52.37 metres, narrowly missing a top-three podium finish.

Alves was edged out of third place by Morgan Graham, who produced a 52.52m effort in the fourth round, while Ines Lopez of Arizona State University secured victory with a throw of 54.44 metres. The Grenadian had earlier claimed silver in the Shot Put, completing a strong overall showing across the meet.

In the high school division, the Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) endured a challenging end to

their campaign.

After a promising 4x100m performance on Friday, the Grenadian champions were unable to replicate that form in the 4x400 metres relay, finishing last in their heat in 3:31.14.

Josh Thomas opened with a solid 51.58 split, handing over in sixth position among the nine teams. However, the team slipped back on the second leg, where Kashay Stephen clocked 55.53 seconds, leaving too much ground to recover for Nathaniel Alfred (54.04) and Karmal Joseph (50.00).

GBSS finished 202nd overall out of 522 teams that completed the 4x400m event, while their 4x100m effort ranked 80th among 582 teams.

Meanwhile, Bullis School of Maryland captured the highly anticipated High School Boys’ 4x400 metres Championship of America title in 3:10.15, becoming the first American team to win the event since Long Beach Polytechnic High School achieved the feat in 2007. The winning quartet of Zayden Saxton, Cameron Homer, Gideon Newton, and Quincy Wilson had earlier signalled their intent with a blistering 3:09.73 performance.

Previous Story: Alves claims shot put silver while John advances to sprint finals and relay showdown

Alves claims shot put silver while John advances to sprint finals and relay showdown

by Michael Bascombe

PHILADELPHIA, USA, April 24, 2026 - Grenadian athletes Jamora Alves and Nazzio John had impressive performances at the Penn Relays on Friday.

Competing for St John's University, Alves produced a strong showing in the College Women’s Shot Put, earning the silver medal after a dramatic contest on Friday.

After fouling her first two attempts, Alves rebounded in style, launching a throw of 14.95 metres on her fourth attempt to take the lead. However, Olamide Ayeni of the University of Delaware responded in the fifth round with a winning mark of 14.97 metres, narrowly edging the Grenadian into second place.

Alves will return to action on Saturday morning in the Discus Throw as she continues her busy weekend of competition.

On the track, Ohio State University sprinter Nazzio John booked his place in the College Men’s 100 metres Championship final after clocking a qualifying time of 10.30 seconds.

John will line up in a highly competitive final, highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Gary Card of the University of Technology, Jamaica, whose preliminary time of 10.03 seconds eclipsed the long-standing Penn Relays record of 10.10 seconds set by Leroy Burrell in 1990.

The Grenadian sprinter is also set to feature in the College Men’s 4x100 metres Championship of America final, after teaming up with Kyler Brown, Nick Biega, and Marcus Brown to secure qualification in a time of 39.59 seconds.

In other results from the meet, Jamaica’s Alphansus Davis High School placed sixth in the Girls’ 4x800 metres in 9:03.40, with Grenadian Ameiah Samuel, Chevelle White, Tabbrel Williams, and Alikay Reynolds contributing to the effort.

The school also featured in the Boys’ 4x800 metres, where Nicholas Frederick of Grenada, Tyrie Hopkins, Raheem Palmer, and Jephton Campbell combined to clock 7:55.07.

Previous Story: GBSS shows grit at Penn Relays 

GBSS shows grit at Penn Relays, turns focus to 4x400m

by Michael Bascombe

PHILADELPHIA, USA, April 24, 2026 — The Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) delivered a commendable performance at the Penn Relays on Friday, narrowly missing qualification for both the High School Boys’ Championship of America and International finals in the 4x100 metres relay.

Despite winning their heat in a solid 42.86 seconds, the GBSS quartet fell just short of the final qualifying position among the international teams. That coveted spot was secured by Puerto Rico’s Eugenio Guerra Cruz, who clocked a faster 42.26 seconds.

The GBSS team of Nathaniel Alfred, Karmal Joseph, Josh Thomas, and Kashay Stephen executed clean baton exchanges to take their heat, but ultimately faced the challenge of competing in a less competitive race, which impacted their overall qualification standing.

Head coach Nicholas Benjamin praised his athletes for their effort and composure under the circumstances.

“Our team has made us proud, running out in a heat without much competition and still producing a time that ranked us 81st in a 583-ranking list is awesome,” Benjamin told GrenadaSports. “We now set our sights on making a mark in the 4x400m on Saturday.” 

Assistant coach Lee Cuffie also commended the youthful squad, highlighting both their performance and long-term potential.

“We did very good in my view, with a fairly young team,” Cuffie said. “Kashay 14, Alfred 15, and Karmal 16. We have room for development. Last year the team ran 46 with much poorer baton exchange. However, I did as much as I can with the drilling of the exchanges and saw good improvement.”

In a field dominated by Caribbean sprint powerhouses, Jamaica once again asserted its strength, occupying six of the nine lanes in the International category with schools such as William Knibb, St George’s, Calabar, Munro College, Cornwall College, and Herbert Morrison. They were joined by St Augustine’s College of the Bahamas, St Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago, and Eugenio Guerra Cruz of Puerto Rico.

Jamaican dominance was even more pronounced in the Championship of America final, where eight of the nine qualifying schools hail from the island, including Jamaica College, Kingston College, Edwin Allen, Excelsior, St Jago, Petersfield, St Mary's, and Wolmer’s Boys. The St James Academy of Virginia is the lone non-Jamaican representative.

Overall, GBSS finished 80th out of 607 schools entered in the High School Boys’ 4x100m heats. With 11 disqualifications and 13 teams failing to finish, a total of 583 schools recorded official times.

Attention now shifts to the 4x400 metres relay, where GBSS will look to rebound when they line up in the heats at 10:50 a.m. on Saturday. The nine fastest teams will advance to the Championship final, scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

Sports set to face biggest test

by Keith Joseph

Over the past several months, the immigration policies of the United States have changed significantly, to the extent that those seeking visas from almost any country may be more concerned than ever before in history about their chances of being successful.

Perhaps, more than anything else, is the reality that it is almost impossible to predict the nature of policy changes, as well as what can give cause for the changes, and uncertainty as to when such changes may be announced and enforced.

At the time of writing this piece, the next edition of the quadrennial FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin in Mexico City, Mexico, in 48 days, with host Mexico taking on South Africa. Matches are scheduled for Canada and the USA in addition to Mexico.

FIFA remains tentative on precisely what, if any, guarantees it is able to give to any of the participating teams. Technical and administrative officials and supporters. At the same time, several citizens from several countries are under total travel bans, while others are under partial bans. Additionally, many countries have also been informed that their citizens are now subject to a bond of $15,000USD when making their applications for visas.

At this point, there remains much uncertainty in respect of whether players of teams that have qualified for the World Cup Finals would be negatively affected and what this would mean for the affected teams. Across FIFA’s membership, there is much to worry about in. the short time left before the first ball kicks off.

Although two years away, the XXXIV edition of the Olympic Games, due to commence on 17 July 2028, is very much under a cloud, much as is the case currently with the FIFA World Cup of 2026. Whilst many of the 205 National Olympic Committees ideally relish Los Angeles’ game-changing traditions when hosting the Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee, much like FIFA, must be looking at all possible scenarios in respect of the applicable visa requirements as the Games draw ever nearer.

The fact that the IOC has a recently elected new and first woman President who is still ‘finding her feet and hopeful of establishing her own legacy in the global Olympic Movement, does not make it any easier for all those nations whose athletes are in preparation for the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
 
At this juncture in world history, while both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games have had their fair number of critical challenges, the likes of what they are currently facing has never featured in the manner in which they find themselves today. Indeed, the world has never faced a near-crippling situation in respect of global travel as is the case today.

One clearly understands the rapidly changing geo-politics of the contemporary, which has many nations and their economies at their mercy. But the uncertainty that exists and for the immediate future, international sport will face its toughest test. This is not to say that we cannot overcome the challenges as has been the case throughout history. The current situation, however, has the potential to push two of the world’s most lucrative and exciting sporting spectacles to bankruptcy, whilst significantly upturning them and their own perceived places in global dynamics.

One can only hope that cool heads prevail and that all nations that so readily sign on to the Olympic Truce and extol the powerful virtues of sport on humanity, would come together is a major initiative that can literally allow sport perhaps its best chance to ‘change the world’. The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) is counting on this.

Keith Joseph is the President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC)