 The St. Lucia Sports Academy this week erected a large colorful billboard honoring Naya Jules who has made a name for herself in the sports of javelin and pole vault locally and regionally and Theo Edward who has made his homeland proud in cricket, locally and on the regional scene. Principal Delia Charles of the St Lucia Sports Academy says, the achievements of the Academy students are not only a testament to the institution but also to the nation, according to Charles the purpose of recognizing these students in such a manner is to offer them motivation to remain steadfast in pursuit of their aspirations and to elevate their accomplishments thereby instilling greater pride in their families and the entire country. We are working with our students and taking them to greatness with the right resources and facilities we believe our students can perform even better. To Naya and Theo, your commitment, your skills, determination, discipline and passion for your sports have brought you to this level in your sporting career and contributed to your success. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has applauded the initiative which celebrates the successes of students even before they get out of the school system. Acting director of sports, Clifers Jules extended encouragement to the many students in attendance to work hard to ensure they too end up on a billboard in their honor. I know you have it within you, you have the staff here to make it happen for you to provide that kind of support for you, so of course please work toward that. That being said, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, I want to congratulate Theo Edward and Naya Jules on their performances. In recent times, I want to encourage them to continue to do well. Theo Edward in 2022 captained the St. Lucia team for the Ridwards-Winlock Games, scoring back-to-back centuries in all four matches in the tournament. He is currently captain of both the St. Lucia and Winwood Islands under 15 team, and vice captain for the Winwoods under 17 team. Naya Jules on the other hand, currently holds the record for women's pole vaults and gold medalists for the 2023 Carrifter Games. She is also the bronze medalist of the 2023 Carrifter Women's Javelin Tournament and is the current gold medalist for Javelin in the Winwood Islands-Winlock Games. My aspiration for the next few years is to get into the Westinley's Academy and hopefully play the other 19 World Cup four Eastinley's. Every game I play, Coach Garrett tells me, you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Today is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and I would like to leave you with these words. Hard work beats talent. When talent does not work hard, keep working, keep pushing, I thank you. The St. Lucia Sports Academy intends to replicate the event to fill the designated area with many more billboards, honouring the outstanding achievements of its students for years to come. From the communications unit of the Department of Education, Innovation, and Vocational Training, I am Chris Satney, reporting.