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: , ,

Team BVI returns with silver and bronze medals from inaugural Caribbean Games

July 7, 2022 by

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, July 6, 2022 – The Virgin Islands (UK) delegation returned after securing 2 podium finishes at the inaugural Caribbean Games which were held June 27 – July 3, 2022, in Pointe a Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Djimon Gumbs won a silver medal in the men’s shot put with a throw of 17.99m (59’02”). The men’s 4x100m team comprising Vadley Sylvester Jr, Mikkel Bassue, Ke’Andre Campbell and Malik John won the bronze with a time of 42.24.

The Games were attended by 29 countries from the Caribbean. The VI took part in two of the seven sports: 3X3 basketball (women) and track & field.

“Congratulations to our medalists and on behalf of the BVI Olympic Committee, I thank the athletes and coaches for their participation and efforts at the Caribbean Games,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “We are pleased to have provided the majority of the athletes on the team an opportunity to compete in their first major Games. These Games are the next level up from the Carifta and the youth Games and provide a useful yardstick for the standard of competition the athletes can expect to face as they continue to chart their progression in their chosen sport.”

It was an historic occasion for the VI’s women basketball team competing for the first time in a 3×3 tournament and also at a major Games took part. The basketball team played three (3) games against the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe.

“Although the 3×3 team was defeated at the Caribbean Games, they were very competitive and played extremely well considering it was the first of such a tournament for the women. The exposure was at a very high level which now prepares the team for the Commonwealth Games,” said Ralston Henry, Chef de Mission, Guadeloupe 2022.

Track and field entered athletes in the 100m (male and female), 400m (men), long jump (women), triple jump (women), shot put (men), javelin (women), 110h (men) and 4x100m (men).

Events and Results
Track and field
• Djimon Gumbs (Shot Put), 2nd
• Diamante Gumbs (Shot Put), 6th
• Vadley Jr. Sylvester (400m – DNF, 4x100m – 3rd)
• Malik John (400m – 13th, 4x100m – 3rd)
• Mikkel Bassue (100m – 8th, 4x100m – 3rd)
• Ke’Andre Campbell (100m – 11th, 4x100m – 3rd)
• Malik Romney (110mh – 4th)
• Beyonce Defreitas (100m – 11th)
• Arianna Hayde (Long Jump – 6th, Javelin – DNF, Triple Jump – sole competitor)
• Xiomara Malone (Long Jump – 5th)
Coaches: Ericca Fredrick and Eric Matthias J

3×3 Basketball
Team: Shauliqua Fahie, Jolene Bowens, Keithrece Smith, Kiara Woodley.
Coach: Joy Victor

BVI Vs Dominican Republic 12-15
BVI Vs Puerto Rico 4-21
BVI Vs Guadeloupe 12-16

Beyonce de Freitas was the flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony. The team was attended to by physiotherapist Chester Levi James.

Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean Games

Fun, movement, learning and discovery at 3rd annual Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day

June 28, 2022 by

Saturday, June 25 saw children and adults join the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) and member National Federations in the 3rd annual Sports Festival promoting the Olympic Day Movement at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds and Virgin Gorda on June 25.

“This year, Olympic Day set out to inspire people to get active and move together with purpose and we feel that the annual Sports Festival is an ideal way to bring the community out, discover a sport, learn about anti-doping and about making changes for a healthier lifestyle and hopefully forge new friendships,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC.

National Federations including the Virgin Islands Archery Association, BVI Athletics Association, BVI Basketball Federation, BVI Football Association, Virgin Islands Softball/Baseball Association, Boynes Taekwondo and Volleyball took part in the interactive event.

Special appearances included His Excellency the Governor Mr. John Rankin, softball athlete Mr. Kennard Dawson, former pro volleyball player Ms. Sharonda Pickering and the National Women’s 3×3 Basketball team players, Ms. Joy Victor, Ms. Shaliqua Fahie, Ms. Kiara Woodley, Ms. Jolene Bowens and Ms. Keithrece Smith. The 3×3 basketball team will be participating at the inaugural Caribbean Games this week in Guadeloupe and also will make up the historic team to represent the BVI at basketball at the Commonwealth Games for the first time this summer in Birmingham, UK.

Dr. Harlan Vanterpool representing the BVI National Anti-Doping Organisation was in attendance and spoke with athletes, coaches and parents on the relevance of the anti-doping regulations in athletes’ lives and in playing clean sports.

The BVI Public Health Promotions Unit represented by Ms. Sophia Brewely-Massiah, Ms. Harmonie Massiah, Ms. Patrice Maduro was a popular addition to this year’s event where people took part in a hands-on presentation to receive a personalised recommendation on creating balanced meals based on current level of activity and eating habits. The team also helped individuals to interpret and understand their body measurements and how to set realistic goals with a balance of food and exercise.

His Excellency Governor John Rankin shared words of encouragement and took part in some of the activities including the BVIAA obstacle course and Archery’s practice drill.

“I’m all in support of events and sports that will get our community active, no matter the age or ability and I’m very pleased to have had a go. If I can do it, so can you!” said H.E. Governor Rankin.

“I play basketball but I tried some of the other sports today and really enjoyed them,” said 6th grader Antoine Reilly. “I’m glad I came out. I had to ask my Dad to come back for me later than planned as I was having so much fun!”

In the Multipurpose complex a new basketball recruit was pitching her skills against the national squad. “I’m a softball player but now that the Industrial League has drawn to a close, I was looking to try another sport just to stay active. I’m an NBA fan and watch the games on TV so I decided to actually play the sport and, just a week in, I can say I’m really enjoying it,” said Ms. Shah.

“Thank you to all the National Federations who participated, to those who came out in support and to our drink sponsor Road Town Wholesale, distributor of Coca-Cola products Dasani water and Powerade for making this a fun event,” said Mr. Penn.

During the Sports Festival weekend, three National Federations hosted events. The BVI Squash Rackets Association hosted the highest caliber Professional Squash Association international tournament of the territory to date, BVI Rugby Football Union hosted a junior rugby game followed by a Senior 15s match while the BVI Cycling Federation conducted its UCI sanctioned National Time Trial and Road Race events.

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.

See more photos on Facebook: https://bit.ly/sportsfestival2022

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Football, LTAD, Milton McLean, Olympic Day, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Softball-Baseball, Taekwondo, Volleyball Tagged With: , , , ,

BVIOC announces team for inaugural Caribbean Games

June 22, 2022 by
BVIOC announces the BVI team for the inaugural Caribbean Games to be held June 29 – July 3, 2022 in Guadeloupe. The Team includes 11 track and field athletes and 4 basketball players. (L-R front row): Steve Augustine, President, BVI Athletics Association, Ralston Henry, Chef de Mission, Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC, Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Culture and Youth Affairs, Lloyd Black, Secretary General, BVIOC. (L-R back row) Chester Levi James, Physio, Beyonce Defreitas (100, 4×100), Shauliqua Fahie (3×3), Joy Victor, 3×3 basketball Coach, Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Malik Romney (110 hurdles), Malik John (400, 4×100), Diamante Gumbs (shot put), Arianna Hayde (long jump, triple jump, javelin, 4×100), Mikkel Bassue (100, 4×100), Kiara Woodley (3×3). Absent Jolene Bowens (3×3), Keithrece Smith (3×3), Xiomara Malone (long jump, 4×100), Ke’Andrae Campbell (100, 4×100), Zara Brown (100, 4×100) and Vadley Sylvester JR (400, 4×100). PHOTO CREDIT: CM Farrington

The BVI Olympic Committee announced the team of 15 athletes that will be representing the BVI at the inaugural Caribbean Games which are scheduled to take place in Guadeloupe from June 29 to July 3, 2022.

The athletes who will compete in the regional U23 Games were introduced by the Chef De Mission Ralston Henry at a press conference held on June 21 at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The 11 track and field athletes include Ke’Andrae Campbell (100, 4×100), Malik Romney (110 hurdles), Diamante Gumbs (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Malik John (400, 4×100), Beyonce Defreitas (100, 4×100), Zara Brown (100, 4×100), Arianna Hayde (long jump, triple jump, javelin, 4×100), Xiomara Malone (long jump, 4×100), Mikkel Bassue (100, 4×100) and Vadley Sylvester JR (400, 4×100). They will be accompanied by coaches Ericca Fredrick and Eric Matthias J and physiotherapist Chester James.

The 3×3 basketball team comprises Kiara Woodley, Shauliqua Fahie, Jolene Bowens and Keithrece Smith. They will be accompanied by Coach Joy Victor.

Beyonce de Freitas will be the flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony which kicks off the Games at 7:00pm on Thursday, June 29.

“We are very excited to be sending a competitive team of track and field athletes as well as our historic 3×3 Women’s Basketball team, who are the first set of female athletes to be representing the territory in the sport in a regional event,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “Beyonce de Freitas and Djimon Gumbs returned as medalists from the the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in 2017. They did us proud then so we have high expectations that we may hear the Territorial Song for the first time at a major Games on this occasion.”

Honourable Sharie De Castro, Minister for Education, Culture and Youth Affairs shared remarks on the occasion. “It’s a great feeling when we send our athletes as ambassadors to the region and the world to celebrate and to show their Virgin Islands pride,” said Honourable de Castro. “We know, and are appreciative of, the hard work that it takes to prepare for Games such as these we want to put the full force of our population behind you in cheering you on and supporting you. On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, we offer our full support behind Team BVI.”

The Minister went on to thank the BVIOC, the National Federations and the DYAS for the continued initiatives – the funding and the development that allow the athletes to continue to thrive.

29 countries will be represented by approximately 800 athletes and 200 officials competing in 7 disciplines.

The 7 sports include Athletics, Basketball 3×3, Cycling, Futsal, Judo, Netball and Swimming. The BVI will be represented in Athletics and Basketball 3×3.

The Chef de Mission will depart for Guadeloupe on June 25 ahead of the athletes, coaches and President of the BVIOC who will leave for the Caribbean Games on June 27.

The Closing Ceremony will be at 7:00pm on Sunday, July 3. The Games can be followed live on Panam Sports Channel.

3×3 Basketball team. (L-R) Ralston Henry, Chef de Mission, Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC, Coach Joy Victor, Kiara Woodley, Shauliqua Fahie, Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Culture and Youth Affairs, Lloyd Black, Secretary General, BVIOC. Absent Jolene Bowens, Keithrece Smith. Photo credit: CM Farrington
Track and Field: (L-R) Ralston Henry, Chef de Mission, Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC, Diamante Gumbs (shot put), Malik Romney (110 hurdles), Beyonce Defreitas (100, 4×100), Arianna Hayde (long jump, triple jump, javelin, 4×100), Mikkel Bassue (100, 4×100), Malik John (400, 4×100), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Culture and Youth Affairs, Lloyd Black, Secretary General, BVIOC. Absent Xiomara Malone (long jump, 4×100), Ke’Andrae Campbell (100, 4×100), Zara Brown (100, 4×100) and Vadley Sylvester JR (400, 4×100). PHOTO CREDIT: CM Farrington
Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean Games 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: , ,

Zara Brown places 4th in 100m semi-finals at Cali 2021 in season opener

November 30, 2021 by

Representing the Virgin Islands (UK) at the inaugural PanAm Junior Games in Cali, Colombia, Zara Brown finished 4th with a non-advancing time of 11.87 in her heat of the 100m semifinals today, November 30.

Speaking after the event, the 19-year old sprinter said “I feel okay about the race. As a season opener, it gives me a chance to see where I am and what I have to work on going forward – both for indoor and outdoor. It’s been a good experience for me and I can’t wait to be back!”

Coach Ralston Henry noted that this was Zara’s first race after being laid off for so long and a good race for opening the Season early. “I am looking forward to a lot more to come later in the Season and ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

8 competitors will race in the women’s 100m finals on December 1.

100m sprinter Jaleel Croal, Thad Lettsome, sailing the ILCA7 (Laser) in the men’s one person dinghy event, and the 3 x 3 Basketball team comprising D’Andre Mitcham, Stephano Paul, Michael Richardson, and Shakeem Tyson will all compete on December 2. Lettsome will be racing against some of the region’s best sailors aged between 17-22 from 14 countries. The 3 x 3 basketball team – who are placed in group A along with Colombia, Venezuela and Puerto Rico – will face Colombia in their first match.

Following the competitions of the day, the BVI Olympic Committee will host a virtual live chat with the BVI delegation in Colombia at 8:00pm on Thursday, December 2 and which will be streamed on the BVIOC Facebook page when all fans and supporters can tune in and post their questions to the athletes and coaches.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Cali 2021 Tagged With: , , ,

Squash player and flag bearer Luca Reich opens for BVI at Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games

November 27, 2021 by
  • Luca Reich (L) and Chef de Mission/Squash Coach Adam Murrills ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games
  • Luca Reich lost 3-0 to Miguel Gonzalo Pujol (Argentina) in his match at Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games on November 26

Representing the Virgin Islands (UK) at the inaugural Junior PanAm Games in Cali, Colombia, squash player Luca Reich was the first athlete of the team to compete at Cali 2021.

After demanding and challenging games, Luca lost out 3-0 to his higher ranked Argentinian opponent, Miguel Gonzalo Pujol on November 26.

Chef de Mission and squash Coach Adam Murrills reports that given that the event is an Under 23 competition, it was always going to be a tough ask competing against the best players in the Pan American region at the young age of 18.

“These events are exactly where Luca wants to be though in the coming years and so getting this experience at such an early stage in his squash development is invaluable!” says Coach Murrills.

Luca played well and, for periods of the match, managed to match the quality of his more experienced opponent. During those periods he was able to finish the points with a few nice winners.

The next stage for Luca is going to be developing the ability to maintain that quality for long periods whilst under pressure and physical duress. This will come with more matches at this level.

Having just started studying at Western University, both player and coach are hopeful that through Western Mustangs’ very strong squash program – Western are the premier squash College in Canada – Luca will be able to train at and become accustomed to this higher level on a regular basis.

“On behalf of myself and Luca, I would like to thank the BVI Olympic Committee for their support and for helping facilitate this fantastic opportunity for Luca!” said Coach Murrills

Luca also got to train with fellow Caribbean players which adds to his time and experience at the inaugural PanAm Junior Games in Colombia.

“On behalf of the BVI Olympic Committee thank you Luca for representing the territory at the Junior PanAm Games as flag bearer,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “Congratulations on your efforts in your first major Games and thank you and Coach Murrills for the time, effort, passion for the sport and commitment to train to compete and represent at international levels. We look forward to seeing you make your mark in future Games!”

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

9 athletes to represent Virgin Islands in 4 sports at inaugural Junior PanAm Games in Cali-Valle, Colombia

November 4, 2021 by

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has confirmed that 9 athletes will represent the Virgin Islands in 4 sports at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games which will take place in Cali-Valle, Colombia, November 25 – December 5, 2021.

The VI team comprising 1 sailor, 3 track athletes, 1 squash player and 4 basketball players will start to arrive into Colombia from November 24 ahead of the opening ceremony on November 25 and their events starting November 26. Chef de Mission and squash coach, Adam Murrills will be in Cali in advance of the athletes in preparation of their arrival.

“I have been working closely with the National Federations and the coaches confirming the athletes’ participation at Cali 2021 and ensuring that all processes are completed,” said Murrills. “I attended the Chef de Missions’ seminar in Cali in September and am satisfied that our athletes will be comfortably accommodated and will have the opportunity to settle in and train ahead of their events.”

The first athletes to qualify for Cali 2021 were sailor Thad Lettsome, who made his first major Games debut at the Lima 2019 Panam Games and swimmer Elinah Phillip, who made her first Olympic appearance at Rio 2016 and competed again at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Unfortunately, Phillip is making a health recovery and will not be able to compete at Cali.

Lettsome will compete in the men’s ILCA 7 single person dinghy on Lake Calima, December 2 – 4.

Making his major Games debut, Luca Reich will be the first athlete to compete at Cali 2021 when he faces his squash opponents at Club Campestre de Cali, November 26 – 27.

The 3 track athletes who are all competing at their first major Games are sprinters Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m and 200m), Jaleel Croal (200m) and Zara Brown (100m). The 100m races take place November 30 – December 1 and the 200m events take place at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero, Santiago de Cali, December 2 – 3.

The VI will be represented in basketball at a major Game For the first time since appearing at the CAC Games in 2010 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. D’Andre Mitcham, Stephano Paul, Michael Richardson, and Shakeem Tyson have been selected to form the 3×3 basketball team competing at the Pan American Courts in Cali, December 2 – 5.

BVIOC President Ephraim Penn, who was elected as a member of the Panam Sports Technical Commission in April 2021, will also be in attendance at the Games.

“This is the second major Games since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held last summer and we are excited for our junior athletes who will be taking to the international stage. For the majority of athletes representing the VI at these Games, this will be the first time competing for their country,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “At the start of the pandemic, the region’s NOCs were uncertain as to when the inaugural Junior PanAm Games would be held until the commitment was made by Cali to move the dates from June 2021 to the end of the year. We have embraced the opportunity presented to our young athletes who have their eyes on the future including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2023 Panam Games and the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

The Cali 2021 Junior Pan American Games is a pathway to the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games and Paris 2024 Olympic Games with gold medalists gaining automatic qualification to Santiago 2023.

The VI delegation to Cali 2021 also includes, Lloyd Black (Secretary General, BVIOC), coaches Chris Watters (sailing), Ralston Henry (athletics), Trevor Stevens (basketball) and physiotherapist, Levi James.

3,500 athletes from 41 countries will compete in 39 sports across 10 days of nonstop action which will be broadcast live and direct on the Panam Sports Channel and on CBN Television Channel 101 beginning with the Opening Ceremony on November 25 and concluding when the curtain is lowered on the Games at the Closing Ceremony on December 5.

Follow the BVIOC on FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates and results.

Filed Under: Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cali 2021, PanAM Games, Sailing, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

BVI Olympic Committee elections add 2 new names to returning Executive Board

October 8, 2021 by

The BVI Olympic Committee AGM held the evening of Thursday, October 7 concluded with the elections of the members of the Executive Board that will sit for the next quadrennial and which ends following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The newly elected board comprises President Ephraim Penn, 1st Vice President Sabinah Clement, 2nd Vice President Ralston Henry, Secretary General Lloyd Black, Treasurer Mark Chapman, and Member At Large Gloria Fahie. Ashley Kelly sits as chair of the BVIOC Athletes’ Commission.

The elections were conducted at the BVIOC office at Road Reef Plaza and were overseen by an independent election committee comprising Mrs. Kisheba Sprauve-Callwood, Mr. Gareth Thomas and Mr. Kayron Todman.

Re-elected for his fourth term in seat, President Penn is looking forward to strengthening and solidifying the sports development pathways for national federations and their members and promoting the Olympic Values communitywide.

“Thank you to all the National Federations for attending the AGM and participating in the election and thank you to the election committee for your professional and excellent service. On behalf of the newly elected Executive, I thank you for your support and acknowledge the trust placed in us to continue the work of the BVIOC to support athletes on the road to major games and to facilitate sports development through grants and opportunities offered by the IOC, Olympic Solidarity and PanAm Sports.

“We also will continue to promote and help secure the community-based Long Term Athlete Development programme, which is already being rolled out in our schools through the Physical Literacy programme,” said President Penn.

In welcoming new executive members, Ralston “Grandfather” Henry and Gloria Fahie, President Penn also acknowledged the work of Past 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents, Hon. Neville Smith and Mr. Roy Barry.

“Grandfather and Gloria, through their professional careers and history with sports, bring a new dimension to the table and we look forward to a productive team for the upcoming quadrennial. I also take this opportunity to thank outgoing Vice Presidents Hon. Smith and Roy Barry. The BVIOC has benefited immensely from their services and commitment in their roles over many years as part of the Executive. They have also been key persons in sports development in the community through their affiliations with softball, basketball and volleyball to name a few and we know that we will have their support in delivering our mission to the wider community.”

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission Tagged With: ,
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