By Nadira Mohammed, Corporate Communications Assistant
The Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima came alive with energy and excitement as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted its much-anticipated Olympiad 2025 on Thursday, March 20th. Starting at 9:00 am, the event was a thrilling display of athleticism, school spirit, and camaraderie, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and supporters from across USC’s campuses.
Opening Ceremony: A Grand Beginning
The annual USC Olympiad, a marquee event hosted by the Sport and Physical Education Department (SPED), commenced with a prayer led by Mr. David Barker, Multimedia Production Officer in the Department of Integrated Marketing Communications. Pastor Onesi La Fleur, Vice-President of Student Services & Enrollment Management, then delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for a day of spirited competition.
The prestigious March Past segment was pre-judged by a panel of esteemed judges, including Mrs. Grace Parkinson-Griffith, Mr. Nolan Tash, and Mr. Delano Henry. As teams paraded with pride, Ms. Simone Augustus, Mr. Mario Whyte, and Mr. Reynold Williams, serving as Masters of Ceremonies, introduced the dignitaries taking the salute. Among them were Mr. Steve Benjamin, who addressed participants and supporters, and USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson, who delivered an inspiring response before officially declaring Olympiad 2025 open. Also present, taking the salute alongside the dignitaries, was Dr. Deleise Cole-Wilson, Associate Professor and First Lady of USC, adding to the significance of the occasion
Adding to the excitement, the USC All Stars Cheerleading Club gave a riveting performance, boosting the morale of participants and spectators alike.
March Past: A Spectacle of Color and Precision
The March Past competition saw teams demonstrating discipline, synchronization, and creativity. With a strict judging criterion that included flag presentation, uniformity, precision, originality, and team size, the teams put on an impressive display. Ultimately, the School of Business & Entrepreneurship emerged victorious, securing first place. The Tobago Campus secured second place, while Science, Technology & Allied Health took third.
Thrilling Competitions and Results
Athletes competed fiercely in a variety of track, field, and novelty events, with points awarded based on placements in individual and relay races. Some of the standout events included the 100m, 200m, 400m, Tug of War, and the Scott’s Man Strut.
In the highly anticipated Tug of War battle, the School of Science, Technology & Allied Health showcased their unparalleled strength, securing the championship title in this category.
When all the points were tallied, the School of Business & Entrepreneurship emerged as the overall Olympiad 2025 Champions, demonstrating excellence across multiple disciplines. Retaining their title from the previous year, they solidified their dominance and continued their winning streak. The final standings were as follows:
Overall Champions:
- 1st Place – School of Business & Entrepreneurship
- 2nd Place – School of Science, Technology & Allied Health
- 3rd Place – School of Social Sciences
March Past Results:
- 1st Place – School of Business & Entrepreneurship
- 2nd Place – Tobago Campus
- 3rd Place – School of Science, Technology & Allied Health
Insights from Event Coordinator Mr. Leroy Pierre
Reflecting on Olympiad 2025, Event Coordinator Mr. Leroy Pierre provided valuable insights:
On the event’s goal and success:
“Bringing our students, faculty, and staff together to refine skills, promote social cohesion, foster friendly competition, and integrate sports into academic life was the main goal of Olympiad 2025. From all indications, this goal was achieved, as evident from the positive reactions of participants and supporters.”
Comparing this year’s Olympiad to previous editions:
“Each Olympiad is unique, with passionate support from each school. Many attendees felt this was one of the best ever, even though it was shorter than previous years. Participation remained high, and the competition was as fierce as always.”
Challenges faced in organizing the event:
“Securing the venue was a challenge due to the upcoming CARIFTA Games and national athletes’ preparations. To use the stadium, we had to agree to vacate by 3:00 pm, which led to a shorter event schedule. Additionally, the readiness of some schools posed an issue, as two teams did not participate in the March Past. However, Tobago Campus must be commended for their strong preparation.”
New additions or changes this year:
“We reintroduced Tug of War and the Maxi Taxi Race after many years. However, eight events were removed to accommodate the shortened schedule.”
Ensuring fairness in competition:
“Neutral judges were used for March Past, while expert officials managed the other events to maintain fairness.”
The Spirit of Olympiad Lives On
As the sun set on Olympiad 2025, the echoes of cheers and applause filled the air, marking another successful year of sportsmanship and competition. Beyond the victories and trophies, the event underscored the true essence of USC’s Olympiad—unity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
With memories made and champions crowned, the USC community eagerly looks forward to an even bigger and better Olympiad in 2026!
