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Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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Pickleball Host BSSF School Showcase
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More than 200 students participated in a series of school pickleball events over the past two weeks, culminating in the Caribbean Championships Junior Showcase held on June 13 at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium.
The Showcase brought together many of Bermuda's top young pickleball players who earned qualification opportunities through the Bermuda School Sports Federation (BSSF) Primary, Middle School, and Senior School Pickleball Championships, creating a clear progression from school participation to advanced competition and future development opportunities.
The BSSF events were facilitated through the Department of Sport and Recreation and hosted at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium, with support from the Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB), local coaches, teachers, and volunteers.
Together, these events engaged more than 200 students and introduced hundreds of young athletes to pickleball while creating meaningful opportunities for participation, competition, and development.
Originally planned as part of the Caribbean Pickleball Championships, the Junior Showcase was rescheduled following inclement weather earlier this year. The event was subsequently delivered by the Pickleball Association of Bermuda as the culminating stage of a broader junior development initiative designed to connect school participation with future opportunities within the sport.
"The success of this programme demonstrates what can happen when schools, sport organizations, coaches, volunteers, and government work together," said George Thomas, President of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda. "The Showcase provided a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to compete, challenge themselves, and continue their development within the sport."
The Junior Showcase forms part of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda's Long-Term Athlete Development framework and represents an important step toward establishing Bermuda's first Junior National Pickleball Team pathway.
"The vision was to create a pathway that starts in our schools, gives young athletes opportunities to learn and compete, and then provides continued development opportunities for those who wish to pursue the sport further," said Gavin Manders, National Director of Pickleball.
"This year represented an important first step in bringing that vision to life and identifying athletes who may one day represent Bermuda as members of future Junior National Teams. We are now beginning the process of building a Junior National Squad with the long-term goal of preparing athletes to represent Bermuda at the 2027 Caribbean Championships in Jamaica and beyond."
Beyond the results, the initiative successfully established a school-to-pathway model that will continue to be developed in the years ahead. Athletes identified through the Showcase may now be invited to participate in future junior development programmes, training camps, and national squad activities as the Pickleball Association of Bermuda begins the process of forming its first Junior National Squad.
The long-term objective is to prepare a team capable of representing Bermuda at the 2027 Caribbean Pickleball Championships in Jamaica and future regional and international competitions.
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda, Department of Sport and Recreation, participating schools, teachers, coaches, volunteers, and parents were all recognized for their contributions in helping create a positive and meaningful experience for Bermuda's next generation of athletes.
A Junior Showcase Medal Presentation Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium, where athletes will be formally recognized for their achievements and participation in the event.
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Saturday, June 13, 2026
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Manders & Terceira Dominate Junior Pickleball Championships
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The future of Bermudian pickleball was on full, dazzling display at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium as the next generation of court talent battled for glory at the Junior Pickleball Championships.
Amidst a vibrant atmosphere in the capital, the tournament delivered high-stakes drama, exceptional athletic precision, and structural brilliance across multiple age divisions. Two standout names, Kai Manders and Lee Terceira, absolute stole the headlines by mounting staggering, multi-division golden sweeps.
In the boys' divisions, Kai Manders established himself as an absolute powerhouse, orchestrating a sensational tournament performance to capture an astonishing five gold medals.
Manders proved completely untouchable in the youngest brackets, engineering a double singles triumph by winning gold in both the 8-and-under and 10-and-under Singles categories. He then seamlessly translated that dominance into pairs play alongside partner Shai Hollis, with the clinical duo lifting the 8U and 10U Doubles trophies. Manders capped off his historic weekend by grabbing a 12U Doubles bronze medal with Gavin Manders.
Up in the oldest division, the premier 16U bracket belonged to Hasan Khan. Khan showcased magnificent defensive depth to defeat Owen Stewart for the 16U Singles gold before teaming up with Cole Heffernan to comfortably secure the 16U Doubles championship title.
The 14U division saw George Peniston capture the singles crown, while the pairing of Jack Walsh and Jonah McGuinness took the doubles honors. Meanwhile, Tristan Thompson enjoyed a heavily decorated weekend of his own, winning the 12U Singles gold, 14U Singles silver, and combining with Trey McComas to take the 12U Doubles gold.
The girls' championships transformed into a private kingdom for Lee Terceira, who put on a clinical masterclass in court coverage and tactical positioning.
Terceira simply refused to be beaten in the singles disciplines. She asserted her dominance early to capture the 12U Singles gold medal ahead of Shellea Hendrickson, before stepping up an age group to repeat the feat, claiming the 14U Singles gold over a valiant Ella Metschnabel.
Terceira’s golden run continued into the doubles circuit. Renewing her potent partnership with Hendrickson, the duo executed a flawless tactical game plan to win the 12U Doubles title. Terceira also added a 14U Doubles silver to her haul, finishing just behind the championship pairing of Ashley Wakeford and Ella Metschnabel.
The weekend also provided a major breakthrough for Aleisha Siddiqi and Molly Morton. The highly disciplined duo put on a heavily coordinated display to sweep the 10U Doubles gold before fighting hard against older opposition to secure a brilliant 12U Doubles silver and 14U Doubles bronze.
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Thursday, June 11, 2026
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Pickleball Junior Showcase Announced
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Bermuda's young pickleball players will finally get their chance to shine this Saturday as the Pickleball Association of Bermuda hosts its rescheduled Junior Showcase at the W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium.
Originally planned as part of the Caribbean Pickleball Championships in March, theShowcase was postponed due to inclement weather. The event will now take place on Saturday, June 13th, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Junior Showcase will bring together young athletes from across the island to compete in five age divisions: 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U.
"We were determined to ensure these young athletes still had the opportunity to participate," said George Thomas, President of the Pickleball Association of Bermuda.
"The Junior Showcase was an important part of the legacy we hoped to create through the Caribbean Pickleball Championships. We're excited to finally welcome these players to the court and celebrate the growth of youth pickleball in Bermuda.”
Designed to promote confidence, sportsmanship and healthy competition, theShowcase will provide young players with an opportunity to test their skills in a fun and supportive environment.”
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Friday, June 05, 2026
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Olympic Chief Slams Regional Leaders for 'Failing' Sport
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The president of the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, Alfred Emmanuel, has launched a stinging attack on CARICOM, accusing the regional intergovernmental organization of failing Caribbean athletes and sporting bodies by neglecting a worsening intra-regional transportation crisis.
In a passionate broadcast interview, Emmanuel argued that exorbitant airfares, a severe lack of flight connectivity, and crippling logistical barriers are actively suppressing athletic development across the region.
The long-standing sports administrator did not mince his words when questioned on whether regional sporting federations and Caribbean governments could cooperate more effectively to streamline travel infrastructure.
"CARICOM has failed us, and failed us miserably, when it comes to sport and sport development," Emmanuel stated during an appearance on the TalkSports programme.
He insisted that the status quo is no longer just an operational inconvenience, but rather a direct reflection of a lack of political urgency and a failure to recognise sport as a developmental priority. "I think it has to do with the mindset of politicians," the National Olympic Committee (NOC) president added.
Emmanuel, who assumed Saint Lucia's top Olympic role in 2021 after a highly decorated tenure as the organization's secretary-general, reserved his sharpest criticism for former sporting figures who have crossed over into political governance.
"At times you sit and wonder, wasn't this guy a national athlete in this sport or that sport? Wasn't this young lady an athlete in this sport or that sport?" Emmanuel questioned, claiming that those once in a position to drive institutional change quickly lose their way.
"You're not hearing the voices. You're not seeing the public pronouncements as to what they believe should be done. To me, once you've entered the classroom of the politician, I think then sport is really not on the front burner."
The travel restrictions come at a time when the Caribbean’s athletic stock continues to skyrocket internationally, often despite severe resource limitations.
Saint Lucia itself enjoyed its finest sporting hour at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where track sensation Julien Alfred captured the nation's first-ever Olympic medal with a dazzling gold in the 100 metres—clocking a national record of 10.72 seconds—before backing it up with a silver in the 200 metres.
While female sprinters, particularly from Jamaica, alongside global icons like Usain Bolt, have historically dominated the track, Emmanuel's public warning highlights a growing regional consensus: without immediate political intervention to make regional movement accessible, the next generation of Caribbean trailblazers may never leave the tarmac.
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Friday, June 05, 2026
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Unbeaten Simmons Left Stranded as Opponent Fails to Show
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Bermudian light-heavyweight prospect Saundre "Dash" Simmons was left frustrated and without a dance partner after his highly anticipated professional bout against American veteran Cleotis Pendarvis was sensationally canceled at the eleventh hour.
The undefeated 28-year-old, who boasts a flawless 9-0 professional record with all victories coming by way of knockout, was scheduled to put his pristine record on the line at Asheville Fight Night in North Carolina. However, the event was thrown into chaos when the California southpaw failed to show up for the contest.
Simons took to social media to break the disappointing news directly to his traveling contingent and local supporters, expressing his gratitude while handling the logistical nightmare with immense professionalism.
"My opponents have failed to show up," a frustrated Simmons revealed. "My scheduled fight is unfortunately canceled. I truly appreciate that support more than I can say."
Recognizing the financial commitment made by fans to watch him perform, the Somerset-raised fighter immediately offered to rectify the situation personally. "If you need a refund for your tickets, please message me directly and I’ll make sure you get taken care of."
Despite the bitter disappointment of losing a fully sanctioned professional contest, the towering 6ft 4in punching sensation refused to let his rigorous training camp go completely to waste.
Simons confirmed that he will remain on the Asheville fight card, salvaging the evening for fans by lacing up the gloves for an unsanctioned four-round exhibition match before the main professional events take over the ring.
"With that being said, I will still be on the card doing a 4-round exhibition bout before the main pro fights," Simmons added. "It won’t be sanctioned, but I’ll still be stepping in and showcasing the work I’ve been putting in."
Demonstrating the true sportsmanship that has defined his rapid rise through the professional ranks, the Bermudian urged the public to stick by the event and celebrate the other pugilists who successfully made weight and made it to the venue.
"I still encourage everyone to come out, support the show, and show love to the other local fighters putting their all on the line. If you see me there, come say what’s up — I’ll still be around and available to chop it up.”
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