The Grenada National Stadium Authority (GNSA), in partnership with the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA), hosted a prizegiving ceremony on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium to recognise schools that demonstrated outstanding commitment to cleanliness and responsible waste management during their annual sports activities.
The ceremony marked the culmination of the revitalised Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash Competition, an initiative designed to encourage environmental responsibility among students, schools, and supporters attending sporting events.
The competition’s revitalisation follows concerns regarding the condition of sporting facilities after school sports meets and other large events. GNSA officials noted that the initiative was originally introduced more than a decade ago but was not sustained over the years. Following renewed concerns about waste left behind after sporting events, GNSA partnered with GSWMA to reintroduce the programme and promote greater accountability and responsible waste disposal practices among students and supporters alike.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Grenada National Stadium Authority Randall Robinson commended the leadership and commitment demonstrated by the participating schools.
“The success of this competition reflects the commitment and leadership of our schools. When principals, teachers, students, and supporters work together, they not only create a positive sporting environment but also help instil values of responsibility and respect for our national facilities that will benefit future generations,” said Robinson.
Communications Manager at the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority Myrna Julien highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “Blaze the Track — Smash the Trash is about more than keeping venues clean after an event. It is about encouraging young people to develop lifelong habits that support environmental responsibility and helping them understand that every action they take can contribute to a cleaner, healthier Grenada,” Julien stated.
Organisers also acknowledged that 2 schools were unable to participate in this year’s competition because their sports events had already taken place before the initiative was launched. Nevertheless, both organisations expressed confidence that participation will expand in future years.
Looking ahead, GNSA and GSWMA indicated their interest in exploring similar partnerships for other major national events, including Carnival activities, as part of broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management across Grenada.
Following assessments conducted by the judging panel, the winners of the 2026 Blaze the Track – Smash the Trash Competition were announced as follows:
- 1st Place – J W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School
- Prize presented by Randall Robinson, Deputy Chairman, GNSA
- 2nd Place – Westmorland School
- Prize presented by Myrna Julien, Communications Manager, GSWMA.
- 3rd Place – Alpha Junior School
- Prize presented by Simone Doughlin-Welsh, Education Officer, GSWMA
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Doughlin-Welsh, Education Officer at the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, described the competition as a significant and welcome revitalisation of an important initiative. She commended all participating schools for their enthusiasm and commitment and thanked the judges, organisers, educators, students, and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the programme’s success.
“We are delighted to see the return of this initiative and the enthusiasm shown by the participating schools. The competition demonstrates what can be achieved when students are empowered to take ownership of their surroundings, and we look forward to seeing even greater participation and impact in the years ahead,” said Doughlin-Welsh.
The Grenada National Stadium Authority remains committed to fostering responsible facility use, environmental sustainability, and community engagement through initiatives that enhance Grenada’s sporting culture while preserving its national facilities for future generations.
GNSA
