Two of Saint Lucia’s boxing champions are preparing to undergo advanced training in Guadeloupe.
Hervé Charlemagne and Daniel Martin have been awarded scholarships to participate in a three-month immersion programme at the Centre de Ressources, d’Expertise et de Performance Sportive (CREPS) in Guadeloupe. Both teens are expected to leave on Sunday, January 11.
Welterweights Charlemagne and Martin have both impressed at the regional level. Charlemagne, from Bexon, secured the bronze medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean School Sports Games in Venezuela, Saint Lucia’s first international boxing medal. Martin, from Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, is a two-time Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States gold medallist, winning in 2024 as a novice.
Charlemagne, 17, attended St Mary’s College and has represented the nation on several occasions since 2022. He was adjudged the best junior boxer at the 2023 OECS Invitational Boxing Championships.
Martin, 18, is an alumnus of St Mary’s College. A former resident of the United Kingdom, he previously attended the Patricia D James Secondary School and is now on a scholarship at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
The Saint Lucia Boxing Association has said that the CREPS scholarship opportunity represents a significant milestone in the development of both athletes. It underscores the continued progress of the sport in Saint Lucia.
During the three-month immersion, Charlemagne and Martin will undergo high-performance training in a professional environment, gaining exposure to advanced coaching techniques, elite sparring partners, sports science support, and international competition standards.
SLBA president David Christopher welcomed the opportunity and praised the athletes for their dedication and discipline. “This scholarship is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and potential demonstrated by Hervé Charlemagne and Daniel Martin,” Christopher said. “Opportunities such as this do not come easily, and we are extremely proud to see our athletes earning recognition at this level.”
As part of the final phase of preparations, both boxers are currently engaged in administrative processing, medical evaluations and orientation sessions to ensure a smooth transition into the CREPS training system.
The SLBA president emphasised the broader significance of the programme for the sport’s development locally. “The CREPS immersion programme provides exposure to elite training environments that are critical to athlete development,” he added. “What these young men will gain over the next three months will not only elevate their personal careers but will also contribute to the overall growth and competitiveness of boxing in Saint Lucia.”
The CREPS Guadeloupe Immersion Programme is internationally recognised for athlete development and has played a pivotal role in shaping elite competitors across various sporting disciplines.
(TF)
