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.

Aquatic Centre Construction Begins as La Sagesse Project Remains in Planning Phase

Government outlines progress and challenges for two key sporting facilities

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 1, 2026 – The Government of Grenada has provided an update on two major sporting infrastructure projects, confirming that construction has commenced on the National Aquatic Centre at Queen’s Park, while the proposed renovation of the La Sagesse Playing Field in St David remains in its early planning stages.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell disclosed that the La Sagesse project is currently in the pre-feasibility phase, noting that it is too early to establish a timeline for construction.

“Until the technical assessments are completed, it would be premature to provide any definitive timeframe,” the Prime Minister indicated, emphasising the importance of ensuring that all planning and evaluation processes are properly undertaken before advancing the project.

Meanwhile, more tangible progress is being made on the National Aquatic Centre at Queen’s Park. Chief Technical Officer Kimon Andrews confirmed that construction is already underway, with a local contractor leading the initial phase of works.

Andrews explained that the current scope of the project includes foundational work, specifically the base slab for the swimming pool, along with the development of ancillary buildings and bleachers to support the facility.

“The initial phase focuses on establishing the core infrastructure necessary for the Aquatic Centre,” Andrews noted, adding that the project is expected to evolve in phases as development progresses.

Broadcast infrastructure must be a priority in Grenada’s sporting facilities

by Michael Bascombe

There is a growing reality in Grenada’s sporting landscape that can no longer be ignored: sport is no longer confined to the spectators inside the venue. It is now a product consumed globally, in real time, through television and digital platforms. Yet, despite this evolution, the design and infrastructure of some of our key sporting facilities have not kept pace.

At both the Kirani James Athletic Stadium and the Grenada National Cricket Stadium, there are no fixed, purpose-built camera positions. This oversight continues to create challenges for broadcasters, who are often forced to improvise, occupying vantage points that were never intended for television production. The result? Obstructed views for patrons, including VIPs, and less-than-optimal broadcast quality for audiences at home.

This is not merely a technical inconvenience; it is a missed opportunity.

Broadcasting is no longer a luxury; it is an important component of modern sport. It enhances visibility,

drives sponsorship and promotes athletes. When camera positions are not strategically integrated into stadium design, the entire product suffers. Angles are compromised, and the viewer experience, arguably the largest audience of all, is diminished.

Equally concerning is the apparent lack of consultation during the planning and construction phases of these facilities. Broadcasters, former athletes, coaches, and sports administrators all bring valuable, practical input. Their lived experiences could inform decisions on sightlines, commentary positions, mixed zones, lighting, and technical infrastructure. Yet too often, these voices are absent from the conversation.

As Grenada looks ahead to future projects such as the proposed National Aquatic Centre and the continued development of the La Sagesse Playing Field in St David, there is an opportunity to correct course. These facilities must be designed with a holistic vision, one that accommodates not only athletes and spectators but also the demands of modern broadcasting.

Simple considerations can make a significant difference, including dedicated camera gantries at strategic angles; elevated, unobstructed platforms for primary broadcast cameras; clearly defined media zones; integrated cabling and power infrastructure; and commentary boxes designed for professional production.

These are not extravagant additions. They are standard requirements in today’s sporting world.

Grenada has made commendable strides in hosting regional and international events, particularly in athletics and cricket. However, if we are serious about positioning ourselves as a premier sporting destination in the Caribbean, then our facilities must reflect global standards.

The conversation must shift from building venues to building complete sporting experiences. The next generation of sporting facilities must be built with that reality firmly in focus.

InterCol at a Crossroads: Fourteen Years Later, the Call for Reform Remains

by Michael Bascombe

Fourteen years ago, I penned a commentary titled “Urgent Overhaul of InterCol Champs Needed.” At the time, it was a call to action, one rooted in the belief that Grenada’s premier secondary schools’ athletics championships had outgrown their structure and required a more strategic approach.

Today, in 2026, that call still echoes.

To be fair, the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships, known as InterCol, has evolved tremendously. What was once a school-based competition has now become a national spectacle, arguably second only to Spicemas in terms of public interest, participation, and cultural significance. The energy at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium each year is evidence of its power, packed stands, school colours, and a level of competition that continues to inspire.

The reality is that InterCol has outgrown its traditional framework. While the Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (GAPSS) has done commendable work in organising the championships over the years, the scale and impact of the event now demand a more permanent and professionalised management structure.

This is not about removing GAPSS from the process, far from it. Instead, it is about strengthening the foundation through a dedicated body or secretariat that works year-round, ensuring continuity, planning, and execution at the highest level. If we can establish and maintain a structured entity to manage Spicemas, then we can do the same for one of the nation’s most important sporting events.

Such a structure should involve key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Sports, working collaboratively with GAPSS. This would allow for a more coordinated approach, not just to InterCol, but to the broader development of secondary school sports across Grenada.

Because InterCol is no longer just an event. It is a product. And like any product, it requires strategic planning, branding, marketing, and investment.

Several areas require urgent attention, including Marketing and Promotion; Sponsorship and Commercialisation; Broadcast and Production; Athlete Development; Event Management and Logistics; and the Expansion of School Sports.

InterCol deserves a year-round promotional strategy. The stories of the athletes, the rivalries between schools, and the journey to the championships should be told consistently across traditional and digital media. This is how you build anticipation and deepen national engagement.

Corporate Grenada must be given a clearer, more structured opportunity to invest. With proper packaging, InterCol can attract significant sponsorship, easing the financial burden on schools and organisers while enhancing the overall quality of the event.

The championships have already shown their potential as a broadcast product. However, there is a need for standardised, high-quality production, complete with graphics, athlete profiles, real-time results, and expert commentary to match regional and international standards. This is important, especially with Grenada positioning itself as a host of major events such as the CARIFTA Games.

InterCol should be integrated into a clear national development pathway. It must not be viewed as the final destination, but rather as a stepping stone to higher levels, CARIFTA Games, collegiate athletics, and beyond.

From scheduling to athlete management, medical services to crowd control, there must be a professionalised approach that reduces inefficiencies and enhances the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Perhaps most importantly, this proposed structure could oversee not only athletics but a wider programme of secondary school sports. Basketball, football, cricket, swimming and volleyball could all benefit from the same level of organisation and visibility, creating a true culture of school-based sport development.

InterCol has reached a point where passion alone is no longer enough. It now requires policy, planning, and professionalism.

Fourteen years later, the conversation must move from suggestion to implementation.

Grenada has the talent and enthusiasm. What is needed now is the structure to match.

Previous commentary: https://mikebas.blogspot.com/2012/03/urgent-overhaul-of-intercol-champs.html  

From Pool to PhD: Oreoluwa Cherebin Defends Doctoral Dissertation in the US

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK - At just 28, former Grenada and OECS swimming champion Oreoluwa Cherebin has reached another milestone, successfully defending her PhD dissertation in Analytical Chemistry on Tuesday, January 20, at Indiana University in Indianapolis.

Cherebin’s dissertation, titled “Enhanced Paper-Based Electroanalytical Sensors by Leveraging Magnetic Fields,” was presented in the Department of Chemistry and Biology and supervised by her research advisor, Frederique Deiss. The work explored innovative approaches to improving low-cost, portable electroanalytical sensors, with potential applications in health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and resource-limited settings. Her successful defence earns her the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Analytical Chemistry.

Cherebin’s academic journey began in Grenada at St Joseph’s Convent St George, where she excelled in the classroom, sitting and passing 12 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects, including an outstanding 11 Grade Ones. That strong academic foundation would later prove critical as she balanced elite sport with higher education.

After secondary school, Cherebin spent just one semester at the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) before taking a bold step abroad. She joined the York YMCA Aquatic Club in Pennsylvania, where she trained at a high-performance level while simultaneously earning college credits. Her performances in the pool and discipline in the classroom soon attracted attention, leading to three scholarship offers. She ultimately chose Fairfield University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.

She later earned a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, before continuing on to doctoral studies.

On the sporting front, Cherebin is one of Grenada’s most decorated swimmers. A product of the local Grenfin Swim Club, she is a CARIFTA, Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) and Central American & Caribbean Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) gold medallist and represented Grenada at numerous OECS and Caribbean championships. She also competed on the global stage at the Commonwealth Games, the FINA World Championships, and the Olympic Games—a rare blend of elite international sport and academic excellence.

Cherebin credits swimming with instilling the discipline and resilience that fueled her through demanding lab work and late-night research sessions.

"Swimming taught me discipline and resilience—those same qualities carried me through the long nights in the lab," she said. "I hope young athletes in Grenada and the OECS see that sport doesn’t limit your future; it can actually expand it."

"If my journey shows anything, it’s that you don’t have to choose between academics and athletics—you can strive for excellence in both," Cherebin added.

Her mother, Pamela Cherebin, has long been an advocate for young swimmers and athletes exploring the opportunities sport can provide, while consistently stressing the importance of education. She has cautioned parents that athletic success must be matched by strong academic performance.

She also encouraged parents across Grenada and the OECS to expose children to multiple sporting disciplines at an early age. During her school years, Ore was not limited to swimming alone—she also played netball, football through the Jason Roberts Academy, participated in cycling and triathlon, and even pursued dancing, experiences that helped shape her all-round development.

“Sport can open doors, but education keeps them open. We always made it clear that academics had to come first,” she said. “I encourage parents to let their children try different sports early. You never know where their talent or passion will lead.”

“Opportunities exist, but young athletes must be prepared in the classroom to truly benefit from them," she added.

Grenada's Only Olympic Swimmer Says He Feels at Home in the Water

By Chris Clark/NBC Miami

Dozens of swimmers living and training in South Florida will head to the London 2012 Olympic Games later this month – competing not for the U.S. but for other countries.

The year-round warm weather makes this region an ideal venue for high-level swimmers from South America to Central America to the Middle East. One swim club in Davie has 17 Olympians from 13 different countries.

Nova Southeastern University has an international Olympian of its own – Esau Simpson, who hails from a tiny island in the Caribbean.

"Being in the water, I feel at home. I feel relaxed. I feel settled,” he said.

Settled is an interesting word choice for a swimmer who sprints in the water, 100 meters as fast as he can against the best in the world. That’s the task at hand for Simpson, who is a sophomore at Nova.

"I love racing. I mean, everyone loves racing,” he said.

Simpson was born in Brooklyn and raised in Grenada, which he will represent at the XXX Olympic Summer Games later this month, as part of a very small aquatics team.

"I'm sad to say, it's only me,” he said.

His home country is growing, but it’s pretty small compared to the other islands, he noted.

"We focus a bit more on our athletics and boxing. We have great track athletes. So having to rise to the occasion and put my name in the books just as they've done, it's kind of intimidating, but it is a challenge nonetheless,” Simpson said.

Nicknamed "The Saw," Simpson raced in the 100-meter freestyle in the Shanghai world championships last year, so the 21-year-old is familiar with the international stage. But even though his college coach will travel with him, nothing quite compares to what he'll experience in London.

"There's always that moment when you step onto the blocks and you're still shaking no matter what,” he said. “I don't care if you are me, a 12-year-old, or Michael Phelps, once you get up to the blocks, you're confident but you're nervous."

Simpson said his goal is to swim a personal best in London. He also hopes to coach swimming in Grenada and grow the sport for the future.

Nova Southeastern swimming coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron said she thinks Simpson is so excited because he’s never been at the Olympic level.

“I would be surprised if he came in with 100 percent confidence. I think he has 99 percent confidence and 1 percent nervousness,” she said.

Said Simpson, “The best of the best of the world go to the Olympics, so I'm just trying to keep a level head, go out there and perform my best, and when the time comes to celebrate and enjoy it, I'll enjoy it."

Grenada's Kerry Ollivierre smashes CISC record

Kerry Ollivierre

By Michael Bascombe

SAVANETA, Aruba, June 26, 2012 –Grenadian swimmers were in fine form on Tuesday evening as they picked up three medals including one record-breaking performance at the 19^th Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Aruba.

Kerry Ollivierre smashed a championship record in winning the 50 metres breaststroke in the Boys’ 11-12 age category. His winning time of 33.37 seconds bettered the previous record of 33.43 set by Jamaica’s Kevaughn Campbell in 2010.

“He worked on his mistakes in the preliminary because he was ranked number one going in so he knew that he could do it,” said team manager Pamela Cherebin, who is accompanied by Carlton Simon (coach) and Susanne Paparo (chaperone) as team officials.

Also splashing unto the medals stand were Oreoluwa Cherebin and Corey Ollivierre. Cherebin picked up her third medal with a victory in the girls’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in a new national record of 35.90. Her previous personal best was 36.25 seconds.

Oreoluwa Cherebin (centre)

Corey Ollivierre took silver when he tied with Alexander Rodriquez of the Dominican Republic in the Boys’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in 32.22 seconds.

“Corey went in ranking 6^th and Ore 2^nd, so they were pleasant surprises,” said Cherebin. “Corey went into the meet with a good attitude and was not in medal position.”

Kerry and Oreoluwa were ranked 4^th and 5^th places respectfully but both came out second in the 200m breaststroke.

The manager said that the team’s performance has exceeded expectations including Gabrielle Paparo and Delron Felix who had personal best times.

The national team goes into the final day of competition on Wednesday with a total of six medals including one gold and two silver medals from Oreoluwa Cherebin and one gold and one silver from Kerry Ollivierre.

Kerry, Delron and Gabrielle swim in the 50m freestyle and Oreoluwa and Corey compete in the 200m IM. Kerry will also contest the 100m breaststroke.

Esau Simpson attempting to "swim" his way to London Olympics

Esau Simpson is one of Grenada’s young talented swimmers who is attempting to achieve qualification for the London Olympic Games.

Here is a brief profile of the former Grenfin Swim Club member who is splashing in South Florida, United States.

Ø  Born on October 6, 1990 in Brooklyn, New York to Grenadians Stephanie Lewis and Emmanuel Walter Simpson.

Ø  Part of a family of five including his brother Amhose Simpson and the late Nefertiti Simpson who were also competitive swimmers in their earlier years.

Ø  Schools

o   Attended Alpha Junior School.

o   Attended Presentation Brothers’ College (PBC).

o   Graduated PBC with an award for the most outstanding student in Chemistry.

o   Began studies at St. Georges University and transferred to Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ø  Career

o   Studies Biology as an undergraduate student at NSU.

o   Wants to pursue Dentistry or Physical Therapy.

o   Would like to give back to the sport that gave so much to him, and become a national coach for Grenada’s swimmers.

Ø  Accomplishments

o   Most Outstanding Swimmer award at the end of High School at PBC.

o   Two-time finalist at the Carifta Swimming Championships.

o   Multiple OECS age-group title wins.

o   Captain of the 2009 OECS Swimming Championship Team.

o   Represented Grenada at 2007 and 2009 CISC Swimming Championships in which he was a finalist in most of his events.

o   Selected to represent Grenada at the 2009 and 2011 FINA Swimming World Championships.

o   Record breaker of all the freestyle events at the 2011 OECS Swimming Championships.

Ø  Current Progress

o   Currently one of the top sprint swimmers on the NSU swim team.

o   One of the top 50 athletes in the United States NCAA Division 2 swimming in his best events: 50m & 100m freestyle.

o   High potential to final in the 50m freestyle at the 2012 NCAA Division 2 Swimming Championships.

GASA: 2012 Independence open water swim meet a success

ST GEORGE’S (GASA) - Spectators at the Sailing Festival were treated to a breathtaking evening Open Water Swim competition on beautiful Grand Anse Beach on 4th February.

An enthusiastic group of swimmers in different age group competed in the 200m and 1500m Open Water Swim. The races began around 4pm with the 200m swim in which the little ones swam their heart out in the choppy seas, with parents and spectators running along the beach cheering them on.

The race ended with excellent swims from D'Andre Stephen first for the boys and Lily Sylvester first for the girls.

The 1500m distance Open Water was quite nerve racking with a few speed boats speeding in the path of the swimmers although they were informed about the race.

The swimmers braved the rough seas and gave the spectators an electrifying swim, which ended with Richard Regis placing first overall for the boys and Oreoluwa Cherebin first overall for the girls.

GASA wants to congratulate Coach Nataly Sihera for organizing the swim and thank all those who helped to make this possible.

 200m Results                

7-8 Girls                                                                            
1st Ifeoma Cherebin                                                   
2nd Luna Bartucci
3rd Arianna Walter                                                                           

7-8 Boys

Coby Sylvester

9-10 Girls                                                                                
1st Lily Sylvester
2nd Shemona Francois
3rd Sabrina Laqua

9-10 Boys
1st D'Andre Stephen

Girls 11-12                                                                                
1st Gabriel Paparo                                                                   
2nd Simone La Qua                                                             
3rd Mia Benjamin

11-12 Boys

1st Kerry Ollivierre

2nd Delron Felix

13-14 Girls                                                                              
1st Oreoluwa Cherebin                                                           
2nd Nixie Ogilvie                                                                   
                                                                                                 
13-14 Boys
1st Corey Ollivierre

2nd Shawn Gabriel

3rd Jason Newton

15-17 Boys
1st Kahalil John
2nd Jamal Regis

18 and over Male
1st Richard Regis
2nd Kane Clarke

25 and Over Female
1st Inga Karasek
2nd 'Kristine Deacon
  

25 and Over Male
1st Marc Decaul
2nd Danny Donalan

 40 and 0ver
 1st Wendy Bartucci
 2nd Deb Eastwood
 2nd Anna Benjamin


PHOTOS

Sports Personalities show appreciation for support

NEW YORK - Two of Grenada’s young sports competitors have expressed appreciation to those who have supported them during 2011.

Swimming sensation Oreoluwa Cherebin and figure skater Oliya Clarkson have joined with national cricket coach Dwain Gill in conveying appreciation for the support this year and best wishes in 2012.

Cherebin, who will turn 14 this month, represented Grenada at regional and international swimming championships including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Commonwealth Youth Games while Clarkson, 14, has been impressive at competitions in Italy and Turkey.

Oreoluwa Cherebin: Swimmer

In this season of goodwill and peace, I will like to take time out to say special thanks to all those who supported me during the year. This year has been very busy and challenging for me as a swimmer adjusting to school, traveling to several Championships and training. Without the help of God, my parents, coaches, family, the Ministry of Sports, Grenada Olympic Committee and supporters I would not have been able to make it. Thanks also to the Media for supporting me and all athletes. Merry Christmas and have a Christ filled New Year.

Oliya Clarkson: Figure Skater

As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Grenada Olympic Committee, Minister of Sports, Mr. Derrick James and Michael Bascombe, my parents, family and friends, coaches and Grenadians all over the world for their support and encouragement. To all, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you all.  

Dwain Gill: Cricket Coach

Happy Christmas and a productive New Year to all cricketers in particular and sports people in general.  Looking forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2012.

Grenadian swimmers ready to retain OECS Title

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 25, 2011 – The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has announced a 34-member team to defend its title at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championship scheduled for St Lucia, November 4-6.

Grenada won the sub-regional championship for the fifth consecutive year when it was hosted in St George’s last year.

The national team comprises a number of experienced swimmers including medallists and participants from regional and international meets such as the Carifta Swimming Championships, Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC), Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN), and the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011.

GASA said that the team has been training regularly and is confident of retaining the OECS title in St Lucia next month.

GRENADA NATIONAL OECS SWIM TEAM 2011

FEMALE                                      MALE  

8 & Under                                   8 & Under
Ifeoma Cherebin                         Kris Regis
Idania Hopkin                              Nicholas John
Breann Alexander                       Jenebi Benoit
Meeka Ollivierre 


9-10                                               9-10
Kattie Lillie                                    Marco Bagnasco
Angelique Minors                         DelronFelix
Lily Sylvester                                 De' Andre Stephen
Enya Noel                                                                                     

11-12                                             11-12
Gabrielle Paparo                          Justin Steele
Simone La Qua                             Kerry Ollivierre                                                              
                                                                                                         
13-14                                              13-14
Oreoluwa Cherebin                      Corey Ollivierre
Valorie Andrews                          Shawn Gabriel                         
Kendra Moore                              Calum Noel                    
                                                        Patrick Postl

15-17                                              15-17
Kevlian Andrews                           Andrew Hopkin
Ayesha Noel                                  Kahlil John                       
                                               
                                   
18 & Over                                     18 & Over
Claire Morall                                 Esau Simpson
Inga Karasek                                  Martin Renwick
                                                         Chris Regis   

Coaches: Nataly Sihera and Michael Davidson
Officials:  Michellle Steele
                 Diana Hopkin   
PRO:        Pamela Cherebin 

Six to represent Grenada at Pan American Games

File Photo: Allison George

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 5, 2011 – Six competitors will represent Grenada at the Pan American Games starting this month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The competitors will represent track and field, swimming and taekwondo at the Games which begin on October 14.

The track and field team will include Allison George, Kanika Beckles, Keron Toussaint and Joel Redhead while Florida-based Esau Simpson will represent swimming and Andrea St Bernard in Taekwondo.

On the track, George will compete in the women’s 200 metres; Beckles in the women’s 400 metres; Toussaint in the men’s 400 metres while Redhead competes in the men’s 200 metres.

Simpson, who attends Nova Southeastern University in South Florida, will compete in the 50 metres freestyle.

The Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday October 14, with Grenadian competitors in swimming and taekwondo beginning their quest the following day.

Track competitors will see action from October 24.

The officials accompanying the team are Albert Joseph (track); Nataly Regis-Sihera (swimming); Master Paul Beard (Taekwondo) and Abrel Patrick (chef de mission).

The team leaves Grenada on Wednesday for Guadalajara.

Grenada sends four to Commonwealth Youth Games

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, September 6, 2011 - A four-member team leaves here on Tuesday to represent Grenada at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man.

The team consisting of athletes Nerena Aberdeen and Judd Cadet and swimmers Oreoluwa Cherebin and Andrew Hopkin will compete in the September 7-13 Games.

Aberdeen will compete in the Girls’ 800 and 1500m while Cadet will race in the Boys’ 200 and 400m. In swimming, Cherebin and Hopkin will splash in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, and 100m Breaststroke. Cherebin will also compete in the 200m Breaststroke and Hopkin in the 50m Backstroke.

Competition for the athletes and swimmers begin on Friday and Saturday. The participating team is accompanied by athletics coach Kwame Hypolite, swimming coach Nataly Regis-Sihera and team official Diana Hopkin.

Co-incidentally, Kirani James is the lone Grenadian medallist at the CYG when he won the 400m in Pune, India in 2008. Rondell Bartholomew was also a finalist but finished sixth.

The team departs the Maurice Bishop International Airport on British Airways flight 2152 at 7:04 p.m. for the Isle of Man via Gatwick.

2011 Commonwealth Youth Games

Isle of Man

Participants-

Nerena Aberdeen

Age: 16

800 and 1500m

St. David’s Catholic Secondary School

Judd Cadet

Age:17

200 and 400m

Grenville Secondary School

Oreoluwa Cherebin

Age: 13

50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke

St. Joseph’s Convent (St. George’s)

Andrew Hopkin

Age: 16

50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke and 50m Backstroke

Westmorland School

Officials

Diana Hopkin- Team Official

Kwame Hypolite- Athletics Coach

Nataly Regis-Sihera- Swimming Coach

2010 National Sports Awards this weekend

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 26, 2011 – Grenada’s sports personalities for 2010 will be announced at a ceremony at the Grenada Trade Centre on Saturday.

Twenty-three nominees from 14 national associations will be vying for the prestigious awards of sportsman and woman of the year.

The ceremony, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held under the patronage of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Carlyle Glean and Lady Glean.

The nominees include World Junior 400m champion, Kirani James; West Indies cricketer Devon Smith and national footballer Kithson Bain in the male category while the female nominees will be highlighted by the performances of CARIFTA and Caribbean Island Swimming Championships gold medallist, Oreoluwa Cherebin; track athlete, Kanika Beckles and netballer Lottysha Cato.

The junior sportsman and woman, selected by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, will also be announced on the night.

Two special awards will also be presented as well as tributes to stalwarts who passed on and contributed immensely towards the development of sports in Grenada.

The guest speaker will be the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin.

The full list of nominees:

Athletics – Kanika Beckles & Kirani James

Basketball – Christa Stephens & Michael Bonaparte

Bodybuilding – Damion Daniel

Boxing – Chloe Toussaaint & Kandel Dowden

Cricket – Devon Smith

Cycling – Sydney George Walters

Football – Rockel Hood & Kithson Bain

Netball – Lottysha Cato

Swimming – Oreoluwa Cherebin & Nicholas Coard

Taekwondo – Aakeem Whiteman

Table Tennis – Giselle Chetram & Agbi Harford

Tennis – Lois Alexis & Yannik James

Triathlon – Aislinn Noel & Ric Hallam

Volleyball – Latisha Collymore & Adam La Feuille