Left to right: 1st Place Winner Ne'Jahri James, DVICE Director Valrica Bryson, 2nd Place Winner Jomar Ayala, and 3rd Place Winner Uriel Donelly
Claude O. Markoe Elementary School took home the top three places at the Department of Education Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education’s (DVICE) first marbles tournament held in the St. Croix District on Tuesday, June 4 at the David C. Canegata Ball Park.
Participating schools included Lew Muckle, Alexander Henderson, Claude O. Markoe, and Juanita Gardine elementary schools.
DVICE Director Valrica Bryson welcomed players and coaches, and reminded students they are all winners.
“I know there are only three trophies, but remember, you are all winners,” she said. “Being here, in this tournament, already makes you a winner. So, if you don’t win today, it’s okay. Just have fun.”
Following the reading of the rules, marble rings were drawn and two players were assigned to rings containing 13 marbles. The first student in the round to knock seven marbles out the ring wins the game.
Competitors showed focus and determination at the traditional game many Virgin Islanders played during their youth. In the semifinals, Markoe’s Ne' Jahri James battled teammate, Jomar Ayala, while another teammate, Uriel Donelly fought his way out of the losers’ bracket.
In the finals, Ne’Jahri bested Jomar, taking home the first-place trophy. Jomar faced off against Uriel, ultimately winning the second-place position. Uriel placed third.
Bryson expressed her gratitude to the participating schools and students, referees, and the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, particularly Commissioner-designee Calvert White, for their support.
“We look forward to the 2019- 2020 tournament,” Bryson said.
A similar marbles competition was held in the St. Thomas-St. John district earlier in the school year.
Rena Thomas and Shiela Gumbs refereed the St. Croix competition.
