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

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