St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Dominica’s Thea LaFond stole the show at the inaugural Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) Awards, held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa. Both athletes were recognized for their exceptional performances, earning the prestigious Caribbean Breakthrough Award. Alfred, a rising star in track and field, has captivated audiences with her sprinting prowess, while LaFond has made significant strides in the triple jump, solidifying her status among the Caribbean elite.

Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Oscar, which raised concerns of potential disruptions, the event showcased the resilience and determination characteristic of the Caribbean spirit. This celebration of athletic achievements became a symbol of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges.

The Dominican Republic Women’s Volleyball Team was named Caribbean Sports Team of the Year – Female for their outstanding global performance, while the Dominican Republic Football Team earned the Male title after a historic year. Bajan journalist Anmar Goodridge-Boyce was awarded the Caribbean Sports Media Award for his contributions to regional sports journalism.

In the CANOC & IOC Sustainability Awards, the Plant-A-Tree Initiative from Turks and Caicos won the Community Engagement award, and the Barbados Olympic Association received the Environmental Impact Reduction Award for their sustainability efforts. The late Judy Simmons of the Bermuda Olympic Committee was posthumously honored with the Caribbean Distinguished Service Award, and the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee was named Caribbean National Olympic Committee of the Year. Honourable Galmo Williams from Turks and Caicos was recognized as Caribbean Sponsor of the Year for his exceptional support of sports.

Julien Alfred was also named Sports Personality of the Year – Female, and Cuban wrestling legend Mijaín López Nunez received the Male award after winning his fifth Olympic gold in Paris. The evening concluded with the Caribbean Lifetime Achievement Quadrennial Award presented to Steve Stoute of Barbados for his lifelong dedication to sports development in the Caribbean.

The CANOC Awards have set a new benchmark for celebrating Caribbean sports, highlighting the resilience and excellence of the region’s athletes and supporters.