The third annual Island Challenge, hosted by the Sandals Foundation, culminated on Monday, October 20, 2025, with a £100,000 (over EC $350,000) donation to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex, and an additional £30,500 to support wider pediatric healthcare across the Caribbean.
Despite the heat, humidity, and threat of an approaching weather system, the participants displayed unwavering determination and teamwork, motivating each other throughout the event.
“I think I and everyone else have been 100% motivated by the amazing cause we’re doing it all for,” said Ashley Jones, an international athlete representing TripAdvisor.
Saint Lucian athlete Bianca Young, representing Fauna and Flora International, said the event built powerful bonds.
“We shared stories about our endurance experiences that really pushed our bodies, and that bonded us.”
The four-day challenge began with a 10K run from Sandals Halcyon Resort in Castries to Sandals Grande in Gros Islet, followed by a 10K sea kayak back to Sandals Halcyon. On day two, athletes embarked on a cross-country rainforest trek from Micoud to Fond St. Jacques, Soufrière. The third day featured a 12K half marathon from Pigeon Island to Sandals La Toc, culminating on day four with a volcanic hike up Gros Piton.
At the cheque handover ceremony held at Sandals Halcyon, Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, described the event as a resounding success.
“The ability to not just showcase the beauty of Saint Lucia to journalists and travel partners, but to do all this in the name of building healthcare capacity for children, is something we can’t put a price on,” Clarke said. “We’ve seen the benefits of this challenge in Antigua and St. Vincent, and we’re grateful to everyone who made this possible. We look forward to continuing the journey next year.”
Executed in partnership with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Island Challenge will fund critical neonatal equipment for the SCBU, including a ventilator, infant warmer, incubator, infusion pump, jaundice meter, and phototherapy blanket.
Dr. Lashorn Christian, Head of the Pediatric Department at Millennium Heights Medical Complex, emphasized the life-saving impact of the donation.
“We are truly grateful for this pledge,” Dr. Christian said. “Each piece of equipment will help us provide vital care to newborns, giving premature and critically ill babies a fighting chance.”
Geraine Georges, Public Relations Manager at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, praised the initiative for merging philanthropy with the island’s adventure and wellness brand.
“Just seeing how passionate the athletes were about contributing to the Special Care Baby Unit spoke volumes,” Georges said. “Having toured the hospital with them and witnessing the impact of their efforts, we truly appreciate their contribution. For us, it’s also about marrying adventure with wellness, from hiking across the island to kayaking and running, all of it showcases Saint Lucia as a destination that not only inspires, but also cares.”
Karen Zacca, Director of Operations at the Sandals Foundation, highlighted the power of collaboration across the tourism network.
“There is strength in the tourism industry’s ability to effect real and sustainable change,” Zacca said. “We are honored to connect with our incredible local and international partners to make this event a reality. Today, we witnessed global love for Saint Lucia and the children of the Caribbean.”
Local partners supporting the Island Challenge included CPJ Saint Lucia, Island Routes, Harris Paints International, Caribbean Metals, Superior Tours, Carnival Sailing, Excel Signs, Amicus Legal, Nico Tours, Grew Industries 1989 Ltd., Acado Saint Lucia, Golden Egg Farms, RJB Hotel Supplies, and Heineken.
International partners included British Airways, Mobile Media, Mail Metro Media Group, RedPill, Accord Marketing, TTG Media, TripAdvisor, Hays Travel, Hearst, Threadneedle Media, The InPrint Group, EightandFour, Air Canada Vacations, and WeTransfer.
The Island Challenge, first launched in Antigua and Barbuda in 2023 and held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024, continues to demonstrate how endurance, compassion, and collaboration can translate into real impact, uniting tourism, community, and healthcare for a stronger, healthier Caribbean.