In the wake of Julien Alfred's historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J. Pierre, has announced a significant allocation of USD$8 million for the rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium. This investment aims to restore the stadium to its original purpose and ensure that the nation’s athletes have access to world-class facilities.

The announcement comes as the island prepares to embark on five days of celebration from September 24-28 in honour of Alfred’s remarkable achievements. Alfred made history by winning St Lucia's first-ever Olympic gold medal in the 100m with a national record of 10.72 seconds. She followed that performance by securing the country’s second Olympic medal with a silver in the 200m, finishing behind the USA's Gabby Thomas. In recognition of Alfred’s historic accomplishments, September 27 has been declared a public holiday on the island.

Prime Minister Pierre, speaking on the allocation for the stadium, emphasized its importance for the future of St Lucia’s athletes. "We have allocated USD$8 million for the rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium to return it to the athletes of Saint Lucia," Pierre announced. The stadium, named after the former politician and diplomat George Odlum, has been a central hub for the island’s sports activities but has fallen into disrepair over the years.

This investment is seen as a vital step in supporting the next generation of athletes, inspired by Alfred’s success, and providing them with the facilities needed to compete on the world stage.

In addition to the stadium's rehabilitation, Prime Minister Pierre also signed two contracts with the Saudi Fund for Development, securing USD$6.9 million to complete the long-delayed St. Jude Hospital.

For the first time in its 15-year history, the project has secured all necessary funding, facilitating the transfer of patients, doctors, and staff back to its original operation site. "I would like to thank H.E. Sultan Abdulraham A Almarshad of the Saudi Fund for Development for partnering with us as we continue to work towards the completion and reopening of St. Jude Hospital," Pierre said.

As St Lucia honours its newly crowned Olympic champion with public celebrations, the government’s investment in sports infrastructure signals its commitment to nurturing talent and building on the island’s growing success in athletics. The rehabilitation of the George Odlum Stadium will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the island’s sporting future, as the next generation looks to follow in Julien Alfred’s golden footsteps.

Three St Lucia boxers preparing for the Commonwealth Games left the island recently for England for a training camp that is expected to get them in top shape for the Games.

 Light middleweight Kyghan Mortley, middleweight Arthur Langellier and super heavyweight Leran Regis were accompanied by National Head Boxing Coach, Conrad Fredericks.

The trio, from the Vigie Boxing Gym, are the most senior and experienced boxers and are set to compete at the Games to be held in Birmingham, England, from July 28 – August 8.

Prior to their departure, the boxers and coach received a courtesy call at the gym by Minister for Youth Development and Sport, the Honourable Kenson Casimir, Resident British Commissioner Lesley M. Saunderson, Joyce Huxley, Chef de Mission for the 2022 Birmingham Games and Irwin Jean, Vice-President of the St. Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA).

Minister Casimir commended the boxers for their determination as they were able to continue their training through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also congratulated them for making the team to the Commonwealth Games, imploring them to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’m very proud of their level of preparation and where they are right now and, of course, Saint Lucia will be proud that they will give a good account of themselves,” the minister said.

“It really speaks volumes of their character and their love for country, so I just want to encourage them to do their best.”

The minister also praised the efforts of the St. Lucia Boxing Association in preparing the boxers for the Games, noting that not enough credit is given to administrators.

“We must really remedy it as a nation, not just as a Ministry. I think we need to continue to commend and encourage those who volunteer their time and energies. So hats off to the St. Lucia Boxing Association for getting them prepared,” he said.

Meanwhile, President of the St Lucia Boxing Association David Christopher said the boxers have been making good progress with their training in England.

“I think this is the best preparation any boxing team in the history of Saint Lucia has ever gotten,” Christopher said.

“They’re presently training at two gyms in England, including the Repton Gym, where they’re getting their required amount of sparring and strength and conditioning with a special coach. They’re getting pad work, working on their shape and balance, and nutrition.”

The boxers will leave their training camp on July 23 for Birmingham prior to the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

Christopher thanked the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, National Lotteries Authority, and St. Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc. for supporting the boxers’ training camp.

The Lucian Government has expressed its disappointment and concern regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision of the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) to withdraw from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

National footballer players in St Lucia demonstrated in front of the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) headquarters in Castries today against the country’s withdrawal from the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.