BVI Olympic Committee

Coaches attend 2nd Long Term Athlete Development workshop

June 8, 2016 by Admin

The second BVI Olympic Committee Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Workshop was held at the Olympic Committee office May 27 – 28, 2016.

Representatives from the Football, Rugby, Tennis, Sailing, Basketball, Athletics and Archery federations attended the 2-day sessions which were facilitated by Mr. Istvan Balyi from Canada Sport for Life Society (CS4L), one of the initiative’s three co-sponsors.

The first session covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

Coaches were also taken through the process and measurements required to manage athletic development. They were instructed on how to optimise training and output based on the distinct capacities of male and female athletes according to their individual physical, mental and cognitive, and emotional development. By applying the appropriate ‘periodisation’ model, coaches can identify periods of optimal trainability throughout the life of an athlete to help them reach their full genetic potential.

The second session focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that were submitted for further development following on from the first workshop.

All the sporting organizations that were in attendance will now begin to work on the LTAD for their sport beginning with an assessment of “where we are now” to be followed by “where we want to be”.

The premise of the LTAD program is that it will pave the way for a healthier and more productive life and prepare the territory’s athletes for podium finishes at regional and international competitions.

“I was impressed with the workshop. I now see how Physical Literacy, the number 1 key factor of LTAD, is very important to the health of the nation, the development of sport and the concept of ‘Active for Life’,” commented Mr. Rhennie Phipps, a national Junior Basketball coach.

Other co-sponsors of the workshop include the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) with full endorsement from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The next workshop is set for September of this year and will cover Physical Literacy as a key factor for sport development.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: Canadian Olympic Committee, CANOC, CS4L, Long-Term Athlete Development, LTAD

Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy

May 5, 2016 by Admin

Front row (l-r): Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Richard Way, BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn, LTAD Coordinator, Angeleta Bernard and 68 participants including physical education teachers, doctors from the BVI Health Services Authority, nurses, chairpersons and members of national sporting federations and personnel from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare attended a two-day workshop on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy from February 29 – March 1, 2016.

Two-day workshop on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy from February 29 – March 1, 2016.

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in collaboration with Canada Sport for Life (CS4L), the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and, with full endorsement from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare conducted a successful two day workshop on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy at the Fort Burt Hotel conference room on February 29 and March 1, 2016. Mr. Richard Way, CEO of Sport for Life Society, Canada was the facilitator.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee

Olympic flame arrives in Brazil

May 3, 2016 by Admin

The Olympic flame has arrived in Brazil. A special flight operated by LATAM Airlines landed in the capital Brasília early on the morning of Tuesday 3 May, carrying the flame from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland to its new home in Brazil.

Over the course of the following 95 days, the Olympic torch will visit more than 300 towns and cities all over Brazil, before arriving in the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on 5 August. The flame was taken to a welcoming ceremony at the Pálacio do Planalto, the official workplace of the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff.

President Rousseff used the flame to light the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch before passing it to double Olympic volleyball champion. Fabiana Claudino to start the Brazilian phase of the torch. relay.

“Brazil is now the country of the Games. We will remember this day and it will go down in history,” President Rousseff said, before using the flame to light the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch and pass it to double Olympic volleyball champion Fabiana Claudino to start the Brazilian phase of the torch relay.

Ephraim Penn, president of the BVIOC along with presidents of all other NOC’s, was in attendance at the welcoming ceremony.

The flame was lit at at traditional ceremony in the Temple of Hera in Olympia in Greece, on 21 April. Following ancient custom, a parabolic mirror was used to light the flame with the sun’s rays.The same day, a torch relay began that took the flame all over Greece, before visiting the United Nations in Geneva and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. On 5 August, the torch will be used to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony.When it travels by air, the flame is preserved inside special lanterns which sit on a dedicated seat inside the aircraft. Security forces guard the flame at all times to make sure it travels safely and never goes out.

Want to go to Rio? Click here to book your tickets and packages.

Filed Under: Buy Tickets for Rio 2016, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News Tagged With: Olympic flame, Olympic torch, Rio 2016, Rio 2016 tickets

100 Days To Go to Rio 2016

April 27, 2016 by Admin

Wednesday 27 April marks a significant milestone in the build-up to the Olympic Games Rio 2016. Only 100 days now remain until the Opening Ceremony, the countdown has well and truly begun. Friends and fans of the BVI can buy their tickets and Rio 2016 packages online via the BVI Olympic Committee web site at bviolympics.org.

With the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Ancient Olympia last week and the start of the Olympic Torch Relay, there is a growing sense that the Games are just around the corner. Another milestone in the countdown was completed today as the Flame was officially handed over to Rio 2016 – on 100 days to go – at a special ceremony held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the venue for the inaugural Olympic Games of the modern era back in 1896.

Before embarking on its three-month journey around Brazil, which starts in Brasilia on 3 May and will see it being carried by 12,000 people through every state capital and over 300 towns en route to the Maracana Stadium in Rio, the Olympic Flamewill make a short stopover in Switzerland. Following a ceremony at United Nations in Geneva on Friday, it will briefly go on display at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

In Rio, meanwhile, preparations are continuing apace. With the venues now 98-percent complete and most of them having been put through their paces at test events, the visual look of the Games is quickly taking shape, adding to the belief that the city is now ready to play host to the world’s finest athletes in August.

Though many have yet to qualify, a sizeable number of competitors have already made sure of their places at Rio 2016, with the likes of Jamaican sprinting icon Usain Bolt and British boxer Nicola Adams – a gold medallist in the women’s 51kg at London 2012 –set to grace the big stage in 100 days’ time. From the BVI, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott has secured her place in the 100m dash as has 200m runner, Ashley Kelly.

The qualification process is complete in a number of sports, however, namely artistic gymnastics, all the equestrian events, football, handball, hockey, rhythmic gymnastics, shooting, track cycling, trampoline gymnastics and water polo.

In particular, excitement is building among the home athletes. Speaking after Brazil’s women’s artistic team had sealed their place at Rio 2016 at the recent gymnastics test event, Brazilian gymnast Jade Barbosa said: “We all fought to the end and it was great. Now we’ve qualified we can train specifically in our events and with the Olympic Games in mind. This is a very talented team and we’re all focused. It’s all been worth it so far.”

As the final competition rosters start to take shape and the Olympic Flame makes its way around the host nation, Brazil’s dream of hosting the Games will become a reality. Check out www.olympic.org and www.rio2016.com for more ways to follow, as well as more information and the different ways you can take part in the Olympic Games Rio 2016.

Filed Under: Athletics, Buy Tickets for Rio 2016, BVI Olympic Committee, Rio News Tagged With: #100daystogo, Rio 2016, Rio 2016 tickets

Parents encouraged to increase physical activity in children

April 6, 2016 by Admin

Parents and guardians are encouraged to increase their children’s physical activities on a daily basis and support efforts to promote a healthier Virgin Islands.

The appeal was made as the Ministry of Health and Social Development joins with other organisations around the world to observe World Day for Physical Activity on Wednesday, April 6 under the theme, “Active Child Healthy Adult.”

Coordinator for Health Promotions Services and Focal Point for Non Communicable Diseases, Ms. Ivy George said the theme is welcomed as it is in keeping with the ministry’s objectives to promote the importance of physical activity in an effort to improve the health of the population from toddlers to seniors.

Ms. George said the Ministries of Health and Social Development and Education and Culture along with the sporting community are working with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee to adopt the Canadian Sport for Life Long-term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy framework.

She said “The framework is comprised of seven stages and the first three targets children. Phase one is called the active years and targets children between zero and six. The second stage of development fundamentals targets males six to nine and females six to eight and the third stage focuses on training and targets boys ages nine to 12 and girls ages eight to 11.”

Ms. George outlined that the framework will also help to ensure that the Territory’s population becomes active for life. She said the programme will be delivered through health education and recreations agencies, and a number of awareness activities will be done throughout the year, to raise awareness of the importance of getting children to be more active throughout their childhood.

Ms. George added, “Parents can encourage children to play with a family pet rather than video games, take the child to the park, let the child choose activities that interest them, dancing, flying kites, riding bikes, swimming and walking the dog are all great activities that would promote physical activity for your child.”

World Day for Physical Activity seeks to reduce the rate of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle in the general population, and promote the adoption of active lifestyles. The day’s activities also aim to raise awareness on the epidemic of inactivity and the importance of an active lifestyle in proving health and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.

The community is encouraged to engage with their children in observance of Physical Activity Day on Wednesday, April 6 as the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to advocate for a healthier Virgin Islands.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: world physical activity day

BVI benefits from Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop

March 4, 2016 by Admin

Front row (l-r): Hon Myron V. Walwyn, Richard Way, BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn, LTAD Coordinator, Angeleta Bernard and 68 participants attended a two-day workshop on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy from February 29 – March 1, 2016. Photo credit: BVIOC

At the Opening Ceremony Mr. Ephraim Penn, president, BVIOC, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education & Culture and Ms. Ivy George, National Coordinator, Health Promotion Services, Ministry of Health and Social Development addressed the gathering.

The 68 participants comprised physical education teachers, doctors from the BVI Health Services Authority, nurses, chairpersons and members of national sporting federations and personnel from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Physical Literacy which means ‘having the fundamental movement and sport skills and motivation that enable individuals to read their environment and make appropriate decisions, while moving confidently and with control in a wide range of physical activities’, was of major interest to the participants.

The premise of the program is that it will pave the way for residents of the BVI to live a healthier and productive life that will help to manage the cost of health care.

Five sporting federations successfully submitted applications to benefit from the LTAD programme. Athletics, Rugby, Football, Tennis and Sailing will shortly embark on the planning of the multi-stage training, competition and recovery pathway for their sport.

Mr. Andy Bickerton of the BVI Football Association said, “The workshop was educational and very relevant. If we practice what we learnt and employ them in our sport, our athletes should be healthier and the occurrence of non- communicable diseases would lessen. It has pointed us in the right direction and we of the BVI Football Association will ensure that we work with participants instead of concentrating only on the elite players, in an effort to sustain our sport.”

Nurse Cherry-Ann George Smith of the BVI Health Services Authority said, “It is timely and applicable to what is being done with community healthcare. It is a means of primary prevention in non- communicable diseases and chronic ailments. I see where it may be used for all our clients. This has opened an avenue for networking with different sports. It was an eye opener and I am pleased to have been a part of the experience.”

“The workshop was informative and well structured,” said Mr. Elsworth Phillips, president of the BVI Swim Federation. “Mr. Richard Way made the concepts easy to understand. I now see where the BVI Swim Federation can partner with the sailing association with strength and conditioning, their swimming skills and water safety.”

Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, local coordinator of the LTAD, BVI was pleased with the enthusiasm of the participants and will be meeting with the committee, chaired by Mr. Penn to initiate the launch of LTAD, BVI and Physical Literacy in the national federations, schools and communities.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Tennis Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, Long-Term Athlete Development, Physical Literacy

BVIOC to host Long Term Athlete Development workshop

February 17, 2016 by Admin

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in conjunction with Canada Sport for Life (CS4L), the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and with full endorsement from the Ministry of Education & Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will host the first Workshop on Physical Literacy and Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD).

LTAD IS A MULTI-stage training, competition and recovery pathway guiding an individual’s experience in sport and physical activity from infancy through all phases of adulthood. It is based on the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive development of children. It is inclusive, addressing the needs of individuals with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities and seeks to promote a healthy, physically literate nation whose citizens participate in lifelong physical activity taking them from healthy active lives to elite sport performance from the cradle through all the phases of adulthood and from the playground to the podium.

The workshop seeks to empower community leaders, athletes, teachers, coaches, parents, and others to train, educate, promote, and integrate concepts of physical literacy into our society.

This concept of Physical Literacy is just as important as the ability to read and write. It emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamental movement skills at a young age.

The Virgin Islands is one of six Caribbean nations selected by CANOC to benefit from the LTAD programme for two years from 2016-2018 in the first instance.

Research shows that without the development of Physical Literacy, many children and youth withdraw from physical activity and sport and turn to more inactive and/or unhealthy choices during their leisure time. The rates of childhood obesity and inactivity are clearly on the rise and if we hope to combat this epidemic, we must take action NOW. Therefore the LTAD workshop could not have come at a better time.

The aims of the Workshop are to revolutionize our thinking towards coaching and promote an active lifestyle which will improve the health, well-being and sustainability of life in the Virgin Islands.

The Workshop conducted by Mr Richard Way MBA, Ch.P.C, CEO Sport for Life Society, Canada, will be held from 29th February to 1st March, 2016 at the Fort Burt Conference Room from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, Long-Term Athlete Development, Physical Literacy, Richard Way

Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE awarded IOC Pierre de Coubertin Trophy at Tribute Evening

January 26, 2016 by Admin

Members of the BVIOC Executive with Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE at a tribute evening hosted for him by the BVIOC on January 23, 2016 where he received the IOC Pierre de Coubertin Trophy in recognition of his outstanding efforts in promoting and encouraging the practice of sports in the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, and for being an inspiration to all involved in sports.

Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE was the guest of honour at a tribute evening hosted for him by the BVI Olympic Committee on Saturday, January 23. The formal affair celebrated Mr. O’Neal’s lifelong work in sports with the presentation of the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy awarded to him by the BVIOC on behalf of the International Olympic Committee in recognition of his outstanding efforts in promoting and encouraging the practice of sports in the BVI and the Caribbean.

O’Neal, who started his career as a teacher at the BVI High School in 1969 with a passion for sports and a remarkable gift for statistics, was a founding member of the BVIAA in 1970 and of the BVIOC in 1980. He has delivered 45 years of notable achievements for the territory and the Caribbean and continues to exert positive influence and inspiration on athletes, coaches and organisations.

145 guests attended the event held at Maria’s by the Sea including the Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith and Mrs. Lorna Smith, and Mr. O’Neal’s family.

Four notable regional leaders in international sporting organisations were also in attendance. Dr. Amadeo

(L-R) BVIOC founding member, khalil ‘Johnny’ Hassan, Sir Austin Sealy, IOC member, Mr. Victor Lopez,VP PUR NOC, Member IAAF Council, Mr. Keith Joseph, VP NACACA, General Secretary SVG NOC, Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE, Premier Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Dr. Amadeo Francis, VP IAAF pictured at the tribute evening for Rey hosted by the BVI Olympic Committee.
Photo: CM Farrington / BVIOC

Francis, Vice President, IAAF was the guest speaker and was joined by Sir Austin Sealy, International Olympic Committee member and founder of the Carifta Games, Mr. Victor Lopez, Vice President Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, President of NACACAA, and Mr. Keith Joseph, founder and General Secretary, St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, Vice President of PASO and Vice President of NACACAA.

Dr. Francis took the audience through the timeline of the history of sports in the Caribbean, explaining the challenges that were prevalent in the 1960s and the introduction of international standards, increasingly competitive games and the early days of doping control. He went on to recognise Mr. O’Neal’s determination and efforts alongside those of his counterparts, Mr. Khalil ‘Johnny’ Hassan and others in steering the BVI in the right direction to becoming a competitor in major regional and international games.

“In light of all the challenges and demands that had to be met, Rey must be congratulated on achieving status for the BVI,” said Dr. Francis. “It was no easy feat but your perseverance paid off with becoming the smallest nation and youngest NOC to become a member of the IOC in 1982.”

Ephraim Penn, President of the BIVOC in his remarks said “As the BVIOC’s longest serving president from its inception in 1980 to 1984 and again from 1989 – 2006, Rey continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes. His efforts have ensured national representation in all major Games held since 1982 including the Pan American Games, the Carifta Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, and the Olympic Games, as well as the Commonwealth Games. His opinions, suggestions and willingness to help at every turn are invaluable to me, the BVIOC and many other organisations and individuals.”

Penn also reiterated the call from a written tribute by two-times Olympian, Keita Cline in the event booklet who called for the naming of the track at the A.O. Shirley recreation grounds as the ‘Rey O’Neal track’.

Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE spoke of Mr. O’Neal’s sporting legacy in the BVI and the wider Caribbean region and shared congratulatory remarks. “Mr. O’Neal opened the doors for the BVI flag to be proudly represented whenever our athletes competed during regional and international sporting events abroad. On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, we salute Mr. Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal for his outstanding sporting legacy, and his monumental contributions to our sports tourism product,” said Premier Smith.

Mr. Colin O’Neal, younger brother to Rey, spoke of Mr. O’Neal’s lifelong passion for sports and natural talent for statistics and analysis on all things connected to sports. “This tribute evening comes as no surprise to us and as a family we are proud of what Rey has accomplished,” said Colin.

BVI’s prolific 100m sprinter, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott presents Rey O’Neal with the IOC Pierre de Coubertin Trophy. Photo: CM Farrington/BVIOC

The evening concluded with the presentation of the IOC Pierre de Coubertin trophy to Mr. O’Neal on behalf of the BVIOC by the nation’s dual Olympian and global games sprinter, Mrs Tahesia Harrigan-Scott. In her remarks shared on behalf of her fellow athletes, Tahesia said, “Mr. O’Neal, you have challenged our boundaries and made us all push harder. You allowed no complacency. Extending us all further and through stats and analysis, you’ve made all of us look deep within ourselves. You are the reason many of us were able to take our athletic career to a levels unimaginable.”

On accepting the trophy, Mr. O’Neal offered his thanks stating “I am accused by my friend, Victor Lopez of hiding awards and such but I think this is one I will not be able to lose.” He went on to share his memories, recalling his colleagues efforts over the years and the accomplishments and the progress of athletes with pride, humour and affection.

The toast was proposed by two-times Olympian and past athlete, Dion Crabbe and the vote of thanks was given by Mrs Rose Adams, past athlete, friend and protégé of Mr. O’Neal. MC for the evening was Mr. Lloyd Black, General Secretary, BVIOC and Pastor Calvin Mills offered the invocation at the start of the proceedings. Well wishers at the function included the BVI’s Olympians, athletes, coaches, colleagues, friends and members of cabinet.

Mr. O’Neal has held various positions on numerous regional and international sporting committees including the CAC Technical Committee, the CAC Statistics Committee, the North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) Confederation, and the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Confederation (CACAC) Executive Committee. He also led the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Athletics Commission in 1991, coincidentally during the last year of the OECS Championships.

In 2003 O’Neal was awarded the IAAF Veteran’s Pin and the following year was named to the CAC Hall of Fame. In 2005 Rey O’Neal was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire

Mr. O’Neal’s full biography and several of his articles can be found on www.bviolympics.org.

Contributions can be made year round towards an athlete scholarship to be awarded in Rey O’Neal’s honour. Contact Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org for more information.

The tribute event was organized by the BVI Olympic Committee Executive, led by 1^st Vice President Neville Smith and assisted by Executive Director, Cleave Farrington as part of its Olympic Legacy initiative.

The evening was sponsored by the Ministry for Education, Culture and Sports, Caribbean Securities Ltd, Mr. Lloyd Black, Mr. Ephraim Penn and the Penn Family and S & D Security Alarm Systems. Event supporters included Caribbean Cellars, RTW Ltd, Oren Hodge, Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson, Hezekiah Maddox Photography, Contemporary Events, and Broadsword Communications. Volunteers included Ritseeniyah Georges, Stephanie Russ Penn, Carol Mitchel of the BVI Tennis Association, Coach Solo and members of the BVI Rugby Federation, Ms. Bianca Duggan and Ms. Keisha D’Aguiar. Photos for the evening slide show were courtesy of Dean Greenaway, Guy Hill, Johnny Hassan and Rose Adams.

Edited Jan 29, 2016

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, Rey O'Neal

Tribute evening to celebrate lifelong works of Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal

December 31, 2015 by Admin

Rey O’Neal (center), then President of the BVIOC, along with Khalil ‘Johnny’ Hassan (far left) and Patrick Harrigan (inside right) welcome the late Juan Antonio Samaranch (front) President, International Olympic Committee, and the late Mario Vasquez Rana, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees during the duo’s historic visit to the BVI in 1983.

The BVI Olympic Committee Executive will be hosting a tribute evening for Mr. Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal, OBE on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Maria’s by the Sea, Tortola.

The BVIOC will celebrate O’Neal’s lifelong work for the advancement of sports in the BVI and in the region with a formal dinner when he will be presented with the prestigious IOC Trophy named in honour of Pierre de Coubertin – “150 Years, Pierre de Coubertin, Sport as a School of Life”. The trophy will be awarded to O’Neal in recognition of his outstanding efforts in promoting and encouraging the practice of sports in the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, and for being an inspiration to all involved in sports.

The tribute evening is open to all persons who would like to attend. Ticket proceeds will benefit a scholarship to be awarded to a deserving athlete in honour of Rey O’Neal’s contribution to sports in the territory.

O’Neal, along with Khalil ‘Johnny’ Hassan, Derry Maduro-Fahie, Jim Morris, Mark Vanterpool, and Roy Pickering was one of the founding members and served as the first President of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) which now enters its 34th year of service since its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1982.

Known locally to many as a leader and fount of knowledge in all things sport, Rey O’Neal is recognized as a key figure in the history and advancement of sports not only in the BVI but also in the Caribbean, helping to create the foundation on which today’s Caribbean sporting successes have been built.

O’Neal taught at the Virgin Islands (later Elmore Stoutt High School) from 1969 to 1977 where he served as Housemaster of Lincoln House, later renamed O’Neal House, in the school’s intramural competition.

O’Neal was one of the founding members of the BVI Amateur Athletic Association (BVIAAA) in 1970 and became President later that year, a stint that lasted until 1973. In 1978 he assumed the office once more and retained the position until 2004.

In 1975 Rey O’Neal, along with Johnny Hassan, led the first British Virgin Islands team to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Championships, held that year in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

While the BVIAAA gained international recognition as a member of the IAAF, except for softball, there were no other national sporting associations/federations affiliated to their international governing bodies.

In 1979 the Pan American Games were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico and it became clear that without a national Olympic Committee the Territory would always be excluded from those and other Games.

An Olympic Committee of sorts was formed in 1980 and two years later, with O’Neal as the first President and Hassan the Secretary General, the BVI was accepted as a member of the International Olympic Committee and made its first appearance at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Havana, Cuba. The following year, the BVI made its debut at the Pan American Games.

In 1984 a team of four track athletes and five sailors marched into the Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles, stamping themselves as the first Olympians ever from the Territory.

O’Neal was the complete official team, with one competitor in athletics when the BVI first appeared at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand in 1990. In his capacity as President, and finally Vice-President of the BVI Athletic Association, he attended the first ten editions of the IAAF World Championships in Athletics.

Over the years O’Neal has held several positions in track and field, first as a member of the CAC Technical Committee and for several years as a member and then Chairman of the CAC Statistics Committee.

As a member of the International Association of Track and Field Statisticians, O’Neal often functioned as a resource person for several regional Federations and helped to select the teams that would represent the Americas at the IAAF World Cup. He became Vice-President of North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) confederation in 1997 and held the position until he resigned in 2003.

O’Neal was a member of the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association Confederation (CACAC) Executive Committee for nineteen years. He was also chosen to lead the Oraganisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Athletics Commission in 1991, ironically, the last year in which the OECS Championships were held.

In 2003 O’Neal was awarded the IAAF Veteran’s Pin and the following year was named to the CAC Hall of Fame. In 2005 Rey O’Neal was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and received his medal from Princess Anne, daughter of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and a two-time member of Great Britain’s Olympic equestrian team.

Please contact Cleave Farrington, Executive Director, BVIOC by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by telephone on 542 1007 for more information on attending the event or on making a donation toward the scholarship fund.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: Pierre de Coubertin Trophy, Rey O'Neal

BVIOC helps 200 Youths benefit from 2015 KATSWIM Programme

November 27, 2015 by bvioc

2015 KATSWIM programme in BVI, supported by BVIOC through Olympic Solidarity, Nanny Cay Resort & Marina and CIBC FIrstCaribbean, ends with certification of youths completing different swimming Levels. Photo: Dean Greenaway

200 children between the ages of 4 to 17 years in the BVI went through the 2015 Kids And The Sea Swim (KATSWIM) session which drew to a close on November 14.

The weekly swimming classes were held every Saturday across two terms at the swimming pool at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina. The first term took place May 2 – June 20 and the second term ran from September 5 – November 14 when certificates were awarded to the graduates of the different classes by KATSWIM sponsors, the BVI Olympic Committee and CIBC FirstCaribbean.

The termly sessions covered all swimming standards, starting with instructions on basic water survival skills and continuing through Level 7. Children were assigned to groups based on their swimming ability and were taught by volunteers who are trained as Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) qualified instructors through the BVI Swimming Foundation.

Among other water skills, Level 7 graduates are able to swim 25 meters using back stroke, front crawl, breast stroke and butterfly as well as swim 50 meters using one stroke and 100 meters using a minimum of three different strokes.

“Every term we register children with different degrees of swimming experience from none to those that have mastered basic swim strokes,” said Barbara Gerker, founding volunteer of KATS. “We introduce higher levels of skills instruction once we have a group that is ready to move up. This year we had a much faster advancement rate with the children due to the ASA training the instructors took and we were excited to start Level 7 for the 7 students who successfully completed Level 6.”

KATSWIM is run annually and in 2015, the BVIOC committed $30,000 for two years to bring the KATSWIM programme back to the community after a brief hiatus.

“The BVIOC applied for a Swim for Life grant from Olympic Solidarity and, earlier this year, partnered with KATSWIM to keep the programme going,” said Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC. “Not only is basic water safety a key requirement when living on an island, but the different swimming levels make this a good feeder programme for developing a national swim team.”

The funds are used to purchase swim aids and training equipment and also to provide a stipend for instructors.

Students are charged a basic fee to cover the administrative costs involved in running the programme. 50 of the 200 students who registered for the 2015 programme were awarded CIBC FirstCaribbean swimming scholarships based on financial needs.

“CIBC FirstCaribbean was keen to provide support which would enable youngsters in the BVI to learn how to swim,” said Malcolm Whetnall, Country Manager for CIBC FirstCaribbean. “We had previously supported KATSAIL and are pleased to have been involved with the 2015 KATSWIM programme to open the opportunity for the children in our community who otherwise might not have been able to take part in this critical training.”

The KATS Programme has relied on donations and volunteers to provide basic sea skills -including swimming, sailing, and scuba programmes – to the children of the BVI’s since its inception in 1990. Nanny Cay Resort and Marina has been a major facilitator of the programme since 2005, accommodating KATSWIM at its swimming pool on Saturday mornings.

“Nanny Cay is pleased to have supported the KATSWIM programme over the years,” said Miles Sutherland Pilch, General Manager, Nanny Cay Resort & Marina. “It has been rewarding to be part of a successful programme which has benefitted so many children and young adults.”

The roster of volunteers included KATS Board member, Barbara Gerker, parents and 2 students from Cedar School who consistently helped with registration and as assistant instructors.

For more information on the 2016 KATSWIM programme, instructor training, or volunteering, contact Barbara Gerker by email at Barbara@partsandpower.com or by phone on 494-2830.

KATS was started in St Thomas following the tragic death of three boy scouts who drowned in a small boat accident off an outlying Virgin Islands cay while on a camping expedition. Not only did the boys lack the necessary sea skills to handle a boating emergency, but they also were unable to swim to safety on the nearby shoreline. For more information on the KATS programmes visit www.katsbvi.com.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, KATSWIM, Olympic Solidarity, Swim for Life