By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The Hasely Crawford Stadium pulsated with the spirit of competition and camaraderie as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted its annual Olympiad on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Olympiad 2024 was a showcase of athletic prowess, teamwork, and sheer determination with teams from the School of Business & Entrepreneurship, School of Theology & Religion, School of Social Sciences, School of Science, Technology & Allied Health, School of Education & Humanities, USC South, and USC Tobago.
Despite this exhilarating event coinciding with the Eid holiday, the stands were abuzz with the energy of students, faculty, staff, families, friends, and supporters, all gathered to celebrate the sporting prowess of USC’s finest.
The festivities commenced with the ceremonial March Past, a display of USCian spirit and pride. The March Past event saw dignitaries Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, Dr. Len Archer, Provost of USC, and Alderman Brian Lewis, representing His Worship Alderman Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, taking the eyes right salute as the teams paraded by. Alderman Brian Lewis, in his remarks, officially inaugurated the event.
Adding a dash of flair to the proceedings, El Chorro Combine’s “Addams Family,” reigning March Past Champions of the 2024 Maracas Valley Easter Sports, wowed the audience with their routine.
With 139 points, the School of Business & Entrepreneurship was crowned the March Past Winners, setting the tone for a day filled with thrilling competition, camaraderie, and celebration of athletic excellence.
Following the pomp and pageantry of the March Past, the track and field events kicked off, setting the athletes on a collision course with glory. From the adrenaline-pumping sprints to the strategic tug-of-war battles, every event showcased the participants’ speed, agility, and strength.
The competition was fierce, but it was the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health that emerged as the dominant force, clinching both the Tug of War and the coveted overall Olympiad 2024 Champions titles showcasing their unparalleled strength and teamwork.
The accolades continued as Njanu Bellamy from the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health blazed his way to victory, clinching the title of Fastest Man for the second consecutive year, while Helen Cuffie from the School of Education & Humanities showcased her speed and agility, earning the title of Fastest Woman.
Njanu Bellamy further solidified his status as a track and field powerhouse by clinching the Victor Ludorum title for track and field events, while Atiya Cummings from the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health retained the title of Victrix Ludorum.
In the realm of novelty events, Brandon Sanderson from the School of Social Sciences emerged as the Victor Ludorum, showcasing his prowess beyond the traditional track and field disciplines. Meanwhile, Kerdisha Simmons from the School of Business & Entrepreneurship dazzled spectators with her skill and finesse, earning the title of Victrix Ludorum.
As the sun set on Olympiad 2024, amidst cheers, applause, and a sense of accomplishment, one thing became abundantly clear – the true essence of the Olympiad lies not just in victory, but in the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence that unites us all.
