Jewel Andrew, Kimberly Percival and Alzarri Joseph Among Top Honourees at 2024 National Sports Awards

Jewel Andrew, Kimberly Percival and Alzarri Joseph Among Top Honourees at 2024 National Sports Awards

The 32nd edition of the Antigua and Barbuda National Sports Awards brought together the nation’s most outstanding athletes, coaches, and administrators for a night of celebration, pride, and powerful reflection on the spirit of sport.

Hosted by Ursil Charles Jr. and Samoa Kirby at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre, the event honoured excellence across various sporting disciplines and was held under the theme “Legends in the Making: Shaping Our Sporting Legacy.”

The night’s top individual honours went to:

• Senior Sportsman of the Year: Alzarri Joseph (Cricket)
• Senior Sportswoman of the Year: Kimberly Percival (Bodybuilding) – earning her fifth title
• Junior Sportsman of the Year: Jewel Andrew (Cricket)
• Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Tyra Fenton (Athletics)

In a move to support the academic and athletic future of youth in sports, the Junior Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year were each awarded scholarships worth US $20,000 through the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Committee. The Coach and Sports Official of the Year awardees also received scholarships courtesy of the Board of Education to study Sports Management at UWI Five Islands.

Other Winners Included:

• Mind Sports Person of the Year: Bernard Willock (Drafts)
• Coach of the Year: Nelson Molina-Flores (Swimming)
• Sports Official of the Year: Ken Pennyfeather (Football)
• Sports Association of the Year: Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association

A moment of silence was observed early in the evening in honour of Chantel Crump, whose tragic death led to the postponement of the awards ceremony last week. The programme also included a touching memorial dance by Queen’s Class and the song “I Was Here” as tribute to sports figures lost over the past year.

Keynote speaker Lyford Inverary, Chief Operating Officer of Cricket West Indies, delivered a compelling address, reminding young athletes that greatness is not just born, but built through perseverance, preparation, and purpose. Sharing his own journey of academic challenges and professional triumphs, Invery emphasized that “you’re not just playing for today—you’re shaping the future.”

Minister of Sports Daryll Matthew also lauded the accomplishments of national athletes, citing triumphs in cricket, swimming, volleyball, sailing, bodybuilding, boxing, and fencing. He described Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting community as “a forest of achievement,” adding that while challenges remain, the country’s athletes continue to demonstrate world-class talent and unwavering resolve.

The awards also featured:

• Special recognition of women in sport by the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, including Gwen Salmon (Football), Melissa Seaforth (Bodybuilding), and Team Antigua Island Girls.
• Lifetime Achievement Awards to Charles “Ira” Fabian (Cycling), Victor Parker (Drafts), and Steve Williams (Bodybuilding).

Musical performances by Dana Barnes and Asha Otto energized the audience, with Barnes delivering a soaring rendition of “Hall of Fame” and Otto dedicating her original song “Home” to the spirit of the islands.

The evening closed with laughter, giveaways, and heartfelt encouragement for the future generation of sporting stars.

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