FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. George’s, Grenada – December 13, 2025 — The Grenada Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission (GOC-AC) successfully concluded its inaugural Junior Mentoring Program with a high-impact culminating event on December 13, 2025.
The six-month program, which ran from July to December, engaged a dedicated cohort of 16 junior athletes (aged 14–18) nominated by their national sports federations. Through monthly virtual sessions, interactive workshops, and one-on-one mentorship, the program equipped participants with essential athletic, leadership, and life skills, emphasizing the balance between sport, academics, and personal growth.
A Celebration of Achievement and Values
The closing ceremony was graced by distinguished attendees, including GOC President Mr. Bernard Wilson, General Secretary Ms. Veda Bruno-Victor, and Dr. Dianne Abel-Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education. A special address was delivered by Olympian and program mentor Delon Felix, who highlighted the critical role of discipline and positive decision-making.
A key component of the program was the Olympic Month Essay Competition on “The Dangers of Drug Abuse & The Importance of a Drug-Free Life,” organized in collaboration with the Grenada Olympians Association. The competition winners were:
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1st Place: Eden Mitchell-Greaux (sponsored by Olympian Jonathan Steele)
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2nd Place: Kheun Smart (sponsored by Dr. Kirani James)
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3rd Place: Adaiah Persue (sponsored by Shermaine Ross-Phillip)
Leadership Insights
GOC President Bernard Wilson commended the initiative: “This program represents the forward-thinking, athlete-centered development critical to Grenada’s sporting future. We are building disciplined leaders for tomorrow.”
Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels, Chair of the GOC Athletes’ Commission, added: “Our goal was to equip young athletes with tools for success in all areas of life. The growth we’ve witnessed reaffirms the transformative power of mentorship.”
Voices from the Program
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Mentee, Carvon James (Triathlon): “The program strengthened my discipline and gave me a clear vision of what it takes to succeed as a high-performance athlete.”
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Mentor, Thornia Mitchell (Beach Volleyball): “Mentorship bridges the gap between potential and excellence. We are shaping the next generation of leaders.”
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Mentee, Ethan ‘Jayy’ Edwards (Athletics): “It strengthened my confidence and belief in myself. Thank you to Chairwoman Regis-Buckels for this inspiring opportunity.”
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Mentor, Rudieon Sylvan, OLY (Athletics): “Equipping young athletes is our responsibility. This program has been highly impactful and rewarding.”
A Sustainable Legacy
The Junior Mentoring Program will be implemented annually as a core part of the Athletes’ Commission’s strategy. Several mentors from the first cohort will continue their involvement, ensuring lasting impact and continuity for future participants.
Mentees
| Jaya Peters | Netball |
| Carvon James | Triathlon |
| Tre Sparks-St. Bernard | Triathlon |
| Ayden Rechea | Karate |
| Lorenzo Asnaghi | Kartate |
| Ethan Edwards | Athletics |
| Tishawna Bascombe | Athletics |
| Mallon Paterson | Swimming |
| Tristun Viechweg | Cycling |
| William Meyerer | Cycling |
| Johnique Mark | Table Tennis |
| Qwanell Walker | Table Tennis |
| Ishanna Andrew | Boxing |
| Kitalia Modeste | Boxing |
| Makayla Mason | Volleyball |
| Xenia Collins | Volleyball |
Mentors
| Name | Sport |
| Thornia Mitchell (AC Members) | Beach Volleyball (Mentor) |
| Delon Felix OLY | Athletics (Mentor) |
| Esau Walter Simpson OLY | Swimming (Mentor) |
| Sara Dowden | Swimming (Mentor) |
| Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels OLY (AC chair) | Athletics (Mentor) |
| Rudieon Sylvan OLY | Athletics (Mentor) |
| Tilly Collymore OLY | Swimming (Mentor) |
| Carvelle Samuel-Charles | Parent (Mentor) |
Media Contact:
Grenada Olympic Committee – Athletes’ Commission
Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels (Chair) / Jenebi Benoit (Secretary)
Email: admin@athletescommission.com
WhatsApp: +1 (473) 415-0057
