Ashley Kelly wins Gold at Aliann Pompey Invitational ahead of IAAF World Athletics Championships

July 18, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Ashley N. Kelly sprinted to gold in the 400m Finals at the Aliann Pompey Invitational Track and Field Meet in Guyana on July 15, 2017. Photo: Lonny

Competing at the 2nd annual Aliann Pompey Invitational Track and Field Meet in Guyana as a tune up for the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London next month, the Virgin Islands’ Ashley N. Kelly sprinted to gold in the 400m Finals on July 15, 2017.

Kelly, making her second appearance at the event in Guyana, completed the quarter mile run in 52.17, ahead of Jamaicans Rushell Clayton (52.80) and Dominique Blake (52.96).

Rio Olympian Kelly booked her place at the IAAF World Athletics Championships when she blazed to a new National Record in the 400m at the Tru Fit Miami Invitational on July 8, 2017.

The qualifying time for London is 52.10 and Kelly ran 51.63 to also break her own National Record of 52.29, which she set at the 2016 OECS Track and Field Championships in the Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) Malique Smith led from start to finish to capture gold in the Men’s 800m.

Smith clocked 1:51.90 to hold off the late challenge of Guyanese Samuel Lynch (1:53.25) and Quincy Morian (1:54.79).

The USVI’s Mikaela Smith (2:37.24) took bronze in the Women’s 800m.

The Aliann Pompey Invitational is the premier international track and field competition in Guyana, South America. In its first year, the competition hosted 11 athletes who went on to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , ,

BVI’s Kyron McMaster places 2nd in 400m Hurdles at 2017 IAAF Diamond League

July 10, 2017 by

Source: BVI News online

British Virgin Islands athlete Kyron McMaster finished second in the Men’s 400m Hurdles at the prestigious Müller Anniversary Games in London on July 9, 2017 – his first international clash since May when he set a world leading 47.80 seconds in Jamaica.

He also became the first male athlete from the British Virgin Islands to participate in an IAAF Diamond League event.

McMaster, who led the race beyond the final hurdle, was clipped near the finish line by Trinidad-born, Clement Kerron who competes for the United States.

Kerron clocked a Season’s Best of 48.02 to beat McMaster who finished in 48.12 seconds.

Copello Yasmani was third in 48.24 at the event held in the former Olympic Stadium, London.

This race comes weeks before the IAAF World Championships in London where McMaster will try to win the BVI’s first medal at such top-level event.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay leads BVI athletes to Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

June 21, 2017 by

BVI athletes, tennis coach and Chef for the Bahamas 2017 Copmmonwealth Youth Games with the BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, Chef for the previous youth games in Delhi, Isle of Man, and Samoa. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) introduced the itinerary and route of the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay which heralds that start of the quadrennially held Commonwealth Games and announced the 8 young athletes that will be attending the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The BVI delegation to the Bahamas 2017 CYG (July 18 – 23) was introduced by Ms. Sabinah Clement, Chef de Mission for the Games at a media briefing at the BVIOC office on Monday, June 19.

The BVI team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.

The athletes will take part in the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through the communities of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda in a series of public activities and relays planned for Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event that invites members of the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories to showcase their country, culture, hospitality, communities, and sports. It is a unique event and an occasion for all who reside in the BVI to come together in the spirit of friendship and unity and we strongly urge everyone to make an effort to join in where they can,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association.

The full programme starts with the official welcome reception on Monday, July 3 from 9.00am to 10.00am at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the baton is officially handed over to the Premier and the Virgin Islands.

The public relay will then start with the first baton bearer on a route through Road Town to take in the Tortola Pier Park, Waterfront Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park, Old Government House, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Main Street, Botanic Station and ending at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The baton will then be driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay where the students will be back at school with a short presentation to welcome the QBR.

The relay will then continue to Manuel Reef and the baton will be sailed to Nanny Cay aboard a Tortola Sloop and a flotilla of dinghies. At 3.00pm the relay will pass through Cane Garden Bay from De Wedding heading east to Quito’s.

A relay supported by residents will pass through Great Harbour at 4.00pm before the baton is transported back to Tortola.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a public welcome ceremony at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda from 9.00am – 10.00am. The baton then will be handed over for a relay through the Valley up to the Baths. All residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada are encouraged to participate.

The baton will arrive back to Tortola at 4.30pm where it will be received by cyclists at Trellis Bay and ridden across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and handed over for a relay on foot through Long Look, the Sticket and East End and end at the Greenlands Playing Field.

A cultural presentation by traditional musicians, dancers and performers to include performances by the Australian resident community will form part of the official closing ceremony starting at 6:00pm at the Central Administration Complex. The evening will end with music and local food and refreshments on sale.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports including the Departments of Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Tourist Board and GIS.

Event sponsors include the Government of the Virgin Islands, the BVI Bank Association – Banco Popular, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and VP Bank – Premier Dental, Harneys, Meridian Construction, BVI Painters, Road Town Wholesale, Eureka Medical and Bougainvillea Clinic.

National Federations, schools, and Community and Social Groups will be supporting the event in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

The baton, which contains the message from the Queen to the athletes competing in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018, and international crew will arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1 at 7.00pm and will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

The last time the Queen’s Baton Relay toured the BVI was ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games.

More information can be found on www.bviolympics.org. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or who would like more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay event in the VI can contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 496 6007.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

NACAC Age Group Championships slated in Trinidad this weekend

June 14, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

BVI Athletic Association’s 11–12 and 13–14 year old athletes competing in the NACAC Age Group Championships in Trinidad, June 17-18, 2017. Photo: BVIAA

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) will be sending 8 young athletes to compete in the 11-12 and 13-14 years age group of the NACAC Age Group Championships which takes place this weekend in Trinidad from June 17 – 18, 2017.

The 11-12 year old athletes for the Penthalon are Akeela McMaster, Aniya Findlay, Delano Hodge and Kishawn Martin while the 13-14 year old athletes for the Hepthalon are Ariyah Smith, Azariah Christopher, Malaki Smith and Jelani Croal.

Ericca Frederick, Omar Jones, Erwin Telemaque and Burt Dorsett are the officials who will be accompanying the young athletes.

The next regional event will be the Senior OECS Championships to be held in Grenada from July 1 – 2, 2017.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , ,

BVI among first in Caribbean to complete Physical Literacy and LTAD Series

May 26, 2017 by

BVI school principals with members of the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Committee. Photo: BVIOC

Workshop #5, the final in the series on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy (PL), was held at the Training Division Conference Room May 18 – 19, 2017.

This marked the culmination of the BVIOC/ CANOC initiative which was launched in the Virgin Islands as one of the test beds for the introduction of similar programmes across the Caribbean. The other countries were the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, and Suriname.

The objective was to develop Long Term Athlete Development sport models and introduce the concept of Physical Literacy: “Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”- The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014.

Day 1
The facilitators Mr. Drew Mitchel and Mr. Thomas Jones of Canada Sport for Life met with the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Connie George, Education Officers, principals from public and private schools, Dr. Monica Sagala, Deputy Director of Medical Services of the BVI Health Services Authority and other health representatives. The attendees were enthusiastic and pledged to get their schools more involved in physical activities.

“The workshop was wonderful and was a great opportunity to meet with other principals and educational personnel. The concerns were similar. I will continue to encourage a healthy lifestyle and the integration of physical activities in the daily lives of my students. I will use our school assembly to reinforce the concept of Physical Literacy,” said Dr. Antoinette Rock, Principal of St Georges Secondary.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the session on Physical Literacy. I believe it is a needed component in our curriculum in the VI. I plan to implement school-wide programs and encourage movement and healthy lifestyle practices,” said Mr. Orlandette Crabbe, Principal of Joyce Samuel Primary School. “My PE teacher has been charged with developing a plan for the new school year with regards to Physical Literacy.”

Day 2
Physical Education teachers of public and private schools, health liaison teachers, gym instructors and early childhood educators attended the workshop. Topics covered included integrating Physical Literacy into warm up routines, increasing performances of all participants and Physical Literacy Play Tool assessment for sport practices, Physical Education and group exercises.

“The Physical Literacy Workshop I must say was a grateful opportunity for me to be a part of. It has enhanced my knowledge and future thoughts on the importance of a physically balanced lifestyle and has already put me into action to find various strategies and goals from both workshops to execute in my curriculum at Akua Roots 24 Family Care effectively with results that will last a lifetime and promote optimum health and quality of life,” said Shevonne Findlay, Akua Roots 24 Hours Family Care.

As an outcome of these workshops, Physical Literacy is now an integral part of the curriculum in the government Primary Schools and is expected to become a buzz word in the High School.

The teachers of the Early Childhood Centers have expressed eagerness to include the concept in their daily routines. The BVI Health Service Authority is in the process of rolling out the “Green Prescription” through which doctors will prescribe a battery of physical activities, initially in addition to medication in an attempt to lessen the occurrences of non-communicable diseases.

National Federations present LTAD sport models
The LTAD sport models for Athletics, Archery, Basketball, Rugby and Sailing were handed over by the project leads to the President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn at a ceremony held at the Old Government House Museum.

Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, presidents of the national sport federations, and the executive of the BVIOC and guests were in attendance.

The project leads for the sports were awarded CS4L International Certificates and others were awarded certificates of recognition.

“We are excited about future projects in the BVI and want to thank you all for your boundless energy and interest in working with us to help improve the health and physical activity possibilities for people in this country. It is truly a special place,” said Tomas Jones of Canada Sport for Life.

Mr. Ephraim Penn and the National Coordinator of the LTAD and Physical Literacy, Mrs. Angeleta Bernard are pleased with the results of the 18 months of dedicated work by the project leads and the cooperation of the national federations.

Mrs. Bernard is grateful to the BVIOC for the opportunity to have served as coordinator.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Rugby, Sailing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kyron McMaster breaks 48s in 400m Hurdles – a rare achievement in the sport

May 22, 2017 by

By: Rey O’Neal, A.T.F.S.

Kyron McMaster broke 48s with a time of 47.80s in 400m hurdles on May 20 at the 2017 Jamaica International Invitational – a rare achievement in the sport. Photo source: BVIAA Facebook Page

On Saturday, May 20, 2017, Kyron McMaster, a 20-year old British Virgin Islands hurdler achieved the most outstanding individual  athletic performance by a competitor from his country when he dominated a quality field to clock 47.80 seconds over the 400 metre hurdles at the Jamaica International Invitational track meet in Kingston.

His rivals included the two-time World Athletics Champion in the event, Bershawn”Batnan’ Jackson of the U.S.A., former Olympic Games medalists Michael Tinsley of the U.S.A., and Javier Culson of Puerto Rico, and Jamaica’s  Jaheel Hyde,who had won the event at the last two I.A.A.F. World Junior (Under-20) Championships, at the latter of which McMaster had become his country’s first individual medalist at a global event outdoors, finishing third behind Hyde.

Kyron McMaster now ranks as the world’s fastest for the 400 metre hurdles in 2017 and makes him No.28 on the World All-Time list.

Among athletes from the C.A.C. (Central America and Caribbean) region, he stands as fifth fastest behind double Olympic champion, Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic, the regional record holder at 48.25 seconds; Winthrop Graham of Jamaica (47.60), a medalist at both the Olympic Games and World Championships; Jehue Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago (47.69), a World Champion at both the Junior and Senior levels; and Culson, an Olympic medalist who may be the world’s most consistent performer at major Championships over the past decade, with a best performance of 47.72 seconds.

Kyron McMaster also ranks as the second fastest 20 year old ever, behind Trinidad-born, American Kerron Clement (47.24).

Clement, winner of two World Championships, an Olympic title and a world record in the 400 metres flat, has somewhat surprisingly never again run as fast as he did in his 20th year (2005).

Actually sub-48 second clockings are quite rare. No runner in the world achieved the feat in 2014. There were three in 2013, one 1n 2015 and four in 2016. Of those athletes mentioned, five have run faster than Kyron McMaster.

Congratulations are very much in order for Kyron McMaster and his coaches Dag Samuels and Steve Augustine.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay returns to the BVI for fourth time

May 17, 2017 by

Kyron McMaster carries the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton in a relay leg through Road Town in April 2014.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) is on its journey through the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories as it heralds the start of the quadrennial Commonwealth Games which will be held in Australia in 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA), will host the Relay in the British Virgin Islands when the Baton and traveling crew arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1, 2017 until they depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5.

There will be two days of community-oriented activity as the relay passes through Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“Although called a relay, running is not central to the QBR and the activities planned through Road Town, Sea Cow’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, The Valley, Virgin Gorda and East End/Long Look will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC/BVICGA.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton was designed by Queensland-based Designworks and incorporates Macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast, LED

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton

illumination which lights up when held, a Queen’s message window and GPS to track the Baton in real time.

Working with key stakeholders, the BVICGA organizing committee has planned a relay route and activities that will showcase to the world the VI’s residents, its sports-men, -women and -children, its beauty, culture, diversity and hospitality.

The Delhi 2010 Queen’s Baton makes a stop at the Elmore Stout High School in March 2010.

“This is definitely a community event and we are delighted to have the support of the Governor’s Office, the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Departments of Education, Culture and Sports, the BVI Tourist Board and the Royal BVI Police Force as well as the Australian community in the planning and execution,” said Mr. Penn. “We also invite businesses to join private sector entities, the BVI Bank Association, Premier Dental, Harneys and RTW in sponsoring this unifying initiative.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in all the relays and public activities which will include an official ‘Welcome’ ceremony on July 3, relays involving the spectrum of sporting associations and a grand cultural finale on July 4 showcasing the traditions, music and culinary treats from the VI and Australia as organized by the resident Australian community members.

The Relay started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017. At the commencement ceremony, HM Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the athletes in to the Baton which will pass through the hands of the many batonbearers who will carry it around the Commonwealth.

Covering 142,915 miles in 388 days, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games history traveling to more than one third of the world’s

population. It engages communities and provides a platform for thousands of people to ‘share the dream’ ahead of the quadrennial celebration of Commonwealth sport from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will embody the values of the Commonwealth Games Federation – Humanity, Equality and Destiny and build upon the event’s reputation as the ‘Friendly Games’ and the integral role sport plays in uniting and strengthening communities.

Get more information on the GC2018 QBR.

 

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI

May 16, 2017 by

Join in and share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through your community in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Click here to read the itinerary and route of the Baton in the BVI.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Sofia Fay by email at sofia@broadswordpr.com or by ‘phone on (284) 541 7845 or Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by ‘phone on (284) 494 6920.

Images of the Dheli 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relays in the BVI

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Uncategorized, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Dropped baton cost team BVI possible Gold at IAAF Relay

April 27, 2017 by

Source: BVIPlatinum

(l-r) Nelda Huggins, Ashley Kelly, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Karene King and (not pictured) Chantel Malone and L’t’sha Fahie made up the 4×100 relay team at the 2017 IAAF/BTC World Relay Championships in the Bahamas. Photo: Provided

A minor error cost team BVI a possible gold last weekend, at the 2017 IAAF/BTC World Relay Championships in the Bahamas, April 22 and 23.

The event saw participation from a local team made up of female sprint stars, Nelda Huggins, Ashley Kelly, Chantel Malone, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Karene King and L’t’sha Fahie.

While participating in the B Finals of the 4x100m event, which took place last evening, the team, who was leading by a significant distance, suffered a blunder while passing the baton from the second to the third leg.

Consequently, the race was incomplete by the BVI team.

Prior, the team secured 10th place in the semi-finals of the 4×100 relay, thus securing a spot to compete in the B Finals.

The team also made it to the finals in the 4x200m relay race, securing 7th place.

In interviews following the race, Ms. King expressed her delight in representing the BVI, and commended their effort.

“For us to make it to the finals is a big thing. As you know we are a small country, but with a big heart.”

Mrs. Harrigan-Scott, said, “We went in there thinking that we can make it, all the girls gave their best effort and were able to reach the finals.”

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

Full results of Team BVI at 2017 CARIFTA Games

April 20, 2017 by

By BVI Athletics Association

BVI Athletes at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Carifta Games April 15th - April 17th, 2017 in Curacao. Photo: BVIAA

BVI Athletes at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Carifta Games April 15th – April 17th, 2017 in Curacao. Photo: BVIAA

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association results of performances during the Easter at the 46th Flow Carifta Games April 15th – April 17th, 2017 in Curacao as follows:-

U18 MALES
DJIMON GUMBS Shot Put, Discus – Double Silver medalist

Established a new Youth National Record of 17.58m having broken the previous record of 17.20m which was held by him. He did the same in the discus establishing a new National Youth Record of 60.43m.

U20 FEMALES
AKIRA PHILLIP Javelin – Silver Medalist

Improved in her throw of 44.63m and earned a New National Junior and Senior record; old record of 41.70 m established by Britney Peters

KALA PENN Triple Jump

Bronze in the Triple Jump with a leap of 12.73m

U18 FEMALES

ARIANNA HAYDE

Javelin – Bronze medalist

Threw 41.90m to break her own National Youth Record.

Establish a new National Youth Jr. and Senior record in the Heptathlon with 4197 points

RELAYS
Bronze medalist 4 X 400 u20 Girls – Team consisted of Shaniyah Caul, L’T’Sha Fahie, Kala Penn and Sh’Kaida Lavacia.

4 X 400 U18 Boys established a National Youth Record with a time of 3:24.67 and placed 6th overall – Team consisted of Joshua Hill, Rackeel Jack, Jelani Norman and Malik John.

4 X 400 U18 girls placed 4th overall. Team consisted of Tashira Edwards, Zara Brown, Akrisa Eristee, and Beyonce Defreitas.

Other finalist as follows:-
Diamante Gumbs – U18 Shot Put – 4th; Discus – 8th
Tashira Edwards – U18 400m – 6th overall
Beyonce Defreitas – U18 200m – 6th overall
Kala Penn – U20 Long Jump – 4th overall
Rikkoi Brathwaite – U20 100m – 5th overall
L’T’Sha Fahie – U20 100m – 6th overall
Shaniyah Caul – U20 400m – 6th overall
4 X 400m U20 boys consisting of K’Cei Moses, Deron Leslie, Gevon Smith and Johnt’a Charles finished 4th overall
Team Officials –
Ralston Henry – Head Coach, Omar Jones, Carl Barrett, Jennifer King, Burt Dorsette, Chantal Scatliffe and Doug Arter

The BVIAA extends continued appreciation to the 2017 Sponsors of the BVI National Team to the Flow 46th Carifta Games. Major sponsors BVI Olympic Committee. Additional sponsors: Ministry of Education and Culture, DYAS, SOL, FLOW, Kenny Tees, Digicel, Johnny Hassan, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Colonial Insurance

The 2018 Carifta Games will be held in the Bahamas.

Filed Under: Athletics Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »