The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports is considering relocating its highly acclaimed Island Champs from its original venue at the Soufrière Mini Stadium.
Preliminary discussions among officials suggest that this difficult decision will factor in multiple considerations before being officially sanctioned, including cost and capacity. This year’s finals are slated for Sunday, March 23.
Since its inauguration in 2023, the event—which replaced the inter-secondary school competition—has grown into a massive success. It has garnered significant support, including a $100 000 sponsorship from 1st National Bank, highlighting its role in fostering youth development and nurturing future Olympic medalists from Saint Lucia.
However, at a recent pre-Cabinet press briefing, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, outlined the key considerations behind this potential venue change. Among them is the logistical strain placed on organisers, particularly transportation costs and stadium capacity for athletes, supporters, and corporate sponsors.
“We haven’t made a final decision on hosting Island Champs in Soufrière, simply because transportation costs for Island Champs exceed $150 000. You will appreciate that we transport a bulk of the athletes from outside the population centre. So, you have so many secondary schools north of Anse La Raye coming into Soufrière —that’s a huge price tag. We are considering whether or not we should use another venue. Soufrière has worked well in terms of the actual look and feel of Island Champs, so we would love to return there.
“In terms of capacity, we have a huge issue in Soufrière. Last year, so many parents, well-wishers, and sponsors showed up, along with students eager to attend. Unfortunately, we had to turn away many people. It’s heartbreaking when a national event, which is unique in its structure, cannot accommodate everyone. So, we are carefully considering all our options.”
The likely alternative is the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, which has far greater seating and parking capacity. That facility, however, can only accommodate a 300m track on its grass surface. Soufrière boasts a 400m rubber track, although the arena is not yet certified by World Athletics.
A final decision on the venue for the highly anticipated schools’ meet is expected in the coming days. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the permanent seating capacity at the Soufrière Stadium, rather than relying on temporary, makeshift seating, for future events.
With most secondary schools having held their inter-house meets, registration for Island Champs will close this weekend. The technical meeting is slated for next Thursday. Competition in field events will begin on March 11 at the George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort.
Mr minister so since this has become too much of an big event Soufriere is no longer suitable but you all can host other big events like Black Heart Football ,Royal visit etc. and so you are already making excuses.It will still boil down to high transportation cost for schools outside of Castries and your Constituency Gros Islet(Daren Summy Stadium).The other districts such as Soufriere will always be sidelined just like activities for Independence celebration.Why have’nt you all get the stadium certified for so long?Its high time you all stop that nonsence,St Lucia belongs to us all.
Yall talk about developing the students and improving the sport of track & Field but want to go from the correct surface/track to go to a 300m track and grass. THAT MAKES NO SENSE. These students who travel for Carifta, WILL NOT RUN ON GRASS TRACKS OR ANY 300M TRACK. We want the next JuJu, so start somewhere and don’t go backwards.
By the way “what is the capacity of the George Odlum Stadium ? VF is it .
The merry go round that is taking place at St Jude’s hospital is responsible for this current debacle. From Day 1, I was vehemently opposed to the hospital moving to the stadium but what can one expect from a Prime Minister who is physically unfit. King made a grave error and 16 years later our potential athletes are suffering.
Currently the track at the stadium has to be rebuilt because of all the vehicular traffic on it. I also think that the entire building might need to be demolished and rebuilt. The Soufriere stadium is the only option as far as I’m concerned. Taking our athletes back to grass is absurd. We may only see another Julien Alfred if our athletes leave St Lucia to get proper training facilities elsewhere.
Disclaimer: from all indications by persons working on the St Jude’s facility, there is at least another year of work before the entire transfer can take place.
So bring the sports back “up north” to an uncertified grass track? Kenson is using this to score political brownie points in Gros Islet with an upcoming election.
Maybe more thought should have gone into building this stadium in Soufriere if now the complaint is that it is logistically challenging to hold a major sporting event there.
The stadium in Soufriere appears to have the appropriate facilities needed and should be used. There is such a thing as a SOLD OUT event and as such not all spectators can come. The government has spent more than 150K on rubbish for non citizens. 150K on our nation’s children is just fine.
Nonsense. When these kids go overseas to represent st. Lucia are they running on Grass. Let the South make a money too and use that money to upgrade that Stadium. JuJu win Gold medal and is backwards you’ll moving.