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

June 28, 2023 by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Browse the full gallery of photos on Facebook.

Filed Under: Archery, Ashley Kelly, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, CAC, Cycling, LTAD, Milton McLean, Olympic Day, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

“Let’s Move” invitation to 4th annual Sports Festival and walk/runs celebrating Olympic Day

June 12, 2023 by

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in collaboration with its member National Federations will host the 4th free annual Sports Festival at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds from 9:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, June 24. The event will be preceded by the Trident Trust Championship and Olympic Day race with a 10k, 5k and 1k run/walk starting from the grounds at 6:30am. Walks will take place on Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke at 6:30am and at 5:30am respectively.
 
The roundtrip walk/run from the recreational field in Spanish Town to the Baths will culminate with a friendly softball game on the fields on Virgin Gorda. For people on Jost Van Dyke, the dawn walk will start from the Albert Chinnery Administration Building in Great Harbour to the Soggy Dollar parking lot in White Bay and return to Great Harbour.
 
The events across the islands will mark Olympic Day which is internationally recognised each year on June 23.  This year, the International Olympic Committee has themed the event “Let’s Move”.
 
The world is moving faster than ever, but people are moving less. Research has found that one in four adults and over 80% of young people are not able to meet the recommended minimum activity levels needed for optimum health (WHO, 2022).
 
“Encouraging physical activity throughout the wider community is one of the remits the BVIOC has been working on through the Long Term Athlete Development programme,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “Our Olympic Day celebrations through the Sports Festival has embraced the concept of helping people of all ages and abilities to move by finding an activity that appeals to them. Walking is also an activity that’s easy to do and the community walks help to remind people of the pleasure and satisfaction of that exercise. We are pleased that our LTAD partners in Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke are helping to promote the message.”
 
The walk/runs on VG, JVD and the early morning run/walk on Tortola hosted by the BVI Runners, the road racing affiliate of the BVIAA, is a traditional global Olympic Day event.
 
The collaboration on Tortola with the different National Federations, the National Anti-Doping Commission, the Public Health Unit and, new for this year, the BVI Heritage Dancers, provides an opportunity for the public on Tortola to combine discovering an activity that they can engage in, understand what is meant by “clean sports” and learn about optimizing their nutritional intake.
 
The morning will feature interactive stations suitable for adults and children alike. Skills can be tested in archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, football, rugby, sailing, softball, squash, taekwondo, triathlon and volleyball. Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith will provide insight to the history of the dances to be taught by the BVI Heritage Dancers. Olympian and chair of the BVI Athletes’ Commission, Ashley Kelly will run an outdoor fitness circuit and host Olympian Q & A sessions. Dr. Harlan Vanterpool, Chief Anti-doping Officer will speak about clean sport and the importance of understanding prescription and over the counter medication as well as the impact of recreational drug usage. Ms. Patrice Maduro of the Public Health Unit will be providing guidance on health and nutrition.
 
Free Olympic Day tee shirts on registration and subject to availability and complimentary Coca Cola products Dasani water, and Powerade will be provided courtesy of Road Town Wholesale.
 
In the run up to Sports Festival and in marking Olympic Day values, National Federations are hosting training sessions which the public are welcome to join in as follows:
·       Archery at the HLSCC, Paraquita Bay – 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday June 18.
·       Athletics at the A.O.Shirley Recreation Grounds 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, June 17;
·       Squash will host an open session with visiting professional players at the Tortola Sports Club starting at 3:30pm on Monday, June 19.
·       Rugby will have a training session with visiting professional rugby player, ex All Black, Norm Maxwell at 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 21 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.
·       Taekwondo will host open sessions for youths Monday, June 19 through Thursday, June 22 at 3:30pm – 4:30pm and 5;00pm:45pm – 6:45pm. Adult sessions will take place on Monday and Thursday, 7:00pm – 8:00pm.
More information on these sessions can be sought from the National Federations whose contact details can be found on www.bviolympics.org.
 
Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone everywhere can get together in their communities to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence, Friendship and Peace while celebrating the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

Filed Under: Archery, Ashley Kelly, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, Cycling, Football, IOC, LTAD, Olympic Day, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo, Volleyball 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: , , , , , ,

Continental Results Management Panel (CRMP) Americas

August 16, 2022 by

The BVI National Anti-doping Organisation, in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Results Management, and in line with Article 8.1.1.1 of its Anti-Doping Rules, has appointed the Continental Results Management Panel (CRMP) Americas to adjudicate matters pursuant to the BVI National Anti-doping Organisation’s anti-doping rules and thus ensure the right to a fair hearing by an operationally independent panel for first instance hearings.

The Panel is comprised as follows: 

PANEL MEMBERCOUNTRY
Wendy M. N. MarajBarbados
Kenneth Muñoz UreñaCosta Rica
Jorge Gustavo Rehwoldt CastañedaGuatemala
Alejandra Gómez UgarteNicaragua
Manuel Berardo Díaz BultrónPanama
Aracely Sáenz OspinoPanama
Jaliya Retamozo Escobar (CHAIRPERSON)Peru
Malgorzata Judkiewicz-GarvanPeru
Kurlyn D. V. MerchantSt. Kitts and Nevis
J. Tyrone MarcusTrinidad and Tobago
Stefan A. FabienTrinidad and Tobago

To view the CRMP Americas procedural rules, click here.

APPEALS PANEL

Kindly note that Sport Resolutions will be the Appeals Panel for related matters.

To view Sport Resolutions procedural rules, click here.

Filed Under: BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Patrick Werleman re-elcted as Chairman of Caribbean RADO – Ephraim Penn re-elected to Executive Committee

May 13, 2022 by
Caribbean RADO Executive Committee [L-R Dr Karen Pilgrim (Guyana), Ephraim Penn (British Virgin Islands), Chairman – Patrick Werleman (Aruba), Vice Chairman – Dr Adrian Lorde (Barbados), Rheeza Grant (Trinidad & Tobago)

Patrick Werleman has been re-elected as Chairman of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO). Werleman, the Member Country Representative (MCR) for Aruba, was returned unopposed during the 2022 Annual General Meeting which ended on Sunday May 8th in Curaçao.
Werleman has expressed his gratitude to members for entrusting him with a second term, particularly after the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on anti-doping programmes in the Caribbean. He says the main objectives of the Caribbean RADO over the next three years include improving communication with various key stakeholders, and the further development of anti-doping programmes in Member Countries.

“Every Member Country should have an active anti-doping programme that includes a solid education plan, and of course testing. These are the basic requirements for compliance with the [World Anti-Doping] Code. Education is the fundamental tool to create awareness, so this should be an area of focus in each Member Country.”

Werleman also wants to develop additional strategic partnerships to positively impact the sustainability of the Organization. He is joined on the Executive Committee by returning Vice Chairman – Dr Adrian Lorde of Barbados along with Directors Dr Karen Pilgrim of Guyana and Ephraim Penn of the British Virgin Islands who were all re-elected unopposed. There is one new member on the Executive Committee as Rheeza Grant of Trinidad and Tobago was also elected unopposed for the remaining vacant position of Director.

Caribbean RADO Member Country Representatives and Secretariat Officials following AGM

The Caribbean RADO AGM was held May 7-8 in Willemstad, Curaçao at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort. Seventeen (17) of the eighteen (18) Member Countries participated in the two-day hybrid meeting which facilitated delegates both in-person and online.

A Sport Diplomacy Workshop was conducted on the opening day of the session by Dr. J, Simon Rofe, Sport Diplomacy expert at the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy, SOAS, University of London. During the workshop, there was a special guest presentation from IOC Vice-President Nicole Hoevertsz who shared valuable knowledge on navigating relationships and building strategic partnerships at the highest levels in sport.

IOC Vice President Nicole Hoevertsz with Sport Diplomacy Expert Dr J. Simon Rofe

On Day 2, participants focused on Risk Assessment and Test Distribution Planning for the Anti-Doping Programmes in their respective countries with representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency – María José Pesce Cutri, Director, Latin American Office; Ieva Lukosiute-Stanikuniene, Senior Manager, NADO/RADO Relations and Federico Perroni Sánchez, Manager, Latin American Office.

Werleman is looking forward to even greater collaboration among Member Country Representatives.

“During the Board meeting, we took off our jackets and rolled up our sleeves and got to work, with representatives focusing on developing their testing programmes. Everyone was there to support each other. This is how we want to continue to work with our Member Country Representatives, moving forward – side-by-side, shoulder-to-shoulder.”

“There is nothing more satisfying than making progress together. We have lots of challenges ahead, but I am totally confident that, working together, we will overcome all of these challenges and lead the Caribbean RADO to greater heights of success,” he says.

St Croix, Virgin Islands (US) has been chosen as the host of the 2023 AGM.

Filed Under: BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, Regional Anti-Doping Organization Tagged With: , ,

Caribbean RADO Marks 15th Anniversary

November 12, 2020 by
  • Caribbean RADO Executive [L-R] Director, Ephraim Penn (British Virgin Islands); Vice Chairman, Dr. Adrian Lorde; Chairman, Patrick Werleman; Director, Dr Karen Pilgrim; and Director, Joel Johnson (Grenada)
  • Caribbean RADO Board Member during 2019 AGM in Tortola, BVI

The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) marks its 15th anniversary on Thursday, November 12th 2020. As a result of the ongoing global pandemic, the celebrations will be virtual. Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman says the organizations is proud to reach the milestone.

“As the Caribbean RADO, we have an imperative role to play in ensuring that all Member Countries are able to comply with, and implement, the many anti-doping rules and regulations that apply to all of us,” says Werleman.

The Chairman has also thanked the ‘Caribbean RADO family’ who saw the importance of establishing the regional anti-doping body, and assisted with its success over the years.

“We salute them. Without their dedication and creativity, we would not be here today. Today, we can proudly say that the Caribbean RADO has 18 member countries and we are all committed to preserving the Olympic values including fair play and clean sport.”

Current Caribbean RADO Vice-Chairman Dr Adrian Lorde, who was one of the founding members, says the organizations has several achievements of which it can be proud.

“We have been honoured with awards. We’ve been recognised by WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] as one of the top two RADOs in the world. We’ve done testing for international organizations. Our doping control officers have worked at the Olympics, Pan Am Games and CAC Games. We have done extremely well with limited resources in that 15 years,” says Dr Lorde.

In congratulating Caribbean RADO, Tom May, Director, Program Development and NADO/RADO Relations at WADA has noted he is pleased with how the regional body has progressed since its inception.

“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the original discussions about the establishment of this RADO in 2005. To see the progress made over these past 15 years is truly remarkable; and this has only been made possible by all those involved, both past and present, in the work of the RADO. This includes the RADO staff, the Executive and the Board, the authorities in the Member Countries, and especially all of the people, including the many volunteers who contribute to the implementation of anti-doping programs throughout the Caribbean region,” says May.

Caribbean RADO is committed to its mission of clean sport in the region, and the protection of clean athletes. Although the global pandemic brought the sporting world to a halt, the work of the body continued, particularly under its mandate of anti-doping education; while also spearheading the doping control process during the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPLT20) in Trinidad & Tobago.

Activities to mark the 15th anniversary this week will be centred around the Caribbean RADO social media platforms – Facebook and Twitter. Plans are also in the works for more celebratory activities in 2021.

Filed Under: BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, Regional Anti-Doping Organization Tagged With: , , ,