VI’s 1984 Olympians recognized, Paris 2024 Opening Wear revealed during Olympic Day celebrations

June 25, 2024 by

The BVI Olympic Committee, in collaboration with its member National Federations and in partnership with the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, hosted its 5th annual Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day on Saturday, June 22 in the BVI.

The morning event, guided by BVIOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Ashley Kelly OLY commenced with an Olympic Day message and remarks by BVIOC President Ephraim Penn on the 40th anniversary of BVI representation at the Olympic Games. Special recognition was given to the Los Angeles 1984 Olympians. They are track and field athletes Lindel “Chef” Hodge (200m, 4×400), Guy Hill (100m, 4x400m), Dean Greenaway (400m, 4 x 400m), Jerry Molyneux (800m, 4x400m) and the Soling Class team of sailors led by Dr. Robin Tattersall to include Keith Thomas and Elvet Meyers, with brothers Keith Barker and the late Peter Barker sailing in the 470 class. Tokens from the BVIOC were presented to the attending 1984 Olympians by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce and Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minster for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.

Co-founder and Past President of the BVIOC, Rey O’Neal OBE gave an overview of the BVI’s participation in its first Summer Olympics, Los Angeles 1984.

Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott OLY followed up with an update on the Paris 2024 Games. The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony wear for the BVI Team featuring a Paradise Blue fabric designed exclusively for the BVIOC by Kristin Frazer of Trefle Design was then displayed for the first time at the close of the ceremony.

“it is very fitting that, as we celebrate 40 years of attendance at the Olympic Games today, we are participating in the Paris 2024 Games with the same sports that we started off with at Los Angeles 1984 – track and field and sailing,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. ”As we mark this special occasion as part of our Olympic Day celebrations, I encourage you all to take encouragement from our past Olympians and find a sport or some other physical activity that keeps you moving, keeps you active and keeps you fit at all stages of your life.”

Early morning runs hosted by the BVI Runners Club and in Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke started the Olympic Day activities. The offerings included interactive stations hosted on the HLSCC campus grounds by the Virgin Islands Archery Association, BVI Cycling Federation, BVI Netball Club, the Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association and the Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Club, and a maritime history display by the Department of Culture. Information on the marine and maritime courses at the college were offered by HLSCC representatives along with tours of the mangrove boardwalk.

On Brandywine Bay beach, the activities were offered by the Royal BVI Yacht Club, the Barracuda Swim Team and KATS, The BVI Football Association (BVIFA), BVI Rugby Football Union and Virgin Islands Volleyball Association. Over 200 participants of all ages who were registered across all activities in the territory were kept hydrated with complimentary Powerade and Dasani Water provided courtesy of Road Town Wholesale, distributors of Coca Cola products – an Olympic Games sponsor.

The BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) also hosted its National Championships – Paris 2024 qualifier – as part of the Olympic Day celebrations on Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22.

The BVIOC thanks all National Federations and clubs, the HLSCC, coaches, volunteers and participants for hosting, supporting and joining in the activities designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to learn, move and discover a sport that fits for a healthier life.

Click to see the gallery of photos of the day posted on the BVIOC Facebook page.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, Cycling, Football, Kyron McMaster, Olympic Day, Olympic Solidarity, Paris 2024, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Thad Lettsome, Volleyball

5th annual Sports Festival and walks celebrate Olympic Day as BVIOC marks the 40th anniversary of Olympic Games participation

June 7, 2024 by

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in collaboration with its member National Federations and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) and in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, will host the 5th annual free Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day. The event will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, across Tortola and include activities on Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. This family-friendly festival is open to the public of all ages and abilities.

This year’s celebration is particularly special as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Virgin Islands’ (UK) first appearance at the Olympic Games. In 1984, the territory was represented by speed skater Erroll “Canute” Fraser at the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games and a team of four track and field athletes and five sailors at the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. The athletics team members included Lindel “Chef” Hodge, Guy Hill, Dean Greenaway, and Jerry Molyneaux, while the sailing team featured Robin Tattersall, Elvet Meyers, Keith Thomas, Keith Barker and the late Peter Barker. These past Olympians will be honored at the event.

Sports Festival Highlights

This year’s Sports Festival will be hosted from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the HLSCC campus grounds in Paraquita Bay, returning to the original site of the festival’s launch in 2012. A partnership with the college was agreed for co-hosting Olympic Day events, underscoring the relationship between the BVIOC and the HLSCC through the swimming pool project.

Interactive stations at the college grounds include archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, netball, softball and squash. The BVI Anit-Doping Commission and health and nutrition advisors will also be on site.

The Department of Culture will be showcasing an interactive maritime historical display with the Maritime Museum open for visits. The Heritage Dancers will continue to build on their participation with lessons in some of the VI’s traditional dance steps.

Additional activities will take place simultaneously at Brandywine Bay Beach with aquatic and marine sports including sailing and swimming stations, alongside beach sports hosted by the volleyball, rugby and football federations.

DYAS will be hosting corporate competitions with points to be accrued for the winner’s title.

Walk/runs will take place from 6:30am on Virgin Gorda starting at the VG Recreation Ground and on Anegada starting at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre. On Jost Van Dyke, the walk/run will start at 5:30am from the Albert Chinnery Admin Building, Great Harbour.

“Sports Festival is designed to showcase various sports and encourage the public to move, learn and discover as they try out different activities they can incorporate into their lifestyle for better fitness and health,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “There is a lot on offer, and it most definitely is a great opportunity for everyone in the family to get involved together. I encourage all to join us for a day of fun, fitness, and celebration of the Olympic spirit!”

Olympic Year Celebrations

2024 is an Olympic year, and the BVI will be represented at the Paris 2024 Games by two outstanding athletes: Kyron McMaster OBE OLY, a 400m hurdles 2x Commonwealth Games champion and World Athletics Championship silver medalist, and ILCA7 (laser) sailor Thad Lettsome. Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott will attend the Olympic Day celebrations with updates on the preparation for the Games with VI designer, Kristin Fraser unveiling the Opening Ceremony wear for the BVI team at Paris 2024.

Event attendees will have the chance to receive Olympic Day tee shirts (subject to availability) and enjoy Coca-Cola products including Dasani water and Powerade.

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.

More information on Olympic Day and the event can be found here.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Milton McLean, Olympic Day, Paris 2024, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Volleyball Tagged With: , , , ,

BVI squad set to compete in CONCACAF U15 Championship

August 1, 2023 by

A group of “bright and talented” BVI footballers are off to compete in the CONCACAF U15 Championship hosted by the Dominican Republic from August 6 – 13, 2023. The team is expected to put in a good performance.
 
The BVI team came top of Division C the last time the Championship was held in 2019. The team is now the top seed in the group, which includes Dominica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The other teams which are in the same division as the BVI, but in separate groups, include Sint Marten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the USVI, French Guiana, Anguilla, and Saint Maarten.
 
The squad, all members of which are based within the territory, is coached by Cassandra Gregg. Preparations have been intensive with a combination of regular training, tournaments and a series of friendly games all taking place in the past few months.
 
“Originally we were in a group of four and playing in Curacao, but how we are a group of 3 and playing in DR,” commented Coach Gregg. “We had a very successful tournament over Easter and, more recently, made a trip to play St Kitts, which was a great experience for the boys. What I always say to my players is anything they can do, we can do better,” she added.
 
First up will be a game next Tuesday, August 8th against TCI. The team will then play Dominica on Wednesday August 9th. Both games kick off at 9.00am local time.

Captain Mario Carter is feeling very positive about the teams’ chances. “Not too long ago we were in St Kitts and when we came back, we analyzed the games, saw the kinds of mistakes we made and worked hard in practice to correct them. We are mentally and physically prepared and although we have to work on a couple of things, like chemistry and discipline, I am very confidant,” he said.
 
The Assistant coach is Jeffrey Demming and the Goalkeeper Coach is Morris Mark.
 
The traveling squad includes Carter as Captain, Latreil Williams as vice-captain, Marc Tan, Christian Vanterpool, Tiandre Frett, Quyl Billingy, Myles Penn, Kyle Farrington, Akeem Paddy, Lashaun Gibbs, Temari Nanton, Othniel Gillings, Michael Findlay, Morris Mark III, Kenley Williams, Zeviah Abrahams, roman Nibbs, Malique Fenton, and D’Andre McSheen
 
“Our defense is very hard to get past and is really good, so once our midfield do their jobs, I’m pretty sure we will come out on top of our group,” said Coach Gregg.
 
BVI Football Association President, Andy Bickerton also noted that the young players were now well and truly on the pathway to Senior National team levels. “These boys are now playing at U15 levels and the next step from the BVIFA’s point of view is to be looking at the squad for U17 level. Two thirds of our Men’s National team have already come through our Youth Programs, so they all know that they way they behave on and off the field, with their studies and how well they represent the territory will keep them on that pathway.”

Filed Under: Football, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Luka Chalwell makes sporting history as VI’s first professional footballer

June 20, 2023 by
Luka Chalwell with Lea Bradbury, Manager of Eastleigh FC. Photo: Luka Chalwell

Luka Chawell is the first Virgin Islands national, who is born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, to become a professional footballer after signing a contract on Thursday, June 15 2023, to join Eastleigh FC in the English National League.

Chalwell, a product of the BVI Football Association development pathways, started under the watchful eye of Coach John Reilly. He flourished in the BDO Schools League and blossomed in the BVIFA youth teams before earning his first full international cap in the Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Guatemala in 2021.

Since then, Chalwell has represented the VI in the Concacaf Nations League. He moved to England to develop his talent at clubs such as Poole Town, where he scored a hat trick in the FA Youth Cup. BVI National Coach, Chris Kiwomya, who was working with Chalwell on improving his all round game, recommended Chalwell to Lee Bradbury, Manager of Eastleigh FC and the Eastleigh Elite Development Program.

Chalwell impressed both Kiwomya and Eastleigh with his work ethic. He demonstrated an exemplary attitude to gain his chance and be rewarded for his undoubted talent. He also showed a willingness to listen to coaches and mentors alike and benefited from being able to work with Coach Kiwomya.

“I was able to get Luka (Chalwell) the opportunity, but he had to show dedication to learn the game and improve himself,” said Kiwomya. “He has really improved over 12-18 months, has an eye for the goal, good stamina and is a good header of the ball. I was happy to step in and help him achieve his dream, which he’s grabbed with both hands, and I believe he has a good chance of making the breakthrough to the first team and playing at a higher level.”

Chalwell was excited to learn of the offer to sign the professional two-year contract on Thursday 15th June 2023.

“This is such a proud moment for myself and my family, signing my first professional contract with Eastleigh FC,” said Chalwell. “I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice throughout my journey so far. Words can’t describe how I feel to have reached this stage. I’ve always worked very hard but especially this past year, putting my all into further developing my physical and mental skills whilst working very hard to condition my body for the intense physicality of professional level football, which has allowed me this opportunity with Eastleigh FC. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

According to an announcement on the Eastleigh FC website, “Chalwell has been involved in training with the first team in the latter stages of the season and impressed, earning himself a pro deal.” Chalwell’s new manager, Lee Bradbury said “I’m really pleased to have the lad on board. He has excellent ability and I’m looking forward to seeing the progress through the early years of professional football.”

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton added “The BVIFA is very proud of Luka, he is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and the essential and necessary family support.”

Those sentiments were echoed by BVIFA Technical Director, Dan Neville, “Congratulations to Luka, the first of what we hope is many more to follow!”

Filed Under: Football 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: , , , ,

BVI Men’s National Team to face Dominica and TCI in Concacaf Nations League C

June 12, 2023 by
BVI vs Puerto Rico, Concacaf Nations League C Group D, A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, March 23, 2023

The BVI men’s National team has been drawn in Concacaf League C, Group C for the 2023/24 edition of the Nations League competition, which will begin in November of this year and conclude in March 2024.

Concacaf conducted the official draw for the third edition of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) in a live event in Miami, Florida, hosted by sports anchor Carmen Boquin. The occasion included the participation of Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio, as well as former players Gonzalo Romero (Guatemala), Maylee Atthin-Johnson (Trinidad and Tobago and Wendy Acosta (Costa Rica).

Group C also includes Dominica and Turks and Caicos. Each team will play every team in their group, home and away, for a total of four matches per team (two at home and two away).

League C includes Bonaire, Saint Martin, and Anguillam in Group A and Aruba, Cayman Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands in Group B.

Promotion and relegation between CNL Leagues will take place at the conclusion of the third edition, as follows:

League A: 5th and 6th place finishers will be relegated to League B.
League B: Group winners will be promoted to League A, and 4th place finishers will be relegated to League C.
League C: Group winners and the best 2nd place finisher will be promoted to League B.

The 2023/24 CNL will be played in a three-League format (A, B, and C), with the region’s 41 men’s senior national teams distributed into the Leagues according to the results of the 2022/23 CNL.

The 2023/24 CNL Group Stage will be played during the official FIFA Match Windows in September, October, and November 2023. The 2023/24 CNL Finals, where the third CNL champion will be crowned, will take place at a to-be-announced venue in March 2024.

Concacaf will announce the competition’s schedule at a later date.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

Wolues victors of President’s Cup

May 23, 2023 by
Wolues FC enjoyed a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May

Marcus Robinson scored the only goal of the game to hand Wolues FC a 1-0 victory over VG United in the President’s Cup Final at East End / Long Look on Sunday 21st May.
 
The goal came in just the 11th minute of a game that later saw Wolues reduced to 10 men. The match then developed into a tactical dual between two well organized sides. The game, which was played in front of a large crowd at the future National Stadium venue, was as worthy a match to celebrate the President’s Cup as there has ever been.
 
“We got off to a good start and put some pressure on them early,” commented Phil Nelson of the Wolues. “The game was pretty even when Marcus (Robinson) was slid through. He went on to finish perfectly and then found ourselves hanging on a little bit. We were really up against it when one of our players got sent off, but we changed the formation a little at half time to try block the middle and give up the space on the sides. We rode our luck a little but overall didn’t give up much. It was a real determined performance”.
 
Nelson went onto congratulate VG United on a good season and a good game noting that “they have built their team from the youths and play very well together. They are ones to watch for next year.”
 
Meanwhile Manager of the VG team, Jermain Abrams, thought that his team didn’t start too well. “We were a bit shaky to begin with but settled down after they had scored,” he said. “Our confidence grew when they were reduced to ten men, but it seemed like it wasn’t to be our day as we missed many opportunities to score. We tried, we hit the woodwork, and it just wasn’t meant to be. But it was a good game, and the fans definitely got their money’s worth.”
 
At the conclusion of the game, the BVI Football Association President, Mr. Andy Bickerton, the Premier, Mr. Natalio Wheatley and members of the BVIFA Executive celebrated the season with awards not only going to the Wolues FC as Cup Winners, but also to One Love as National League Champions, the Golden Boot Winners, Johari Lacey of Rebels FC  and Derol Redhead of Sugar Boys FC, who both scored 22 goals, the Golden Boy award for League newcomer, which went to Devon Letteen of One Love FC, who was also the Golden Glove winner and League MVP who was named as Collin Lavia of One Love FC.
The Fairplay award went to Positive FC, the Manager of the Year was named as Nick Messum of Wolues and the Referee of the Year award went to James Ramprasad.

Collin Lavia awarded League MVP
Derol Redhead shared the Golden Boot award
Dr. The Hon. Premier Natalio Wheatley was on hand to assist with the presentation of the awards
Nick Messum was awarded Manager of the Year
One Love are National League Champions
Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , , ,

National Head Coach hopeful of closing the gap in the CONCACAF Nations’ League match against Puerto Rico

March 14, 2023 by
BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023. Photo: BVIFA

BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023.

In a recent interview on 284 Media, ahead of the CONCACAF Nations’ League clash with Puerto Rico, Men’s National team Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya noted that he had been impressed with the showing of two or three youth players and that some would, no doubt, get their opportunity to be involved and gain experience in the senior set up.

BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, current National team captain, Troy Caesar and forward Tyler Forbes were also in attendance and, such has been the impact of a development plan spearheaded by Bickerton, supported by his Executive Committee, that those two, still youthful players are already considered stalwarts of the team and are about to be joined by the next generation from the BVIFA’s youth development programme.

When asked by the President, Coach Kiwomya cautioned that it was a big step up from youth to Men’s football, but mentioned Johari Lacey, Azarni Callwood, and the Abram brothers as being in line for a chance to gain experience in what will be a tough game to end the CONCACAF Champions League campaign.

Forbes recognised that the level of the National League had increased and was much more competitive. Coach Kiwomya is keen to reward those players doing well in the local league by giving them an opportunity to get used to being around the senior players. He also sees the benefits of involving them and encouraging them to continue their development and keep improving as they are the future of the national team.

Rebels coach, Latoya Sue – recently praised by the Deputy Governor, David Archer, for her work in Football – already has a cadre of other players like Denvin Jones, Jahmal Austin Prentice and Ikyjah Williams representing at National levels so Lacey and will be in good company.

VG United under Coaches Glen Bascombe, Richie Morton and Jermain Abrams are already boasting Giovanni Grant, Daniel Gilford, and Levon Williams having made senior debuts. That list could well be swelled by the likes of the Abrams brothers, Mekhi Waters and Sheldon Toney, who have all been involved at representative youth tournaments and are pushing for places in the senior squad. .

Another exciting prospect, and one mentioned by the coach as a possible contender, is Azarni Callwood.

According to the BVIFA, whatever the final squad is, and despite the fact that the reverse fixture resulted in a 0-6 defeat, with several youngsters coming into the frame, who are like family to each other, the game will prove a valuable experience against professional opponents and show the home fans National Pride.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,

Women’s Football Festival kicks off with 35 participants

February 16, 2023 by
The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off with 35 participants on Feb 11, 2023 at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda. PHOTO: BVIFA/Javi Mars

The first of two Women’s Football Festivals kicked off at the Valley Recreation Grounds in Virgin Gorda on Saturday and attracted 35 participants, who not only learnt new skills, but also made new friends.

“Today was really great, I really loved it,” said Ciel Fox of Ciboney Centre of Excellence. “I really liked how the coaches helped us.”

Co-coordinator Gloria George-Fahie said despite a hiccup at the start, she’s glad of the way the day turned out. “It was well attended,” she noted. “The BVI Health Services, they showed up and the girls learned a lot about blood typing, their pressure and it was a really great day.” George-Fahie said the numbers could have been more, but several girls from Virgin Gorda went to Road Town for a jumps and throws camp with their respective schools. “It was also good to see the support of the coaches from Tortola,” she said. “We’ll have more folks over in Tortola (on Feb 25) but this is just the beginning. You can’t begin with a bang.”

Zambia Demming who attends Bregado Flax Educational Secondary School and participants in the girls Saturday morning academy on Tortola, said it was good to see an event catering only to girls.
“I liked everything about it,” she said. “It went well, and it will help more people to join the program. I’ll tell my friends that they need to be a part of this.”

The event offered Mia Lennard a dual role—first as a photographer then as a player. “It was awesome,” said Lennard who played football in high school. “I just wanted to learn more about the sport and meet other people interested in sports.” She said that it was interesting capturing images of the event when she wasn’t playing. “It was cool doing both sides today,” she said.

Following the event, Coach Cassandra “Coach Cass” Gregg, gathered everyone in a circle for a departing prayer as she usually does during the Saturday morning academies at the football field in Greenland. “We’re targeting 100 girls by the ending of December and today on Virgin Gorda, we had 35,” she told everyone. “We’ve doubled the amount now. Last month, we had 22, this month we’re up to 48—that’s for the Saturday morning program only not including all of you here—we’re hoping that we’re going to climb the ladder next month. We should be up to 75, then the next month we should target the hundred and keep going. That’s what we’re looking for. It was very nice to have all of you here today.”

Registration is in progress for the Tortola leg of the festival on February 25. Registration of girls in all ages, can be done on the day, via the BVI Football Association office or by email to
info@bvifootball.com. Further information can be obtained by calling (284) 340 3545.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ,

Women’s Football Festival to be held on Virgin Gorda this weekend, February 11th

February 8, 2023 by
Gloria George-Fahie, a co-coordinator of the Women’s Football Festival on Virgin Gorda, with a group of girls from the Bregado Flax Educational Center on Virgin Gorda, who will participate in the festival. PHOTO: BVIFA / Dean Greenaway

A Women’s Football Festival will be held on Virgin Gorda on Saturday, February 11 between 9:30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. with the aim of reviving the sport for women and eventually starting a league.

During the festival, women will be exposed to a number of activities besides the skills used in the game, including nutrition, blood sugar, blood pressure checks, communication, media, conditioning and physiotherapy. Sprinter Karene King will be the guest speaker on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola.

“The focus of all the presentations in these two events will be solely by women, which I think is very important,” said Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway, BVI Football Association Competitions’ Manager , who’s driving the festival. “The aim is to eventually see a Women’s League run entirely by women. Since taking up the position, I have come across a number of enthusiastic, dedicated, competent women with the requisite skills and they know what they want. I’m just the facilitator in the process.”

In November and early December, meetings with women were held on Virgin Gorda and Tortola, to get an understanding of their concerns and what they’d like to see for themselves. Their respective ideas were canvassed and having a Women’s Football Festival on both Virgin Gorda and Tortola, was seen as an important event in bringing women together, as building blocks for future development.

“There are a number of women in the process of obtaining their coaching license and at the end of January, several completed a referee’s course,” Greenaway noted. “Chandni Wattley and Shevorne “Sha Sha” Vanterpool for example, have been the first two women to work in men league games as assistant referees. Vanterpool and Keliene Smith – both from Virgin Gorda – worked a Feb 5 men’s game in Virgin Gorda, becoming the first two women from the island to do so, so the foundation for women’s development is being laid. They will also be part of the foundation for a women’s league.”

On Saturdays, Coach Cassandra (“Coach Cass”) has been working with a number of girls in Greenland who are joined by girls from Virgin Gorda. “Coach Cass has a goal of having 100 girls in the program by Dec 31 and we’re seeing the response of girls to this quest,” Greenaway said. “They will participate in the festival and help spread the seeds for getting their peers into the football program.”

A similar festival will be held on February 25 on Tortola, at the BVI Football Association stadium in Greenland.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: , ,
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