BASSETERRE: Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, extended a heartfelt welcome home to the 14 athletes of team Saint Kitts and Nevis, who proudly represented the Federation at the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The team won an impressive eight (8) medals overall, a significant improvement over the 2024 performance that yielded one medal. Teadrian Tross won Gold in the 50 metre Breaststroke, Silver in the 100 metre and 200 metre Freestyle, and Bronze in the 100 metre Individual Medley. Edith Denne captured Gold in the 100 metre Freestyle and Silver in the 100 metre Individual Medley. Bronze medals were also captured by Skyla Connor in the 400 metre Freestyle and Jennifer Harding-Martin in the 100 metre Backstroke.
The minister, along with officials from the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Tourism, proud parents, officials from the National Olympic Committee and representatives of the sporting fraternity gathered at the R. L. Bradshaw International Airport for a brief ceremony to welcome the athletes home. Minister Duggins noted that while swimming is not yet among the most popular sports in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the continued growth of the team and their remarkable performance at the championship have been a source of national pride.
Honourable Duggins said that the government has deliberated on designating land space for a facility that will house an appropriate pool where the athletes can train.
“We have been discussing with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, and I understand that the land is being signed off on in short order as they have identified a piece [of land] that I think will be suitable for such an activity,” Minister Duggins stated. “… With the pool, we will have many more medals coming.”
The minister led three cheers in honour of the 14 athletes, reminding them that they serve as sports ambassadors for Saint Kitts and Nevis. He encouraged them to continue pushing forward to achieve their goals.