In a heartwarming tribute to their outstanding achievements, cricketer Theo Edward and javelin thrower Naya Jules have been permanently commemorated on a prominent billboard at the entrance of the Saint Lucia Sports Academy. Naya Jules, a distinguished medalist at the CARIFTA Games, and Theo Edward, a cricket sensation within the Windward Islands, now serve as enduring sources of inspiration not only for their fellow schoolmates but also for the wider public. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports took the initiative to honour these exceptional athletes, underscoring their commitment to utilizing sports as a powerful tool for youth development and empowerment.

Theo addressed students, urging them to start preparations for the future from now. “My aspiration for the next few years is to get into the West Indies Academy and hopefully play the Under-19 World Cup for West Indies. Every day, my play coach, Gerrick, tells me “You fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.”

In Naya’s address, she reminds students that hard work and determination are the keys to success. “Today is a celebration of hard work and dedication and I would like to leave you with these words: hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard. Keep working, keep pushing.”

The doors of the Saint Lucia Sports Academy were officially opened in 2019. Since then, the Government has steadily continued to invest in the growth and development of the institution to provide an avenue for young athletes desirous of pursuing a future career in the field of sports.