A landmark partnership intended to help transform the future of athletics in Saint Lucia was unveiled last Tuesday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL) joined forces with the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) to nurture the next generation of track and field talent through the National Age Group Championship (NAGC).
The two-day event, scheduled for June 7–8 at the Soufrière Stadium, will provide young athletes aged 7–15 with a platform to showcase their potential and ignite their sporting journeys.
Analicia Edmunds, corporate communications officer at BOSL, opened the launch by, emphasising the bank’s pride in supporting Saint Lucia’s athletic aspirations.
“This sponsorship is a proud moment not just for BOSL, but for Saint Lucia’s entire athletic community,” Edwards said. “Today, we reinforce our belief in the importance of youth empowerment, which is central to our Corporate Social Responsibility thrust for 2025.”
Reflecting on the success stories of athletes like Julien Alfred, who began their careers in grassroots events like the NAGC, Edmunds highlighted the championship’s role in shaping future stars.
“This is where … dreams take root and stars are born. BOSL is committed to ensuring that the athletes participating in this event have access to opportunities, resources, and guidance to shape their futures.”
Beyond financial backing, BOSL’s support extends to holistic athlete development, including Kids’ Athletics Day, public relations training and child safeguarding workshops that seek to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Lyndon Arnold, BOSL’s deputy managing director for operations, elaborated on the bank’s broader mission to drive national development through sports.
“This championship isn’t just an event, it’s a testament to the transformative power of sports,” Arnold said. “It serves as a platform for dreaming big, cultivating discipline, resilience, and excellence.”
Arnold announced BOSL’s $40,000 investment in the championship, reinforcing the bank’s long-term commitment. “This championship isn’t just an event, it’s a testament to the transformative power of sports.”
Dora Henry, president of the SLAA, underlined the NAGC’s significance in Saint Lucia’s athletic development. “The NAGC is not just an event, it’s a mission rooted in hope, determination and progress,” Henry said. “Since its inception, this championship has served as a springboard for identifying potential in our young athletes.”
Kenson Casimir, minister for youth development and sports, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing track and field in the country. Casimir highlighted the approval of $1.5 million for sports equipment and said he expected to receive a proposal from the SLAA regarding critical items such as track shoes, starting blocks and relay batons.
“This is a pivotal time for Saint Lucia’s athletics,” Casimir said. “Athletes like Julien Alfred, Michael Joseph, Naomi London and Aasia Laurencin have proven that our nation’s potential on the track is boundless. They represent not only personal achievement but the aspirations of Saint Lucia itself.”
