Visa issues sideline InterCol Champions SAASS from Penn Relays

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 — Grenada’s Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics (InterCol) champions, St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), will not participate in this weekend’s Penn Relays in Philadelphia due to visa challenges.

GrenadaSports has been reliably informed that members of the SAASS team were unable to secure visa appointments in time for the competition, forcing the withdrawal of what was expected to be a strong national representation.

SAASS had planned to field relay teams in both the Boys’ 4x100m and 4x400m events, along with competitors in the Boys’ Javelin Throw and Triple Jump. The 4x100m team was set to include Randy Jones, D’Ron St Cyr, Crystophe Calliste, and Darell Daniel, while Teavughn Hall, Calliste, Daniel, and Phillip Mitchell were listed for the 4x400m relay.

Individually, Deshawn Smart was down to compete in the javelin, with Calliste also scheduled for the triple jump.

Former InterCol champions Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS) will be the lone school from Grenada competing at the meet. GBSS secured their visas in early March, ahead of the InterCol Championships, and will join approximately 16 other international high schools, alongside teams from Jamaica and the United States.

GBSS will be represented by Nathaniel Alfred, Karmal Joseph, Josh Thomas, Kashay Stephen, and Qwanell Pierre, as they take on a strong international field.

Grenada will still have representation through athletes competing for Jamaican institutions. Egypt Benjamin is expected to line up for Edwin Allen High School in the Girls’ 4x100m and 4x400m relays, while Dylan Logan will represent Kingston College in the Boys’ Discus Throw.

The Penn Relays, one of the most renowned track and field events in the United States, gets underway on Thursday and runs through Saturday.

SAASS’ absence is a significant blow, particularly after their historic InterCol triumph this year, as the school misses an opportunity for its athletes to compete on a big stage.

Welsh Backs National Club Championships to Boost Grenada Athletics

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 20, 2026 — Founder and head coach of Momentum Track and Field (MTF) in St Mark, Denva Welsh has thrown his support behind the idea of establishing a national club championships in Grenada, describing it as a timely initiative to strengthen the sport’s development.

Welsh, speaking on the TalkSports programme last Saturday, welcomed the concept of a competition exclusively for clubs, noting that the growth of track and field programmes across the island makes such an event both relevant and necessary.

“I think that is something that should be exciting and interesting,” Welsh said. “There are a lot of clubs in Grenada at this point, and something like that could further increase participation in athletics.”

The MTF coach believes that national club championships could serve as an important platform for identifying emerging talent, while also providing athletes with additional competitive opportunities beyond the traditional school-based structure.

“We could go on to identify athletes who can move on to becoming top regional and international competitors,” he added.

Welsh emphasised that the initiative would not only enhance competition among clubs but also contribute to the overall growth and visibility of athletics in Grenada.

“I like the idea, I support it, and it’s something we would definitely look forward to in the future,” he said.

Gamali Felix set for Big-Stage return at Tom Jones Memorial

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, April 15, 2026 — Grenadian track and field athlete Gamali Felix is set to make his long-awaited return to elite competition this weekend when he lines up at the Tom Jones Memorial, hosted at the University of Florida.

Felix, expressing both gratitude and determination ahead of the meet, described the opportunity as a major step in his comeback journey after spending the past two years away from top-tier competition.

“Blessed and excited to be back on the big stage,” Felix shared. “It’s been two years since I’ve been at this level, and I’m ready to show what I’ve been working for.”

The Tom Jones Memorial is widely regarded as one of the premier meets on the international collegiate and professional track and field circuit, regularly attracting world-class athletes and providing a highly competitive environment early in the outdoor season.

“Representing Grenada with everything I have, and I’m just getting started,” he said, signalling his ambition to re-establish himself among the region’s top performers.

The Grenadian athlete is expected to face a strong 400-metre field, offering him the perfect platform to test his progress and measure himself against elite competition. Among those expected to compete in the quarter-mile are Matthew Hudson-Smith, Kyron McMaster, Christopher Morales-Williams, and Luguelin Santos, among others.

Fans will be able to follow Felix’s performance live, with the meet scheduled for broadcast on ESPN, while real-time results will be available online.

Looking ahead, Felix also indicated that he will be sharing more updates on his journey, inviting supporters to follow his progress as he continues his return to form.

Grenadian-American Dahnay Mark commits to Andrew College ‘soccer’ programme

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, April 15, 2026 — An American soccer player with Grenadian roots has secured an opportunity to continue his development at the collegiate level after committing to Andrew College in the U.S. state of Georgia.

Dahnay Mark, the son of well-known Grenadian media manager Hamlet Mark, is among two players from the Florida-based Cooper City Cobras to earn commitments to the Georgia institution.

The Cooper City Cobras have built a reputation within the Broward County junior leagues as a competitive and structured organisation focused on developing young athletes through disciplined coaching and consistent exposure. Mark’s performances within that system helped lay the foundation for his transition to the high school level and now, collegiate football.

Mark’s performances with the Cobras, combined with his standout displays at Hollywood Hills High School, have set him apart as one of the emerging talents in his area. Notably, he was the only player from his school to be selected to the High School All-Star team at the end of the season.

Andrew College, located in Cuthbert, Georgia, competes at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I level and fields its teams under the “Fighting Tigers” banner. The institution sponsors 14 sports and is a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, providing student-athletes with a competitive environment and a pathway to four-year programmes.

In a notable development, Andrew College is set to transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) effective July 1, 2026.

Gary James Backs Grenada’s Sprint Relay Ambitions

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 14, 2026 — Coach Gary James of Top Flight Athletics believes the time is right for Grenada to assemble a competitive men’s sprint relay team, citing the growing pool of talented local sprinters currently producing impressive performances.

Speaking during the weekend edition of the TalkSports programme, James pointed to the steady rise in sprint standards across the island, noting that several athletes are now clocking times capable of challenging at higher levels.

“We have the athletes,” James said. “Several young men are running fast times locally, and I believe it’s the right moment to allow them to come together and represent Grenada in relay events.”

James, who coaches some of the island’s top emerging talents through Top Flight Athletics in St John, is also the mentor of Grenada’s current fastest sprinter, Ian George. The young standout has been making waves on the local circuit, reinforcing the coach’s confidence in the nation’s sprinting future.

Importantly, James’ perspective is shaped by both experience and pedigree. He is the brother of Olympic champion Kirani James, whose success has helped elevate Grenada’s global track and field profile. Now, Gary James believes the next phase of development lies in building team-based success, particularly in relay events. 

He stressed that exposure to regional and international competition is important for athlete development.

“Relay competitions bring a different level of discipline and teamwork,” he explained. “If we can get these athletes competing together consistently, it will not only improve their individual performances but also put Grenada in contention at major meets.”

James also highlighted the need for structured planning, including proper training camps, baton exchange work, and opportunities to compete against stronger opposition - key components for any successful relay programme.