At the monthly “Last Wednesday” social evening at Port Louis Marina, the community came together not just for drinks and camaraderie, but to celebrate and support two of Grenada’s rising sailing stars – Azelia and Kishon – as they prepare to represent the nation at the Junior Pan American Games.
This marks a historic milestone: the first time sailors will represent Grenada at the prestigious PANAM Games. To support their journey, the Port Louis Marina village community organised a spirited fundraiser and raffle, with prizes generously donated by local businesses, residents, and yacht club members.
The event was warmly supported by marina guests, members of the Petite Calivigny Yacht Club, and other local stakeholders.
Grenada Tourism Authority was also represented at the event by newly appointed Nautical Development Manager, Shanai St Bernard, who offered words of encouragement on behalf of the national tourism body.
In the lead-up to the Games, the Grenada Sailing Association – of which Port Louis Marina is a proud member and active board participant – is raising funds to ensure the young athletes gain essential international racing experience. The preparation includes participation in regattas in Barbados and St. Vincent, where they will train alongside fellow PANAM-bound sailors from those nations. All three countries will be supported by a shared, internationally recognised sailing coach.
While the Grenada Olympic Committee and GTA are covering the costs associated with the Games themselves, additional support is needed to fund travel, sails, tiller extensions, and training expenses. (Only the hulls are provided by the event organisers.)
The Junior Pan American Games will be held in Paraguay, with the sailing events taking place in Playa San José y Agua Vista – Ciudad de Encarnación, a full day’s travel south from the main venue.
Azelia and Kishon are charting a new course for Grenadian youth in international sailing – and with the wind of community support behind them, their future looks very bright indeed.
Learn more about the Games here.