Taylor Hill joins BVI Track and Field record setters

April 29, 2015 by

By BVIAA

Taylor Hill, right, while competing at the Carifta Games. Hill moved to #6 on the BVI’s All Time List with her 23.84 seconds 200m run and became the fastest U20 female. Photo: Provided

Taylor Hill, right, while competing at the Carifta Games. Hill moved to #6 on the BVI’s All Time List with her 23.84 seconds 200m run and became the fastest U20 female. Photo: Provided

Sprinter Taylor Hill established her first British Virgin Islands National Jr. Track and Field Record while twin sisters Trevia and Tynelle Gumbs improved their own, during respective competitions in Texas and California over the weekend.

Competing for the Houston based Elite Performance Track Club, Hill became the fastest U20 female over 200m when she claimed her first Jr. National Record. Hill took down Nelda Huggins’ year old 200m mark of 23.91 seconds when she stopped the clock at 23.84 seconds in the Texas State Bobcats Classic in San Marcos. She placed fourth in her heat and eight overall while improving her best from 24.24 at the Carifta Games earlier this month in St. Kitts. Her mark—the sixth best ever by a BVI female—came after running into a -1.2 meters per second wind in the 100m where she ran 11.88 seconds to finish third in her heat and tied for seventh overall.

At the Trinton Invitational in San Diego on Friday night, Trevia Gumbs used her first 40m throw to demolish her Hammer Throw personal best. Trevia carried her mark from 31.85m with a heave of 42.30m on her third attempt, destroying Alicia Leonard’s 18-year old mark of 35.06 for the new national standard. Twin sister Tynelle improved her best from 30.39 to 36.82 on her second try. After several fouls on Saturday, Trevia settled for a best measurement of 13.96m in the Shot Put and finished eight in the Open Division.

Tynelle then rebounded from a series of poor Discus Throw performances to add three meters on to her personal best with a throw of 44.59m, to eclipse last month’s 42.16m mark. Trevia—who had beaten Tynelle in their last two matchups—also improved her best by three meters from 40.18m to 43.64.

At the same meet, Eldred Henry best legal throw was 18.46m in the Shot Put as he finished ninth overall. After fouling his opening throws, he then settled for 48.02m mark in the Discus Throw.

Running in the Penn Relays, Jonel Lacey helped Jamaica’s Holmwood Technical High School to a fourth place finish in the 4x400m Relay. Lacey produced the fastest split of 55.01 seconds on a third leg carry, as Holmwood ran 3 minutes, 43.53 seconds.

Montverde Academy Sr. Tahj Malone was second in the Florida Class 2A Regional High Jump with a leap of 1.93m. The self coached athlete was coming off a personal best of 1.98m in winning his District Championships.

Cary High School Sr. Lakeisha “Mimi” Warner won a North Carolina SWAC Conference 300m Hurdles/400m double, with times of 45.91 seconds and 57.74.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , ,

Makos Swim Teams shine in St Thomas

April 24, 2015 by

By BVI Swim Federation

Makos Teams took part in the St Thomas Swimming Association Spring Swim Meet on April 18, 2015. Photo: Provided

Makos Teams took part in the St Thomas Swimming Association Spring Swim Meet on April 18, 2015. Photo: Provided

Eleven Makos swim team members attended the St. Thomas Swimming Association (STSA) Spring Swim Meet which was held at the Aquatics Center on Saturday 18th April, 2015.

The Makos swimmers, four males and seven females ranging in age from 7-15, competed in four events, against teams from St. Thomas and St. John. No medals were given out at the meet but many of the Makos swimmers placed in the top three of their individual heats.

“Our swimmers have shown great commitment to their training and this was evident in their exceptional performances on Saturday,” said Coach Elsworth Phillip, pointing out that many of the Makos swimmers not only did well in their events but also set personal best times. “Some of our new swimmers showed spirit by challenging themselves in some strokes and were still able to place in the top 3. Overall this was a very successful and most importantly fun and developmental meet for team Makos.”

The Coach thanked the STSA for organizing the meet and for the invitation extended to Makos.

“ The BVI team did exceptionally well against the other competitors, proving that their hard work is paying off although the intent was a fun meet,” said parent Shauna Roberts.

Makos Swim club team members at the St Thomas Swimming Association Spring Swim Meet 2015. Photo: Provided

Makos Swim club team members at the St Thomas Swimming Association Spring Swim Meet 2015. Photo: Provided

Swimmers who competed were Makeeda Christopher, Diimori Maduro, Kayla Roberts, Tia Roberts, Arianna Angus, Jada Angus, Giselle Archibald-Bowers, Kassia Haymer, Kurt Godwin Salapare, Alexander Chinnery, and Raheem Johnson.

Makos will now gear up to compete at the upcoming May and June swim meets in St. Croix.

Filed Under: Swimming Tagged With: , , ,

VI set to host 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships

April 22, 2015 by

By BVI Platinum

2014 CBC Championships. Photo: BVIOC

2014 CBC Championships. Photo: BVIOC

The Virgin Islands is gearing up to host the 2015 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships for men and women at the Multipurpose Sports Complex from June 8-21.

Officials from FIBA spent last weekend examining facilities and ensuring that the BVI can deliver a world class event similar to last year’s CBC tournament which was also hosted on Tortola.

“We know that the BVI, not only the Government, but the people are very hospitable; they come out and watch the championships,” said Mr. Glyne Clarke, President of CBC at a press conference to launch the tournament yesterday, April 20.

Group A of the men’s tournament features Barbados, BVI, Cayman Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the USVI. Group B sees Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bermuda, Guyana and Suriname.

On the women’s side, Group A features Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and USVI, while Group B includes BVI, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana.

Clarke explained that their visit this year is more cosmetic.

“We had an intense session yesterday [Sunday] with the local organizing committee where we reviewed all the requirements and ensured that everything was discussed point by point. We had some concerns, just minor concerns from last year’s championships and the local organizing committee had some concerns from last year’s championship as well. All in all, I think we are set to have a fantastic and successful tournament free of any incidents,” Clarke explained.

The tournament qualifies the three teams from the championships for the next round of the competition, Centrobasket. From the Centrobasket tournament, four teams will qualify to play for the Americas Cup.

Mrs. Dawn Crabbe-Herbert, Director of Play 2 Win Limited is the producer for the tournament for the second consecutive year.

She told BVI Platinum News that this is a major financial undertaking.

“What makes it unique is that we were able to go out and get media rights company to buy in. We have sold those rights to pull off this tournament of this magnitude. We are happy that because we did such a good job, we were able to partner with entities that saw it fitting to be able to assist in the financing of such a venture,” Crabbe-Herbert explained.

Speaking about last year’s dismal turnout from fans, she said that the organizing committee has made adjustments.

“Last year, one of the issues and the complaints were financing. I think we have rectified that this year. This year the game will be $5 to come to the game. We want the public to come out and support their countries. We don’t want funding to be the reason why persons would not be available to come out. We have thrown out the great big profit and we are focusing on building and structuring of the togetherness of the community. For $5, come out and support your countries. During the morning games we will be opening it free of cost to all the schools,” Crabbe-Herbert stated.

Filed Under: Basketball

Ladies lead in Beef Island Blenheim Trust 5K

April 22, 2015 by

By JustSportsMagazine

Rose Johnson breaks the ribbon in third race of the Blenheim Trust 5K series. Photo: BVI Runners

Rose Johnson breaks the ribbon in third race of the Blenheim Trust 5K series. Photo: BVI Runners

Rosmond Johnson and Jenny McGivor took advantage of the 5 min head start and escaped without being caught by a tidal wave of stampeding men that included Reuben Stoby, who clocked 18:13 when the 3rd race of the Blenheim Trust 5K series was held on Beef Island on Saturday April 18, 2015.

Johnson and McGivor played a waiting game at the front with McGivor tucked in behind Johnson for 2 miles before Johnson moved away to take the win in 21:58.08. McGivor finished in 22:10.08.

Both times were personal bests for the two ladies who were the only ones to successfully beat the roaring tsunami of men storming up behind. Kay Reddy was the third in the ladies in 23:57.28.

Stoby preserved his unbeaten record this year when he calmly led the men home in 18:13.99 to also take his second win of the 5-race series.

Julius Farley, who led for the first kilometre, and 12-year-old Derek Pettigrew chased but did not challenge Stoby. Farley finished second in 18:48.62, a personal best, while the talented Pettigrew clocked 19:48.14, also a personal best.

The power walkers made a pact to share the podium and Sebbie beat his younger brother Xavier for boys 1/2 in the Morgan household.

As the series heats up, the 4th race is the infamous Paraquita Beast on Saturday May 2, 2015 at 7.00am with registration from 6.30am. The race starts and finishes in front of HLSCC main entrance. The first 2 miles follows the popular college classic course along the agricultural road, runners then cross the main road to loop the Marine College.

The final race in the series will be the Dual Carriageway Dash on May 16, 2015 held in conjunction with the National 5k.

Blenheim Trust 5K Race 3 – Long Bay Beach Breeze Ladies First Race results:

MEN
: 1. Reuben Stoby, 18:13.99. 2. Julius Farley, 18:48. 3. Derek Pettigrew, 19:48. 4. Paul Hubbard, 20:23. 5. Dan Mitchell, 21:18. 6. Shane Donovan, 22:11. 7. Adam Holdt, 22:13 8. Reno Mittelholzer, 22:47 9. David Pettigrew, 22:48. 10. Claudius Rhymer, 25:04. 11. Guyp Dubois, 27:00. 12. Marvin Flax, 29:05.
13. Howard Moore, 30:35. 14. Henry Creque, 31:46. 15. Rommel Sofia, 33:08.

WOMEN: 
1. Rosmond Johnson, 21:58.08. 2. Jenny McGivor, 22:10. 3. Kay Reddy, 23:57. 4. Anna Kinkead, 24:45. 5. Claudia Ferrari, 25:21. 6. Eva Askulv, 26:18. 7. Sarah Graham, 26:49. 8. Philomena Robertson, 27:04. 9.= Natasha Ruscheinski, 28:23. 9.= Candy Holdt, 28.23. 11. Clair Burke, 30:14. 12. Claire Santillan, 31:16. 13. Simpa Ganadillo, 32:06.

POWER WALKERS
:1. Linda Li, Sophie Bennett, Charlene Odango, 45:00.

BOYS 1-MILE: 
1. Sebbie Morgan, 8:46. 2. Xavier Morgan, 9:39.

AGE GROUP RESULTS

MEN
: Under 15: 1. Derek Pettigrew
. 20-29: 1. Dan Mitchell. 30-39: 1. Reuben Stoby 2. Julius Farley 3. Shane Donovan 4. Adam Holdt 5. Reno Mittelholzer 6. Claudius Rhymer 7. Guyp Dubois 8. Marvin Flax 9. Rommel Sofia
. 40-49: 1. Paul Hubbard 2. Henry Creque. 50-59: 1. David Pettigrew 2. Howard Moore.

WOMEN: 20-29: 1. Natasha Ruscheinski
. 30-39: 1. Jenny McIvor 2. Claudia Ferrari 3. Philomena Robertson 4. Candy Holdt 5. Clair Burke 6. Claire Santillan 7. Simpa Ganadillo. 40-49: 1. Rosmond Johnson 2. Anna Kinkead 3. Sarah Graham
. 50-59: 1. Kay Reddy 2. Eva Askulv

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , ,

FIFA V.P. tours new stadium site, discusses football development in BVI

April 22, 2015 by

By BVIFA

FIFA Vice President, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein sat down with BVIFA Executive members and staff Coaches to discuss his vision for football development, both within the region and worldwide. Photo: BVIFA

FIFA Vice President, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein sat down with BVIFA Executive members and staff Coaches to discuss his vision for football development, both within the region and worldwide. Photo: BVIFA

“Every Country should have the basics: fields, kit, balls, coaches and FIFA should be able to assist.”

Those were the words of FIFA Vice President and Presidential Candidate, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein as he addressed the BVIFA Executive and staff during a flying visit last Friday, April 17th, 2015.

On a tour of FIFA Member Countries ahead of the elections scheduled for May 29th, 2015, the Prince, in the company of BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, BVIFA Vice President, Aubrey Liburd, Head of the Women’s Committee, Shereen Flax Charles, Youth Development Head, Avenell Morton, BVIFA Ag. General Secretary, Alfred Reid, Louie Oumeish and Pablo Mayorga, paid a visit to the site of the new football stadium in East End and also made a courtesy call on the Premier, Dr. Orlando D. Smith, before meeting with the FA Coaches back at the BVIFA Head Office.

In answering the many questions put to him about the way forward for football in the BVI and worldwide, the Prince noted that there were many areas that needed reform and clarification.

“Coaches should be from the country they coach, but it is not always possible to get them the necessary experience,” said the Prince. “So there needs to be a form of scholarship programme where foreign based coaches can be brought in to advise and mentor. Gaining a license is fine, but to learn better skills, a coach needs practical skills, to see how others work and to be more involved in practical development.”

He also commented on the need to look at decentralizing the funding process and creating a means test to ensure countries with greater need get the support when they need it. “We need to change the mentality of facilitating development,” noted the Prince. “Cricket in the Caribbean gets more support than football does and we need to change that. We need to build a regional structure to ensure a more localized focus and decentralization.”

Whilst supporting the notion that FIFA has to ensure support so that everyone has the chance to play football, the Prince cautioned that Associations also need to look at how to become self sustained. “There has to be a balance between the funding provided by FIFA and the levels of support from local governments and businesses,” said the Prince. “FIFA can’t give so much that everyone else feels they don’t have to support your initiatives.”

BVIFA President Andy Bickerton was thankful that the Prince had visited and had been able to see the efforts put into place by the FA to develop football.

The Prince was equally impressed with what he had seen and having heard the challenges and seen the enthusiasm first hand, pledged support to help further develop the game within the territory, to assist with the issue of player eligibility and even set up an interchange of ideas between National Associations, especially since many of the issues the Caribbean faces have been experienced in Asia and solutions may already exist.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Football

Old Madrid FC to host fundraising tourney

April 21, 2015 by

Source: BVI Newsonline

Old Madrid Football team. Photo: BVI Newsonline

Old Madrid Football team. Photo: BVI Newsonline

The Old Madrid Football Club will be staging a 9-a-side football tournament from May 10 to June 21 at the Greenland playing field, Tortola.

All matches in the fund-raising tournament – dubbed The Nations’ Cup – will be played on Sundays from 6.30 pm to 9.30.

The six teams chosen to participate are grouped as: Team Europe, Team Jamaica, Team BVI, Team Creoles (comprising players from Haiti, St. Lucia and Dominica), Team SVG (made up of players from St. Vincent and Grenada), as well as and Team St. Kitts and Nevis.

President of Old Madrid Football Club, Kenrick Grant said the idea behind the tournament is to create a mini world cup to provide competitive fun-filled football that will be entertaining for both players and spectators.

He added that the contest also gives players an opportunity to represent their country. “All participating teams will be provided with a replica playing kit for their respective country. There will be a registration fee for each player up to a maximum of 18 players per team.”

Players interested in participating should contact Old Madrid Football Club to register: President Kenrick Grant – 343 9216 (Team BVI); Vice-President Mathew Daly – 300 2234 (Team SVG); Secretary Kelvin Eubanks – 541 0238 (Team Jamaica); Public Relations Officer Dion ‘Ragga’ Clarke – 468 9176 (Team St. Kitts & Nevis); Manager Pheobe Murrell – 340 5223.

Filed Under: Football

BVI tops NACRA South Zone Cup table after victory against St Vincent

April 20, 2015 by

By BVI Platinum

BVI defeats St Vincent in NACRA South Zone Cup game. Photo: Oris Photography

BVI defeats St Vincent in NACRA South Zone Cup game. Photo: Oris Photography

The Virgin Islands are sitting at the top of the South Zone Cup table following a 22-15 victory abroad against St. Vincent at the Arnos Vale grounds on Saturday, April 18.

Led by the opening try by Joseph Smith, the BVI seized control of the game, but St. Vincent scored to knot the game at 5-5 in the first half.

In the second half, the BVI punched early with a try from Austin Keil which pushed the lead to 10-5 following a failed conversion kick. However, St. Vincent kept the encounter close.

It took tries from Roan Thornton and Viveon Harry to seal the victory for the BVI and the top spot in the group with one game to play against fierce competitors, Curacao in another two weeks.

To win the group, the BVI needs to win the game which is expected to be played at the A. O Shirley Recreation Grounds. A victory will ensure the BVI moves on to the next round of 2015 North American Caribbean Rugby Association’s 15s tournament.

It remains to be seen if the grounds will be ready in time for the game or the BVI will have to win again on the road as they have done in St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

Filed Under: Rugby Tagged With: , ,

400m Personal Best for Herbert in CIAA Conference Championships

April 20, 2015 by

By BVIAA

Caption: Khari Herbert, left on his way to finishing fourth in the CIAA Conference Championships in 46.81 seconds in the 400m, improving his best from 47.21 Photo: Provided

Caption: Khari Herbert, left on his way to finishing fourth in the CIAA Conference Championships in 46.81 seconds in the 400m, improving his best from 47.21 Photo: Provided

St. Augustine’s sophomore Khari Herbert became just the third British Virgin Islands male athlete to break 47.00 seconds in the 400m, when he placed fourth in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference Championships held at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., on Saturday.

Herbert was timed in 46.81 seconds and moved to No. 2 on the BVI All Time List in helping the Falcons to add the CIAA Outdoor Conference title to the Indoor title they won in February. The Falcons amass 158 points to win their 18th consecutive CIAA title.

Herbert lowered his best of 47.21 from 2013 and ran 47.23 in the prelims to qualify for the final. He missed the 200m final after running 21.82 seconds to place fourth in his heat with the ninth best time overall.

In New Jersey, sprinter Ashley Kelly won a sprint double at the Larry Ellis Invitational in Princeton. Kelly had times of 11.88 seconds and a season’s best of 23.68 in the 200m for the best mark by a BVI female so far this season. She will open her 400m campaign in St. Maarten on May 9.

Sprinter Tahesia Harrigan-Scott was second in her 100m heat with a wind aided time off 11.36 seconds, in the NTC/Pure Athletics Invitational in Clermont, Fla. She ran 11.48 to advance to the final.

Chantel Malone was fourth in the Mt. SAC Invitational Long Jump on Saturday, when she cut the sand with a best mark of 6.36m, during a effort that had a +2.1 meters per second tailwind. Sprinter Karene King finished seventh in the 100m in Friday night in 11.82 seconds and she was sixth in the 200m on Saturday, in 24.09 seconds.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , , , , ,

BVI Rugby squad seeks an important win in St Vincent

April 16, 2015 by

By BVIPlatinum

BVI Rugby team in action in St Lucia Photo: BVI Rugby Football Union

BVI Rugby team in action in St Lucia Photo: BVI Rugby Football Union

A 23-member rugby squad will leave the Virgin Islands on Friday for St. Vincent and the Grenadines where they must win to stay in contention in the 2015 North American Caribbean Rugby Association’s 15s tournament.

With a victory in the bag against St. Lucia in February, the BVI knows that they can’t afford a loss or a tie in Saturday’s game at the Arnos Vale grounds at 3:00 pm.

The South Zone Cup features an interesting battle among four teams as both St. Vincent and Curacao have beaten St. Lucia. However, the St. Vincent and Curacao encounter produced a draw.

Head coach, Sherlock ‘Solo’ Solomon told BVI Platinum News that St. Vincent is a familiar opponent. In the 2013 tournament, the BVI beat St. Vincent at home, but St. Vincent returned the favour last year at the A. O. Shirley Recreation grounds.

“We need to win the game to stay ahead in this group,” Solomon stated.

The team features Adebola Haffner, Andre Adams, Damion Brown, Roan Thornton, Thomas Chapman, Vivieon Harry, Kareen Ettienne, Eugene Maduro, Victor Amparo, Elton Pena, Garrenth Jardine, Colin McDonald, Andrew Simmonds, Joseph Smith, Rory Thornton, Austin Keil, Franklyn Victor, Andrew Skeets, Rory Greenam, Donovan Staple, Tavod Morgan, Joash Victor and Mohamed Said.

Simon Knight has been selected as Manager.

According to Solomon, the team is showing some depth as there has been five changes in the squad that won in St. Lucia in February. He spoke about the return of Rory Thornton from England, Keil, the inclusion of Skeets, the addition of two youth under 19 players and the return of former captain Donovan Staple.

The team will be without forwards Federico Zacari, Shamari Spencer and Jevon Thompson, all due to work commitments.

According to Solomon, the team includes 8 under-19 players and it is good to see the youngsters stepping up and making an impact in the team.

“A loss or draw would make the last game very interesting and we don’t want to take any chances so we have to win. St. Vincent is tough assignment and they have been playing good. We have to stay confident and stay ahead of the game. We have a strong backline and and forwards have been looking promising led by Adams, Etenne and Roan Thornton, and Rory is the just returning from England and has made himself available for the game, so I like our team’s chances of returning home with the victory,” Solomon explained.

He said that preparations have been hampered by the lack of proper facilities since the team has been forced to use the Baugher’s Bay field due to ongoing works at the A. O. Shirley Recreation grounds.

“The Recreation Trust has done well to keep the ground low and nice, but there are no flood lights which means that we have to finish practice early. Despite the challenges, the turnout by players has been good. We just a few things to work on before the game,” Solomon said.

Filed Under: Rugby

FIFA Vice-President to visit BVI

April 15, 2015 by

By BVIFA

FIFA Vice-President and candidate for the Presidency, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, will be arriving in the BVI on Thursday 16th April, 2015. Photo: Provided

FIFA Vice-President and candidate for the Presidency, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, will be arriving in the BVI on Thursday 16th April, 2015. Photo: Provided

FIFA Vice-President and candidate for the Presidency, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, will be arriving in the Territory on Thursday 16th April, 2015, to make a courtesy call on the Premier, visit the site of the new stadium in East End and to meet with members of the BVIFA Executive and Officials.

Prince Ali, who back in January announced intentions to challenge long-tenured President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter at the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich on May 29, will visit the $3M project site on Friday morning and then, following a meeting with the Premier, Dr. Orlando D Smith, will spend some time at the BVIFA Head Office, talking with Executives, Officials and Coaches.

According to 1st Vice President, Aubrey Liburd, “This is a very important visit for the BVIFA as we are in the process of building the new stadium, and also for him to see what we are doing for football as an association and for the youths in the Territory. Also we are looking forward to hearing his vision for football in general and his plans or initiatives for the smaller FIFA Members such as ourselves.”

The BVIFA was finally given approval for the project, part of the FIFA Goal Programme, by the Development Committee at a meeting chaired by FIFA Vice-President, Issa Hayatou in the presence of the Chairman of the FIFA Audit and Compliance Committee, Domenico Scala, back in March 2014.

The project includes a 400 meter track field, regulation-sized football field with associated facilities, netball court/volleyball court, concession stands and over 200 parking spaces. There will also be the construction of an access road between the parking lot and stadium by Andy’s Car Wash.

In relation to contributions for the project, the BVIOC is expected to contribute $250,000 for the running track and the BVIFA will be funding $1M-$1.5M along with assistance in maintenance and profitability of the facility (football events, sponsorship/commercial activities).

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Football Tagged With: , , , ,
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