06/03/2026
INTRODUCING 2026 RISE AWARDEE | ARTS, SPORTS AND CULTURE – MS. RODI RICHARDSON
Rodi R. Richardson embodies the very spirit of the RISE Award—Resilience, Influence, Success, and Empowerment—through her transformative work in sport development in Anguilla. Her career is not simply about athletics; it is about building systems, opening doors, and ensuring that young women and girls see themselves reflected in leadership and excellence.
As Programme Officer at the Department of Sports, Ms. Richardson leads initiatives that directly reflect the values of Empowerment and Influence. Through her coordination of national youth tournaments—most recently the Inter-Primary Basketball Tournament—she creates structured, high-quality competitive spaces where discipline and teamwork are cultivated. These platforms are more than games; they are training grounds for leadership and self-belief, especially for young girls who may not otherwise see sport as a pathway to growth. Her academic and athletic journey reflects the virtues of Excellence and Resilience. At G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, she graduated with the highest GPA in her programme while competing in kickboxing. In the classroom, Rodi taught Physical Education at both the primary and secondary levels, prepared students for CSEC examinations, and introduced them to non traditional careers in sport. She instilled a clear message: never accept mediocrity. Pair your love for sport with a solid education—the two go together. By modeling this balance and demanding the same from her students, she shaped disciplined, curious learners who pursue their goals with purpose and pride.
Through the RoJets Athletics Academy, Coach Rodi advances Influence and Sustainable Success. Her philosophy of holistic development, combining physical training with mental resilience ensures athletes are equipped for life beyond the track. Under her leadership, youth athletes compete annually at prestigious meets such as the AAU Club Championships in Jacksonville, Florida. These opportunities expand horizons, expose young athletes to international competition, and normalize ambition at the highest levels. Perhaps most emblematic of the RISE values is her trailblazing achievement in sports administration.
In April 2022, Rodi became the first Anguillian—man or woman—to serve as a Match Coordinator for a CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifier. Her presence in this high-stakes, traditionally male-dominated arena signals Resilience and Success at a systemic level. She is not only participating in global sport leadership; she is redefining who belongs there.
Rodi R. Richardson’s journey reflects what the RISE Award celebrates: women who rise individually and lift others with them. Through her unwavering advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, she continues to empower a new generation of young women in Anguilla to see sport not just as recreation, but as a platform for opportunity, and lasting impact.
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