EACH OF THE WINNING SCHOOLS WERE PRESENTED WITH CHEQUES TOTALING EC $20K FROM TITLE SPONSOR 1ST NATIONAL BANK.

Winners of the recently-held Island Champs track and field championships were presented with prize monies, trophies and medals during ceremonies at the respective schools.

St. Joseph's Convent emerged winners of the girls division, demonstrating their prowess in both academics and sports.

Principal of the St. Joseph's Convent, Sister Rufina Donat, motivated her students, highlighting that many former students were able to go off on scholarships overseas because of their involvement in sports.

“We have students out there on volleyball, and track and field scholarships like Merkeba Al-Sidhu, Jeanette Shaper, and many others. Girls, consider your talents, consider your gifts. It's hard work, but the training pays off and it will also do well for you,” she said.

Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School emerged winners of the boys division.

Tishana Jeffers, Marketing and Communications Manager at First National Bank, the title sponsor of Island Champs 2024, spoke during the cheque presentation and encouraged the school to continue to excel.

“First National has made a commitment, not only to the youth, but to sports and social development in Saint Lucia, so I want to encourage you to continue. Julien Alfred, a national of Saint Lucia and brand ambassador to First National just went out and conquered the whole world, and I'm sure that the next top athlete is among us.”

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Cyrus Cepal, announced that the Ministry of Education was taking a different approach to the mix of sports and education.

“The Ministry of Education understands that we cannot approach sports and education like we used to. An evolution is taking place and we want you to be part of it. The integration of sports, education and culture will be what drives the 21st century to experience true success.”

First National Bank presented prize monies of EC $20,000 to each of the winning schools.