The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) is preparing to host the 2025 OECS Boxing Championships, with some of the region’s best pugilists set to take centre stage.
The SLBA, in association with the OECS and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), held a press conference on Thursday to give an update on the eagerly anticipated championships which are set to run from August 1 to 3.
President of the SLBA, David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, emphasised the high calibre of athletes expected to participate in the tournament.
He also explained that while the event is an OECS championship, the organisers have extended invitations to countries outside of the OECS to ensure regional athletes gain valuable experience and competitive matchups against international opponents.
“We have some very good boxers coming. Most of the boxers prepared for the Youth Olympics.
“We want to thank some of the countries, who [are not from] the OECS, but as we make the OECS Invitational to get a matchup for the boxers, we have to go outside of the OECS,” Christopher said.
Senior Technical Specialist- Education, OECS Commission, Lisa Sargusingh-Terrance, highlighted that the championship aligns with a mandate from OECS Member States to revive regional sporting events as a platform to strengthen youth development, community identity and regional pride.
“Through this championship, we are showcasing what it means to really invest in the social capital of our region by creating what we see as safe structured spaces where our young people can really thrive,” Sargusingh-Terrance said.
(CMC)
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