Story Created:
Feb 6, 2013 at 11:00 PM ECT
Story Updated:
Feb 7, 2013 at 9:09 AM ECT
ONEIL Odele, of the Valiant Brothers Gayelle, reclaimed his title in the National Stickfighting Competition on Tuesday night.
Odele, 22, overpowered his opponent, causing him to drop his bois in the final battle.
Selwyn John had to settle for second place.
Odele, of Sixth Company Circular Road, Princes Town, was rewarded with $15,000, while John took home $10,000.
The prizes were distributed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who attended the event at Fun Splash Water Park in Debe.
She was accompanied by Minister of Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas and Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal.
Persad-Bissessar sat in the VIP section of the venue and looked on as two persons suffered injuries to the head and nose.
The Mafeking Gayelle won first prize in the gayelle competition, dethroning the Valiant Brothers Gayelle. The first place winner took home $30,000.
The St Mary's Gayelle placed second, while Valiant Brother Gayelle took the third position.
Odele has been involved in professional stickfighting for five years, but he has been a part of the artwork since childhood. His deceased father was a champion stickfighter, who went by the name "Middle King".
A female patron, disappointed with the results, was arrested and charged with using obscene language at the event. The woman went to the stage and shouted obscenities on the microphone, police said. • See Page 24
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