Minister in the Ministry for Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Development, Sports, Culture, and Local Government, the Hon Edmund Estephane, has emphasized the importance of having a good mix of sports and academics in the development of the nation’s youth.

The minister made the comments during the annual Schools’ Sports Awards ceremony held recently at the St Joseph’s Convent. Minister Estephane stressed that it is imperative for school-aged children to have access to sports and games.

“Good sportsmanship provides guidelines that can be used in the classrooms and applied to lifelong learning. Through engagement and participation in sports, it teaches children to function in a competitive society, which Saint Lucia has already become,” he said.

Education Minister, Hon Dr Gale Rigobert reemphasized the value of mixing sports and academics during her address at the awards ceremony.

“I want those of you who have received awards today to share with your peers the benefits of that simultaneous pursuit. Last Friday, I begged those in attendance to disabuse themselves of this notion of academic versus non-academic pursuits every pursuit that is well intentioned and in pursuance of the dream is worth realizing,” she said.

The Outstanding Female Student Athlete of the Year Award went to Megan Nestor of Soufriere Comprehensive, while the Outstanding Male Student Athlete of the Year Award went to Reuben Nichols of Corinth Secondary. St Josephs Convent copped the prestigious School of the Year Award.