Wolues victors of President’s Cup

May 23, 2023 by
Wolues FC enjoyed a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May

Marcus Robinson scored the only goal of the game to hand Wolues FC a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May.
 
The goal came in just the 11th minute of a game that later saw Wolues reduced to 10 men. The match then developed into a tactical dual between two well organized sides. The game, which was played in front of a large crowd at the future National Stadium venue, was as worthy a match to celebrate the President’s Cup as there has ever been.
 
“We got off to a good start and put some pressure on them early,” commented Phil Nelson of the Wolues. “The game was pretty even when Marcus (Robinson) was slid through. He went on to finish perfectly and then found ourselves hanging on a little bit. We were really up against it when one of our players got sent off, but we changed the formation a little at half time to try block the middle and give up the space on the sides. We rode our luck a little but overall didn’t give up much. It was a real determined performance”.
 
Nelson went onto congratulate VG United on a good season and a good game noting that “they have built their team from the youths and play very well together. They are ones to watch for next year.”
 
Meanwhile Manager of the VG team, Jermain Abrams, thought that his team didn’t start too well. “We were a bit shaky to begin with but settled down after they had scored,” he said. “Our confidence grew when they were reduced to ten men, but it seemed like it wasn’t to be our day as we missed many opportunities to score. We tried, we hit the woodwork, and it just wasn’t meant to be. But it was a good game, and the fans definitely got their money’s worth.”
 
At the conclusion of the game, the BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, the Premier, Mr. Natalio Wheatley and members of the BVIFA Executive celebrated the season with awards not only going to the Wolues FC as Cup Winners, but also to One Love as National League Champions, the Golden Boot Winners, Johari Lacey of Rebels FC  and Derol Redhead of Sugar Boys FC, who both scored 22 goals, the Golden Boy award for League newcomer, which went to Devon Letteen of One Love FC, who was also the Golden Glove winner and League MVP who was named as Collin Lavia of One Love FC.
The Fairplay award went to Positive FC, the Manager of the Year was named as Nick Messum of Wolues and the Referee of the Year award went to James Ramprasad.

Collin Lavia awarded League MVP
Derol Redhead shared the Golden Boot award
Dr. The Hon. Premier Natalio Wheatley was on hand to assist with the presentation of the awards
Nick Messum was awarded Manager of the Year
One Love are National League Champions
Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , , ,

BVI Rugby 7s squad set to compete in Puerto Rico

March 16, 2023 by
BVI Rugby 7’s Squad scrum down under the watchful eye of referee, Jorge Soltero, Director, Rugby Puerto Rico during the 2020 Founder’s Cup, Puerto Rico

The British Virgin Islands Rugby Football Union (BVIRFU) will be competing in the Founders’ Cup 7s tournament to be held this Saturday, March 18, 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The “Friendlies” tournament will feature 2 competitive teams from Babson College, Massachusetts, USA. According to the BVIRFU, Babson 7s, who play in the USA National Championships, will be a force to be reckoned with at this year’s tournament.

The event will pit an experienced BVI squad up against the speed and fitness of the College teams as well as the highly spirited home team, the Puerto Rican Pitirres.

BVI was able to win the tournament convincingly in 2020 but the Puerto Ricans are persevering with their program and are expected to put up a strong showing this weekend. Babson, who are playing well this year, are also expected to be very competitive.

The matches will be held at Club de Futbol Fraigcomar and first kickoff is 4:00 PM with the finals expected around 8 PM. There will be a women’s rugby exhibition game mid way through the tournament.

The BVI squad consists of several experienced players such as the Thornton brothers, Roan and Rory, who both played competitively on the UK circuit while at University before returning home and running out for the BVI National squad on many occasions.

Emerging talent, young BVIslander and 2nd generation BVI rugby star, William Adamson is expected to be the team’s enforcer – putting down the big hits and moving youngsters out of his way at will.

National team coach, Stuart Fee will lace up his boots to play for the territory for the first time and big things are expected from the 110kg flyhalf.

With over a half century of experience between them, Tom Chapman and Ian Chambers are also expected to throw their weight around to put the American youngsters under pressure.

The full squad is a follows:
Rory Thonton
Roan Thornton
William Adamson
Stuart Fee
Tom Chapman
Ian Chambers
Alex Haywood
Luke Saltastall

Rory Thornton in Action
clean kick from Rory Thornton ahead of brother, Roan Thornton
Roan Thornton runs the ball
Puerto Rico Rugby Team
Filed Under: Rugby Tagged With: , , , ,

National Head Coach hopeful of closing the gap in the CONCACAF Nations’ League match against Puerto Rico

March 14, 2023 by
BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023. Photo: BVIFA

BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023.

In a recent interview on 284 Media, ahead of the CONCACAF Nations’ League clash with Puerto Rico, Men’s National team Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya noted that he had been impressed with the showing of two or three youth players and that some would, no doubt, get their opportunity to be involved and gain experience in the senior set up.

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, current National team captain, Troy Caesar and forward Tyler Forbes were also in attendance and, such has been the impact of a development plan spearheaded by Bickerton, supported by his Executive Committee, that those two, still youthful players are already considered stalwarts of the team and are about to be joined by the next generation from the BVIFA’s youth development programme.

When asked by the President, Coach Kiwomya cautioned that it was a big step up from youth to Men’s football, but mentioned Johari Lacey, Azarni Callwood, and the Abram brothers as being in line for a chance to gain experience in what will be a tough game to end the CONCACAF Champions League campaign.

Forbes recognised that the level of the National League had increased and was much more competitive. Coach Kiwomya is keen to reward those players doing well in the local league by giving them an opportunity to get used to being around the senior players. He also sees the benefits of involving them and encouraging them to continue their development and keep improving as they are the future of the national team.

Rebels coach, Latoya Sue – recently praised by the Deputy Governor, David Archer, for her work in Football – already has a cadre of other players like Denvin Jones, Jahmal Austin Prentice and Ikyjah Williams representing at National levels so Lacey and will be in good company.

VG United under Coaches Glen Bascombe, Richie Morton and Jermain Abrams are already boasting Giovanni Grant, Daniel Gilford, and Levon Williams having made senior debuts. That list could well be swelled by the likes of the Abrams brothers, Mekhi Waters and Sheldon Toney, who have all been involved at representative youth tournaments and are pushing for places in the senior squad. .

Another exciting prospect, and one mentioned by the coach as a possible contender, is Azarni Callwood.

According to the BVIFA, whatever the final squad is, and despite the fact that the reverse fixture resulted in a 0-6 defeat, with several youngsters coming into the frame, who are like family to each other, the game will prove a valuable experience against professional opponents and show the home fans National Pride.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

BVIOC President and Member at Large attend historic Women in Sport Forum in Panama

March 7, 2023 by
BVIOC Member-at-Large, Gloria Fahie and President Ephraim Penn attend the first Women in Sport Forum in Panama March 7 – 8, 2023 hosted by the Panam Sports Women in Sport Commission. PHOTO: BVIOC

BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) President Ephraim Penn and Member-at-Large Gloria Fahie arrived in Panama on March 6 to attend the first Women in Sport Forum hosted by the Panam Sports Women in Sport Commission.

President Penn and Ms. Fahie join sport leaders from the 41 member countries of Panam Sports gathering to tackle the biggest issues and challenges concerning equality in sport and present strategies to increase representation at every level in National Olympic Committees and sport federations.

The theme of the forum is “Joining the Path for Change” and topics include safe sport, increasing representation, empowerment, best practices, equality and inclusion that will be covered by presentations by leaders in the field as well as interactive panel discussions and workshops.

The Panam Sports Women in Sport Commission is led by its President Alicia Morea (ARG) and members Patricia Lopez (CHI), Fenella Wenham (DMA), Elida Parraga (VEN), Annette Knott (TTO), Monica Franco (PAN), Jane Noel (GRN), Lorena Toriello (GUA), K.A. Juman-Yassin (GUY) and athlete representative Adriana Escobar (ESA).

The two-day forum takes place Tuesday, March 7 – 8 at the Sheraton Grand Panama hotel and is streamed live throughout the world for free on the Panam Sports Channel. The daily program, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. EST, concludes in the late afternoon each day.

Many prominent leaders in the worldwide Olympic Movement will speak or join panel discussions during the forum, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Panam Sports Neven Ilic who will open the forum with their respective video messages.

Panam Sports Secretary General Ivar Sisniega and Panama Olympic Committee President Damaris Young will give the official in-person welcome to the forum. Other speakers and panelists include IOC Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz and IOC Members Laura Chinchilla, Tricia Smith, Maria de la Caridad Colon and Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, as well as NOC, regional organizations and sport federation leaders such as Marisol Casado, Brian Lewis, Camilo Perez, Mario Moccia, Maria Jose Alcala, among many more.

“We are very excited and proud to organize this first Women in Sport Forum to continue our mission to strengthen the voice and representation of women in sports organizations throughout the continent. Working towards greater equality is a constant goal and we hope to see that emphasis at every sports organization in the Americas. I’d like to thank the Olympic Committee of Panama and all of the members of our Women in Sport Commission for their hard work to ensure this event is successful,” said Ivar Sisniega.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Panam Sports, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Women’s Football Festival kicks off with 35 participants

February 16, 2023 by
The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off with 35 participants on Feb 11, 2023 at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda. PHOTO: BVIFA/Javi Mars

The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda on Saturday and attracted 35 participants, who not only learnt new skills, but also made new friends.

“Today was really great, I really loved it,” said Ciel Fox of Ciboney Centre of Excellence. “I really liked how the coaches helped us.”

Co-coordinator Gloria George-Fahie said despite a hiccup at the start, she’s glad of the way the day turned out. “It was well attended,” she noted. “The BVI Health Services, they showed up and the girls learned a lot about blood typing, their pressure and it was a really great day.” George-Fahie said the numbers could have been more, but several girls from Virgin Gorda went to Road Town for a jumps and throws camp with their respective schools. “It was also good to see the support of the coaches from Tortola,” she said. “We’ll have more folks over in Tortola (on Feb 25) but this is just the beginning. You can’t begin with a bang.”

Zambia Demming who attends Bregado Flax Educational Secondary School and participants in the girls Saturday morning academy on Tortola, said it was good to see an event catering only to girls.
“I liked everything about it,” she said. “It went well, and it will help more people to join the program. I’ll tell my friends that they need to be a part of this.”

The event offered Mia Lennard a dual role—first as a photographer then as a player. “It was awesome,” said Lennard who played football in high school. “I just wanted to learn more about the sport and meet other people interested in sports.” She said that it was interesting capturing images of the event when she wasn’t playing. “It was cool doing both sides today,” she said.

Following the event, Coach Cassandra “Coach Cass” Gregg, gathered everyone in a circle for a departing prayer as she usually does during the Saturday morning academies at the football field in Greenland. “We’re targeting 100 girls by the ending of December and today on Virgin Gorda, we had 35,” she told everyone. “We’ve doubled the amount now. Last month, we had 22, this month we’re up to 48—that’s for the Saturday morning program only not including all of you here—we’re hoping that we’re going to climb the ladder next month. We should be up to 75, then the next month we should target the hundred and keep going. That’s what we’re looking for. It was very nice to have all of you here today.”

Registration is in progress for the Tortola leg of the festival on February 25. Registration of girls in all ages, can be done on the day, via the BVI Football Association office or by email to
info@bvifootball.com. Further information can be obtained by calling (284) 340 3545.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

Women’s Football Festival to be held on Virgin Gorda this weekend, February 11th

February 8, 2023 by
Gloria George-Fahie, a co-coordinator of the Women’s Football Festival on Virgin Gorda, with a group of girls from the Bregado Flax Educational Center on Virgin Gorda, who will participate in the festival. PHOTO: BVIFA / Dean Greenaway

A Women’s Football Festival will be held on Virgin Gorda on Saturday, February 11 between 9:30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. with the aim of reviving the sport for women and eventually starting a league.

During the festival, women will be exposed to a number of activities besides the skills used in the game, including nutrition, blood sugar, blood pressure checks, communication, media, conditioning and physiotherapy. Sprinter Karene King will be the guest speaker on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

“The focus of all the presentations in these two events will be solely by women, which I think is very important,” said Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway, BVI Football Association Competitions’ Manager , who’s driving the festival. “The aim is to eventually see a Women’s League run entirely by women. Since taking up the position, I have come across a number of enthusiastic, dedicated, competent women with the requisite skills and they know what they want. I’m just the facilitator in the process.”

In November and early December, meetings with women were held on Virgin Gorda and Tortola, to get an understanding of their concerns and what they’d like to see for themselves. Their respective ideas were canvassed and having a Women’s Football Festival on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola, was seen as an important event in bringing women together, as building blocks for future development.

“There are a number of women in the process of obtaining their coaching license and at the end of January, several completed a referee’s course,” Greenaway noted. “Chandni Wattley and Shevorne “Sha Sha” Vanterpool for example, have been the first two women to work in men league games as assistant referees. Vanterpool and Keliene Smith – both from Virgin Gorda – worked a Feb 5 men’s game in Virgin Gorda, becoming the first two women from the island to do so, so the foundation for women’s development is being laid. They will also be part of the foundation for a women’s league.”

On Saturdays, Coach Cassandra (“Coach Cass”) has been working with a number of girls in Greenland who are joined by girls from Virgin Gorda. “Coach Cass has a goal of having 100 girls in the program by Dec 31 and we’re seeing the response of girls to this quest,” Greenaway said. “They will participate in the festival and help spread the seeds for getting their peers into the football program.”

A similar festival will be held on February 25 on Tortola, at the BVI Football Association stadium in Greenland.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

BVIOC secures international competition standard swimming pool for BVI from Panam Sports

February 1, 2023 by

Mr. Ralston Henry 2nd VP BVIOC , Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC, Prof. Emeritus Arthur G Richardson PHD, Chairman Board of Governors at HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges HLSCC President and Mr. Mark Chapman, Treasurer BVIOC. PHOTO: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee has secured a commitment from Panam Sports and World Aquatics (the international swimming federation formerly known as FINA) to support the supply of a 25m international competition standard swimming pool from Myrtha Pools to be installed and managed by the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The development of the project has been formalised following six months of discussions between Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC, Mr. Ivar Sisniega, Secretary General for Panam Sports and Dr. Richard Georges, President of the HLSCC. Preparatory work on the proposal included a meeting with the President of the BVI Swimming Federation, schematics from Myrtha Pools received through Panam Sports and a rough order of magnitude.

“Dr. Georges initially approached the BVIOC in July with an offer of partnership for the installation of a swimming pool following a response I had given to a question on the status of swimming in the territory at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games press conference,” said President Penn. “This was a timely outreach that came on the heels of a Panam Sports National Olympic Committee Consultation meeting that Secretary General Lloyd Black, Treasurer Mark Chapman and I attended in Miami in May 2022.”

During the meeting, Panam Sports had expressed a desire to see the development of public and competition standard swimming pools in the Caribbean.

“Panam Sports and World Aquatics identified installation of swimming pools as an urgent need for the region,” said Mr. Neven Ilic, President of Panama Sports. “The BVI has already made its mark in swimming with the likes of Olympian Elinah Phillip and this, along with our history of support for the development of the BVI’s athletes, coaches, sports and sporting facilities like the Mondo track at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground, helped us to identify the NOC as the beneficiary of our offer to provide a training and competition pool provided they could find a location and a partner that would be responsible for civil works and the maintenance and management of the facility, which should be accessible to all.”

The initiative was presented to the BVIOC by Mr. Sisniega who explained that a pool is essential for the development of competitive swimmers while stressing the importance of learning to swim as a survival skill.

“A short course 25 meter pool is the ideal sized pool for a small country, since it would allow the swimmers to compete in official distances, while at the same time supporting a learn to swim program that would help develop local talent and, more importantly, give the opportunity to many of the local children and youth the opportunity to learn to swim properly and to engage in this sport on a regular basis,” said Mr. Sisniega.

Panam Sports supports the development of sport and its 41 member National Olympic Committees “to inspire more participation in international competitions as well as participation of the youth to prepare the generation to come in our region.” The donation of the swimming pool – valued at around $400,000 – is expected to be a pilot scheme for other Caribbean NOCs.

The project is aligned with the College’s master plan as the swimming pool supports its marine and maritime curriculum as well as its vision for the student experience.

“The HLSCC currently offers a range of accredited maritime certifications that prepare students to work in the marine and marine tourism industries,” said Dr. Georges. “Our current STCW certifications require a water safety module for which a swimming pool is integral to the practical training and testing of the participants. Until we have our own pool, we are reliant on the use of private facilities.

“Having our own facility will provide stability to those programmes while enabling us to evolve our campus into a comprehensive educational institution that supports the development of student life while strengthening its regional and international appeal to third party educators,” he added.

In addition to serving training needs, the swimming pool will be used for teaching basic survival skills through progressive swimming lessons offered at all levels. The BVI Swimming Federation, which has been on an enforced hiatus since Hurricane Irma destroyed the swimming pool at Prospect Reef which had served as its training facility, is expected to resume its coaching and competitive training programs with a view to hosting regional and international meets.

“We know that the BVI Swimming Federation has been waiting for a very long time to see such a project come to fruition so finally having a swimming pool that will be accessible to all, and which will allow the sport of swimming to take off in the BVI is an exciting development for the territory,” said President Penn. “We are surrounded by sea and survival in the water has to be a fundamental skill that is learned from an early age. From there, the grass roots take hold and the sport will develop naturally. We have already produced an Olympic swimmer and we know that there are young swimmers here with the budding skills who are training with KATS and BVI Swim School and who already are competing at regional meets.”

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), which has been invited to oversee and manage the preparations and construction of the facility, is in receipt of a Statement of Requirement.

“Swimming and water safety are essential life skills and should be taught at a young age. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports has been considering the prospect of delivering this necessary component of the national curriculum. Thus, we are pleased that HLSCC has collaborated with the private sector to deliver a facility that would open up access to many aquatic disciplines, thereby giving all students and the wider community the opportunity to be taught water safety and to engage in aquatics. I commend Dr. Georges, Mr. Ephraim Penn and the parties involved in the project and thank Panam Sports and World Aquatics for their commitment to the BVI through the BVIOC,” said Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.

“The next step in the process is to put the proposal together for the funding for the civil works and ancillary elements of the aquatics center such as the administrative offices, changing facilities, gym and therapy area, stands, storage rooms etc,” said Dr. Georges who has identified potential financiers for the project.

Hon Sharie B. de Castro Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Richard Georges, President HLSCC, Mr Ephraim Penn, President, BVI Olympic Committee. PHOTO: HLSCC
Dr Richard Georges, President HLSCC, Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC, Mr. Elsworth Phillip, President BVI Aquatics Federation. PHOTO: BVIOC
Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Elinah Phillip, Panam Sports, Swimming Tagged With: , , ,

Athletes, coaches and medics benefit from Anti-Doping and Sports Nutrition Workshop

December 6, 2022 by

National Federations, athletes, coaches, medics and volunteers benefited from the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) free Anti-Doping and Sports Nutrition Workshop held in the Eileen Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola on Saturday morning, December 3. An anti-doping presentation was made in the evening at the Bregado Flax Educational Center on Virgin Gorda on Friday, December 2.

The workshops, supported by Olympic Solidarity, were held in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), head quartered in Barbados and the Ministry of Health and Social Development through its Public Health Unit (PHU).

In brief remarks at the opening of the workshop at the HLSCC Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC said, “In recent years, the BVI has produced 2 Olympic finalists, a two-times Commonwealth Games and Diamond League Champion and a junior track and field phenomenon which has brought us to the attention of international organisations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“As both the National Olympic Committee and the National Anti-Doping Commission, we need to educate our national federations and their member athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers on the processes and expectations for clean sport since lack of knowledge is not accepted as an excuse in the event of a violation.”

President Penn also highlighted the importance of combining athletic performance with a healthy diet for optimal results. Honourable Marlon Penn, Minister for Health and Social Development expounded on the topic in his remarks.

“The Ministry for Health and Social Development, through its Public Health Unit, has an agenda that seeks to combat non-communicable diseases in the community and to encourage healthier lifestyles through physical activity and a diet rich in nutritional food. As athletes, it is even more important that you receive the right information that will help you to choose the right food that will help you maximise your output for the results you hope to achieve. I am pleased that the Ministry is positioned to provide this guidance.”

The educational workshops explained the anti-doping rules and regulations that guide WADA’s mandate for clean sports in all competitions sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. They included an introduction to the Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) – the centralised platform offering educational solutions for athletes and coaches – and ADAMS (the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System) for processing and entering data in all anti-doping issues. ADAMS is used by athletes for submitting their whereabouts and can also be used to manage the application and recognition of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

The engaging presentations were made by Ms. Marsha Boyce, Communications and Projects Coordinator for Caribbean RADO and Dr. Harlan Vanterpool MD, Chief Doping Control Officer for the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission.

“It was pleasing to see the enthusiasm and keen interest shown by participants during our interactive Clean Sport Workshops in Virgin Gorda and Tortola,” said Ms. Boyce who flew in from Barbados for the events. “Education is crucial to the success of the Clean Sport movement. It’s important for all athletes and athlete support personnel, for example coaches, managers, physios and doctors to be exposed to the right information and to have access to the relevant resources in the fight against doping in sport. We at the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization look forward to our continued partnership with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee in support of its anti-doping programme.”

Building on the long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Health and Social Development to promote Long Term Athlete Development and health through physical literacy, the BVIOC worked with Ms. Patrice Maduro, Public Health Nutritionist and Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah, National Epidemiologist of the Ministry’s Public Health Unit to share critical information on sports nutrition.

“We are keenly aware that BVI’s athletes need guidance and information on nutrition and to be able to make the distinction between good and bad – or ‘mal’ – nutrition,” said Ms. Brewley-Massiah and Ms. Maduro. “The session with the attendees – both adults and juniors – was not just an opportunity to share information but also a chance for us to get a measure of the level of awareness and dietary practices of this segment of the community. We plan to conduct more of these interactive programmes with athletes and to make sure that they have access to the support and resources to build and maintain a healthy diet that will lead to optimal physical and mental performance both on the field of play and at work or college.”

The session at the HLSCC was attended by representatives for archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, football, netball, sailing, softball/baseball, taekwondo and volleyball. In Virgin Gorda, the presentation was attended by coaches for athletics, basketball, cricket, football, softball and volleyball. Attendees across the board were enthusiastic and appreciative of the new information learned by the sessions.

“This was a really good workshop. We’ve learned a lot and we feel better prepared for what’s to come as we look towards entering the international competition arena in 2023,” said Sahbumnim Olanzo Boynes of Boynes Taekwondo Academy.

Clean sport and nutrition workshops respectively conducted by Dr. Harlan Vanterpool and the PHU can be arranged through the BVIOC. Contact 541-7845 for further information.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, Caribbean RADO, Cycling, Football, LTAD, Olympic Solidarity, Physical Literacy, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Taekwondo, Volleyball Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Anti-Doping and Sports Nutrition Presentation

November 19, 2022 by

Time and Date: 10:00am – 12:30pm, Saturday, December 3, 2022
Venue: Eileen Parsons Auditorium, HLSCC, Paraquita Bay, Tortola

Supported by Olympic Solidarity, the BVIOC is collaborating with the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), head quartered in Barbados and the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Public Health Unit to host a free workshop presented by professionals who are experts in their field. All National Federations, their national teams, athletes and coaches are expected to attend. All interested parties also are encouraged to attend.

An anti-doping presentation will be made to the Virgin Gorda community at 5:30pm on Friday, December 2 at the Bregado Flax Education Center.

Free transportation is available on Tortola departing at 8:45am from the well by the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School Sea Cow’s Bay and 9:10am from the Old Festival Grounds in Road Town and at 8:45am from the Sticket in Long Look and 9:00am from the East End Police Station. Return trips available at the end of the workshop.

Schedule:
• 9:30am – 10:00am – Arrival and Registration
• 10:00am – 11:00am – Anti-Doping Presentation. Q & A
• 11:00am – 11:30am – Refreshment Break
• 11:30am – 12:30pm – Health and Nutrition Presentation. Q & A

Click to confirm and register attendance.

Contact Sofia Fay, BVIOC PRO on (284) 541 7845 if you have any questions.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
As BVI’s elite athletes deliver podium-finish performances, so in turn do we become a place of interest for international Games’ organisers and moderators. As National Federations continue to develop their sport and produce athletes who are representing (or who soon will represent) the nation in regional and international competitions, the BVIOC is required to mandate anti-doping education for all national teams and athletes.

With health and nutrition being key components of optimal performance, these elements are also considered to be an imperative part of the BVIOC’s education and athlete development outreach.

ANTI-DOPING
The World Anti-Doping Agency has its focus on the Caribbean region, and it is the duty of the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission (BVI NADC) to ensure all our active National Federations, their national athletes, coaches, volunteers (and parents where appropriate) are fully informed of the anti-doping rules and regulations.

Dr. Harlan Vanterpool, MD, the Chief Doping Control Officer for BVI NADC, will present on the current anti-doping rules and regulations including the requirements and execution for in- and out- of competition testing. Ms. Marsha Boyce, Communications and Projects Coordinator for the Caribbean RADO, will provide instruction on how to use the Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) – the centralised platform offering educational solutions for athletes and coaches. She also will demonstrate how to use ADAMS (the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System) for processing and entering data in all anti-doping issues. ADAMS is used by athletes for submitting their whereabouts and can also be used to manage the application and recognition of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

SPORTS NUTRITION
Health and Nutrition is critical for the optimal development of competitive athletes. The practical and interactive presentation will address all areas related to this topic.

Ms. Patrice Maduro, Public Health Nutritionist, PHU and Ms. Harmonie Massiah, National Epidemiologist, PHU will provide an overview on what exactly is meant by “nutrition” and tackle myths that have been accepted as fact, but which don’t effectively support optimal performance.

TOPICS COVERED

Opening Section: Myth #1 & 2

  1. Nutrition Overview
    a. Define Nutrition. Explaining why nutrition is important. Nutrition versus diet. What malnutrition looks like.
  2. How to optimally fuel your body for performance.
    a. How carbs, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals support athletic performance.
  3. How to Build Balanced Meals: Hands-on portion. Will also address plant-based meals
    Short question & answer segment (2 questions).

Opening Section: Myth #3 & 4

  1. Pre, During and Post Exercise Fueling for optimum performance: Why, when, what and how much to eat and drink before, during and after training and competition.
  2. Hydration and Athletic Performance: Hands on portion.
    a. How hydration status affects performance. Determine if athletes are adequately drinking enough for optimal training and competing. 
    b. The Effects of Caffeine on Athletic Performance 
    Short question & answer segment (2 questions).

Opening Section: Myth #5 & 6

  1. “Super” Foods for Super Athletes:  Foods that have been scientifically proven to be benefit performance.
  2. Optimal Performance when Traveling: How to eat and hydrate when traveling.
  3. Impact of Alcohol, Tobacco and Marijuana: How these negatively affect the athlete’s body.
    Short question & answer segment (2 questions).
    Myth #7 & 8
  4. Grocery Shopping for Champions: How to read food labels. How to purchase optimal foods that will support health and performance.
  5. Supplements & Performance Enhancing Aids: Do they really work? Scientifically-based information on the aids that are essential for optimal sports performance, the pros and cons of taking supplements.
  6. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports
    Question & Answer Segment (open floor)
Filed Under: BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, LTAD, Regional Anti-Doping Organization Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kyron McMaster shares inspiration across the generations during home visit

September 21, 2022 by
400m hurdler Kyron McMaster – two-times Commonwealth Games Champion and NACAC Champion and Record Holder – had his audience basking in his positive energy as he was welcomed back in the International Departure Lounge at the Road Town Ferry Terminal by family members, Government officials and media for his brief visit to the Virgin Islands. PHOTO: BVICGA

Within moments of stepping back on to home soil on September 15, returning hero, 400m hurdler Kyron McMaster – two-times Commonwealth Games Champion and NACAC Champion and Record Holder – had his audience basking in his positive energy as he was welcomed back in the International Departure Lounge at the Road Town Ferry Terminal by family members, Government officials and media for his brief visit to the Virgin Islands.

The recurring theme in the welcome remarks shared by Acting Governor His Excellency David Archer, Acting Premier Honourable Kye Rymer and the Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. De Castro, was the selflessness of McMaster as he consistently steered the limelight away from his own achievements to focus on the needs of the aspiring athletes in the community and the necessity of directing resources to developing sports across the board.

His gold medal winning performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was acknowledged by speakers for making history as the first time the Territorial Song was played at a major international Games – an emotional occasion generating tears of pride and joy. McMaster also was recognised for being a true ambassador for the Territory.

“Kyron is an athlete but he is more than that – he is an ambassador supreme for the British Virgin Islands,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association. “He has done so much for his country. He carries himself in a special way and is always looking out for the next generation of athletes – directing any offer of assistance to those that are coming up. He has always shown that genuine concern for the other athletes and I take this opportunity to thank him for his genuine interest in sports development and to thank Kyron and the other senior athletes who, through their hard work, are paving the way for young athletes of the future.”

Receiving a reward cheque from the Government of the Virgin Islands in the amount of $38,000 presented to him by Honourable De Castro, McMaster voiced his appreciation of the funds acknowledging the payment as being a motivator for his gold medal wins at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which earned him $30,000 and the NACAC Championships with a national reward of $8,000. Both competitions took place in August.

Kyron McMaster received a reward cheque from the Government of the Virgin Islands in the amount of $38,000 presented to him by Honourable De Castro for his gold medal wins at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which earned him $30,000 and the NACAC Championships with a national reward of $8,000. Both competitions took place in August. PHOTO: BVICGA

“I’ve been around the block experiencing the highs and the lows and I know what’s in store for the future athletes,” said McMaster whose path to winning championship titles included consecutive 8th place finishes. “If you don’t have that push it’s easy to quit so I feel it’s imperative that we target the younger ones now because they are blinded by not seeing the success of working hard straight away, which therefore makes it easy for them to stray. It’s necessary for them to see the journey and hard work to get to this point of success.”

McMaster stated that his future goals include contesting the gold medal at the World Championships and the Olympics, which he plans to achieve by making some changes and working smarter. His ultimate goal is to break the world record and put the BVI in the sports history books around the world.

During his time at home, McMaster visited his two alma maters in Tortola – the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School (ETPS) in Sea Cow’s Bay and the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) in Road Town.

On September 16, Ebenezer Thomas Primary School received Kyron McMaster with a line-up of students with placards bearing his name and chanting “welcome home” and was challenged to a race. PHOTOS: BVICGA

On September 16, ETPS received McMaster with a line-up of students with placards bearing his name and chanting “welcome home”. Remarks were shared by Principal Sybil Hodge, District Representative Julian Fraser, President Penn, BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine and Hon. De Castro. An interactive Q & A session with the kindergartners through 6th graders was rounded off with McMaster signing scores of autographs before being challenged to a couple of races in the playground. McMaster secured his reputation with the school children by winning the impromptu events leaving one young student to wonder whether the two races were the fastest times the champion had ever run.

Junior students at ESHS listened intently to Kyron McMaster as he spoke at the 8:00am assembly on September 20. PHOTO: BVICGA

Junior students at ESHS listened intently to McMaster as he spoke at the 8:00am assembly on September 20. Reflecting on his own experiences, he advised his audience that if they wanted to succeed in life, they should pay attention to their teachers and to work hard as a failure to do so now will lead to a tougher journey in the future. He also admonished anyone listening to be true to themselves, set aside negative attitudes, find a passion, set a goal and execute in order to “earn their bread”. His words hit home not just with the youngsters, but also the adults in attendance who thanked him for the inspiration to stop procrastinating and reset their focus on achieving their dreams.

Kyron McMaster’s schedule of public engagements ended with a reception at Government House hosted on September 20 by the Acting Governor His Excellency David Archer

McMaster’s schedule of public engagements ended with a reception at Government House hosted on September 20 by the Acting Governor. The event brought full circle the receptions hosted by His Excellency the Governor for the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in May and the send-off in July for the athletes and delegation who participated in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The upcoming major Games McMaster plans to compete at include the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games in El Salvador (June 23 – July 8), the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary (August 19 – 27), the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile (October 20 – November 5) and the Paris 2024 Olympics in France (July 26 – August 11).

Filed Under: Birmingham 2022, BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Commonwealth Games, Kyron McMaster Tagged With: , ,
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