CTL, DLT Solutions, Conyers and Capriccio step in to support BVIOC roster of elite athletes on journey to Paris 2024 Olympic Games

With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games just five months away, private sector businesses have stepped in to support the BVI Olympic Committee’s roster of elite athletes on their journey to the Games. The announcement of Clarence Thomas Ltd (CTL), DLT Solutions, Conyers and Capriccio as key sponsors of the renamed Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship (THSEAS) fund was made at a media briefing held at the BVIOC office in Road Town on March 5.
 
For the past twelve years, starting in 2012, the BVIOC has provided a stipend framework that funds the development of the BVIOC’s elite athletes who are on track to compete for medals at major Games. 
 
The annual funding for the elite athlete scholarship initiative – renamed on March 5, 2024 to the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship – is currently $200,000 each year and comes in the form of athlete grants from the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity (OS) and Panam Sports and is disbursed directly to the BVIOC’s quadrennial roster of elite athletes. The athletes are identified in collaboration with the National Federations, International Federations and OS.
 
The BVIOC’s current roster of elite athletes – all of whom are national and regional record holders with proven track records in major Games – include Kyron McMaster, silver medalist in World Championships and world ranked #4 in the men’s 400m hurdles, Chantel Malone (long jump), Eldred Henry (shot put), Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m) Adaejah Hodge (200m) and Thad Lettsome (ILCA 7 laser sailor).
 
“With medals in mind, the BVIOC is seeking to boost the monthly stipend for the 6  athletes on our roster identified as likely to make the team for Paris 2024 which takes place this summer July 26 – August 11,” said BVIOC and BVI Commonwealth Games Association President Ephraim Penn. “The annual sum for the programme has already been allocated and we are very grateful for the sponsors that have come on board this year to help with the additional funds required by the athletes to continue to cover the services of their respective coaches and therapists over the next five months.”
 
Explaining more about the scholarship programme, BVIOC/BVICGA Treasurer Mark Chapman said, “The THSEAS stipend contributes to training and coaching, athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition counselling, and mental resilience training. These resources are critical in helping athletes reach their full potential and achieve success at the international level. Our reporting system for the grants ensures accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds.”
 
President Penn also mentioned that going forward, the THSEAS programme will benefit from a committee comprising representatives of the BVIOC, beneficiary athletes’ National Federations and sponsors to review and discuss the ongoing needs and disbursement of funds to the roster of athletes.
 
CTL has committed to supporting the THSEAS programme for four years with an annual sponsorship of $10,000. Mr. David Thomas, Operations Manager speaking at the media briefing said, “Clarence Thomas Ltd has always been at the forefront in trying to help any development that happens in our country. We believe in supporting and assisting where we can in the development of our future stars. We are in a unique position right now with our current world class athletes with more coming up so it wasn’t difficult for us to come on board and help.”
 
Sharing comments remotely on behalf of Mr. Ronan Kuczaj, Founder and CEO of DLT Solutions, who have sponsored the THSEAS fund with a $10,000 donation for 2024, BVIOC Secretary General Lloyd Black said, “DLT Solutions is delighted to be an officer sponsor of the programme.  We acknowledge the immense dedication and sacrifice made by the athletes and their families in pursuing their dreams and also representing the Virgin Islands. Speaking personally, we felt compelled to donate to this project as a tribute to the late and great Dag Samuels, whose infectious spirit surrounded us when we were playing rugby on the field adjacent to his superlative track and field program.  Dag’s joyful smile lives long in the memory, much like his athletic legacy, evidenced by this latest crop of talented athletes.”
 
Conyers has contributed $10,000 to the programme for the road to Paris 2024 with an option to renew the commitment thereafter. Mark Forte, Managing Partner and Head of Litigation and Restructuring for Conyers said, “As a major employer within the community we believe strongly in supporting various initiatives in the community and are attracted to programmes that help develop, address the future and aspirations of talent. We identify with the notions of perseverance, commitment, achievement, dedication and no short cuts so we are proud to play a part and congratulate all those involved in the [THSEAS] programme. We wish all the best to our athletes and look forward to watching them strive in Paris – it’s not all about winning but it’s about development of the individual, the team, the community, and the country is the most important thing.”
 
Mark Forte, who also is a partner in the Capriccio di Mare Trattoria in Road Town, made a surprise commitment at the media briefing announcing a contribution of $5000 by the Italian restaurant to the THSEAS programme.
 
Attending the media briefing remotely, Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott OLY stressed the importance of the financial support provided by the fund that helps to remove the burden of stress from the athletes. Acknowledging the support from the BVIOC and the sponsors, Harrigan-Scott said “the progression and medals come with a level of responsibility and commitment, not only from the athletes but form the supporting members and everyone in the BVI. I commend the BVIOC and sponsors and encourage others to contribute what they can and be part of the journey and the mission.”
 
National Federation representatives, BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine and RBVIYC Sailing Association Administrator Ms. Tamsin Rand thanked the sponsors. Each provided an overview of the respective sports development and importance of the funding to support athletes’ progress. BVIOC Member at Large Gloria Fahie concluded the briefing with a vote of thanks and invitation for additional sponsors of the programme.

The announcement of the major sponsors included a brief virtual appearance and words of thanks from 400m hurdler Kyron McMaster OBE OLY, who said, “Everyone benefiting from this programme thanks you tremendously because the saying “it takes a village to raise one” is apt for the BVI. We are not as big as the nations of the world we are up against. We are a small fish trying to make big waves in an ocean and with the support we are getting from the BVIOC and the private sector, these funds help us to move mountains you can’t imagine!”
 
THSEAS sponsors have access to tickets to select events at Paris 2024. Entities who would like to support the THSEAS programme are invited to contact the BVIOC office by email at info@bviolympics.org or call (284) 346 8375 or visit the THSEAS web page for more information.

 4 athletes confirmed for Santiago 2023 PanAm Games

Four athletes are officially confirmed as members of the team who will represent the Virgin Islands (UK) in track and field and sailing at the 2023 Pan American (PanAm) Games. The 19th edition of the Games takes place October 20 – November 5, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. The BVI Olympic Committee named Eldred Henry (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (discus throw), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles) and Thad Lettsome (men’s ILCA 7 laser) as registered to compete.
 
Erickson will be the flag bearer for the VI at the Opening Ceremony on October 20.
 
This will be Henry and Lettsome’s second Panam Games appearance and the first for Gumbs and Erickson.
 
The schedule for the track and field events starts on October 30 when Gumbs will compete in the discus throw at 6:40pm EST. Erickson competes in the 100m hurdles heats at 5:45pm EST on October 31 with Henry competing in the shot put at 4:25pm EST on November 3.
 
The track and field events take place at the Coliseo del Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez, Ñuñoa, Región Metropolitana.
 
Lettsome’s races will take place 11:00am – 5:30pm at Cofradia Nautica del Pacífico in the Valparaiso region, October 28 – November 5.
 
Mark Chapman is the Chef de Mission for Santiago 2023.
 
“This is the VI’s 11th Pan Am Games. We have competed in each of the Games since the 9th edition. The event will be the last of the season for our athletes and I am satisfied that the Games’ organisers have put in all efforts to provide comfortable accommodations and good competition venues,” said Chapman.
 
“It has been a long season for all team members, and we congratulate them on securing spots at the Games,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “It’s the last major competition of the year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and we wish our athletes well.”
 
Penn will be in Chile for the PanAm Sports AGM ahead of the Games which he will attend not just as President of the BVIOC, but also as a member of the PanAm Sports Technical Commission.
 
Approximately 6,909 participants from 41 countries in the Caribbean and Americas are expected to compete in 39 sports. The Games provide an opportunity for competitiors to qualify for Paris 2024. The Games will be streamed live on the Panam Sports Channel on YouTube with news on our athletes provided by Kamal Haynes, 284 Media and Todd Van Sickle of the BVI Beacon.

Athletes return from Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games with positive experience

The Virgin Islands (UK) delegation to the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games returned home late on August 12. The team of 5 athletes aged 14-18 years competed in track and field events in the 7th edition of the Games in Trinidad and Tobago, August 4 – 11, 2023.

Sprinter J’Den Jackson ran on August 7 and successfully qualified for the 100m semifinals with a time of 11.19 in the heats and placed 8th with a non-advancing time of 11.27. The event was ultimately won by English runner Teddy W Wilson (10.37) with fellow national, Ebuka Nwokejie placing 2nd (10.43) and Shaquane G Gordon of Jamaica placing 3rd (10.43).

On Wednesday, August 9, J’Den ran 22.37 placing 4th in heat 4 of the 200m to qualify for the semifinals where he placed 6th with a non-advancing time of 22.24. Samuel Ogazi of Nigeria won the finals in a time of 21.22, Dean Patterson from Scotland placed 2nd in 21.45 and England runner Rusciano Thomas-Riley placed 3rd in 21.59.

Jonathan Lynch ran in the 800m semifinals placing 6th with a non-advancing time of 1:59.64 on August 9. The event concluded on August 10 with Kelvin Koech of Kenya taking the win in 1:50.14, Miles Waterworth of England placing 2nd in 1:52.21 and Caleb McLeod of Scotland placing 3rd in 1:52.83.

Long jumpers A’Sia McMaster and Cristal Daly competed on August 7. A’Sia’s longest mark was 5.56m for a 9th place finish while Cristal did not make a mark. Jah’Kyla competed in the high jump on August 10 but did not make a mark in her event.

The athletes ended their experience of the Commonwealth Youth Games at the Closing Ceremony at Pigeon Point Beach Facility, Tobago on Friday, August 11.

“The athletes were a great team and we can be very proud of their conduct on and off the field of play,” said Chef de Mission Ms. Ericca Frederick. “One of the main purposes of these youth-oriented Games is to provide an opportunity for athletes to participate in friendly competition, make friendships and be exposed to the different cultures across the Commonwealth, I can say that our athletes embraced the mission and return home richer for their experience in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The team was accompanied by coach Erwin “Redz” Telemaque. Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVICGA, was on the ground to support and encourage the athletes.

“The Commonwealth Youth Games are a pathway to the senior Commonwealth Games and major Games and the 5 athletes will have been exposed to the competition they can expect to face as they progress in their athletic career,” said President Penn. “They were well-guided by their coach and the constructive take-aways from the experience of competing at Trinbago 2023 should serve the athletes well going forward.”

More than 1000 athletes from 71 Nations and Territories across the Commonwealth participated in the Games competing in events across 7 sports including athletics and para-athletics, aquatics, beach volleyball, cycling, FAST5 netball, rugby sevens and triathlon.

The Games have traditionally taken place every four years with the first event being hosted in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000. The VI was first represented at a CYG at Samoa 2015 when athletes competed in track and field and tennis. The date and host for the next Games has not yet been decided.

5 athletes to represent Virgin Islands at Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) acting in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) is sending a team of 5 athletes to represent the Virgin Islands (UK) in track and field at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. The 7th edition of the Games for participants aged 14-18 years, takes place in Trinidad and Tobago, August 4 – 11, 2023.
 
Chef de Mission Ms. Ericca Frederick, a coaching certified Physical Education teacher with extensive experience at editions of NACAC, Carifta, and the Caribbean Games, will be responsible for the delegation at Trinbago 2023. The cohort includes Cristal Daly (long jump), A’Sia McMaster (long jump), J’den Jackson (100m and 200m) Jonathan Lynch (800m), Jah’Kyla Morton (high jump) and coach Erwin “Redz” Telemaque. Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVICGA, will be in attendance.
 
The Opening ceremony takes place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad on Friday, August 4 when Chef Frederick will accompany Daly who was selected to be the flag bearer.
 
The events for the VI athletes take place on Monday, August 7 (100m and long jump), Wednesday, August 9 (heats – 200m, and 800m) and Thursday, August 10 (finals – high jump, 200m and 800m). The Closing Ceremony will be celebrated at Pigeon Point Beach Facility, Tobago on Friday, August 11.
 
“We are pleased that the BVI will be represented by a strong team at these youth Games,” said President Penn. “The selection was made from a long list of athletes put forward by the BVI Athletics Association and we should expect to see some good performances by the team members.”
 
Morton recently returned home with a gold medal in the high jump, which she won at the U18 NACAC Age Group Championships in Costa Rica. Her 1.74m (5’81/2”) clearance set a new NACAC U18 Girls’ high jump record as well a new National Record. McMaster, Jackson, and Lynch also competed in Costa Rica.
 
More than 1000 athletes from 71 Nations and Territories across the Commonwealth are registered to participate in the Games competing in events across 7 sports including athletics and para-athletics, aquatics, beach volleyball, cycling, fast 5 netball, rugby sevens and triathlon.
 
“The Trinbago 2023 organisers have done a great job to ensure that we are comfortable, well looked after and set to perform at these Games,” said Chef de Mission Frederick. “Our athletes are well prepared and the team spirit is high. Everyone is looking forward to competing as well as representing the Virgin Islands in the cultural exchange element of the Games and fostering friendships.”
 
The Commonwealth Youth Games is considered to provide an invaluable springboard for the developing athletes. San Salvador 2023 CAC medalist, thrower Djimon Gumbs and U23 NACAC double medalist, sprinter Beyonce Defreitas experienced their first success at a major Games when they won the territory’s first medals at a CYG.  Gumbs and Defreitas respectively brought home a bronze in the discus throw and a silver in the 200m competing at the 6th edition of the Games in the Bahamas in 2017.
 
The Games have traditionally taken place every four years with the first event being hosted in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000. The VI was first represented at a CYG at Samoa 2015 when athletes competed in track and field and tennis.
 
Click on the link for the full schedule of events https://www.trinbago2023.com/schedule
 
Follow the BVIOC page on FaceBook for regular updates and results https://web.facebook.com/BVIOlympicCommittee/

BVI squad set to compete in CONCACAF U15 Championship

A group of “bright and talented” BVI footballers are off to compete in the CONCACAF U15 Championship hosted by the Dominican Republic from August 6 – 13, 2023. The team is expected to put in a good performance.
 
The BVI team came top of Division C the last time the Championship was held in 2019. The team is now the top seed in the group, which includes Dominica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The other teams which are in the same division as the BVI, but in separate groups, include Sint Marten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the USVI, French Guiana, Anguilla, and Saint Maarten.
 
The squad, all members of which are based within the territory, is coached by Cassandra Gregg. Preparations have been intensive with a combination of regular training, tournaments and a series of friendly games all taking place in the past few months.
 
“Originally we were in a group of four and playing in Curacao, but how we are a group of 3 and playing in DR,” commented Coach Gregg. “We had a very successful tournament over Easter and, more recently, made a trip to play St Kitts, which was a great experience for the boys. What I always say to my players is anything they can do, we can do better,” she added.
 
First up will be a game next Tuesday, August 8th against TCI. The team will then play Dominica on Wednesday August 9th. Both games kick off at 9.00am local time.

Captain Mario Carter is feeling very positive about the teams’ chances. “Not too long ago we were in St Kitts and when we came back, we analyzed the games, saw the kinds of mistakes we made and worked hard in practice to correct them. We are mentally and physically prepared and although we have to work on a couple of things, like chemistry and discipline, I am very confidant,” he said.
 
The Assistant coach is Jeffrey Demming and the Goalkeeper Coach is Morris Mark.
 
The traveling squad includes Carter as Captain, Latreil Williams as vice-captain, Marc Tan, Christian Vanterpool, Tiandre Frett, Quyl Billingy, Myles Penn, Kyle Farrington, Akeem Paddy, Lashaun Gibbs, Temari Nanton, Othniel Gillings, Michael Findlay, Morris Mark III, Kenley Williams, Zeviah Abrahams, roman Nibbs, Malique Fenton, and D’Andre McSheen
 
“Our defense is very hard to get past and is really good, so once our midfield do their jobs, I’m pretty sure we will come out on top of our group,” said Coach Gregg.
 
BVI Football Association President, Andy Bickerton also noted that the young players were now well and truly on the pathway to Senior National team levels. “These boys are now playing at U15 levels and the next step from the BVIFA’s point of view is to be looking at the squad for U17 level. Two thirds of our Men’s National team have already come through our Youth Programs, so they all know that they way they behave on and off the field, with their studies and how well they represent the territory will keep them on that pathway.”

Delilah Pease and Ethan Mohamed march in to the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships – a first since 2009!

The Virgin Islands (UK) Junior National Squash Team has recorded its best ever set of results with 7 players finishing within the top 8 in the Caribbean within their respective individual competitions at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships, July 15 – 22, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Special mention must go to Ethan Mohamed and Delilah Pease who have become the BVI’s first finalists since 2009. This incredible achievement guarantees them either a silver or gold medal!” said national squash coach, Adam Murrills.

Playing in the semi-finals on July 16, Ethan Mohamed beat Levi Jack from the Cayman Islands 11-5, 11-6, 4-11, 9-11, 11-6. Ethan came out strong and played really well to forge a 2 game lead. He was playing to a good length which was opening up attacking opportunities which he then capitalised on. He took his foot off the gas slightly and his opponent fought back spiritedly to tie things up at 2 games a piece. This went into a 5th a final game decider. Ethan showed great belief and composure to come out at the start of the 5th and re-assert himself. He took an early lead and he never took his foot off the gas, closing it out 11-6 to give the BVI its first, long awaited finalist.

Later in the afternoon, Delilah faced Peyton Marshall-Branc of Barbados and produced a very mature performance. She was feeling the nerves prior to her semi final although her calm conduct gave nothing away. Her serves were on point from start to finish and she placed the ball intelligently away from her opponent whilst moving towards a 3-0 victory, 11-3, 11-4, 11-2. This performance is made all the more impressive by the fact that Delilah is only 8 years old and can compete in this age group for another 2 years.

“While Ethan and Delilah have already created history for the BVI, I know that they are looking forward to putting in another good performance in an attempt to hopefully clinch gold for the territory!” said Coach Murrills.

“All players put in their best efforts including impressive performances and attitudes from the BVI’s 3 debutants – Jakob Noblett, Zivon Abraham and Zane Pretlove,” said Coach Murrills. “Zivon and Zane may not have got the exact results they wanted, however they can be proud of the level they’re playing at and the potential that they’re showing,”

Jakob managed to upset the seedings and make the quarter finals where he only just came up short against a strong player from the Cayman Islands. Darci Reich. Oliver Henderson, Danny Henderson and Zevieh Abraham put in good performances but ultimately lost against strong opponents in their quarter final matches.

The finals take place on Monday, July 17 and will be streamed live on NSC COURT 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a2OjKtpV88

3.10pm – Delilah Oease vs Gia Ghuran (Trinidad and Tobago)

4.10pm – Ethan Mohamed vs Ben Shepherd (Barbados)

Djimon Gumbs, Rikkoi Brathwaite win bronze medals at San Salvador 2023 CAC Games. Final events coming up.

Five athletes in two sports represented the Virgin Islands (UK) non July 3 at the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games.

In Track and field events at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “El Magic” Gonzales, Djimon Gumbs, in his first appearance at a CAC Games, won the first medal for the VI at the 24th edition of the Games with a bronze in the shot put after hurling a distance of 19.00m (62.34ft) in his third attempt.

Eldred Henry OLY – shot put National Record holder (21.47m /70.44ft) – placed 6th in the shot put final with a best distance of 18.12m (59.45ft) during his 3rd attempt. Henry had won the territory’s first shot put medal at the CAC Games with a hurl of 20.18m (66.21ft) during his debut at Barranquilla 2018.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite went on to secure the territory’s second medal at the San Salvador 2023 with a bronze medal win in the 100m in a time of 10.26 seconds. Brathwaite had placed 1st in his heat with a time of 10.29 seconds a couple of hours earlier in his maiden race at the CACs.

The first ever medal for the BVI at a CAC Games was won in the very same stadium in 2002 by Dion Crabbe in the 100m with a then national record time of 10.28 seconds. Brathwaite would go on to break the record with a time of 10.20 seconds achieved at the 2022 NACAC Open Championships, Freeport, Bahamas.

“We knew that the competition field at San Salvador 2023 would be tough with strong contenders for medals and we couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments of Djimon Gumbs and Rikkoi Brathwaite,” said BVI Olympic President Ephraim Penn. “With 2 more days of competition to come, we wish our athletes all the best in their events.”

Athletes who also were competing at San Salvador 2023 on July 3 included Beyoncé Defreitas who debuted in heat 3 of the 100m semi finals to place 4th with a non-advancing time of 11.84 seconds. Defreitas will compete again in the 200m on July 5.

Archer Ritseeniyah Georges, who had competed in the first round of the women’s compound individual event at the Poligogo de Tiro con Arco Ciudad Merliot on July 2, lost 123 – 148 against Andrea Becerra (Mexico) in the elimination round. Georges had an average of 8.2 out of 10 compared to Becerra’s average of 9.9. Georges is the first archer to represent the VI at a major Games with her appearance at San Salvador 2023.

Deya Erickson made her second appearance at a CAC Games competing in the 100m hurdles semi finals on July 4. Her time of 13.92 for a fifth place finish qualified her to move on to the finals on July 5.

Also competing on July 5 are Jaleel Croal, who debuts at the CACs in the 200m semi finals. Twin brothers Djimon and Diamanté Gumbs will compete in the discus. This is also the first CAC games for the Diamanté Gumbs.

“Congratulations on great performances,” said Chef de Mission Gloria Fahie. “They are the beginning of greater accomplishments yet to come!”

Henry, Brathwaite and Georges along with archery coach Winnette Lawrence and technician Xavier Buxo depart El Salvador on July 6. ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome and coach Chris Watters left on July 2 after Lettsome qualified for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games with an overall 6th place in his event.

The BVI has won medals at every CAC Games since 2002 including 5 gold medals – 3 in the 100m by Dion Crabbe at San Salvador 2022, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott at Cartagena de Indias 2006 and Mayaguez 2010; 1 in long jump by Chantel Malone at Vera Cruz 2014 and 1 in the 400m hurdles by Kyron McMaster at Barranquilla 2018. Malone also won silver in long jump at Barranquilla 2018.

The BVI Delegation to the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games included 9 athletes in 3 sports. Missing from photo are ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome and coach Chris Watters.

ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome qualifies for Santiago 2023 Pan American Games at San Salvador 2023 CAC Games

ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome qualifies for Santiago 2023 Pan American Games after placing 6th overall at San Salvador 2023 CAC Games. Photo credit: Chris Watters

The San Salvador 2023 CAC Games regatta marks a major accomplishment for a BVI sailor. It is the first time since 1993 that the BVI is represented at the CAC Games and is also the first time this century where a sailor has officially qualified for a place in the Pan American Games. Robbie Hirst was the last sailor to qualify and compete for the BVI at the Pan Am Games where he placed 7th in the 1995 Games in Mar Del Plato, Argentina.

The report presents a day-by-day account of Thad’s road to historic success at the 24th CAC Games.

Day One
The first day of the ILCA 7 men’s single-handed event at the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games started off with a fleet of 16 ILCA 7 lasers racing in light and tricky conditions. Thad would manage to get off the start line clean and sail a conservative first leg, rounding the top mark in 5th position. A large wind shift to the right on the second upwind would put Thad on his back foot. However, with a speedy downwind to finish the race, he would end up in 8th overall.

In race two, the wind built to an unexpected 14-15knots and Thad would take an aggressive approach on the start to be the first one off the line at the race committee end. This allowed him to tack out cleanly and go to the right hand side of the race course. With a few missed shifts at the top mark, Thad would fight back hard to pass boats on the last downwind, finishing in 9th position.

With just 1 spot left for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile this fall, Thad lies in 3rd position to qualify and 8th overall in the regatta after day 1. With 10 more races scheduled over the next 5 day

Day Four
Finally we race! After 2 days of no wind, and no races, the race committee was able to get off two quality races in light to building conditions.

In the first race of the day, Thad would get off to a slow start after being held back initially by debris getting stuck on his center board and rudder. After a hard fought 3rd leg (second upwind) Thad would mount a comeback and see him finish 6th in race 3 of the regatta.

In the second race of the day, the breeze built to a solid 12-14knts. Thad would have a great start, and execute his plan to go up the right side of the course to round the top mark in 2nd position. After a great downwind he would maintain the 2nd position for the last upwind, only to see a small right shift send him back 2 places yet still finish the race with a 4th overall, his best score out of the 4 races to date.

More importantly, Thad now sits 6th overall, and 1st in line to grab the 1 Pan American Games Qualification spot to represent BVI at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games this fall in Chile. With over 10 countries fighting for this 1 spot, Thad has placed himself in a great position leading up to the last 2 days of the event.

Day Six
With just two points separating Thad from the remaining competitors who were seeking Pan Am qualification, the racing was sure to be the hardest yet of the week with the Cuban, United States Virgin Islands, Mexico and Antigua all within grasp of the one spot.

In the first race of the day, Thad would get a good start and remain in front of the elite group, with the exception of the USVI sailor.

Going into the second race of the day, the wind built to a steady 15-17 knots. The race committee was able to get off a clean start and Thad would put his best race of the series down with a solid 2nd place overall for race number 8 of the series.

With Thad’s 2nd place, it would mathematically ensure that no one could claim the Pan Am qualification spot moving forward, and also put Thad into 5th place overall.

However, with the race committee squeezing in 1 final race just seconds before the cut off time, it would come down to who beats who for the 5th overall. A close battle with the Guatemalan sailor saw Thad just slip back 1 point away from 5th overall and finish the regatta 6th overall – just a single point out.

Thad competed in the Lima 2019 Pan Am Games in Peru after receiving a universality place at age 19. His performance at Lima qualified him for the Cali 2021 Junior Pan Am Games in Colombia.

The Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games, which take place October 25 – November 5 in Chile, will also serve as a continental qualifier for the 2024 Olympics with 2 spots available for North American sailors!

Adaejah Hodge named Gatorade Florida Girls Track & Field Player of the Year

In its 38th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade today announced British Virgin Islands athlete Adaejah Hodge of Montverde Academy is the 2022-23 Gatorade Florida Girls Track & Field Player of the Year. Hodge is the first Gatorade Florida Girls Track & Field Player of the Year to be chosen from Montverde Academy and the Virgin Islands.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Hodge as Florida’s best high school girls track & field athlete. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year award to be announced in July, Hodge joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Jasmine Moore (2018-19, Lake Ridge High School, Texas), Sydney McLaughlin (2016-17, 2015-16 & 2014-15, Union Catholic High School, N.J.), and Lolo Jones (1997-98, Roosevelt High School, Iowa).

The 5-foot-2 junior won the national championship in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.64 seconds at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor this past season. Hodge’s best 200 time of the season of 22.60 seconds ranked No. 2 nationally among girls prep competitors this spring. Hodge ranked No. 3 nationally in the 100 (11.11) with both her 100 and 200 times ranking among the Top 10 clockings in girls prep history. This past winter, she set national high school and World Under-20 indoor records in the 200 breaking the tape in 22.33 at New Balance Nationals Indoor.

Hodge has volunteered locally with DreamPlex, which provides coaching for children with disabilities, and she’s donated her time to Habitat for Humanity, the Youth Impact Project and Adopt-A-Highway. “Adaejah Hodge took on an ambitious schedule throughout the year, consistently challenging herself against professional and college competitors in her quest to become one of the elite prep athletes of all time,” said Erik Boal, editor at DyeStat.com. “She clocked a historic time in the 200 this spring and turned in one of the most exceptional performances in World Under-20 history with her record-setting run in the 200 at the New Balance Nationals Indoor earlier this year.”
Hodge has maintained a 4.04 weighted GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport.

Hodge joins recent Gatorade Florida Girls Track & Field Players of the Year Alyssa Jones (2021-22, 2020-21, & 2019-20, Miami Southridge Senior High School) and Jan’Taijah Ford (2018-19, Northeast High School), among the state’s list of former award winners.

Community Learns, Moves and Discovers at 4th annual Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day

Adults and children celebrated Olympic Day with activities on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke on Saturday, June 24.

The 4th annual free Sports Festival organised by the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) took place at the A. O. Shirley Grounds. The morning event, featuring 14 activity stations hosted by National Federations and the BVI Heritage Dancers, was abuzz with excitement and energy. Moving from one sport to the next, attendees of all ages and abilities shot, ran, pitched, dunked, cycled, volleyed, side-stepped, kicked and danced their way around the field.

BVIOC 1st Vice President Sabinah Clement opened the morning with the “Let’s Move” invitation from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. The call was to discover an inspiring activity to incorporate as a daily movement to optimise physical and mental wellbeing.

“Olympic Day is an annual celebration focused on improving the quality of life of our community. The annual Sports Festival, brought to life by our national federations, and the events across the sister islands hosted by LTAD ambassadors, provide a window of opportunity for everyone to move together and discover an array of activities from walking to dancing for a happier and healthier lifestyle,” said Ms. Clement. “I encourage you to use the morning to learn, move and discover.”

His Excellency the Governor Mr. John Rankin leant his voice to the call to action, citing in particular his support of events that get the youth engaged and active. Highlighting the remarkable achievements of the sports-men and -women of the Virgin Islands, Governor Rankin made special mention of 400m hurdles Commonwealth champion Kyron McMaster, sprint phenomenon Adaejah Hodge and the NBA draft D’Moi Hodge recently signed to the L.A. Lakers – the roll call indicating an unusual wealth of talent per capita to be discovered and developed starting at events such as the Sports Festival.

BVIOC Athlete Representative and Athletes’ Association Chair, Olympian Ashley Kelly echoed the encouragement to get active.

Participating National Federations included the Virgin Islands Archery Association, BVI Athletics Association, BVI Basketball Federation in collaboration with Mr. Milton McClean, BVI Cycling Federation, BVI Rugby Football Union, BVI Royal Yacht Club for sailing, Virgin Islands Softball/Baseball Association, BVI Squash Rackets Association, Boynes Taekwondo Academy, BVI Triathlon Federation and the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association. The Netball association also was represented while the BVI Heritage Dancers participated for the first time this year. Each station host reported signing up new recruits to their sport and dance troupe.

Dr. Harlan Vanterpool and Dr. Ryan Kelly, representing the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission, were in attendance to speak on the anti-doping regulations and clean sports.

The San Salvador 2023 CAC Games’ 9 athletes and coaches attending the first major Games of the year were also acknowledged and congratulated on making the team. In person at the Sports Festival were the Gumbs twins – Djimon (shot put and discus) and Diamante (discus) and Ritseeniyah Georges (compound archery), who all make their first appearances at a CAC Games. The VI will also be represented in track and field by Olympian Eldred Henry, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Beyonce Defreitas, Deya Erickson and Jaleel Croal and ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome.

The Trident 10K Championship and Olympic Day 10k, 5k and 1k Race kicked off at 6:30am on Tortola as the community on Virgin Gorda took part in a walk/run followed by a friendly game of softball. Early risers joined in a roundtrip walk from Great Harbour to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.

BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn, who was in El Salvador for the Centro Caribe Sports AGM ahead of the opening of the 24th CAC Games, acknowledged the contributions of the station hosts, sponsors and event supporters for a successful day. “The Executive Board is pleased with the collaborative effort between the BVIOC, National Federations and community groups to celebrate Olympic Day and act in unity for the greater good,” said Mr. Penn.

Sponsors and supporters included Road Town Wholesale, distributor of Coca-Cola products Dasani water and Powerade, and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands.

Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone everywhere can get together in their communities to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence, Friendship and Peace while celebrating the Olympic Day pillars: move, learn discover together for peace.

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