Source : Erasmus Williams FB
PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A — The Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS), representing St. Kitts and Nevis, is currently participating in the 2026 Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The South Jersey Caribbean Cultural Development Organisation (SJCCDO), in partnership with the Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS), has welcomed the student-athletes and continues to support the team and the wider community.
“For the students of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) in Sandy Point, St. Kitts, the dream is not just to run a race, but to run toward a future full of possibilities.” This year, 12 athletes and three coaches from CEMSS are representing St. Kitts and Nevis at the prestigious meet.
Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. Held annually at Franklin Field since 1895, the event attracts more than 15,000 participants from across the globe. For young Caribbean athletes, stepping onto that track is a life-changing experience.
A Legacy of Excellence: CEMSS at the Penn Relays
This is not CEMSS’s first appearance on this prestigious stage. At the 2025 Penn Relays, the CEMSS Eagles delivered their best performance to date, proving they belong among the world’s best.
Gold Medal Victory: The Boys’ 4x400m relay team—Vancelle Douglas, Naseem Gerald, Jaheem Clarke, and Tejuan Webbe—captured gold with an impressive time of 3:27.03.
Top Finish: The Boys’ 4x100m relay team secured a third-place finish, clocking 45.19 seconds.
Individual Excellence: Jaheem Clarke placed ninth in the Javelin Throw Championship with a personal best of 182 feet, 3 inches (55.56m).
These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes, their coaches, and the unwavering support of their community. The team now looks to build on that success in 2026.
More Than Medals: A Pathway to Opportunity
While competition remains a key focus, the Penn Relays represents much more than medals. It serves as a powerful platform that can transform the lives of young athletes.
The event is one of the largest recruiting opportunities for college scouts in the United States. Coaches from institutions across the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) attend in search of emerging talent. Competing at this level provides CEMSS athletes with invaluable exposure to showcase their abilities and open doors to academic and athletic opportunities.
This visibility can lead to scholarships and access to higher education, following the path of athletes such as T’anna Liburd and Shamarie Kamarley Newton of St. Kitts and Nevis, who have earned opportunities to study and compete in the United States.
Beyond competition, Team SKN will also visit local universities and experience American culture, further broadening their horizons both on and off the track.