Walking Football League Kick-Off Hailed a "Success"
IslandStats.com
The vibrant sound of whistles and cheering returned to the pitch this past weekend as the Curly’s Walking Football League celebrated its highly anticipated grand opening.
The league’s founder and organizer, Leroy "Curley Joe” Wilson, has described the launch as a categorical success, noting that the atmosphere at the opening matches surpassed all initial expectations. The initiative, which aims to keep the island's seasoned athletes active and engaged, saw a strong turnout from players and spectators alike as the inaugural games got underway.
"Last week was a success at the grand opening," Wilson remarked, reflecting on the smooth transition from planning to matchday action. "It worked out pretty good."
Despite the positive start, Wilson is not resting on his laurels. While the league currently features a solid foundation of local talent, the organizer is already working behind the scenes to expand the competition's footprint.
Wilson revealed that he is in the final stages of securing two additional teams, which would bring the league's total to six competing squads. This expansion is seen as a vital step in ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitive depth of the walking football circuit in Bermuda.
Wilson has confirmed he now has a fifth team registered.
As the league moves into its second week, the focus remains on recruitment and community involvement. Wilson issued a fresh call to the island’s sporting community, encouraging more players to lace up their boots and get involved with the tournament.
The league represents more than just a competition; it is a burgeoning community for those who may have stepped away from the traditional high-impact game but still possess the "competitive fire" to compete at a controlled pace. With more teams on the horizon and the initial success of the grand opening still fresh, the future of walking football at the Curly’s League looks to be on a very steady trajectory.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Bermuda Set to Make a Return to World Championships
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Elite Wushu prospect is finalizing her preparations as the team gets set to depart for Tianjin, China, marking the island’s first appearance at the World Junior Wushu Championships in over a decade.
The four-person delegation, led by Bermuda Sanshou Association (BSA) President Garon Wilkinson, is scheduled to depart on March 21st for the tenth edition of the global showpiece. The team features rising star Geraldine Sidders, who will be supported by coaches Wilkinson and Kaelin Cox, alongside team manager Nolette Webb.
The championships, which run from March 26th to the 30th, represent a significant milestone for the local programme. It marks the first time a Bermudian athlete has competed at the Junior Worlds since Samir Furkan’s appearance in 2012, and importantly, the first time the island will be represented in the technical Taolu discipline.
Sidders will compete in the Group A Division (ages 15–17), taking on two high-stakes events: the Changquan (Long Fist) and the Gunshu (Staff). These specific categories carry added weight, as they serve as the qualifying events for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
"This is the first time that Bermuda has been to the Junior World Wushu Championships since 2012," Wilkinson remarked, noting the development of the island's technical programme. "It's another mark in history with Bermuda being able to field our first athlete in the Junior World Wushu Championships, which is a testament to the success of our growing Taolu programme."
The team is expected to arrive in China on March 23rd, allowing for two days of official training and technical meetings before the opening ceremony on the 25th. Wilkinson extended credit to the dedicated coaching staff, including Cox and Jakai Burton, as well as international consultants who have contributed to Sidders’ rapid progression on the world stage.
Following the five-day competition in Tianjin, the BSA hopes that Sidders’ performance will be enough to confirm her spot for Senegal later this year, further cementing Bermuda's rising status in the global martial arts community.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Wade & Warhurst Command Rally on the Rock Day Two
IslandStats.com
The 2026 Rally on the Rock Tournament continued to deliver high-octane drama at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium today as the second day of competition saw a new set of champions crowned across the singles and doubles divisions.
In the women’s singles draw, Tschana Wade produced a clinical performance to claim the title in the 3.0 Open 35+ Division, while Micelle Leotaud demonstrated remarkable endurance to sweep the honours in the combined 3.5 Open 35+ and 50+ Division. The elite bracket saw Anita Warhurst rise to the occasion, showcasing the tactical precision required to be named the champion of the Women’s Singles 4.0 Open Division.
The men’s doubles events were equally competitive, with veteran pairings proving that experience remains a vital asset on the Bermudian circuit. Owen Stewart and Adam Barboza secured a hard-fought victory in the 3.0 Open 65+ Division, while the pairing of Edgar Griffith and Duane Simons dominated the combined 3.5 Open 50+ and 65+ ranks.
The afternoon session highlighted the depth of talent in the mid-tier divisions, as Aman Sanganeria and Nicolaas van der Westh navigated a tricky field to win the Men’s Doubles 3.5 Open 35+ Division. The day concluded with a masterclass in power and teamwork from Marcel Bouwens and Rian Michelsen, who emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles 4.0 Open 35+ category to cap off a prolific second day of action in the capital.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Rally on the Rock Opens at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium
IslandStats.com
The high-octane growth of Bermudian pickleball was on full display as the 2026 Rally on the Rock Tournament got underway at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.
Under clear skies and in front of a burgeoning crowd, the opening day of competition saw several divisions crown their champions. The elite end of the bracket delivered on its promise of high-intensity rallies, most notably in the Men's Singles 5.0+ Open category. Joshua Arnold emerged as the standout performer, navigating a challenging field to claim the championship title with a display of clinical precision and power.
The technical depth of the local circuit was further highlighted in the Men's Singles 4.0+ Open Division, where Nathaniel Alexander secured the top spot on the podium. His victory was mirrored in the senior ranks by Gary Perry, who took the honours in the Men's Singles 3.0 Open 60+ age group, proving that the competitive fire remains undiminished across all demographics.
In the women's draw, the doubles partnerships provided some of the day's most compelling tactical battles. Patricia Mills and Sasha Fisher triumphed in a competitive five-team field to win the Women's Doubles 4.5+ Open, while the pairing of Leslie Jackson and Maclean Smith secured the title in the 4.0+ Open 50+ division.
The 3.5 Open divisions saw Victoria Powell and Val Stevenson claim the 50+ crown, while Sue Chiappa and Karen Patricia Brine demonstrated exceptional teamwork to win the 60+ and 65+ combined division. Earlier in the day, Tracy Shott and Deborah Sagurs set the tone for the veteran classes by winning the 3.0 Open 50+, 60+, and 65+ division.
The 35+ age groups also saw new champions crowned as the sport continues to attract a diverse range of athletes. Febby Budi claimed the Men's Singles 3.0 title for the age group, while Donn Trott secured victory in the 3.5 Open 35+ division. On the women's side, Olivia Langille and Tschana Wade were the class of the field in the 3.0 Open 35+ doubles.
Rounding out the singles honours was Albert De Matas, who produced a resilient performance to win the Men's Singles 3.5 Open for the 50+ and 60+ combined groups. As the tournament moves into its second day, the focus shifts to the mixed doubles events, where many of today’s individual champions will return to the court looking to add to their medal tallies.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Cup Fever & Title Tension on IslandStats Football Show
IslandStats.com
Bermudian football fans are set for a high-octane briefing this evening as the IslandStats.com Football Show airs at 6:00 pm to dissect a weekend that could define the destination of three major trophies.
With the domestic season reaching its boiling point, the panel will provide expert analysis on the confirmed FA Challenge Cup final pairing and the razor-thin margins currently separating the leaders in both the Premier and First Divisions.
The headline of the show will undoubtedly be the fallout from the FA Challenge Cup semi-finals. Following Saturday night’s high-intensity clash under the floodlights at Bernard Park, Devonshire Colts have officially booked their place in the grand finale after stunning the PHC Zebras with a clinical 2–0 victory.
The panel will also be breaking down this afternoon’s second semi-final between holders North Village Rams and St. George’s Colts. With a spot in the season's flagship final at stake, the discussion is expected to focus on whether the Rams can continue their historic cup pedigree or if the East Enders can repeat their league heroics from earlier this month.
In the top flight, the conversation centers on the Dandy Town Hornets, who currently sit atop the Premier Division with 37 points. However, the chasing pack is far from beaten.
PHC Zebras have 34 points, and will be looking to bounce back from their cup exit to keep the pressure on the leaders.
Devonshire Colts with 32 points, now are a domestic double-threat, the Colts remain within striking distance with games running out.
The show will also address the grim reality for the Boulevard Blazers, whose relegation to the First Division was recently confirmed, leaving the remaining bottom-half sides in a frantic scramble for safety.
The First Division race has narrowed to a dramatic two-horse race between Somerset Trojans and Robin Hood. With both clubs having already secured promotion back to the top tier, the focus has shifted entirely to the silverware.
The Trojans currently hold a slender advantage, but with Robin Hood’s Keishen Bean in record-breaking scoring form, tonight’s panel will debate who has the tactical edge heading into the final round of fixtures.
From goal-scoring charts to the "great escapes" at the bottom of the table, the IslandStats crew remains the heartbeat of the local game.
