On Saturday, the Elmo Plaskett Little League officially launched its new season with an energetic opening parade and ceremony that brought together young athletes, families, community leaders, and longtime supporters of youth sports on St. Croix.
The celebration marked the start of another baseball and softball season and highlighted the league’s continued growth and strong community involvement. Participants marched from Whim to the Renholdt Jackson Sports Complex, where spectators gathered for an afternoon filled with music, cultural performances, and team introductions.
According to organizer Jamilah Henry, district administrator for Sports and Recreation with the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department and a member of the Elmo Plaskett Little League board, the season opened with strong momentum and community support.
“This year was really exciting for us,” Henry said. “We doubled our registration, which shows that families are eager to get their children involved again.”
Wayne Hurley of Grove Place was honored as this year’s parade marshal. A longtime coach and mentor, Hurley has dedicated more than 45 years to sports and recreation on St. Croix, helping guide generations of young athletes. In his message, Hurley reflected on the realities of coaching and mentorship, noting that the journey was not always easy but was rooted in love, commitment, and discipline. He encouraged both players and managers to remain focused and reminded families that youth sports should always center on fun, structure, and mutual respect.
The opening ceremony was led by Mistress of Ceremonies Sheniqua Robinson and began with the national anthem and the Virgin Islands March, performed by Kevin Williams Jr. Welcome remarks were delivered by Steve Parris, Virgin Islands Little League district administrator. Teams were introduced by Renise James, vice president of the Elmo Plaskett Little League, who also led the Little League pledges.
Several dignitaries took part in the program, including Renee Hansen, assistant commissioner of the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department, and Denis Lynch II, president of the Elmo Plaskett Little League, who formally introduced the parade marshal.
A total of 14 teams are competing this season across the boys baseball and girls softball divisions. Henry explained that the league has served the entire island for approximately four years, expanding beyond its original eastern district roots.
“We’ve been serving the whole island now, and that expansion has made a big difference in accessibility for families,” she said.
The season officially kicked off with the parade and is expected to continue through late April, weather permitting.
Henry described the atmosphere during the kickoff as upbeat and family-oriented.
“Everybody had such a good time,” she said. “The parade was really fun, and the energy this year was just amazing.”
The celebration featured performances and participation from the St. Croix Majorettes, SLT Majorettes, Guardians of Culture Mocko Jumbies, DJ IQ, STX Jeep Club, 4 Play Car Club, Simplicity, and members of the Festival Committee. Support for the event was also provided by Ocean Point Terminals, Pivot to Success, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department.
