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BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Leagues resume

January 11, 2017 by Admin

By VINO

Action in the game this week between Cedar Green and Seventh-day Adventists. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Schools’ football has climbed back into the spotlight as the BDO Primary and BVIFA High School Leagues are both back in full action for 2017, with Cedar International School U12’s especially carrying on where they left off in 2016.

In the U12’s, Azarni Callwood claimed outright leadership of the race for the Golden Boot, scoring in the 12th minute to send Cedar Green on their way to a 2-0 win over the Seventh-day Adventists. With the win, Cedar cemented top spot in the standings with a perfect record of seven straight wins.

In second place are Bregado Flax on 15 points. Third place belongs to Althea Scatliffe on 13 points and Alexandrina Maduro Primary round out the top four on 12 points.

In U7 action, a Myles Penn hat trick secured all 3 points for First Impressions in the 3-1 win over Enid Scatliffe Maroon. The win also leap frogs FIPS over Montessori and into top spot of the BDO Standings, with 13 points compared to 12, but Montessori have a game in hand.

Cedar are in third with 10 points and BFEC fourth on 8.

In other games played this week, Agape and Enid Scatliffe Red battled to a 0-0 draw.

In the u9’s, two late goals, from Tiqoun McKensie and Nicolas Yerkel handed Pelican Gate a comfortable 3-0 win over Agape, with the other goal coming early in the first half from azar Beazer. However, the real excitement came at the top of Group B, when Robinson O’Neal/Ciboney handed Althea Scatliffe a 4-2 defeat to go top of the group.

Jaadon Quashie netted a hat trick to close the gap on Mario Carter, who scored for ASPS, in the race for Golden Boot, but more importantly the win saw the VG based team go 3 points clear at the top.

The other goals came from Te’ Mauri Isaac and Latriel Williams (ASPS).

Kavon Troy Ceasar named to top 15 Young Caribbean Football Players

January 9, 2017 by Admin

By BVI Football Association

Troy Ceasar playing for Andrew College, Cuthbert, GA. Photo: Provided

A shining example of the BVI Football Association’s Youth Development Programmes, 22 year old Kavon Troy Ceasar rounded out a successful 2016 with a nomination to the Caribbean Young Stars Awards.

With one last semester to go of his two year stint at Andrew College, Georgia, USA, 22 year old Troy Ceasar has already begun the process of looking at his next step, tapping into his organisational skills and focus which have helped him to progress in both his life and the sport he loves, football.

Ceasar has been fantastically supported by his parents during his stay at college. He has also received funding from the BVIFA’s Scholarship programme which was launched by the association’s president, Mr. Andy Bickerton some five years ago and which already has provided academic opportunity to over half a dozen male and female soccer players.

A product of the Football Associations Youth Development and the School Leagues programmes, Ceasar was most recently rewarded with a pick on the Caribbean Football Young Stars awards, 2016, in which 15 young players from around the Region were nominated by Coaches and Writers.

“when I first saw I was included on the list of the top 15 Caribbean youth players a tear came to my eye,” noted Ceasar. “I wasn’t expecting it at all, but thanked God for the selection and my Coaches.”

To make the list, Ceasar had to be under 23 years of age and born in the Caribbean as well as have his performances for college, where he has already received All Region Honours, Club and Country closely followed throughout 2016.

His coach at Andrew’s, Rudy Roediger reports that Ceasar has a “top speed of over 20 miles an hour, is skillful with the ball with a bit of flair and has learned to use both feet. He completes roughly 80% of his passes and steps out of the defensive line with awareness and a will to win the ball. He wins 90% of his aerial duels with his 38 inch verticals and is a very versatile player.”

Ceasar said that being at Andrew College opened his eyes to education and to football. “The systems they utilise for both have showed me how to learn and appreciate my talents. I learned several things that people from the Caribbean shouldn’t just expect to happen, but what you can achieve through hard work,” said Ceasar. “The playing style of soccer was different at first but the system – to play from the back and have more confidence – helped my game and showed me I could really compete with other players from around the world.”

Ceasar, a very humble and honest young man, also heaped praise on the coaches he worked with coming up through the system in the Virgin Islands. “I have to thank Cassandra Gregg who not only bought me my first pair of boots, but gave me the opportunity to play in the Primary School league with Willard Wheatley, even though I was attending Francis Lettsome who didn’t have a team,” he explained. “From there Vincent Samuel, the then Development Coach at the BVIFA and my club coach at the Ballstars, also helped me a lot technically as has the current national coach, Avondale Williams.”

Ceasar made his international debut at the age of 16 in a tournament in the Dominican Republic. “The national team was training to go to Santo Domingo and, luckily for me, I had a BVI Passport and so was selected as FIFA had just introduced a new ruling on eligibility. We lost both games in the tournament, but it was a great experience.”

He was made captain in a Caribbean Cup match against St Vincent in 2016. “I was just handed the Captain’s band. I was in shock, but honoured and very happy to receive it. Becoming captain gave me more responsibility and leadership skills, which also helped me once I became the college team captain.”

Ceasar has some great words of advice for the upcoming younger players looking to follow in his footsteps. “Put God first, then discipline. A lot of discipline and a lot of hard work – not just in your game but also in your school work. If you get to college the only way you can get to play is by doing your school work. Off the pitch, work hard and the coaches will always give you a chance.”

Ceasar is currently studying computer programming and business administration and will continue to do so when he finally decides on which of his offers he takes up.

A supporter of the English premier league team, Chelsea, Ceasar recommends all young players to watch as many games on TV or live as they can so they have a better understanding of the game and get better themselves by emulating their heroes. He also suggests youths always train and play as best as they can, because they never know who is watching.

“Most of the Caribbean countries have youth teams and they all need to get more playing time and exposure, whether as a team or by attending academies around the world. A lot more competition for the youths improves the standard and gives opportunity to the players.”

One day Ceasar would like to make it as a pro player and sees college as a great way of achieving that goal.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: Andrews College, BVI Football Association, BVIFA, Caribbean Young Stars, Kavon Troy Caesar

BVIFA Men’s League resumes Jan. 14

January 5, 2017 by Admin

Source: BVIPlatinum.com

Roger Roberts in orange fires home the winner for Sugar Boys against Panthers
Photo: Provided

Senior football teams around the Territory are gearing up to commence the second half of the BVI Premier Football League following a break over the Christmas and New Year season.

The league, which is organised by the British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA), is scheduled to kick off on January 14 at the A. O. Shirley Recreational Grounds with matches between Sugar Boys FC versus Rebels FC at 5:00 pm and Panthers FC versus Islanders FC at 7:00 pm.

The games will continue on to February 11 when the top four teams will go head to head to determine the champions of the 2016/17 National Cup.

As it stands, Islanders remain unbeatable throughout the league and are currently leading in first place.

The other teams currently sharing the top four spots are Sugar Boys (2nd), Rebels (3rd) and Wolues (4th).

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: 2016 BVIFA Men's League, BVI Football Association

Youth sailors wrap up 2016 in Orange Bowl Regatta, Miami

January 5, 2017 by Admin

By Royal BVI Yacht Club

Thad Lettsome in action in Miami Photo: Matias Capizzano

Three Team BVI Sailors wrapped up 2016 with a trip to Miami to race in the 2016 Orange Bowl Regatta, December 26-30, 2016.

The first two days of racing saw light winds from 5-10 knots. The third day of racing was cancelled but the final day of racing had stronger winds from 14-18 knots to close out the regatta.

Thad Lettsome raced in the Laser Radial class with ten races sailed. With 84 boats registered the competition was fierce but Thad was on consistent form throughout, posting top 10 finishes in 6 races in the series. Comfortably qualifying for the gold fleet, he went on to finish in sixth place overall.

Thad’s younger brother, Ryan Lettsome was racing in the Optimist fleet along with team mate, Nathan Haycraft.

Racing in an enormous fleet of 255 boats split into four flights proved to be a challenging experience for both sailors and they both found themselves with black flag starting penalties on day one. Ten races were sailed in the series but competitors were only able to discard their worst score so a starting penalty really hurts and more than one is almost impossible to recover from.

Ryan received a black flag in the first two races but managed to steady himself and complete the regatta without further mishap and finished 94th in the silver fleet.

Things did not go so well for Nathan Haycraft who, despite some top 20 race finishes received further penalties and finished the regatta in 125th place in the silver fleet

Filed Under: Sailing Tagged With: Orange Bowl Regatta 2016, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Thad Lettsome

Henry, Kelly SOL Senior 2016 Male and Female Athletes of the Year

December 30, 2016 by Admin

By BVI Athletics Association

2016 Sol Athlete of the Year awards winners. Photo: Charlie Jackson

The BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) held its 2016 Athletes Awards Gala on December 29 at the Moorings Mariner Inn. Prior to the distribution of awards for the evening, there were remarks by North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Association President (NACAC) President Mr. Victor Lopez, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) Acting Director Mrs. Brenda Lettsome – Tye on behalf of the Sport Minister, Hon. Myron Walwyn and BVIAA President Mr. Steve Augustine.

The 2016 Sol Athlete of the Year awards winners are:

2016 Sol Youth Female Athlete of the Year – Ariyah Smith
2016 Sol Youth Male Athlete of the Year – Malaki Smith
2016 Sol Jr. Male Athlete of the Year – Kyron McMaster
2016 Sol Jr. Female Athlete of the Year – Tarika Moses
2016 Sol Sr. Male Athlete of the Year – Eldred Henry
2016 Sol Sr. Female Athlete of the Year – Ashley Kelly

2016 National Record Breakers are:

Tarika Moses Indoor 500 M (1:11.60), 600 M (1:31.90)
Ashley Kelly Indoor 200 M (23.69) 400 M Outdoor (53.01)
Z’Niah Hutchinson High jump (1.65m)
Tynelle Gumbs Weight Throw Indoor (19.10m), Discuss Outdoor (47.76m), Hammer Throw (56.13m)
Lakeisha Warner 400 MH (58.14)
Kyron McMaster 400 MH (49.56)
Britney Peters Javelin (41.70)
Arianna Hayde Javelin (41.47) Youth
Khari Herbert 400 M Indoor (47.71)
Djimon Gumbs – Shot Put- (16.64m) – YOUTH; Discus- (48.19m) YOUTH
Anna Kinkead – Women Marathon – 4:24:44
Indoor 4 x 400 M (3:45.34) Tarika Moses, Lakeisha Warner, Karene King, Beyoncé Defreitas
Indoors 4 x 400 M (3:30.01) Rakeel Jack, Joshua Hill, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Valique Graham
4 x 100 4 x 100 M (44.05s)- Tahesia Harrigan – Scott, Karene King, Ashely Kelly, Chantel Malone
BVI Jr. 4 x 400 M Relay (3:41.36) – Judine Lacey, Beyoncé Defreitas, Tarika Moses, Lakeisha Warner
BVI National Jr. 4 x 100 M Relay (45.78)- Zakharia Frett, Beyoncé Defreitas, L’T’Sha Fahie, Lakeisha Warner

Most Outstanding Track and Field Performances are:

2016 Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Male Athlete – Kyron McMaster
2016 Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Male Athlete – Akeem Bradshaw
2016 Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Female Athlete – Ashley Kelly
2016 Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Female Athlete – Tynelle Gumbs, Arianna Hayde
2016 Most Outstanding Combined Events Male Athlete – Akeem Bradshaw
2016 Most Outstanding Men’s Open Track Athlete – Kyron McMaster
2016 Most Outstanding Women’s Open Track Athlete – Ashley Kelly
2016 Most Outstanding Men’s Open Field Athlete – Eldred Henry
2016 Most Outstanding Women’s Open Field Athlete – Tynelle Gumbs
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 20 Track Athlete – Kyron McMaster
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 20 Track Athlete – Tarika Moses
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 20 Field Athlete – Akeem Bradshaw
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 20 Field Athlete – Britney Peters
2016 Most Outstanding Boy Under 18 Track Athlete – Rikkoi Brathwaite
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 18 Track Athlete – Beyonce Defreitas
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 18 Field Athlete – Djimon Gumbs
2016 Most Outstanding Girl Under 18 Field Athlete – Arianna Hayde, Z’Niah Hutchinson
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 15 Track Athlete – Malaki Smith
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 15 Track Athlete – Tashira Edwards
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 15 Field Athlete – Malaki Smith
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 15 Field Athlete – Xiomara Malone
2016 Most Outstanding Boys 13 Field Athlete – Khybah Dawson
2016 Outstanding Girl Under 13 Field Athlete – Ariyah Smith
2016 Outstanding Boys Under 13 Track Athlete – Khybah Dawson
2016 Outstanding Girls Under 13 Track Athlete – Ariyah Smith
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 11 Track Athlete – Kaleem Lettsome
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 11 Track Athlete – Adaejah Hodge, Jah’kyla Morton
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 11 Field Athlete – Sean Samuel, Delano Hodge
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 11 Field Athlete – Adeajah Hodge
2016 Most Outstanding Girls Under 9 Field Athlete – Tamri Thomas
2016 Most Outstanding Gils Under 9 Track Athlete – Tamri Thomas
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Field Athlete – Latriel Williams
2016 Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Track Athlete – Tiondre Frett

Premier Dental Collegiate Athlete of the Year – Khari Herbert

Colonial Insurance Comeback Athletes of the Year – Rikkoi Brathwaite

Coach of the year Youth Division – Ralston Henry

Coach of the year Senior Division – Xavier Dag Samuels

BVI Athletics Foundation Road Race Athletes of the Year – Reuben Stoby and Rosmond Johnson

College Race Series Cross Country Award – Reuben Stoby and Saungie Liburd

Certificates were also awarded for outstanding participating to athletes that made national teams or performed significantly throughout the 2016 season.

It was a very successful evening and the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association acknowledged all persons who contributed to the success of the evening with special mention to the event sponsors, Office of the Premier, Sol BVI, Colonial BVI Insurance, Premier Dental, BVI Athletics Foundation, Johnny Hassan, Ministry of Education and Culture, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Aesthetics Designs and Marketing, SA Architect, STO Enterprises Ltd., JOMA Properties Ltd. CR BVI Ltd, Ogier, Qwomar Trading Ltd., Autland Construction, Ocean Conversion, Hon Marlon Penn, Hon. Melvin M. Turnbull, Digicel BVI, Caribbean Printing Company Ltd.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: 2016 BVI Athletics Association Athletes of the Year, Sol Athlete of the Year

BVI Athletics Association Athletes Awards Gala 2016

December 29, 2016 by Admin

By BVI Athletics Association

poster-gala-fb The 8th BVI Athletics Association Athletes Awards Gala will take place at The Moorings Mariner Inn at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2016.

The Nominees of the Sol Athlete of the Year awards are as follows:

Sol Youth Female Athlete of the Year – Adaejah Hodge, Ariyah Smith, Tamri Thomas

Sol Youth Male Athlete of the Year – Sean Samuel, Malaki Smith, Khybah Dawson, Tiondre Frett

Sol Jr. Male Athlete of the Year – Kyron McMaster, Akeem Bradshaw, K’Cei Moses, Djimon Gumbs

Sol Jr. Female Athlete of the Year – Z’Niah Hutchinson, L’T’sha Fahie, Tarika Moses, Beyonce Defreitas, Lakeisha Warner, Arianna Hayde

Sol Sr. Male Athlete of the Year – Khari Herbert, Eldred Henry

Sol Sr. Female Athlete of the Year – Tahesia Harrigan – Scott, Karene King, Ashley Kelly, Chantel Malone

The Most Outstanding Track and Field Performances nominees are as follows:

Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Male Athlete – Akeem Bradshaw, Kyron McMaster, Khari Herbert

Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Male Athlete – Akeem Bradshaw, Eldred Henry

Most Outstanding Combined Track Events Female Athlete – Ashely Kelly, Karene King, Taylor Hill

Most Outstanding Combined Field Events Female Athlete – Kala Penn, Tynelle Gumbs, Arianna Hayde

Most Outstanding Combined Events Male Athlete – Eldred Henry, Akeem Bradshaw

Most Outstanding Women’s Open Field Athlete – Chantel Malone, Tynelle Gumbs

Most Outstanding Girls Under 20 Track Athlete – Nelda Huggins, Lakeisha Warner, Tarika Moses, L’T’sha Fahie

Most Outstanding Girls Under 20 Field Athlete – Kayla Penn, Britney Peters

Most Outstanding Boy Under 18 Track Athlete – Rakeel Jack, Joshua Hill, K’Cei Moses, Rikkoi Brathwaite

Most Outstanding Girls Under 18 Track Athlete – Beyonce Defreitas, Shaniyah Caul

Most Outstanding Boys Under 18 Field Athlete – Djimon Gumbs, Diamante Gumbs

Most Outstanding Girl Under 18 Field Athlete – Arianna Hayde, Akira Phillips, Z’Niah Hutchinson

Most Outstanding Boys Under 15 Track Athlete – Malaki Smith, Malik John, Jaleel Croal

Most Outstanding Girls Under 15 Track Athlete – Akrisa Eristee, Zara Brown, Tashara Edwards

Most Outstanding Boys 13 Field Athlete – Khybah Dawson, Sh’ael Lavacia, Kyron Walwyn, Stephen Emmanuel

Outstanding Girl Under 13 Field Athlete – Ariyah Smith, Akeela McMaster

Outstanding Boys Under 13 Track Athlete – Sh’ael Lavacia, Khybah Dawson, Kyron Walwyn, Caryliek Benjamin

Outstanding Girls Under 13 Track Athlete – Ariyah Smith, D’neigh Williams, Akeela McMaster, Kaelyaah Liburd, Jahtivyah William

Most Outstanding Boys Under 11 Track Athlete – Kaleem Lettsome, Delano Hodge

Most Outstanding Girls Under 11 Track Athlete – Chidinma Emelandu, Asia McMaster, Adaejah Hodge, Acaida Frett, Jah’kyla Morton, Shannia Johnson

Most Outstanding Boys Under 11 Field Athlete – Kaleem Lettsome, Sean Samuel, Johari Lacey, K’shawn Martin, Delano Hodge

Most Outstanding Girls Under 11 Field Athlete – Adeajah Hodge, Acaida Frett, Jah’Kyla Morton, Kijuanna Callwood

Most Outstanding Girls Under 9 Field Athlete – Tamri Thomas, Shyra Stoutt

Most Outstanding Gils Under 9 Track Athlete – Tamri Thomas, Jayla Winter, Shyra Stoutt

Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Field Athlete – Latriel Williams, Sterling Stoutt

Most Outstanding Boys Under 9 Track Athlete – Tiondre Frett, Sterling Stoutt, Jaheem Lennard- Joseph
Road Race Series Male Athlete of the Year – Julius Farley, Reuben Stoby, Zebalon McLean
Road Race Series Female Athlete of the Year – Rosmond Johnson, Maria Mays, Saungie Liburd

College Race Series Cross Country Awards
Open Men: Samuel Romney, Julius Farley, Reuben Stoby
Open Women: Saungie Liburd, Rosmond Johnson, Jessica Broderick

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: 2016 BVI Athletics Association Athletes of the Year, BVI Athletics Association Awards Gala, Sol Athlete of the Year

Girasoli Wins 2016 Commodore’s Race

December 20, 2016 by Admin

By RBVIYC

Keith LiGreci and Girasoli won the 2016 Commodore’s Cup. Photo: RBVIYC/Clair Burke

Eight boats entered the 2016 Commodore’s Race and enjoyed a blustery day’s sailing with Keith Li Greci on Girasoli taking the title.

The fleet was treated to a range of conditions with a beautiful BVI sailing day of big seas and big breeze giving way to intense squalls reportedly hitting the 40 knot mark and descending like a fog to obliterate all vision.

The course took the fleet from the start line in Road Harbour up to Hog Valley Green, across the channel to round Dead Chest before heading West to pass Pelican and Flanigan to Starboard, giving the crews a choice of heading out into the feisty conditions around the back of Peter Island or taking the inshore route. It was then back up to the Rhone Anchor dive buoy off Peter Island and then retunring across to finish between the Royal BVI Yacht and Lark Bank.

Keith LiGreci’s Girasoli took comfortable line honours after racing for just over three hours which proved to also be enough to take the overall win.

Second to finish was John Hayes on Wildfire with Aaron Gardner’s Bravissimo crossing the line exactly five minutes later. On corrected time, this gave Bravissimo second overall but Wildfire had to settle for fifth after another fine performance from David Lake on Wicked Winch.

Todd Patterson’s Dances with Whales fired off the start line and powered around the course in just over four hours. Opting to take the outer route around the back of Peter Island, the regulars from Pipe Dream found much value in the more comfortable ‘facilities’ of Dances, not least the ability to shelter from the rain!.

Don Pietrykowski skippered Reverie to sixth place. Two boats, Sapphire Breeze and Cheeky Monkey (STX), elected to retire and not risk damage to themselves or equipment.

The RBVIYC thanked sponsors O’Neal & Mundy, and Eddie Brockbank and Pam Fuller for running the Race Committee.

Overall
1. Girasoli – Keitih LiGreci
2. Bravissimo – Aaron Gardner (1st Racing)
3. Wicked Winch – David Lake
4. Wildfire – John Hayes
5. Dances with Whales – Todd Patterson
6. Reverie – Don Pietrykowski
RTD Sapphire Breeze – Stephen St Leger Moore
RTD Cheeky Monkey – Craig Hassey (STX)

The Commodore’s Race is part of the Pusser’s Painkiller Series – for results updates visit the West End Yacht Club Facebook page.

Filed Under: Sailing Tagged With: Commodore's Cup, Girasoli, Royal BVI Yacht Club

HLSCC & ESHS Students Win Archery Cup in Nevis

December 20, 2016 by Admin

By HLSCC

HLSCC & ESHS Students that made up Team BVI to win Archery Cup in Nevis. Photo: Virgin Islands Archers Association

With an amazing win, the five member team representing the BVI claimed the victory cup in an archery competition held in Nevis over the weekend. Hosted by the Nevis Archery Association, the competition commenced on Saturday 17th December, and concluded on Sunday 18th December, 2016.

The BVI team was comprised of three students from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, one student from the Elmore Stoutt High School, and instructor Ms. Winette Lawrence.

The Nevis and BVI team competed in four categories which included target shoot distances of 15 meters, 30 meters, Federal-50 meters, and Field shoots that involved shooting at targets from varying heights while traveling through the bushy area at Mount Travers, Nevis.

Team BVI’s unique bow and arrow skills landed 4 gold medals, 3 silver medals, 2 bronze medals and the Nevis Challenge Cup. Individual awards were received by

Adriel Singh (HLSCC) – 1st Place – 30 meters, 1st Place -15 meters

Jahmaine Liburd (HLSCC) – 2nd Place – 30 meters, 2nd Place – 15 meters

Teandra Donovan (HLSCC) – 3rd Place – 30 meters

Shaniah Daignauth (ESHS) – 3rd Place – 15 meters

Winette Lawrence (Instructor) – 2nd place – 50 meters, 1st Place – 15 meters, and 1st Place – Field Shoot

BVI Archery Association President, Mr. Patrick Smith said, “the past weekend event provided a much needed opportunity to see how the team would perform under pressure now that we preparing for a rating event in Salinas Puerto Rico next year. From this regional competition, we can now see exactly where we are and what we need to work on for our next competition. Certainly, you’ll be hearing about us again as they continue to “pull ‘em back and let ‘em fly!”

The next tournament is the Juan Enrico Barrios Cup in Puerto Rico, at the end of April.

Filed Under: Archery Tagged With: Nevis Challenge Cup, Team BVI, Virgin Islands Archers Association

Team BVI reports on 2016 OECS Swimming Championship

December 19, 2016 by Admin

By CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank

Diane Francis, Manager, Retail Banking, CIBC FirstCaribbean (L) with BVI Swim team members who competed in the 2016 OECS Swimming Championships (l-r), Khadija Sampson, Arianna Angus, Keon Sampson, Kurt Salapare, Kassia Nichols, swim coach, Elsworth Phillip, and Kishma Williams, Administrative Officer, CIBC FirstCaribbean. Missing from photo, swimmer Jaden Marshall. Photo: CIBC FirstCaribbean

With the support of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and the BVI Olympic Committee, the BVI Swimming Federation sent its top six local based swimmers to the 26th OECS Swimming Championship which took place in St Vincent and the Grenadines on November 10-12.

The 2016 championships fielded a total of 187 competitive swimmers from the OECS region. Teams participating included Antigua and Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Martinique.

Khadija Sampson, who won the 2015 OECS Swimming Championship 100m freestyle bronze medal, participated in the Girls’ 8 and Under category competing in the 100m, 50m and 25m Freestyle, the 100m Individual Medley, the 25m ButterFly, the 25m Backstroke, and the 25m Breaststroke.

Arianna Angus, Kassia Nichols competed in the Girls’ 11-12 age group while Jaden Marshall, Keon Sampson and Kurt Salapare competed in the Boys’ 11-12 age group. Both sets of groups swam in the 400m, 200m, 100m & 50m Freestyle, the 100m & 50m Breaststroke, the 100m & 50m Butterfly, the 100m & 50m Backstroke, and the 200m & 100m Individual Medley.

The top male swimmer for Team BVI was Jaden Marshall who won three of his heats swimming to national records and top female swimmer for Team BVI was Khadija Sampson who swam to all personal best and became the first BVI 8 and under Swimmer to swim the 25m freestyle under 17 seconds swimming the event in 16.98 seconds.

This was the first swim meet of its size that the swimmers had competed in and representatives of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank met with the young swimmers to recognise their representation of the territory and their personal achievements.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you and to hear about your performances and your experiences in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Ms Diane Francis, Retail Banking Manager. “CIBC FirstCaribbean is really proud to support you in your efforts and to encourage you to keep up with the hard work and effort in improving in your sport. It’s good to know that you enjoyed visiting a new country and meeting other young swimmers from around the region while representing the BVI. We look forward to keeping up with your progress.”

“Even though team BVI did not win a medal at this year’s OECS Swimming Champs, we were happy with the overall performance of our swimmers as they swam for many personal bests at the meet, which is a clear indication to their commitment to the sport,” said Elsworth Phillip, the BVI Swimming Federation coach, “As a Federation and as a team, we are very appreciative of the support and encouragement that we have received from CIBC FirstCaribbean and the BVI Olympic Committee.”

Download results.

The 2017 OECS Swimming Championships will be held in Martinique.

Filed Under: Swimming Tagged With: 2016 OECS Swimming Championships, BVI Swimming Association, BVI Swimming Team, Khadija Sampson

One Love leaps forward but Islanders lead National League

December 14, 2016 by Admin

By BVIFA

Andre Thomas shoots and scores to give One Love a surprise 1-0 win over the Sugar Boyz. Photo: BVIFA

One Love F.C. jumped into fifth place in the National League standings with a surprise 1-0 victory over the high flying Sugar Boyz on Saturday 10th December, whilst the Islanders were handed all 3 points by VG Utd, who failed to have enough players ready at game time on Sunday.

The last weekend of action before the Christmas break also featured the Panthers getting a forfeit win over the Wolues F.C. and a power outage causing the cancellation of the Rebels against Old Madrid.

One Loves win, courtesy of a goal scored by Andre Thomas, gives the same 12 points as Old Madrid, who are in sixth thanks to a lessor goal difference, whilst the defeat of Sugar Boyz all but hands the unbeaten Islanders the title.

With 30 points, the Islanders are ahead of the Sugar Boyz by 9 points and there are only 5 games left for the Virgin Gorda based team to make up the difference.

The last game of the season features the pair and could still be a winner take all match up.

The battle for 3rd and fourth is a much tighter affair although the Rebels are 6 points clear of the Wolues, who have 13 points and sit fourth. However, One Love and Old Madrid have 12 each and with the top four qualifying for the lucrative Big Four Cup, it is all to play for.

Heading into the Christmas Break, Kenmore Peters is still the top scorer, with 10, whilst Richard Morgan has 9, Kevin Fisher 8 and Kevin Carragher 7.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BVI Football Association, BVIFA National League