“V.P.S. We are the best!” The thunderous chant echoed across the James Ronald Webster Park on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, as Valley Primary School (VPS) stormed to victory at this year’s Inter-Primary School Sports Day. In a nail-biting showdown of speed, strength, and school spirit, VPS edged out fierce competitors to seize the coveted title, sending their supporters into a frenzy of jubilation.
The athletic showdown kicked off with the annual Tropical Shipping Road Race on Friday, 28th March. The race route was as strategic as it was gruelling—beginning near the park’s gate, winding through The Valley roundabout, and climbing the infamous Watkin Hodge Road hill before looping back to the finish line.
Cheers erupted as each runner crossed the finish line, with parents, teachers, and classmates screaming their support. The excitement reached fever pitch as Adrian T. Hazell Primary School (ATHPS) claimed the road race crown, with Orealia Kelly Primary School (OKPS) taking second and Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School (AARPS) securing third place.
With the momentum building, the competition continued on Monday, 31st March, with the field events—long jump, cricket ball throw, and more. ATHPS and OKPS held their top spots, but VPS surged forward, climbing into third place ahead of Sports Day’s grand finale.
By Wednesday morning, the atmosphere inside the James Ronald Webster Park was electric. The rhythmic beat of the Pathfinders Drum Band set the tone as teams marched proudly across the field, each school donning their signature colours. The Vivien Vanterpool Primary Gators, Orealia Kelly Primary Panthers, Valley Primary Golden Horses, Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary Grey Wolves, Omololu International School Dolphins, Adrian T. Hazell Primary Rams, Morris Vanterpool Primary Dragons, and the Home Schools were ready to battle for glory.
The Honourable Minister of Social Development and Education, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, officially opened the event with words of encouragement.
“To all the student athletes, I want you to take a moment to congratulate yourselves for all your preparations,” the Minister said. Simply being here, having trained, prepared, and committed to this event already makes you a winner. Remember, today is not just about races or medals—it’s about the effort you put in, the lessons you learn, and the spirit of sportsmanship you demonstrate.”
With the Minister’s words lingering in the air, the races began, and the crowd, also donned in their schools’ respective colours, erupted. From sprints to relays, each event was fiercely contested, with mere points separating the top schools at various stages of the day.
As the final races concluded and the points tallied, anticipation gripped the park. Then, the announcement came – Valley Primary School had won the championship with 562 points, narrowly edging out last year’s winners, Orealia Kelly Primary School (550 points), while Adrian T. Hazell Primary took third with 523 points.
The moment their victory was declared, VPS supporters exploded onto the field, students, teachers, and coaches alike dancing in pure elation. Their theme song blared through the speakers as they proudly chanted their winning mantra, celebrating long after the medals were distributed.
Meanwhile, AARPS, finishing fourth with 364 points, had their own reason to rejoice – they emerged as the top-ranking smaller school.
Final Standings
1st: Valley Primary School – 562 points
2nd: Orealia Kelly Primary School – 550 points
3rd: Adrian T. Hazell Primary School – 523 points
4th: Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School – 364 points
5th: Morris Vanterpool Primary School – 270 points
6th: Vivien Vanterpool Primary School – 231 points
7th: Omololu International School – 160 points
8th: Home Schools – 122 points
As the sun set on Webster Park, the echoes of celebration still rang through The Valley. It was a day of determination, school pride and a true testament to the power of youth sports in Anguilla.
