“Fighters by Nature, Champions by Choice” was the call to purpose on Saturday night as the Paynes Wrestling Club hosted its second annual awards ceremony at the St Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School auditorium.
Delivering the feature address, guest speaker Renaldo Gilkes, head coach and technical director of Kickstart Rush, challenged the athletes to understand that greatness is not accidental, but intentional.
“From the moment we first learned to stand, to run, to fall and rise again, we were fighters by nature,” Gilkes told the gathering. “It is in our DNA to push forward, to test our limits, to reach for something greater than ourselves. But being a fighter is only the beginning. To become a champion, that is a choice.”
Gilkes stressed that the decision to be a champion must be made daily. “It is the choice to wake up early when others sleep, to train harder when your body wants to stop, to stay focused when distractions try to pull you off your path,” he said, adding, “Champions are not defined only by medals or trophies, but by discipline, dedication and heart.”
He reminded athletes that setbacks are inevitable, but growth is optional. “The battle is not won by strength alone, but by commitment, courage and consistency. When we choose to rise after every fall and learn from every loss, we transform from natural fighters into champions by choice.”
Gilkes closed by urging athletes to lead with intention. “Choose excellence. Not by accident, but by intention. Champions are not born; they are built from hard work, belief, sacrifice and a refusal to quit.”
The ceremony recognised athletes for participation, perseverance and performance throughout the season. Participation awards were presented to Alec Marshall for 2025 and Shamaira Alleyne Lynch, while Kameron Powell was honoured for outstanding attendance. Zachary Maynard received the Best Comeback Award, with Nyara Alleyne and Sania Bruce both recognised for embodying the Never Give Up spirit. Kwami Inniss won the prestigious Most Outstanding Wrestler Award.
Monica Payne earned the Powerhouse Award for her dominance and strength, while Sebastian Shepherd was commended for Discipline. Jahim Sealy received the Coach’s Choice Award, and Rishawn Griffith was recognised for Determination. Kamar Williams was highlighted for being the Most Improved in the Under-20 category and for being the most fearless fighter. Jaydon Alleyne won the Rising Star and Inspiration Award, Adrian Maynard won the Sportsmanship Award, while Kodi Marshall was recognised for having the Best Technique. Ayden Williams won the Never Give Up Award.
The club also celebrated emerging talent, with Shiloh Sobers and Richard Shepherd named Under-15 Rookies, and Rachad Beckles receiving the Under-17 Rookie Award. Shayla-Marie Sobers was honoured as Rising Star, Sammrya Payne earned Best Match, and Zachary Small was recognised as the Most Improved Under-17 athlete. The evening’s top accolade for Outstanding Performance and True Championship Spirit was awarded to Kwami Inniss.
Special recognition was also given to Jaydon Alleyne, who has only been wrestling for one year and three months, Kodi Marshall and Jahim Sealy, who received prizes courtesy of Results Fitness and ActiveSportz after securing placements for Barbados in the Senior Men’s (30 and over) division at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
The Paynes Wrestling Club expressed gratitude to its sponsors and supporters, including Aventa Barbados, KFC, Sugar Suga Wines and Hanshell Inniss; Monumental Watches through the Alexandra School PTA; old scholars associated with Harrison College, Queen’s College and St Michael’s School; as well as PTA representatives and supporters from St Leonard’s Boys’ School, whose contributions helped make the evening a success.
As the ceremony concluded, the message of the night remained clear. “While we are fighters by nature,” Gilkes said, “our choices are what make us champions.” (JC)
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