The Government of Saint Lucia, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, on Wednesday reinforced its commitment to the advancement of athletics with the official handover of essential training and competition equipment to the St. Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA). The ceremony was held at 4:00 p.m. at the Mindoo Phillip Park.
The brief ceremony opened with remarks from the Permanent Secretary for Youth Development and Sports, Dr. Uralise Delaire who highlighted the importance of sustained investment in sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment, national development, and international representation. She outlined that the equipment provided including javelins, discus, shot puts, stopwatches, agility kits, relay batons, starting blocks and track shoes will directly support athlete training, performance monitoring, and competition readiness across multiple disciplines.
Delivering brief remarks, Honourable Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation, stated that the equipment handover reflects the Government’s deliberate and practical approach to supporting national sporting bodies. Minister Casimir further announced that works on the George Odlum Stadium are expected to commence later this year, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to improving sporting infrastructure and providing athletes with facilities that meet regional and international standards.
Receiving the equipment, President of the St. Lucia Athletics Association, Ms. Dora Henry, expressed appreciation for the timely and targeted support, noting that the equipment arrives at a critical period in the Association’s preparation calendar.
“This handover is both timely and strategic,” President Henry stated. “The equipment will significantly enhance our ability to support athletes across the developmental pathway and strengthens our preparations for upcoming local, regional, and international competitions.”
Also present at the ceremony were other Executive members of the St. Lucia Athletics Association and the media.
The equipment handover represents another tangible demonstration of the Government of Saint Lucia’s ongoing investment in sport, youth development, and excellence, as athletics continues to serve as a platform for opportunity, national pride, and international achievement.
