Five student-athletes from St. Mary’s College (SMC) recently received a warm send-off as they prepare to compete in the prestigious Penn Relays in the United States.
This weekend, the SMC team will compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m relay races over two days, marking a historic debut for both the institution and Saint Lucia.
The team comprises Ethan Doxerie, Joshua Matthew, Tai La Force, Jonathan Alexander, and Zayne Henry, under the guidance of coach Len Leonce.
Excitement filled the air on Tuesday as SMC hosted a ceremony honoring the athletes ahead of their participation. Among those in attendance were Form 1–3 students, proud parents, school officials, representatives from Hamilton Reserve Bank, and Dr. Uralise Delaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth Development and Sports.
Merkisha Desir, Senior Relationship Manager at Hamilton Reserve Bank (HRB), shared her pride in the event: “Standing here today fills me with immense gratitude as I witness this project blossom into reality. It’s more than an initiative; it’s a promise of meaningful, lasting impact for the youth of my beloved Saint Lucia.”
She emphasized HRB’s commitment to youth development through education, financial literacy, and sports, highlighting that the Penn Relays sponsorship represents the transformative power of athletics. The event offers young athletes a platform to showcase their talent, build discipline, and gain international exposure.
Desir also expressed gratitude to partners and supporters, emphasizing that the athletes’ journey symbolizes both personal triumph and community pride.
Tracy Green, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hamilton Reserve Bank, addressed the gathering, stating, “It’s truly a pleasure to be here today, representing such an iconic event as the Penn Relays—an event that embodies excellence, tradition, and the best of global track and field.”
She noted the significance of this occasion: “For the first time, a team from Saint Lucia will compete at the Penn Relays. This is not just a milestone; it’s a moment of pride for our entire nation. It shows that talent exists everywhere, and with the right support, opportunities can be created.”
Green added, “At Hamilton Reserve Bank, we believe deeply in this idea. This partnership is about more than sponsorship; it’s about opening doors, investing in young people, and using sport to change lives. These student-athletes are stepping onto an international stage for the very first time, gaining exposure, experience, and a sense of possibility that extends far beyond the track. For them, this isn’t just a race; it’s a defining opportunity that can shape their confidence, ambition, and future goals.”
She emphasized the importance of partnerships: “When institutions, organizations, and communities unite with intention, we create pathways that didn’t exist before. We level the playing field, making space for new stories, talent, and voices to emerge. The Penn Relays has always been about bringing the world together through sport, and today that legacy strengthens with the inclusion of Saint Lucia. We hope this is just the beginning—for these athletes and for many more across the Caribbean who deserve the chance to compete, be seen, and dream bigger.”
Green concluded, “We are incredibly proud to be at the intersection of sport, opportunity, and impact. To the athletes representing Saint Lucia, we are cheering for you, we are proud of you, and we wish you every success.”
