Tokyo 2020 postponement sees spirit of resilience and cooperation dominate global response

March 24, 2020 by
The postponed 2020 Summer Olympic Games will remain in Tokyo – PHOTO: Yoshikazu Sekiguchi

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Abe Shinzo, held a conference call this morning to discuss the constantly changing environment with regard to COVID-19 and the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating. Yesterday, the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is “accelerating”. There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour.

In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC President and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.

The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC said that while the postponement was an understandable outcome of the talks and the current pandemic, the focus of the BVIOC will turn to supporting the athletes and any impact the delay may have on their psyche and preparations.

“Moving the dates to an unknown time in the future is hard on the athletes but this is not the first time that our athletes have had to face adverse situations and we will be doing our utmost to support them and to ease the strain of preparing for the future,” said Mr. Penn. The BVIOC provides a monthly training scholarship and has also secured sponsorship from iForex to assist VI’s Tokyo 2020 athletes in their preparations for the Games.

“While initially I was disappointed with the IOC’s decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games, on reflection I’m thankful that they are putting our health first,” said Chantel Malone, the Lima 2019 Pan American Games VI long jump gold medalist. “With everything going on, the restrictions definitely put a limitation on training with regards to what we can and can’t do so, all in all, postponing these Summer Olympics is for the greater good and will give us more time to be even more prepared to produce awesome results. Every cloud has it’s silver lining!” Tokyo 2020 will be Malone’s first Olympic Games.

“It’s unfortunate that these 2020 Summer Olympic Games have been postponed because we have been training so hard in preparation but we understand the decision to put our health and safety first and we’ll be making the most of the extra time available to get ready for this important competition,” said Eldred Henry, the VI’s shot putter whose first Olympic appearance was at Rio 2016.

“It’s disappointing after all this time training and competing in what few meets we had in the lead up to the Games in July but we will overcome this hurdle and look to the future as we continue with our preparations. We just hope that our sponsors, the VI government and our supporters continue to stand by our side during this extended period,” said Kyron McMaster, the VI’s Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles gold medalist who will make his Olympic debut at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games.

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 in consultation with Mr. Penn remains in constant contact with the Virgin Islands’ athletes confirmed or hoping to attend the 2020 Summer Olympic Games and will continue to relay information received from the IOC and the organisers as they decide on the new dates and associated changes.

“I have an open line of communication with all our Tokyo 2020 confirmed and hopeful athletes and our real time conversation enables me to keep them up to date with correct information from the official channels. Right now, the news has been quite hard on them as they have been as focused as they can to compete in their best form in July. They are recalibrating but overall they are in a positive mindset and are determined to work with the outcome of the IOC’s decision to postpone and plan to make the most of the extended time to train hard. It is also really important that the support and encouragement behind them continues,” said Chef Harrigan-Scott.

The global community has rallied to the IOC’s news with three major Tokyo 2020 sponsors – Proctor & Gamble, Intel and Coca-Cola – all reaffirming their commitment to the Games. Organisers of major Games including the 2021 World Athletics Championships slated for August 6 – 15 in Eugene, Oregon and the Commonwealth Youth Games Trinbago 2021 scheduled for August 1 – 7 in Trinidad & Tobago have already communicated their willingness to shift their events to accommodate the new date for Tokyo 2020.

Panam Sports in a press release also stated that it will maintain all of its aid programs for athletes, coaches and National Olympic Committees. They also said that once the new dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are defined, Panam Sports will work together with the IOC, the International Federations, the NOCs and the athletes to be able to adjust the schedules for the competitions that follow, in particular the Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021 that were scheduled between June 5-20.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, chantel malone, Commonwealth Games, Eldred Henry, Gold Coast 2018 News, Kyron McMaster, Lima 2019, Panam Sports, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Tokyo 2020 Tagged With: , , , , , ,

McMaster represents athletes of small countries winning first medals at Commonwealth Games

April 16, 2018 by

Kyron McMaster represented athletes of small nations winning their first Games’ medal in the official Commonwealth Games’ Federation wrap up press conference. (L-r) Andy Street, Mayor, West Midlands; Kyron McMaster, Gold Medalist 400m Hurdler, BVI; Mark Peters, CEO, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation; Peter Beattie AC, Chairman, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation; David Grevemberg CBE, CEO, Commonwealth Games Federation; Louise Martin CBE, President, Commonwealth Games Federation.

Kyron McMaster, the 400m hurdles champion and inaugural British Virgin Islands (VI) gold medalist sat on the head table with top executives of the Commonwealth Games Federation, GOLDOC, and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the final day press conference of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The line up included Andy Street, Mayor, West Midlands; Kyron McMaster, Gold Medalist 400m Hurdles; Mark Peters, CEO, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation; Peter Beattie AC, Chairman, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation; David Grevemberg CBE, CEO, Commonwealth Games Federation; and Louise Martin CBE, President, Commonwealth Games Federation.

The first half of the two-part conference focused on the wrap up of the Games and reflections of the event.

Speaking on two memorable events in what is being dubbed ‘Game of Firsts’, Ms. Martin said, “Forty-three countries have won medals. Five of these are first ever medals and they’re all small countries which, to me, is exceptional.”

Identifying the win of the first medal for the VI as one of the memorable moments of the Games, Kyron was asked to share his experience on winning and on the public’s reaction to it.

“Winning the first medal for the British Virgin Islands was big,” said Kyron. “Before the race, everyone was messaging me crazily saying, ‘no pressure, but we want the medal’.”

“Winning it after what we have been through (Hurricane Irma), I was happy that I could deliver on that and especially the gold medal. Everyone was just so happy and so I was happy to bring some joy back to the BVI.”

A lot of the stories behind the athletes at the Games have been about triumph through adversity and Kyron explained what winning the medal has meant to him given the impact of Hurricane Irma.

“It gives athletes hope when they see me go out there and do it. Not only for the athletes back home but also those from other small countries who haven’t medaled yet, who can say ‘if this small-town boy can do it, we can do it’,” said Kyron. “For the athletes back home, I know that they are looking at it as motivation regardless of the standards of their training. They can use it and can progress.”

Kyron looks forward to competing at Doha 2018, Qatar on May 4 in one of the series of fourteen of the ninth edition of the annual IAAF Diamond League. It will be one of the biggest Diamond Leagues he has attended.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News Tagged With: , , , ,

Team BVI wraps up Gold Coast 2018 with historic Gold medal and fanfare

April 16, 2018 by

Team BVI at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Queensland, Australia. Photo: BVICGA

Team BVI was led by flag bearer and four-times Commonwealth Games athlete, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott in the Gold Coast 2018 Closing Ceremony on April 15 marking the end of the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games.

“This has been an amazing and emotional Games,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association. “We saw Gold Coast 2018 as an opportunity to inspire the Virgin Islands through sports after the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria and hoped that the athletes’ achievements would motivate the territory to tackle new beginnings. Our athletes rose to the occasion with their tremendous effort and individual and team achievements. We believed that this was the strongest team we had yet taken to the Commonwealth Games and their performances have proved it to be the case. We are exceptionally proud of each, and every one of them and thank them for showcasing our nation on the world stage with grit and grace.”

At the end of 10 days of competition in Queensland, Australia, 10 of the VI’s athletes had participated in 9 track and field events and 2 squash events. All track and field athletes completing their events made it through to semi-finals and five went on to compete in the finals. In squash, the VI won the Plate of the men’s singles.

British Virgin Islands Kyron Mcmaster won the men’s 400m hurdles final in a time of 48.25 seconds during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast on April 12, 2018. Photo credit: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

The crowning moment came on April 12 when Kyron McMaster took to his starting blocks in front of a packed stadium in the 400m Hurdles and made history with his 1st place finish in a time of 48.25 seconds and winning the territory’s first medal ever in the Commonwealth Games.

Competing in his first Commonwealth Games, Kyron triumphed for his hurricane ravaged country and in memory of his beloved coach, the late Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels. “My first phase of the race wasn’t what I wanted but I remembered what coach would have told me ‘just in case something like that happens, just stay calm and relax’” said Kyron. “When I saw I was in a position to take control of the race, I did and ran home with the gold. I am very proud that I was able to bring it home for the Virgin Islands.” 2nd and 3rd places went to Jeffrey Gibson of the Bahamas (49.10) and Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica (49.16) respectively.

That same evening, Chantel Malone landed a 5th place in the Long Jump final with a leap of 6.48. This was Chantel’s second appearance in a Commonwealth Games, the first being at Glasgow 2014 where she landed a 4th place with a jump of 6.41. Podium finishers of the long jump were Christabel Nettey of Canada (6.84), Brooke Stratton of Australia (6.77) and Shara Proctor of England (6.75).

Next up were Commonwealth Games debutants, twin sisters Tynelle and Trevia Gumbs competing against a field of 13 in the Discus final. Tynelle hurled the disc 47.04 to place 9th. Top spots went to Dani Stevens of Australia (68.26), Seema Punia of India (60.41) and Navjeet Dhillon of India (57.43). Tynelle’s performance was in her second event of the Games – the first being the Hammer Throw in which she placed 7th overall and attained a Seasonal and Personal Best as well as beating her previous National Record with a distance of 60.97.

Trevia retired early in the Discus final to avoid irritating an injury and to save herself for the Shot Put final.  On April 13, and the last day of competition for the VI, Tynelle improved on her Shot Put qualifier round result of 14.08 with a third attempt throw of 14.12. Top three putters were Danniel Thomas-Dodd of Jamaica (19.36), Dame Valerie Adams of New Zealand (18.70) and Brittany Crew of Canada (18.32).

Eldred Henry joined Trevia in rounding off the VI’s performance at the Games with his seasonal best throw of 50.96 when he competed in the Discus final. The mark was an improvement of his 50.43 achieved in his qualifying round. Medalists in the event were Fedrick Dacres of Jamaica who set a new Games Record with a throw of 68.20, Traves Smikle of Jamaica (63.98) and Apostolos Parellis of Cypress (63.61). On April 9, Eldred had competed in the shot put final. GC2018 was Eldred’s second Commonwealth Games.

Earlier in the Games, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott ran her last race of a Commonwealth Games on April 8 when she crossed the finish line of the 100m semi-finals with a time of 11.63 to place 7th in her field and 13th out of 24 runners in the semi-finals.

On April 10, Ashley Kelly closed out her GC2018 performance with a 53.00 finish in the 400m semi-finals. The time placed her 5th in her race and 14th out of an overall line up of 23 semi-finalists. This was Ashley’s second Commonwealth Games, the first being Glasgow 2014 where she competed in the 200m and 400m semi-finals.

Khari Herbert Jr was disappointed when he pushed out of the blocks in his 400m qualifying round on April 8 and had to retire due to a hamstring injury. This was Khari’s first Commonwealth Games.

Squash Round Up

In squash, Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino ended their GC2018 competitions on April 12 when they played in a hard-fought doubles match against Pakistan’s duo, Tayyab Aslam and Farhan Zaman.

The first game was an exciting round with the BVI taking 8 points. The crowd watched a strong performance from both players with Neville playing some of his best squash for an edge-of-the-seat game. The second game to decide the match was ultimately won by Aslam and Zaman 11-4.

This was the second doubles match that Joe and Neville played at the Games, the first being on April 10 when they were defeated by England’s James Willstrop (CWG 2018 Singles Gold Medal winner) and James Declan (World ranked #25).

GC2018 was Neville’s Commonwealth Games debut and in which he played in the Men’s Squash singles and doubles, and Joe’s fourth appearance at the quadrennial event. The pinnacle for Joe was his win of the Men’s Singles Plate on April 9 when he beat Cameron Stafford of the Cayman Islands 3-1 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11 – 7).

The VI delegation to GC2018 included Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission; Athletics coaches Winston Potter, Joey Scott, Dwight Phillips and Omar Jones; and Squash coach Adam Murrills; Physio Mark Latimer; Attaché Julie-Anne Pearson; CGA Assistant Katrina Pfeffer; BVICGA Secretary General Lloyd Black; and Deputy Premier, Dr. The Honourable Kedrick Pickering.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Open invitation to Flow Breakfast Watch Party for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

April 11, 2018 by

By FLOW

Patrons taking in the evening session of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on Flow Sports at Captain Mulligan’s Sports Bar. Photo Credit: Flow

The British Virgin Islands community is invited to a Breakfast Watch Party for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (GC2018) hosted by Flow, on Thursday, April 12 at 5:30 a.m. at Captain Mulligan’s Sports Bar as four BVI Athletes are expected to compete in the finals on that date.

These athletes are Kyron McMaster in the 400M Hurdles finals, Chantel Malone in the Long Jump finals, as well as Tynelle and Trevia Gumbs in the Discus Throw finals. The Watch Party is being held in collaboration with the BVI Olympics Committee serving in the capacity of the Commonwealth Games Association, and the Ministry of Education and Culture, with the games being shown on Flow Sports. Complimentary breakfast will be served to the first 50 persons in attendance.

The invitation was issued during the company’s ‘Breakfast with Flow’ radio programme on ZBVI 780 AM which featured Marketing and Communications Manager, Nadia James-Harris and Retail Store Manager Akeen Merry. Additional topics covered during the discussions included the launch of the Samsung 9, Flow TV, the upcoming movie premiere of Avengers Infinity War on April 26 at UPs Cineplex, the variety of current prepaid offers at the store and restoration updates.

Mrs. Harris said, “We are delighted to partner with the BVI Olympics Committee, the Ministry of Education and Culture, as well as the management of Captain Mulligan’s, in bringing the community together to support our athletes as they represent the Territory at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which is an excellent platform and opportunity for exposure of our young people.”

The GC2018 is the largest sporting event being held in Australia this decade with 15,000 volunteers and over 6,600 athletes and officials having converged on Queensland from over 70 nations and territories. Included in this mix are 14 Caribbean countries who are being represented at the games and compete in 18 sporting events and seven para sports that include Track and Field, Boxing, Aquatics, Netball, Beach Volleyball, Rugby Sevens, Squash.

The games, which take place every four years, are being held in Australia’s Gold Coast; live coverage on the Flow Sports Networks starts each evening at 7pm Eastern Caribbean Time and extend well into the late-night hours. Caribbean fans can also follow live Commonwealth Games events each morning, which is evening in Australia.

Filed Under: Gold Coast 2018 News

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott completes her Commonwealth Games Career with fourth appearance

April 9, 2018 by

British Virgin Islands Tahesia Harrigan-Scott ran her final race in the athletic’s women’s 100m semi-finals during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast on April 8, 2018. Photo SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images

Three Virgin Islands athletes took to the track and field on the first day of Athletics at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on Monday, April 8.

Tahesia Harrigan-Scott advanced to the semi-finals of the 100m when she placed third in her heat with a time of 11.64. A couple of hours later, Tahesia ran her final race in a Commonwealth Games.

It was a bright clear day and the stadium was packed with ardent Games supporters generating an energetic atmosphere. Tahesia, racing in lane 8 took to her blocks and shot out strong and held her position near the lead until the last quarter of the race when she dropped into 7th place finishing her race in a time of 11.63. Her time placed her 13th overall in a total of 24 runners in the semi-finals.

“The heat was my first 100 meters of the season so it felt like the first race,” said Tahesia. “I felt good in the second race. My start felt fine, my reaction was good, it’s just the last 30 meters of the race when I really faded and it cost me a better time than I should have ran. While I would have liked to have done better I gave it all that I had at that moment.”

Enjoying the experience of Gold Coast 2018, Tahesia will now be turning her attention to her team mates and cheer them on in their competitions. This is the fourth Commonwealth Games for Tahesia. She was the first female Virgin Islander to compete at the Commonwealth Games when she made her debut in Manchester in 2002 and advanced to the quarter-finals in the 100 meters in what was then her first senior international meet. Tahesia went on to finish in 5th place in the finals in both Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010.

“We are exceptionally proud of Tahesia,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association. “She has been an excellent ambassador for our athletes, our team and the Virgin Islands at all Commonwealth Games. Her positive attitude and cheerful disposition along with her ethical approach to competition is what we at the BVICGA hope all our athletes will aspire to. We thank Tahesia for being a leader in the VI corps of athletes, and for her commitment to her sport and to the team.”

Eldred Henry was next up in the stadium on day one, competing in Group B of the Shot Put. He hurled his furthest throw of the flight in his first attempt to land at 18.19 meters. His distance placed him 5th in his group with the top thrower in his group achieving 20.47m. While Eldred felt he could have done better, his throw was good enough to get him through to the Shot Put finals on April 9.

Khari Herbert Jr started off from the blocks in the 400m heats but pulled out of the race after a few meters when he felt pains in his hamstring in his right leg. While disappointed not to have been able to compete in these Games, he is looking forward to racing in the upcoming events of the season.

Joe Chapman beat Manda Chilambwe (Zambia) in Plate Semi Final 11-5, 11-4, 6-11, 11-4. Photo: Max Harris

In Squash, Joe Chapman played in the semi-finals of the Men’s Singles Plate to win against Manda Chilambwe of Zambia. In an exciting match that took 38 minutes, Joe came through comfortably in four games 11-5, 11-4, 6-11, 11-4. He will face Cameron Stafford of Cayman in the Plate finals at 1.15pm on April 9 (11.15pm, Sunday, April 8 VI time).

Upcoming events:

Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino will play England’s Declan James and James Willstrop in the Men’s Squash Doubles at 11.45am on Tuesday, April 10 (9.45pm Monday, April 9 VI time).

Track and field competitions for the VI’s athletes will continue on Monday, April 9 with Ashley Kelly running in the 400m heats at 10.30am (8.30pm, Sunday, April 8, VI time) and Eldred will compete in the Shot Put finals at 8.25pm (6.25am Monday, April 9 VI time).

Kyron McMaster will debut in the Commonwealth Games with the 400m Hurdles heats at 11.15 am on Tuesday, April 10 (9.15pm, Monday, April 9, VI time), followed by Tynelle Gumbs in the Hammer Throw at 8.40pm (6.40am, Tuesday, April 10, VI time).

Chantel Malone will compete in the Long Jump at 7.00pm on Wednesday, April 11 (5.00am, VI time).

Eldred will then throw the Discus at 10.00am on Thursday, April 12 (8.00pm, Wednesday, April 11, VI time) and Trevia Gumbs will hurl the Shot Put at 12.15pm (10.15 pm, Wednesday, April 11, VI time). Trevia and twin sister, Tynelle will then compete in the Discus throw at 8.40pm that night (6.40am, Thursday, April 12, VI time).

The Games will be broadcast via Flow Sports Live and Flow’s mobile customers will also have live access via WiFi or Mobile Data to the Games via the Flow Sports 1 App. Live coverage on the Flow Sports Networks will start each evening at 7pm Eastern Caribbean Time and extend well into the late-night hours. Caribbean fans can also follow live Commonwealth Games events each morning, which is evening in Australia.

Supporters who want to follow the events and competition live must subtract 14 hours from the times scheduled on the official Gold Coast 2018 web site (www.gc2018.com).

Filed Under: Athletics, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Squash players launch first day of competition for Team BVI at Gold Coast 2018

April 5, 2018 by

By BVI Commonwealth Games Association

Squash players, Neville Sorrentino and Joe Chapman with Coach Adam Murrills on the first day of competition at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Photo: BVICGA

The GC2018 competition schedule for the VI started on day one of the Commonwealth Games with Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino playing matches in the men’s Squash singles at the Oxenford Studios on April 5.

Joe Chapman (PSA world ranked #292) played with strength in his match against Farhan Zaman of Pakistan (PSA world ranked #87) to take it to four games but ultimately losing 11-6,11-13,11-4,11-6. “I feel good with how this match went,” said Joe. “Farhan is a great player who had a career ranking of 47 and who’s a really great shot maker.  I was going toe-to-toe with him until the end and playing some of the best squash in my life especially considering everything that happened after the storm and the lack of squash facilities at home.

Neville Sorrentino competing in his first Commonwealth Games, was defeated by Tayyab Aslam of Pakistan 11-3, 11-4, 11-4. “It was a tough match and I was a bit nervous but I enjoyed it,” said Neville. “The result is what it should be but the game was played in good spirits and I’m just happy to be part of these Games and to have this experience of a lifetime.”

Joe and Neville will continue with matches in the Plate round which will be played on Friday, April 6. The two will then compete in the men’s doubles on Tuesday, April 10 when they come up against Declan James and James Willstrop representing England. The VI duo will meet the Pakistani players, Aslam and Zaman again in a doubles match on Thursday, April 11.

Joe and Neville trained almost daily in the 3 months prior to the Commonwealth Games and were coached by Adam Murrills.

Track and field competitions for the VI’s athletes will begin on Sunday, April 8 and continue through April 12.

The Games will be broadcast via Flow Sports Live and Flow’s mobile customers will also have live access via WiFi or Mobile Data to the Games via the Flow Sports 1 App. Live coverage on the Flow Sports Networks will start each evening at 7pm Eastern Caribbean Time and extend well into the late-night hours. Caribbean fans can also follow live Commonwealth Games events each morning, which is evening in Australia.

Supporters who want to follow the events and competition live must subtract 14 hours from the times scheduled on the official Gold Coast 2018 web site (www.gc2018.com).

Updates and photos will be posted regularly on the BVI Olympic Committee’s  social media platforms of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

 

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

VI athletes showcase territory at Gold Coast 2018 at Opening

April 5, 2018 by

By BVI Commonwealth Games Association

Team BVI in outfits styled by Kristin Fraser of Trefle Design BVI at the Gold Coast 2018 Opening Ceremony on April 4

The Virgin Islands team for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) entered the Carrara Stadium at the Opening Ceremony on the evening of Wednesday, April 4. The team comprising the 10 athletes, coaches, physio and Chef de Mission, was led by 400m hurdler, Kyron McMaster who was selected as the flag bearer.

“The Opening ceremony was a great occasion for us all,” said Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission. “All the athletes were on good form and are excited for the start of the Games. It was rewarding to know that we had a fan base in the audience which included our CGA guests, Deputy Premier, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering and Mrs. Pickering.”

The celebration featured a creative mix of ancient and modern Australia, connected by an array of classic Australian images that told a universal story of inclusiveness and diversity. The official start of the 21st Commonwealth Games was announced when the Queen’s Baton – which toured through the Virgin Islands July 2 – 4, 2017 – was run into the stadium and the Queen’s message to the athletes was removed from the Baton and read out by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

The team’s outfits were styled by the VI’s Kristin Fraser of Trèfle Design. “I was excited to create the opening ceremonial wear for the team,” said Kristin. “Colours evoke moods and I wanted to create something that would make the wearer feel happy on both the inside and out amongst all the other countries around them.”

Kristin used one of her first prints ever made called the “Artwork Print” and hand-painted by a local artist/designer and selected for originality, color and fabric. The print was coupled with a sleeveless top design for the women and included an over-sized bow meant to work and look like a scarf.

“The various shades of blue represent our waters and custom converse “chucks” were made by a local shoe guru to tie the entire look together. It was all about incorporating local talent, design and color so I’m blessed to be a part of this journey with the BVI delegation” she said.

The men wore white shirts, black pants and a white scarf imprinted with the elements that make up the VI flag – the Union Jack and the territorial coat of arms which depicts Saint Ursula framed by eleven oil lamps representing the 11,000 virgins after whom the Virgin Islands were named. Beneath St. Ursula is a scroll that reads, in Latin, “Vigilate” (Be Watchful).

 

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

Official Welcome for VI athletes ahead of Opening Ceremony. McMaster flagbearer

April 4, 2018 by

The BVI delegation attend the welcome reception and flag raising ceremony at the Gold Coast 2018 Village. Photo: Mark Latimer/BVICGA

The Virgin Islands athletes and delegates attended the official welcome and flag raising ceremony at the Gold Coast 2018 Athletes’ Village on Tuesday, April 2.

The event precedes the official start of the 21st Commonwealth Games when the Queen’s Baton – which toured through the Virgin Islands July 2 – 4, 2017 – is run into the Carrara Stadium and the Queen’s message to the athletes is removed from the Baton and read to the athletes. This Opening ceremony will take place at 7.00pm on April 4 (5:00am, Wednesday, April 4, VI time) where Kyron McMaster will lead the VI contingent of 10 athletes and 5 coaches as the flag bearer. The VI team will be sporting an outfit styled by VI designer, Kristin Fraser of Trèfle BVI.

The 10 athletes will represent the territory in two sports starting with Joe Chapman and Neville Sorrentino in the men’s Squash singles on Thursday, April 5.

Track and field competitions for the VI’s athletes will begin with Tahesia Harrigan-Scott in the women’s 100m heats starting at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 8 (midnight, Saturday, April 7, VI time) followed by Khari Herbert in the men’s 400m at 3.25pm (1.25am, Sunday, April 8, VI time), and Eldred Henry in the men’s Shot Put at 4.35pm (2.35am, Sunday, April 8, VI time).

Ashley Kelly will run in the 400m heats at 10.30am on Monday, April 9 (8.30pm, Sunday, April 8, VI time).

Kyron McMaster will debut in the Commonwealth Games with the 400m Hurdles heats at 11.15 am on Tuesday, April 10 (9.15pm, Monday, April 9, VI time), followed by Tynelle Gumbs in the Hammer Throw at 8.40 pm (6.40 am, Tuesday, April 10, VI time).

Chantel Malone will compete in the Long Jump at 7.00pm on Wednesday, April 11 (5.00am, VI time).

Eldred will then throw the Discus at 10.00am on Thursday, April 12 (8.00pm, Wednesday, April 11, VI time) and Trevia Gumbs will hurl the Shot Put at 12.15pm (10.15 pm, Wednesday, April 11, VI time). Trevia and twin sister, Tynelle will then compete in the Discus throw at 8.40pm that night (6.40am, Thursday, April 12, VI time).

The Games will be broadcast via Flow Sports Live and Flow’s mobile customers will also have live access via WiFi or Mobile Data to the Games via the Flow Sports 1 App. Live coverage on the Flow Sports Networks will start each evening at 7pm Eastern Caribbean Time and extend well into the late-night hours. Caribbean fans can also follow live Commonwealth Games events each morning, which is evening in Australia.

Supporters who want to follow the events and competition live must subtract 14 hours from the times scheduled on the official Gold Coast 2018 web site (www.gc2018.com).

To date the VI has participated in 7 Commonwealth Games, the first being in athletics in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990. The Gold Coast 2018 Games will be the territory’s 8th appearance and is the first major international event since the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

With more than 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories from 6 continents coming together to participate in the Friendly Games, organizers of the GC2018 say that this will be the largest sporting event that Australia will see this decade and will be the biggest sporting spectacular the Gold Coast has ever seen.

The Commonwealth Games Federation vision is to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities globally by inspiring Commonwealth Athletes to drive the impact and ambition of all Commonwealth Citizens through Sport. The vision, mission and values of the Commonwealth Sports Movement hinge on three core values: Humanity, Equality, and Destiny.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , ,

#TeamBVI settle in ahead of Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

April 2, 2018 by

The first arrivals of #teambvi at the Gold Coast 2018 Games have dinner at the Village on March 27. Photo: BVICGA

The complete British Virgin Islands contingent attending the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is now in Australia ready for the Opening Ceremony on April 4 when over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories will converge on the Gold Coast for an 11 day sporting and cultural event.

Planning to deal with the challenges of competing in a country which is 14 hours ahead of local Eastern Standard Time, athletes started to arrive into the Gold Coast from March 27 to work on adjusting their body clock and acclimate to the weather, which varies between warm and sunny days and cooler, wet ones.

Chef de Mission, Mark Chapman, got to the Athletes’ Village on March 26 to ensure that all was in place for a smooth transition for the team. The BVICGA assistants Kathrine and Lynne, who were assigned by the organizers of the Games, worked alongside the CGA attaché, former VI resident, Julie Pearson to get the accommodation comfortable and the uniforms sorted.

The first batch of the ten competing athletes and the coaches to be welcomed by the Chef de Mission were Ashley Kelly (200m), Chantel Malone (Long Jump), Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (1oom), Khari Herbert (400m), and Kyron McMaster (400m Hurdles) along with coaches, Joey Scott, Winston Potter, and Teymahl Huggins.

Some of the athletes went to the track that day while others had treatment with the team resident physio, Mark Latimer to shake out the journey.

“Everyone is in good spirits despite their long flights and the camaraderie and humour amongst them is infectious and invigorating,” said the Chef de Mission.  “We had a pleasant dinner all together in the main dining hall and everyone was able to connect with old friends from other nations, which apart from the sport itself, is one of the ways in which the Commonwealth Games is unique in bringing cultures and friendships across boundaries together.”

The athletes have rated the practice facilities first class and the athletes took full advantage of the polyclinic before it got too busy over the weekend.

Throwing coach, Omar Jones arrived on Thursday, March 29. That same day some of the athletes went to the training venue whilst others had a gym day at the village.

BVICGA President, Ephraim Penn and Secretary General, Lloyd Black, arrived into Gold Coast on March 30 in time for the CGF General Assembly on March 31.

On April 1, Das Surapaneni, a guest of the BVICGA, arrived. Now retired, Das who was a PE teacher for many years at the BVI High School (now the Elmore Stoutt High School) made great contributions to sport in the territory.

Athletes also took things up a notch again at the gym and the track on Easter Sunday.

“Everyone is very relaxed and enjoying quiet and calm in this mid-period between recovery from travel and their final event preparation,” reported the Chef de Mission.

The final complement of athletes and coaches arrived early in the morning on Monday, April 2 when Squash players Joe Chapman, and Neville Sorrentino – both playing in the singles and doubles – and their coach, Adam Murrills and the remaining 3 field athletes, Eldred Henry (Discus and Shot Put), Trevia Gumbs (Discus, Shot Put), and Tynelle Gumbs (Discus, Hammer Throw)received a a warm welcome into the village.

The 21st Commonwealth Games will be broadcast via Flow Sports Live and Flow’s mobile customers will also have live access via WiFi or Mobile Data to the Games via the Flow Sports 1 App. Live coverage on the Flow Sports Networks will start each evening at 7pm Eastern Caribbean Time and extend well into the late-night hours. Caribbean fans can also follow live Commonwealth Games events each morning, which is evening in Australia.

Supporters who want to follow the events and competition live must subtract 14 hours from the times scheduled on the official Gold Coast 2018 web site (www.gc2018.com).

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,

VI athletes get set for Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

February 16, 2018 by

By BVICGA

VI athletes selected to compete at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Australia from April 4 – 15, 2018 are (clockwise from top left): Chantel Malone (Long Jump), Kyron McMaster (400M Hurdles), Khari Herbert (400m), Joseph Chapman (Singles and Doubles Squash), Neville Sorrentino (Singles and Doubles Squash), Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (100m), Ashley Kelly (400m), Tynelle Gumbs (Discus and Hammer Throw), Trevia Gumbs (Discus and Shot Put), Eldred Henry (Discus and Shot Put). Photo: BVIOC

The Virgin Islands will be represented by ten athletes in two sports at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games which will be held on the East coast of Australia from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA), is the local entity responsible for managing and undertaking the administration requirements for participation. The CGA also serves as the body to whom National Federations present their qualified athletes to undergo the selection process.

The following athletes have been selected based on their performance in the national and international arena:

Track and Field athletes include Ashley Kelly (400m), Chantel Malone (Long Jump), Tahesia Harrigan-Scott (100m), Tynelle Gumbs (Discus and Hammer Throw), Trevia Gumbs (Discus and Shot Put), Eldred Henry (Discus and Shot Put), Khari Herbert (400m), and Kyron McMaster (400m Hurdles).

Squash players include Joe Chapman (Squash Singles and Doubles), and Neville Sorrentino (Squash Singles and Doubles).

Commending the athletes on their selection, CGA President, Ephraim Penn said, “The Commonwealth Games is one of the five main international sporting events that VI athletes aspire to compete in and it’s not easy to be selected. We have a restriction on the number of athletes that can take part in the Games based on our past participation, and the selected sports men and women should be justifiably proud that their hard work and commitment has paid off. We are excited to be heading off with what is perhaps one of the largest and strongest teams to represent the territory at these Games.”

Noting further that the August floods, and Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused severe damage to sporting facilities in the VI resulting in the set back of the progress of sports in the territory, Mr. Penn said “We recognize the effort, determination and perseverance required by the athletes to stay on track despite the challenges that they faced from the impact of the storms on their homes, their families and not least, the tragic loss of Athletics head coach, Dag Samuels. The CGA highly commends and congratulates all those selected and looks forward to the positive impact a successful Games will have on the morale of all our athletes and the territory.”

Events are spread out over a number of venues and the Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium will be the venue for Athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies, while Squash will be held at Oxenford.

“I visited the Gold Coast 2018 venues at the end of 2017 and was impressed with the facilities that await our athletes,” said Mr. Mark Chapman, Chef De Mission for GC2018. “Australia is a long-haul trip and many of our athletes will begin their journey in a few weeks so that they can settle in, acclimate and get on with their training regime ahead of their events. I am in regular contact with the athletes and coaches both directly and through the National Federations to ensure that everyone is informed and well prepared for these exciting Games.”

Officials attending the Games include Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission; Julie Pearson, Attaché; Athletics coaches Loren Seagrave, Joey Scott, Winston Potter, and Omar Jones; and Squash coach Adam Murrills. Mark Latimer will be the Team Physio.

The BVI CGA will be represented by President, Ephraim Penn and Secretary General, Lloyd Black.

It is expected that Dr. The Honourable Kedrick Pickering will also be in attendance as a representative of the Virgin Islands.

Conducted every four years since inception in 1930, the GC2018 will be the 21st edition of the sporting event known as the Friendly Games. To date the VI has participated in 7 Commonwealth Games, the first being in athletics in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990. The Gold Coast 2018 Games will be the territory’s 8th appearance and is the first major international event since the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

The GC2018 opening ceremony will kick off when the Queen’s Baton Relay – the pre-cursor to the Commonwealth Games which toured through the Virgin Islands July 2 – 4, 2017 – is run into the Carrara Stadium and the Queen’s message to the athletes is removed from the Baton and read to the athletes.

With more than 6,600 athletes and team officials expected from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories from 6 continents to come together to participate in the Friendly Games, organizers of the GC2018 say that this will be the largest sporting event that Australia will see this decade and will be the biggest sporting spectacular the Gold Coast has ever seen.

The Commonwealth Games Federation vision is to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities globally by inspiring Commonwealth Athletes to drive the impact and ambition of all Commonwealth Citizens through Sport. The vision, mission and values of the Commonwealth Sports Movement hinge on three core values: Humanity, Equality, and Destiny.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Gold Coast 2018 News, Squash Tagged With: , , , ,
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