Olympic Solidarity

Team BVI wraps up Paris 2024 Olympic Games with historic performances

August 14, 2024 by Admin

Team BVI concluded its participation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a final appearance at the Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France on August 11 where Rikkoi Brathwaite, 100m semifinalist, was the flagbearer.

Four athletes represented the Virgin Islands (UK) in two sports – track and field and sailing. Each competed in their respective events to deliver historic performances and results.

Thad Lettsome, the first of the athletes to compete in the Games, debuted as an Olympian in the Men’s Dinghy ILCA7 – the first VI sailor to compete at an Olympic Games since 1996. Lettsome, a flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony posted a 2nd place finish in race four, the best race result of any VI Olympic sailor.

Rikkoi Brathwaite became the first VI male athlete to advance to an Olympic 100m semifinals in his Olympic debut.

At just 18 years old, Adaejah Hodge, a flagbearer at the Olympic Games and youngest competitor in the 200m event, became the first VI athlete to advance to a 200m semifinals at her first Olympic appearance.

World silver medalist and two times Commonwealth Games champion, Kyron McMaster became the first two-times Olympic finalist when he competed in the 400m hurdles finals with a 5th place finish with a Season’s Best of 47.79 on August 9 to close out the VI’s Paris 2024 competitions.

The Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott was responsible for the administration and smooth participation of the team of athletes and delegation at the Games. Her role of athlete and delegation support and ensuring all requirements and timelines were met, began in 2022 and continued throughout the close of the Games.

“Everyone was comfortable, everyone was supported, they were in a great environment and their teams were supportive,” said Harrigan-Scott. “The athletes were very focused and dedicated. They were here for business, and their attitude – the way that they ate, the way they went to sleep early – they took the competition seriously. I congratulate them for being so professional in handling themselves at these Games.”

The BVI Olympic Committee had the overall responsibility for the team that represented the VI at the Games once the qualified athletes were confirmed by the BVI Athletics Association and the Royal BVI Yacht Club.

“The athletes are the reason why we are here,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “It’s about their journey and their mission to make the Virgin Islands proud. They have showed grit on the field; They have held their heads high, and we could not have asked for better ambassadors in Paris. Up to the very end, we were in the medal picture, and we had the entire British Virgin Islands watching and only sports can do something like that. The athletes make the work of the BVIOC even more enjoyable and rewarding, when you can see that, through our efforts, the athletes can exceed or achieve their highest potential. For a small country, being in the final and being one of the favourites to win a medal is all we can ask for. We are extremely proud of all of them.”

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports also leant its support to the athletes participating at the Games. The

“Heartfelt congratulations to the Olympic athletes from the Team BVI 2024 in Paris,” said Honourable Sharie de Castro the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports who attended the Games in support of all four athletes. “The entire territory is extremely proud of the performance of all the athletes. When we consider the type of determination, grit and perseverance that it took for our athletes to compete on the world stage, we have no choice but to be completely behind them and supportive of their journey. We are truly proud of them. Thank you to all the persons that came out to the watch party – just seeing and hearing the support, all the flags – I know it went a long way. It showed that when we come together in unity in support of sports it truly speaks volumes to how small we are but – as Kyron says – how heavy we are.”

The VI delegation included BVIOC President Ephraim Penn, Secretary General Lloyd Black, Sailing Coach Chris Watters, Team Leader Tamsin Rand, National Athletics Coach Willis Todman, track coaches Gerald Phiri and Jean-Carlos and Physiotherapist Colin Turner. Sofia Fay attends as Press Attache.

Approximately 10,500 participants from over 200 Olympic Delegations competed in 32 Olympic sports at Paris 2024.

Paris 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the BVI’s participation in the Olympic Games. Each athlete qualifying for the Games in their own right is a testament, not only to the talent, focus, commitment and efforts of the athletes, their coaches and families, but also to the support from the BVIOC and their programme sponsors who facilitate athlete development to compete at the highest level.

“The journey to Paris has not always been smooth as for most small NOCs. We’ve had ups and downs and one of those has been funding but we overcame that with support from the Private Sector and Govenrment also pitched in,” said President Penn in acknowledgement of the support for the Paris 2024 athletes. “We thank the sponsors who came in on the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme and we encourage other sponsors to join in and make that programme a beacon of hope for the young athletes as they pursue their journey.”

McMaster, Lettsome, Brathwaite and Hodge are members of the BVIOC’s current roster of elite athletes benefiting from the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme.

Funds from the THSEAS are entirely dedicated to the development of the BVIOC’s elite athletes identified by their respective National Federations and confirmed by the International Federations as being on track to compete for medals at major Games. The roster of athletes each receive a monthly stipend to assist them on their journey to the Olympics. The fund distribution is documented in regular reports for Olympic Solidarity and PanAm Sports who provide $200,000 towards the programme.

Other athletes in the THSEAS programme include national and regional record holders with proven track records in major Games, Olympians Chantel Malone (long jump) and Eldred Henry (shot put).

The THSEAS stipend contributes to training and coaching, athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition counselling, and mental resilience training.

Major sponsors who committed to support the THSEAS earlier in the year include Clarence Thomas Ltd (CTL), DLT Solutions, Conyers, Capriccio di Mare Trattoria, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Mrs. Vivian Lloyd and Trident Trust.

Filed Under: Adaejah Hodge, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Kyron McMaster, Olympic Solidarity, Panam Sports, Paris 2024, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Sailing, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship, Thad Lettsome Tagged With: #teambvi, Adaejah Hodge, BVI Athletics Association, BVI Olympic Committee, Kyron McMaster, Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Thad Lettsome

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

June 25, 2024 by Admin

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

VI (UK) ILCA7 (Laser) sailor Thad Lettsome secures spot at Paris 2024 Olympic Games – becomes first BVI sailor at Olympics since 1996!

May 7, 2024 by Admin

ILCA7 (Laser)sailor Thad Lettsome, who qualified for the Pan American Games at the 2023 San Salvador CAC Games at the time this photo was taken, wil represent the Virgin Islands (UK) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after securing a Universality Place. *Photo: BVIOC/Chris Watters*

The BVI Olympic Committee today received and accepted an official invitation from the Tripartite Commission in collaboration with World Sailing, for the allocation of a Universality Place at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games to BVI’s ILCA7 (Laser) sailor, Thad Lettsome. At 22 years old, Lettsome becomes the first BVI sailor to compete at an Olympic Games since 1996 when 2x Olympian Robby Hirst competed in the Laser event at the Atlanta Games.

The BVIOC and Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott received the official invitation via email. Lettsome was one of 3 sailors eligible for the two available spots for the Universality Place. Competing at The Last Chance Regatta in Hyères, France (April 21-27), Lettsome placed 31 out of 61 sailors to edge up his rankings.

“This is an historic occasion for the Virgin Islands, the Royal BVI Yacht Club and for the BVI Olympic Committee,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “One of our mandates is to increase the number of sports represented at major Games. Through Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports funding, the BVIOC has supported the development of sailing and Thad’s progression for several years and today we have reached an incredible milestone with the offer of a Universality Place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for a BVI sailor.

“We commend Thad, his parents, Lisa and Clyde Lettsome as well as his scholastic, collegiate and national sailing coaches throughout his young career, including Richard Wooldridge, Chris Watters and RBVIYC Administrator Tamsin Rand for their dedication and continued commitment to succeed in the sport and represent our nation at the highest level.”

“The Royal BVI Yacht Club is over the moon for Thad!” said RBVIYC Commodore Eddie Brockbank. “Since his first days learning to sailing with us he has shown talent, commitment and determination to reach his goals. We are delighted to have BVI sailing represented at the Olympic Games again and could not be more proud to support Thad at this incredible opportunity. The support from the BVIOC, PanAm Sports, World Sailing, Olympic Solidarity and the BVI Government are crucial to the continued development of our athletes and we are sincerely grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey.”

Lettsome, who has been competing as a sailor for the Virgin Islands since he was 6 years old, joins Kyron McMaster (400m hurdles) as a confirmed BVI athlete set to compete at Paris 2024.

Lettsome and McMaster are members of the BVIOC’s current roster of elite athletes benefiting from the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme.

Other athletes in the THSEAS programme include national and regional record holders with proven track records in major Games – Chantel Malone (long jump), Eldred Henry (shot put), Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m) and Adaejah Hodge (200m).

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity, Panam Sports, Paris 2024, Sailing, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship, Thad Lettsome

Athletes, coaches and medics benefit from Anti-Doping and Sports Nutrition Workshop

December 6, 2022 by Admin

National Federations, athletes, coaches, medics and volunteers benefited from the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) free Anti-Doping and Sports Nutrition Workshop held in the Eileen Parsons Auditorium at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola on Saturday morning, December 3. An anti-doping presentation was made in the evening at the Bregado Flax Educational Center on Virgin Gorda on Friday, December 2.

The workshops, supported by Olympic Solidarity, were held in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), head quartered in Barbados and the Ministry of Health and Social Development through its Public Health Unit (PHU).

In brief remarks at the opening of the workshop at the HLSCC Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC said, “In recent years, the BVI has produced 2 Olympic finalists, a two-times Commonwealth Games and Diamond League Champion and a junior track and field phenomenon which has brought us to the attention of international organisations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“As both the National Olympic Committee and the National Anti-Doping Commission, we need to educate our national federations and their member athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers on the processes and expectations for clean sport since lack of knowledge is not accepted as an excuse in the event of a violation.”

President Penn also highlighted the importance of combining athletic performance with a healthy diet for optimal results. Honourable Marlon Penn, Minister for Health and Social Development expounded on the topic in his remarks.

“The Ministry for Health and Social Development, through its Public Health Unit, has an agenda that seeks to combat non-communicable diseases in the community and to encourage healthier lifestyles through physical activity and a diet rich in nutritional food. As athletes, it is even more important that you receive the right information that will help you to choose the right food that will help you maximise your output for the results you hope to achieve. I am pleased that the Ministry is positioned to provide this guidance.”

The educational workshops explained the anti-doping rules and regulations that guide WADA’s mandate for clean sports in all competitions sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. They included an introduction to the Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL) – the centralised platform offering educational solutions for athletes and coaches – and ADAMS (the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System) for processing and entering data in all anti-doping issues. ADAMS is used by athletes for submitting their whereabouts and can also be used to manage the application and recognition of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).

The engaging presentations were made by Ms. Marsha Boyce, Communications and Projects Coordinator for Caribbean RADO and Dr. Harlan Vanterpool MD, Chief Doping Control Officer for the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission.

“It was pleasing to see the enthusiasm and keen interest shown by participants during our interactive Clean Sport Workshops in Virgin Gorda and Tortola,” said Ms. Boyce who flew in from Barbados for the events. “Education is crucial to the success of the Clean Sport movement. It’s important for all athletes and athlete support personnel, for example coaches, managers, physios and doctors to be exposed to the right information and to have access to the relevant resources in the fight against doping in sport. We at the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization look forward to our continued partnership with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee in support of its anti-doping programme.”

Building on the long-standing relationship with the Ministry of Health and Social Development to promote Long Term Athlete Development and health through physical literacy, the BVIOC worked with Ms. Patrice Maduro, Public Health Nutritionist and Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah, National Epidemiologist of the Ministry’s Public Health Unit to share critical information on sports nutrition.

“We are keenly aware that BVI’s athletes need guidance and information on nutrition and to be able to make the distinction between good and bad – or ‘mal’ – nutrition,” said Ms. Brewley-Massiah and Ms. Maduro. “The session with the attendees – both adults and juniors – was not just an opportunity to share information but also a chance for us to get a measure of the level of awareness and dietary practices of this segment of the community. We plan to conduct more of these interactive programmes with athletes and to make sure that they have access to the support and resources to build and maintain a healthy diet that will lead to optimal physical and mental performance both on the field of play and at work or college.”

The session at the HLSCC was attended by representatives for archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, football, netball, sailing, softball/baseball, taekwondo and volleyball. In Virgin Gorda, the presentation was attended by coaches for athletics, basketball, cricket, football, softball and volleyball. Attendees across the board were enthusiastic and appreciative of the new information learned by the sessions.

“This was a really good workshop. We’ve learned a lot and we feel better prepared for what’s to come as we look towards entering the international competition arena in 2023,” said Sahbumnim Olanzo Boynes of Boynes Taekwondo Academy.

Clean sport and nutrition workshops respectively conducted by Dr. Harlan Vanterpool and the PHU can be arranged through the BVIOC. Contact 541-7845 for further information.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Anti-Doping Commission, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC Athletes' Commission, Caribbean RADO, Cycling, Football, LTAD, Olympic Solidarity, Physical Literacy, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Taekwondo, Volleyball Tagged With: Anti-Doping, Bvi national anti doping organisation, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, Olympic Solidarity, Public Health Unit, Sports Nutrition

Athlete performances at Tokyo 2020 Olympics brings BVI in sight of podium – BVIOC seeks investment into elite athletes

August 9, 2021 by Admin

Elinah Phillip, of British Virgin Islands, swims in a women’s 50-meter freestyle heat at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

The British Virgin Islands was represented by 3 athletes in 2 sports at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which concluded on August 8 with a closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. The small team comprising Kyron McMaster (400m hurdles), Chantel Malone (long jump) and Elinah Phillip (50m freestyle) was the strongest set to represent the territory at any Olympic Games.

Eldred Henry (shot put) was the first athlete to have qualified for Tokyo 2020 but he was forced to pull out due to an injury in his throwing arm.

In a Game of firsts for the territory, McMaster and Malone became the BVI’s first 2 athletes to advance to the finals to compete amongst the world’s best athletes in their events. They each were the first athletes to compete in the hurdles and long jump respectively. McMaster was the first athlete to win his heats and the first to make the top 4 finalists to cross the line with his time of 47.08 – current 4th fastest time and the world’s 8th fastest time ever – in what has been classed as the event’s fastest Olympic race. McMaster and Phillip also set National Records with Phillip’s time of 25.74 marking her as the top Caribbean performer in the 50m Free.

Harrigan-Scott, a three-times Olympian and the first female to represent the BVI at the Olympics in 2008, led the organisation and management of the team at the Games.

Speaking at a wrap up virtual press conference on August 4 after the final competition for the BVI, Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee congratulated and thanked the athletes, their coaches and National Federations and also acknowledged the efforts of the Chef de Mission and Lloyd Black, Secretary General for the BVIOC, who was the COVID Liaison Officer for the delegation.

Penn went on to explain that the impressive results of the team at the Games was many years in the making that required planning and funding to support the athletes in their training and preparations for the Games. He highlighted that the performances put the athletes as serious podium contenders in upcoming Games and that the opportunity was open to the private sector to support the pathway to get athletes to the finals and ultimately to the podium of the Olympics.

“The athletes have been preparing for these Games for 5 years and are recipients of an Olympic Scholarship which offers financial and technical support so they can train and compete at qualifying meets for the Olympics. In addition, the BVIOC set up an Elite Athlete scholarship which puts money into the hands of the athletes to ease their financial stress so that they can concentrate on preparing for competition. Their successes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will make it easier for us to try and solicit more funding from the private sector and bolster the structure we have in place to support them so they can develop to the best of their ability.”

The Chef de Mission, who is responsible for the organisation and logistical management of the delegation as well as the technical aspects of the athletes’ competitions and daily schedules and activities while at the Games, reviewed the athletes’ performances and acknowledged the commitment of their coaches and support of the BVIOC and encouraged a forward movement to help the athletes reach their potential.

“While our athletes may come from a small nation where the resources are more limited than larger countries, they come to compete with the same heart, talent and dedication so if we can figure out a way to level the playing field and really invest in them, you will be surprised at where they can take us because they are at that level and they are exceptionally good.”

Harrigan-Scott wrapped up the experience with a reflection on the organisation of the Games. “It actually was an amazing Games and the organisers, volunteers and Government of Japan did an incredible job under the constraints and concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad the Games were not cancelled as the athletes were ready to compete and we have seen some exceptional performances here.”

Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, MHA. Deputy Premier Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, who was in Japan to witness the finals, congratulated the athletes on their achievements and thanked them and the delegation for their roles in the success of the BVI’s appearance at Tokyo 2020 and to pledge more support for the athletes.

“We now understand what it takes to compete at this level and I will be focused on what we can do to assist more. We know that we have to invest more in sports and be more consistent in our support for our athletes and I will be working on this in consultation with the BVIOC,” said Dr. the Honourable Minister Wheatley.

In addition to the 3 athletes, the Chef de Mission, Ephraim Penn and Lloyd Black the BVI delegation included Team Coach Winston Potter, Coach Lennox Graham (McMaster), Coach Dwight Phillips (Malone), Coach Brien Moffitt (Elinah) and Sofia Fay, BVIOC PRO/Reporter.

The athletes, including Henry who is on the road to recovery, will continue with their training and preparations for upcoming competitions after a short rest and recovery break. A return date to the BVI is not yet confirmed based on their training and competition schedules. Malone and McMaster have sights on competing at the Diamond League events in Europe in August and September respectively.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, chantel malone, Eldred Henry, Elinah Phillip, Kyron McMaster, Olympic Solidarity, Swimming, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Tokyo 2020 Tagged With: BVI Olympic Committee, Chantel Malone, Elinah Phillip, Kyron McMaster, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Team BVI, Tokyo 2020, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games

Free Basketball & Baseball Camp underway in Districts 7 & 8

August 18, 2020 by Admin

(Standing Front L-R) Ephraim Penn, President, BVI Olympic Committee and Milton McLean founder of the Basketball & Baseball (B & B) youth Summer Camp which this year was sponsored by the BVIOC and was launched at Greenland, East End, Tortola on August 17, 2020

A two-week, free Basketball & Baseball (B & B) youth Summer Camp, sanctioned by the BVI Basketball Association and sponsored by the BVI Olympic Committee was launched at Greenland, East End, Tortola on Monday, August 17, 2020.

The summer camp is offering coaching in both basketball and baseball to all boys and girls aged 8 – 12 years residing in Districts 7 and 8. The initiative – now in its third year of community engagement – is managed by Mr. Milton McLean and Mr. Raymond “Chi Chi” Fonseca of the Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Club (SCBBC). Mr. McLean founded the B & B group in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria bringing in Mr. Fonseca to help with the baseball programme.

“After the hurricanes of 2017 there was little or no activity in sports on Tortola. This prompted me to create the B & B group as an affiliate to the Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Club,” said Mr. McLean. “The first B & B clinic took place in District 4 in July 2018 and we teamed up with YEP to host the programme in District 3 in 2019. This year, we have partnered with the BVI Olympic Committee to introduce the clinic in East End/Long Look, where I actually grew up. We can’t thank the BVIOC enough for their support as we could not have offered the camp otherwise.”

Basketball and baseball (with an option of softball for girls) are both offered in the Greenland field in District 7 while basketball camp is offered in District 8. Children residing in either district can be registered to attend any of the camps. The camps run from 9:00am – 3:00pm Mondays through Fridays.

“We are hoping to cater for 30-40 children, helping them to release some of that pent-up energy,” continued Mr. McLean. “The idea is to train the participants in the skills of both sports and organize them into teams of 12. We will work with the participating coaches in the districts for a couple of months after the camps so that they can continue to run a district B & B club throughout the year.”

The intent is to offer the B & B summer camp in Districts 1 and 2 in 2021 with the hopes that the grass roots programme will take off and eventually lead to Territory-wide basketball and baseball youth teams that can compete against each other.

The mutual goal of the B & B group and the BVIOC is to encourage younger children to become physically active with a view to tackling the growing problem of childhood obesity made worse by the impact of COVID-19 on sports. Both organisations also recognize the inextricable link between endorphins released through cardio-aerobic exercise, emotional well-being, improved self-esteem and social attitude.

“The BVIOC accepted the invitation to support the B & B initiative because it speaks directly to the Long Term Athlete Development and physical literacy programmes that we have been championing in the Virgin Islands since we launched the community-wide workshops in 2016,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC.

The funding for the summer camps was sourced through Olympic Solidarity, which this year gave National Olympic Committees the discretion to support programmes that help to develop sports and encourage physical activity in the community.

“Typically, the bulk of the money from Olympic Solidarity is ear marked for national federation sports development and athlete or team activity in preparation for or participation in events and competitions that are part of the ladder to competing in major Games such as the CAC, Panam Games, and Olympic Games,” explained Mr. Penn. “With all competitions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NOCs were invited to apply for funds to continue to build capacity and engage with the public to move and get physically active. As always, we are accountable to OS and are required to report on the activities which we fund.”

For more information on the B & B Summer Camps or to register a child, contact Mr. McLean on 345-0555 or Mr. Fonseca on 441-1435.

The free 2-week Basketball & Baseball Summer Camp launched at Greenland, East End, Tortola on August 17, 2020

Filed Under: Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Milton McLean, Olympic Solidarity Tagged With: B & B Summer Camp, Basketball & Baseball Summer Camp, BVI Basketball Association, BVI Olympic Committee, BVIOC, Milton McLean