Equity in Grenada’s Sporting Honours

by Michael Bascombe

It is both fitting and commendable that Grenada continues to recognise the achievements of its young athletes who recently represented the nation at the CARIFTA Games and the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. These athletes and swimmers have carried the national flag with pride, discipline, and determination. Whether they returned home with medals or not, their representation alone is a significant accomplishment, one that deserves acknowledgement.

To represent Grenada on any international stage is not merely about podium finishes. It reflects years of sacrifice, early mornings, disciplined training, and the courage to compete against the best in the region and beyond. These young ambassadors gain invaluable exposure, develop resilience, and build character. They inspire peers, ignite national pride, and contribute to Grenada’s identity on the global sporting map. In many cases, they also open doors for scholarships, professional opportunities, and lifelong personal development.

Representation, therefore, must always be respected as a form of achievement.

However, recognition must also be equitable.

While the spotlight often shines brightly on athletics, understandably so, given our Olympic pedigree, it must not eclipse the accomplishments of athletes in other sporting disciplines who are equally flying Grenada’s flag with distinction. Basketballers Enel St Bernard and Akinde Redhead continue to make meaningful strides in collegiate basketball in the United States. Cyclist Red Walters consistently represents Grenada on the international circuit, while marathon runner Philomena Robertson remains a lone but determined figure carrying our colours in long-distance road racing.

On the sand, Renisha Stafford and Thornia Mitchell have brought pride to Grenada with their performances in beach volleyball. After securing a bronze medal at the Eastern Caribbean Championships in 2025, the duo elevated their game to claim the 2026 championship title in St Lucia this week.

These are only a few examples. Week in and week out, Grenadian athletes in track and field, basketball, football, and other disciplines are excelling at colleges and in competitions across the United States and beyond. Their efforts, sacrifices, and successes deserve to be recognised in a structured and meaningful way.

At present, the National Sports Awards, organised by the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC), while well-intentioned, remain limited in scope and reach. They do not fully capture the breadth and diversity of Grenadian sporting achievement. As such, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive and inclusive system of recognition.

Firstly, equitable recognition validates effort. Athletes who feel seen and appreciated are more likely to remain committed to their sport and continue striving for excellence. Secondly, it promotes national unity by ensuring that no discipline feels marginalised. Sport, after all, is a powerful unifier, and recognition should reflect that inclusivity.

Thirdly, recognition serves as motivation, not just for current athletes, but for the next generation. Young boys and girls across Grenada must be able to see pathways to success in multiple sports, not just one or two. When achievements across disciplines are celebrated, it broadens participation and strengthens the overall sporting ecosystem.

Additionally, recognising athletes across various sports enhances Grenada’s sporting brand. It signals to regional and international bodies that Grenada is not a one-sport nation, but a diverse and dynamic sporting country. This can lead to increased opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and development programmes.

Finally, a structured and equitable recognition system contributes to the historical record of our sporting achievements. It ensures that contributions are documented, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.

The way forward requires collaboration between the Ministry of Sports, the Grenada Olympic Committee, national federations, and private sector partners. Consideration should be given to expanding the National Sports Awards or establishing a more continuous recognition programme that highlights achievements throughout the year, across all disciplines and levels.

Grenada among seven nations endorsed by World Boxing

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 30, 2026 - Grenada has taken a significant step onto the international boxing stage after the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was officially endorsed for membership by World Boxing.

The announcement came as World Boxing’s Executive Board approved seven new National Federations. The other newly endorsed members include Antigua and Barbuda, Cameroon, Curaçao, Gabon, South Africa, and Vanuatu.

With this approval, the Boxing Association of Grenada is now eligible to participate in World Boxing-sanctioned events.

The move also signals that Grenada has met strict international standards, including governance transparency, anti-doping compliance aligned with global protocols, and the establishment of fair dispute resolution systems.

Vice President of the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc., Dr Deborah-Ann Stephens-John, welcomed the endorsement as a defining moment for the sport locally.

“This is a proud and historic achievement for Grenadian boxing. It reflects the hard work, structure and accountability that we have been building over the past few years,” Stephens-John said.

“Our boxers now have a clear and credible pathway to international competition, and this will serve as a major boost to the development of boxing across the island.”

She also pointed to the immediate opportunities now available to local boxers.

“Grenada has boxers who can participate in the Commonwealth Games. We have one based in England and at least three here at home who are actively preparing for that level.”

Emphasising the broader vision, Stephens-John stressed that success will be measured beyond podium finishes.

“It’s not only about winning; it’s about the development of the athlete, building experience, discipline, and long-term growth within the sport.”

She revealed that local activity is already being ramped up to support that development.

“We are preparing locally for an event in Carriacou in July and another on the mainland at the end of August. These competitions are important as we continue to build the sport from the ground up.”

This latest development follows a previous attempt by Grenada to secure membership in World Boxing. Last year, the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) raised concerns that led to the withdrawal of the application, citing that the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was not formally recognised by the national Olympic body at the time.

In response, the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. undertook corrective measures, submitting the required documentation, including a comprehensive report outlining its annual activities and a structured programme for the development of boxing on the island.

The Association has been legally registered as the governing body for boxing in Grenada since 2022, strengthening its case for international recognition and ultimately paving the way for this successful endorsement.

Dr Stephens-John acknowledged the journey to this point.

“This was not an overnight success. We had to regroup, strengthen our documentation, and demonstrate clearly that boxing in Grenada has both structure and vision. I commend the entire team for staying the course.”

One of the immediate benefits of this endorsement is eligibility for participation in the boxing competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be conducted under World Boxing’s rules.

“The opportunity for our boxers to compete at the Commonwealth Games is invaluable,” Stephens-John noted. “It gives them exposure, experience, and belief that they belong on the international stage.”

Grenada joins World Boxing as an “Endorsed Member,” a designation that allows competition participation but does not yet grant voting rights at the organisation’s Congress. Advancement to “Full Member” status will be determined at the next World Boxing Congress, scheduled for November 20, 2026, in Panama.

Should Grenada secure full membership, it would gain voting privileges and a stronger voice in shaping the future of international boxing governance.

World Boxing was established by a coalition of National Federations worldwide in response to the International Boxing Association's derecognition. The move followed persistent concerns about Olympic-style boxing’s international governance, in which longstanding issues related to sporting integrity, transparency, administration, and financial management had put the sport’s Olympic future in jeopardy.

Those concerns were repeatedly raised by the International Olympic Committee, ultimately leading to the IBA’s removal from Olympic recognition and creating the need for a new, credible global governing structure.

While the IBA, under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, continues to stage its own world championships and professional, high-prize competitions, it remains largely isolated from Olympic involvement due to the governance and integrity issues that prompted its derecognition.

With the addition of the seven new federations, World Boxing’s membership has now expanded to 175 National Federations worldwide, reflecting the organisation’s rapid growth since its launch in 2023. The body has already made significant strides, including securing provisional recognition from the IOC in February 2025 as the governing federation for boxing within the Olympic Movement.

Ready, Willing, Proven — Grenada Stands By

by Michael Bascombe

CARIFTA Games has once again found itself at a crossroads, and Grenada, as it has done so often, is quietly but confidently standing by.

It has been nearly four weeks since Grenada successfully hosted the 2026 edition of the Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, yet there remains no official confirmation of the host country for 2027. Following the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Congress, President Mike Sands indicated that both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago had expressed interest, but required time to secure government approvals, an all-too-familiar process in regional sport.

Time, however, is not a luxury the Games can afford.

Grenada stepped forward in 2026 after Guyana withdrew, marking its fourth time hosting the Games (2000, 2016, 2024, and 2026). That consistency is no accident. It reflects a growing institutional capacity, a committed volunteer base, and a proven partnership with broadcast and event professionals such as T&R Communications, whose production quality drew widespread praise across the region and beyond.

The 2026 Games did more than deliver medals, it also delivered credibility. High global viewership numbers and strong regional engagement have strengthened Grenada’s case as a dependable host nation.

So, the question must now be asked: Should Grenada formally position itself as the standby, or even default, host of the CARIFTA Games when others are unable to commit?

There is precedent in global athletics. The World Athletics Relays has found a consistent home in the Bahamas, providing stability, branding continuity, and commercial growth.

Grenada could replicate that model for CARIFTA.

Some of the key advantages include the elimination of uncertainty around hosting, ensuring the Games are never in jeopardy. Hosting CARIFTA brings a surge in visitor arrivals, athletes, officials, families, and media. This translates into increased hotel occupancy, a boost for restaurants, transportation, and local vendors, short-term employment opportunities, and foreign exchange earnings.

CARIFTA serves as a global showcase, and with international streaming and television coverage, Grenada benefits from destination marketing that money simply cannot buy. With partners like T&R Communications, Grenada can become the production hub for Caribbean athletics, opening doors for long-term media rights and revenue streams.

But let’s not romanticise the opportunity. There are real concerns that must be addressed.

Hosting is expensive. Without strong sponsorship and regional cost-sharing, repeated hosting could strain government resources. CARIFTA has always been a Caribbean Games. Rotational hosting ensures inclusivity and shared ownership across territories.

Continuous hosting places demands on the same pool of volunteers, facilities, and administrators. If Grenada becomes the fallback every time, other nations may become less proactive in developing their own hosting capabilities.

Perhaps the solution is not to declare Grenada as the permanent home, but rather to formalise a “standby host framework” within NACAC.

Grenada could be designated as the official contingency host, prepared, equipped, and financially supported by the region to step in when necessary. This would protect the integrity of the Games while preserving the principle of rotational hosting.

With Barbados already indicating interest in hosting the 2028 Games, the immediate concern is 2027. The window for decision-making is closing, and uncertainty only undermines planning, sponsorship, and athlete preparation.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell once joked that Grenada should “give others a chance.” But as the clock ticks, that chance must be taken, or responsibility must fall to those ready to act.

Grenada has proven that it can deliver CARIFTA at the highest standard. The enthusiasm for 2026, the strength of its partnerships, and the professionalism of its execution all point to one conclusion.

Grenada is ready again.

The real question is whether the region is ready to embrace a model that prioritises certainty, quality, and sustainability.

Because in the end, CARIFTA must go on. And Grenada, as always, is on standby.

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