New date for BVIOC community walks to mark Olympic Day

June 26, 2020 by

The BVI Olympic Committee has rescheduled the community walks to mark Olympic Day to now take place on Saturday, July 4, 2020 with no changes to the original locations and registration time of 5:30am.

“The air quality forecast for Saturday, June 27 was cause for concern and after consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and the walk organisers, we decided that it was in the best interest of all participants to reschedule the Olympic Day Community Walks to take place at the same time next Saturday, July 4,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “We realise that this may cause some disruption to plans but we would like to see more persons able to join in the walks in their neighbourhood and to move and stay active and encourage folks to mark the new date in their calendars.”

The BVIOC in collaboration with its National Federations and community groups will be hosting early morning community walks throughout the Virgin Islands to promote the Olympic Day message to #StayActive.

Registration for the walks in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada will start at 5:30am in all locations apart from in Sea Cow’s Bay which will start at 6:00am and Brewer’s Bay which will start at 5:15am. Registration locations are as follows:
Basketball court, West End; Myett’s car park, Cane Garden Bay; Nichol’s Beach Bar, Brewer’s Bay; Manuel Reef car park, Sea Cow’s Bay; Tortola Sports Club, Road Town; YEP in Long Look and Trellis Bay car park in East End. Walks also will take place in Jost Van Dyke, registration in front of the Government Administration buildings, Great Harbour and at the HLSCC in The Valley, Virgin Gorda and the Claudia Creque Education Center in Anegada.

Walk managers include volunteers from the VI Archery Association, BVI Athletics Association, BVI Rugby, Taekwondo, BVI Squash Federation, VI Softball/Baseball Association, YEP, TSC, Brewer’s Bay Action Committee, Jost Van Dyke Resilience Team led by Mr. Mark Morris, Mr. Milton McLean and Sister Island Coordinator, Ms Sasha Flax.

Staggered start times will be managed to keep walking groups to a maximum of 20 persons with 6ft distance between participating households. Walkers are requested to cooperate with the walk managers in their efforts to keep the activity safe for everyone.

Participants will receive a free tee shirts and Dasani Water and Powerade distributed by Road Town Wholesale on a first-come-first-serve basis. Walkers are advised to also bring their own water to ensure proper hydration. Organisers are requesting the return of the empty plastic bottles so that they may be properly disposed of in the recycling bins.

In the interests of public health and safety, potential participants are advised to stay home if feeling unwell, running a temperature or living in the same household as quarantined persons.

About Olympic Day
June 23 is marked in the international sporting calendar as international Olympic Day. Originally observed by just 9 countries on that day in 1948, the IOC launched the symbolic run in 1987 which encouraged all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to celebrate Olympic Day and promote the practice of mass sport. From 45 participating NOCs in the first edition in 1987, the numbers have grown to more than 100 participating NOCs.

Today, Olympic Day is built on the three pillars “move”, “learn” and “discover” integrating sports, education and cultural aspects to broaden the community reach and appeal. and to motivate and encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in healthy, physical activity.

In 2012, the BVIOC was one of the few NOCs to host a celebration of all sports on Olympic Day at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The morning of activity started with a 2-mile run followed by a discussion panel featuring local sporting personalities and moderated by Mr. Rey O’Neal. The action continued with National Federations showcasing their sports and encouraging public participation and ended with a performance by the Lashing Dogs. This format of interactive engagement was adopted as the global template in 2017 at which time the BVIOC officially launched its annual Sports Festival to mark Olympic Day.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Olympic Day, Rugby, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo Tagged With: , ,

BVIOC organises community walks to mark Olympic Day

June 23, 2020 by
Simone Foster, an annual participant, celebrates the end of an Olympic Day walk in the Virgin Islands

The BVI Olympic Committee in collaboration with its National Federations and community groups will be hosting early morning community walks throughout the Virgin Islands on Saturday, June 27, 2020 to promote the Olympic Day message to #StayActive.

The community walks will take place in lieu of the annual interactive Sports Festival which officially have taken place since 2017 to mark Olympic Day.

“This year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the BVIOC to rethink its programme of an interactive discussion session and mini sports clinics planned for the 2020 Sports Festival and to organize an activity that would be compliant with the current local health protocols and social distancing measures” said Ephraim Penn, President, BVIOC. “With our low rate of infection and no current active cases, the proposal to host regulated walks in communities throughout the Districts met with approval from the Chief Medical Officer. The walks will start as early in the morning as curfew restrictions allow to try and beat the heat and will follow easy routes so as to be manageable by all ages and abilities.”

Registration for the walks will start at 5:30am in all locations apart from in Sea Cow’s Bay which will start at 6:00am and Brewer’s Bay which will start at 5:15am. Registration locations are as follows:
Basketball court, West End; Myett’s car park, Cane Garden Bay; Nichol’s Beach Bar, Brewer’s Bay; Manuel Reef car park, Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola Sports Club, Road Town; YEP in Long Look and Trellis Bay car park in East End. Walks also will take place in Jost Van Dyke, registration in front of the Government Administration buildings, Great Harbour and at the HLSCC in The Valley, Virgin Gorda.

Walk managers include volunteers from the VI Archery Association, BVI Athletics Association, BVI Rugby, Taekwondo, BVI Squash Federation, VI Softball/Baseball Association, YEP, TSC, Brewer’s Bay Action Committee, Jost Van Dyke Resilience Team led by Mr. Mark Morris, Mr. Milton McLean and Sister Island Coordinator, Ms Sasha Flax.

Staggered start times will be managed to keep walking groups to a maximum of 20 persons with 6ft distance between participating households. Walkers are requested to cooperate with the walk managers in their efforts to keep the activity safe for everyone.

Participants will receive a free tee shirts and Dasani Water and Powerade distributed by Road Town Wholesale on a first-come-first-serve basis. Walkers are advised to also bring their own water to ensure proper hydration. Organisers are requesting the return of the empty plastic bottles so that they may be properly disposed of in the recycling bins.

In the interests of public health and safety, potential participants are advised to stay home if feeling unwell, running a temperature or living in the same household as quarantined persons.

About Olympic Day
June 23 is marked in the international sporting calendar as international Olympic Day. Originally observed by just 9 countries on that day in 1948, the IOC launched the symbolic run in 1987 which encouraged all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to celebrate Olympic Day and promote the practice of mass sport. From 45 participating NOCs in the first edition in 1987, the numbers have grown to more than 100 participating NOCs.

Today, Olympic Day is built on the three pillars “move”, “learn” and “discover” integrating sports, education and cultural aspects to broaden the community reach and appeal. and to motivate and encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in healthy, physical activity.

In 2012, the BVIOC was one of the few NOCs to host a celebration of all sports on Olympic Day at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The morning of activity started with a 2-mile run followed by a discussion panel featuring local sporting personalities and moderated by Mr. Rey O’Neal. The action continued with National Federations showcasing their sports and encouraging public participation and ended with a performance by the Lashing Dogs. This format of interactive engagement was adopted as the global template in 2017 at which time the BVIOC officially launched its annual Sports Festival to mark Olympic Day.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Olympic Day, Rugby, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo Tagged With: ,

Hive of activity at 2nd annual Olympic Day Sports Festival

June 25, 2019 by

International Olympic Day was marked on Saturday, June 22nd with the 2nd annual Sports Festival at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds. The morning of interactive events to promote the Olympic Day pillars to move, learn and discover was hosted by the BVI Olympic Committee in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture.

National Federations set up stations around the grounds where they staged demo sessions and invited attendees of the Sports Festival to join in. There was full and enthusiastic uptake in the sports as presented by archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, football, rugby, softball/baseball, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball with children and adults alike trying their hand at something new.

Sailing and squash had information stands featuring the equipment of their sport with each of the coaches respectively encouraging hands-on engagement with the sailing optimist on display and with the rackets and balls. Information on anti-doping and the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation was also available from Doping Control Officers.

“The response from the National Federations this year was exceptional and we could not have hosted such a successful event without their full participation,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “The International Olympic Committee had encouraged NOCs to ramp up activities this year to extend beyond the traditional Olympic Day walk/run and to promote the concept of getting active as a way of life regardless of age and ability. I am pleased that the BVIOC was ahead of the curve with this idea as we have been promoting interactive engagement since Olympic Day 2012 when we hosted the event at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The festival also provides the perfect platform for supporting our Long Term Athlete Development Programme.”

Following welcome remarks by Mr. Roy Barry, 2nd Vice President of the BVIOC and the reading of the Olympic Day Message from the President of the IOC, Mr. Thomas Bach, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, Minister for Education and Culture recognized the major achievements for athletes and teams as provided by some of the National Federations. Certificates of acknowledgement were given for distribution to the named athletes in athletics, football, rugby, sailing, softball/baseball and volleyball.

The Honourable Minister encouraged all athletes to stay the course and to continue to achieve results that they can be proud of.

Olympic Day was also selected as the appropriate occasion to officially announce the four athletes who have qualified to compete at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games from July 26th through August 11th. Naming senior track and field athletes and one sailor, Honourable Neville Smith, 1st Vice President, BVIOC congratulated Chantel Malone (long jump), Kyron McMaster (400m hurdles) and Eldred Henry (shot put) on their outstanding achievements in qualifying meets as well as 17-year old, Thad Lettsome who was awarded a universality place in the men’s laser event. The two sports’ disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.

On the heels of the announcement, Honourable Wheatley stated that the Ministry of Education and Culture has awarded checks amounting to $24,000 for senior athlete, Kyron McMaster for his gold medal wins at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and the 2018 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC), Championships. Chantel Malone was also named as a recipient of a check for $9,000 for her silver medal win at the 2018 CAC Games.

“The Government has committed to paying our senior athletes for podium finishes at major international competitions,” said Honourable Wheatley. “This award is a ‘thank you’ as well as an incentive to stay committed to putting in the hard work and focus on winning a medal.” He went on to joke that the current roster of athletes was on track to bankrupting the government’s coffers.

At the invitation of Ms. Sabinah Clement, Athlete Representative, BVIOC, 3 athletes stepped forward to share their experiences. A volleyball player since the age of 12, Ms. Sharonda Pickering spoke of her route to becoming one of the best middle players in the sport in the NCAA conference, helping her school to conference and national championships.

Mr. Kenard Dawson who was home for the Summer, explained how he started his baseball career as a young boy playing softball with coach and VISBA President, Terrence Chinnery before going on to become catcher for the team at Georgia Premier Academy High School and earning a 4 Year Scholarship at Grambling State University, Statesboro, Georgia.

Ms. Beyonce Defreitas who just completed her freshman year at University of Central Florida, is a 100m and 200m sprinter and she closed out the opening remarks with a talk through of qualifying for the Commonwealth Youth Games, the Carifta Games and the IAAF World Under 20 Championships and competing at NCAA Division 1 events. Ms. Defreitas encouraged all the young aspiring athletes to follow their dreams and to be strong in their self-belief and confidence in their abilities.

Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone everywhere can get together in their communities, whatever their age, ability or disability, to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship and also celebrate the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

The 2019 Olympic Day Sports Festival was sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dasani water, Powerade and Coca Cola products distributed by Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd, and MB’s Ice

Click to view the Olympic Day Sports Festival album on FaceBook

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, Cycling, Football, Lima 2019, LTAD, Olympic Day, PanAM Games, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo, Tennis, Tokyo 2020, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Community invited to 2nd annual Olympic Day Sports Festival

June 19, 2019 by
  • Archery at Olympic Day Sports Festival 2018
  • Tennis at Olympic Day Sports Festival 2018
  • Rugby at Olympic Day Sports Festival 2018 Photo: BVI Rugby Football Union

The BVI Olympic Committee, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture through the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports will host its second annual Sports Festival at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds from 9:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, June 22.

The Sports Festival, marking the globally celebrated international Olympic Day, aims to encourage the community to get physically active by promoting the Olympic message to “move, learn and discover”.

The morning will feature interactive stations set up by National Sporting Federations with opportunities for everybody of all ages and abilities to try out a sport. Adults and children alike will be able to test their skills and find out more about archery, athletics, basketball, football, rugby, sailing, softball/baseball, squash, swimming, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball with a view to finding a sport that ignites an interest and to get active in their daily life.

Recently trained Doping Control Officers (DCOs) will be on hand to explain more about anti-doping in sports. Information will be provided about the Long Term Athlete Development programme and the importance of incorporating physical activity as part of a regular routine to minimize the risks of non-communicable diseases. DYAS will also have information on its Summer programme for 13 – 18 year olds.

During the brief opening of the Sports Festival, the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, the Minister for Education, Culture and Sports will recognize the major achievements of national athletes and teams as provided by the National Federations.

On this day, the Honourable Neville Smith, 1st VP of the BVIOC will also announce the senior athletes who have so far qualified to compete in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games which will take place in Peru from July 26 – August 11.

Free Olympic Day tee shirts will be handed out by the BVIOC as well as complimentary water, chilled courtesy of MBs Ice.

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 and Friendship and also celebrate the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Lima 2019, LTAD, Olympic Day, PanAM Games, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

BVI Female Team bring home Kings & Queens VI Fast-pitch Softball Tournament trophy from St. Croix

January 28, 2019 by

By Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association

The BVI Women’s Softball team defeated St.Croix 10-15 in the final inning of the Kings & Queens of the Virgin Islands Fast-pitch Softball Tournament in St. Croix (Jan 18-20) to bring home the championship title and trophy. Photo: VISBA

On Sunday, January 20th the BVI Women’s Team defeated the St. Croix Women’s Team 15 – 10 in the championship game of the Kings & Queens of the Virgin Islands Fast-pitch softball tournament to bring home the trophy.

Makeda Fahie (left fielder) made a spectacular catch in the bottom of the 7th inning to preserve the victory for the British Virgin Islands. The winning pitcher was Kennisha Powell. Top hitters of the final game were Claury Scattliffe who went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI and 1 stolen base. Shamora Penn went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI.

Both male and female Softball teams attended the Kings and Queens of the Virgin Islands tournament where all games were held at the Castle Coakley Ballpark in St. Croix, USVI Jan 18 – 20.

On Friday January 18th , both male and female teams won their games respectively. The male team defeated the St. Croix Tigers 5-4 with a walk off home run by Devon Bedford. The female team defeated Griffith Park Massive of St. Thomas with a final score 7-1. The winning pitchers were Allen “Woodrow” Smith and Che’Vaunne Richardson.

On Saturday January 19th, the Women’s team had a head to head battle to the end of the 7th inning but lost 7-6 to the St. Croix Women’s Team. The male team lost 4-0 to St. Croix LLacos in the final inning with fighting pitches from Nikos Penn.

On Sunday January 20th the male team came up short as they lost their final game of the tournament 8-7 against Griffith Park Massive of St. Thomas. Due to this losa, the male team didn’t advance to the championships but played exceptionally well.

The president of the Virgin Islands Softball–Baseball Association (VISBA) presented the Most Valuable Player Trophy to Che’Vaunne Richardson as she led the team to its victory during the tournament. Coaches Allen “Woodrow” Smith and Jeremy Penn stated “the ladies have worked extremely hard and played well to bring home the championship trophy from St. Croix.”

VISBA congratulates both teams as they continue to strive for success and thanks the BVI Olympic Committee for their continued support in ensuring the BVI Women’s team get as much exposure as possible.

Filed Under: Softball-Baseball Tagged With: ,

BVI Women’s Team Undefeated In Anguilla’s Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st Fastpitch Tournament

October 30, 2018 by

By Virgin Islands Softball – Baseball Association

VISBA presents the BVIOC with the championship trophy won by they female team at the Anguilla’s Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st Fastpitch
Tournament. (L-R) Mark Chapman (Treasurer, BVIOC), Kennisha Powell, Darier Malone, Bria Smith, Ephraim Penn (President, BVIOC), Denecia Hodge, Kimesha Adams, Tyalia Nibbs, Kaynesha Stoutt and Lloyd Black (Secretary General, BVIOC). Photo: VISBA

On Friday, October 19, 2018 the Virgin Islands Softball – Baseball female team presented their championship trophy to Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC). Both male and female teams were invited to Anguilla to compete in the first Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st Fast Pitch Tournament from October 12th – 14th 2018. The teams played against Anguilla and two teams from St. Maarten for the title.

Upon completion of the tournament, the female team was victorious with an undefeated record, while the male team placed 3rd overall.

The final game ended with a competitive fight against St. Maarten Team F with a final score 4 – 3 giving the female team the title to return to the British Virgin Islands with. The team’s pitcher, Ms. Kennisha Powell was awarded Best Pitcher in the tournament. “The championship game against St. Maarten was pretty competitive as the game went extra innings
and the team did well,” said Ms Powell.

Mr. Penn encouraged the team to stick together and continue to prepare themselves for other competitions. He further explained that it is the BVIOC’s goal to work with the teams to have this completed well.

“While the team missed this cycle of the 2018 CAC Games held in Barranquilla, Columbia there are high hopes that they will continue to work hard to the qualify for the 2022 CAC Games in Panama City, Panama,” said Mr. Penn.  “We recognise  that it is very hard to keep a team sport going but we encourage the players to stay focused as the Olympic Committee fully supports the work done thus far.”

Mr. Penn also encouraged the involvement of youths and stressed the importance of having a program implemented as
soon as possible under the Virgin Islands Softball – Baseball Association (VISBA) since softball is now in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the World Baseball Softball Confederation has made major changes in age brackets which everyone must adhere to.

The new competitions are 12 and under (mixed), 15 and under, 18 and Under, 23 and under, Open Male, and Open
Female and the VI must make the necessary changes with the youths in order to participate and to be competitive.

VISBA is in the midst of planning local activities and is hopeful that softball lovers will continue to exercise a bit of patience. In the meantime, the association plans to support other islands and tournaments.

“Although it has been an extremely tough year the team is excited about getting things in full motion,” said Terrence Chinnery, President, VISBA.

Team VI Returns with championship trophy from Anguilla’s Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st Fast Pitch
Tournament. Photo: VISBA

The 15 player team included Che’Vaunne Richardson, Claury Scatliffe, Darier Malone, Denecia Hodge, Bria Smith, Kennisha Powell, Deja Adams, Jheane Niles, Kaynesha Stoutt, Tyalia Nibbs, Shaika Jeffers, Kimesha Adams, Makeda Fahie, Rogelle Edmonson and Shanika Forbes. Terrence Chinnery (President of VISBA) and the coaching team of Allen Smith and Jeremy
Penn accompanied the team.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, Softball-Baseball Tagged With: , , ,

Virgin Islands Softball –Baseball Association Represented In Anguilla Tournament and WBSC & ECASC Meetings in Cartagena, Columbia

October 12, 2018 by

By VI Softball-Baseball Association

(L-R) Shamora Penn, VISBA Public Relations Officer and Glenford Maduro, chief umpire, representing the Virgin Islands Softball-
Baseball Association at the World Baseball Softball Confederation of the Americas and
the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Meetings in Cartagena,
Columbia.

Despite the difficulties being faced by many Virgin Islanders, softball players and enthusiasts are excited about being back on the ball field as they travel to Anguilla this weekend for the first ‘Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st’ Fast Pitch tournament.

The Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association (VISBA) has been invited to compete in Anguilla’s ‘Hit Your 2nd Shot 1st’ Fast Pitch tournament from October 12th through 14th 2018. The female and male national teams of the VI will be competing for the title against Anguilla, Saba and St. Maarten.

Both teams have been practicing weekly at the E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Park, which, while thankful to have been able use the pitch despite its current condition, players hope to see a few changes soon.

The female players are Che’Vaunne Richardson, Claury Scatliffe, Darier Malone, Denecia Hodge, Bria Smith, Kennisha Powell, Deja Adams, Jheane Niles, Kaynesha Stoutt, Tyalia Nibbs, Shaika Jeffers, Kimesha Adams, Makeda Fahie, Rogelle Edmonson and Shanika Forbes.

The team will be accompanied by Terrence Chinnery (President of VISBA) and coaches  Allen Smith and Jeremy Penn.

The male players are Travis Malone, Devon Bedford , Michael Clyne , Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith Jr, Jamal A. Allen , Sheldon C. John, Allen Woodrow Smith , Nikos Penn, Rico Penn, Sirron Scattliffe, Yervis Dandradix Rodriguez Baez, Junior Javier Rodriguez Baez and Kyle Callwood.

Concurrent with the tournament, Shamora Penn, VISBA Public Relations Officer and Glenford Maduro, chief umpire and an appointed director of umpires for English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC),  will be representing VISBA at the World Baseball Softball Confederation of the Americas and ECASC meetings in Cartagena, Columbia.

VISBA is in the midst of planning a few activities for the VI and hopes that softball lovers will continue to exercise patience during this time. In the meanwhile, VISBA will support other islands’ and tournaments.  Although it has been an extremely tough year, the team is excited about getting things in full motion.

The trip to Anguilla has been made possible through sponsorship from the BVI Olympic Committee, Riteway Supermarket, , Cre8tive Arts, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Khoy’s Mailing Service, Neville Smith, Clive Williams and Quarry Group.

 

Filed Under: Softball-Baseball Tagged With: , , , , ,

VI Softball Association amongst pioneers for women in sport

October 27, 2017 by

Source: VINO

Bria Smith is only one of 37 other Females worldwide to hold the Title of President or Secretary General. Photo: Provided

The British Virgin Islands Softball Association has found itself ahead of the game, as it already has a Female Secretary General in Bria Smith in compliance with the recently endorsed Declaration on Women In Sport.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and the International Working Group (IWG) has announced that 82 Baseball and Softball National Federations around the world have endorsed the IWG Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration on Women and Sport, including the BVISA, which has Smith as only one of 37 other females world wide to hold the title of President or Secretary General.

WBSC President, Riccardo Fraccari signed the declaration alongside the IWG Co-Chairperson, Ms. Ruth Maphorisa last week at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, which has since followed with 82 national baseball/softball federations across six continents having become signatories in support of IWG’s movement.

“WBSC and our sport’s leaders around the world fully support the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and applaud the International Working Group on Women and Sport for their important work,” President Fraccari said. “WBSC considers the promotion and equal opportunity of girls and women in baseball and softball to be a duty and priority. Females represent a large part of our global community, but WBSC and our global movement remain doubly committed to making our sport even more inclusive and accessible to girls and women, and this includes in roles of leadership.”

“WBSC and baseball and softball represent one of the biggest gender-balanced, diverse movements in sports, so it’s a great honour and boost to have their support and commitment,” said IWG Co-Chairperson Maphorisa. “A growing global sport like baseball and softball, particularly with its youth and commercial appeal, can play a significant role in helping to shape a more female-inclusive sporting world.”

Nearly half of the current estimated 65 million baseball and softball athletes around the world are female.

Three women (23%) currently serve on 13-member WBSC Executive Board, including Secretary General Beng Choo Low (MAS), 2008 Olympian Maria Soto (VEN) and three-time Japanese Olympic Softball coach Taeko Utsugi. International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines set a target for at least 20% of decision-making positions to be occupied by women.

Japan’s first female director of the Baseball Federation of Japan, Hiroko Yamada, was elected at the WBSC Congress in Gaborone to serve on the WBSC Baseball Division Executive Board.

There are 37 current female presidents and secretaries general leading national baseball and/or softball federations across six continents:
Bahamas Baseball Association — Oria Maria Wood Knowles, Secretary General
Bahamas Softball Federation — Daphne McKinney, Secretary General
Belize Softball Federation — Tiffany Heusner, Secretary General
Bolivia Baseball and Softball Federation — Mirtha Vasquez, Secretary General
Botswana Softball Association — Gloria Gaosikelwe, Secretary General
British Softball Federation – (2) Jenny Fromer, President; Stella Ackrell, Secretary General
British Virgin Islands Softball Association – Bria Smith, Secretary General
Cayman Islands Softball Association — Molly Ann Moore, President
Chile Baseball and Softball Federation — Carolina Astudillo Ossandón, Secretary General
Croatian Softball Association – Dijana Peric, Secretary General
Denmark Softball Federation – (2) Henriette Gilhoj, President; Linda Ranlov, Secretary General
Ecuador Baseball Federation – Lourdes Garay, President
Fiji Islands Baseball & Softball Association – Surkafa Katafono, Secretary General
Ghana Baseball and Softball Association – Christiana G. Doodo, Secretary General
Hong Kong Softball Association — Heidi Ip Kit Ching, Secretary General
Jamaica Softball Association — Marvalyn Campbell, Secretary General
Lesotho Baseball and Softball Association – Bothobile Shebe, Secretary General
Lithuania Softball Association – Diana Pupininkiene, President
Peruvian Softball Federation — Vanessa Endo, President
Portuguese Baseball and Softball Federation – Sandra Monteiro, President
Puerto Rican Softball Federation — Lina E. Nazario, Secretary General
Saipan Baseball League (Mariana Islands) — Rose Igitol, President
San Marino Federation of Baseball Softball – Monia Magnani, Secretary General
Senegal Baseball and Softball Federation – Madeleine Sarr, Secretary General
Singapore Baseball and Softball Association — (2) Foo Pei, President; Sheng Thong Yin, Secretary General
Softball South Africa – Cynthia Tsholo Nthuping, Secretary General
Trinidad and Tobago Baseball Softball Association — Nicolle James, Secretary General
Tunisian Baseball and Softball Federation – Ahlem Ganfaly, Secretary General
Turks and Caicos Islands Softball Federation — Santana Rigby, Secretary General
USA Baseball — Jenny Dalton-Hill, Secretary General
United States Virgin Islands Softball Federation — Patricia Philipps Smith, Secretary General
Venezuelan Baseball Federation – Aracelis Leon, President
Venezuela Softball Federation – (2) Maria Soto, President; Milagros Hernandez, Secretary General

IWG will host the seventh edition of the World Conference on Women and Sport in Gaborone in May 2018.

Filed Under: Softball-Baseball Tagged With: , , ,

That’s Ya Problem and Power Outage win 2017 Harriette Skelton Fast Pitch Softball Championships

July 24, 2017 by
Source: VINO

That’s Ya Problem defeated Hawks 15-14, to win the championship series 3-1 on Friday July 21, 2017. Photo: Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson

The 2017 Harriette Skelton Fast Pitch Softball Championships concluded in the early hours of Saturday, July 22, 2017 with wins for Power Outage and That’s Ya Problem.

First up on Friday evening, July 21, 2017,  was a late start of the Women’s game which saw That’s Ya Problem defeat Hawks 15-14, to win the series 3-1.

That’s Ya Problem had 15 runs, 13 hits, 10 errors and left 10 runners on base. Hawks had 14 runs, 15 hits, 4 errors and left 15 runners on base. The winning pitcher was Sheniqua Fahie and the loser was Laura Isaac.

Sheniqua Fahie of That’s Ya Problem went 1-4 with a home run, a run scored and 4 runs batted in. Tafara Phillip went 3-4 with a double, 2 runs scored and a run batted in. Kimberly Johnson went 1-3 with a home run, a run scored and 2 runs batted in. Deja Adams of Hawks went 3-5 with a triple, 3 runs scored and 4 runs batted in. Michelle Georges went 3-5 with a double and 2 runs scored. Laura Isaac went 2-5 with a double, a run scored and 4 runs batted in.

Power Outage defeated the A’s 10-6, to sweep their championship series 3-0 early Saturday morning, July 22, 2017. Photo: Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson

Around 2:00am on Saturday morning, Power Outage defeated the A’s 10-6, to sweep their series 3-0.

Power Outage had 10 runs, 9 hits, 1 error and left 5 runners on base. A’s had 6 runs, 2 hits, 6 errors and left 9 runners on base. The winning pitcher was Jeremy Penn and the loser was Neville Smith.

Khoy Frett of Power Outage went 2-4 with a double, a run scored and a run batted in, Sheldon John went 3-4 with a home run, a run scored and a run batted in and Jeremy Penn went 2-3 with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 runs batted in. Rayandre Mercer and Micheal Cline of A’s scored 2 runs each.

Filed Under: Softball-Baseball Tagged With: , ,

National Softball Team selected for IX Women’s Pan-American Championship

July 20, 2017 by

By Virgin Islands Softball/Baseball Association

A team of qualified female athletes has been selected to represent the Virgin Islands in the IX Women’s Pan American Softball Championship from August 4 through August 13, 2017 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

15 from the pre-selected 31 female athletes will compete against 20 countries at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.

Trainer, Allen Smith “Woodrow” said that the team experienced a few setbacks due to a number of unforeseen injuries but stated that he is confident that the selected team will represent the Virgin Islands to the best of its ability.

The selected players are Che’Vaunne Richanna Richardson, Claury Scatliffe, Darier Dee Malone, Denecia Hodge, Donniesha George, Javlyn Frett, Jelisa Potter, Kaynesha Stoutt, Khiayah Doward, Khyra Powell, Kimesha Adams, Makeda Çhärü Kâlā Fahie, Shamora Molly Penn, Shanika Forbes and Monet Daly.

Public Relations Officer for the Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association, Ms. Shamora Penn expressed gratitude to the BVI Olympic Committee who played a vital role in ensuring that the Territory has representation in the tournament. “The Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association is extremely proud of its athletes who worked day in and day out in preparing for this Championship. However, I must express gratitude to the BVI Olympic Committee for their undying support, contribution and motivation,” said Ms. Penn.

The WBSC Americas Softball announced that 20 countries will compete in the IX Women’s Softball Pan American Championship. Those countries include Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States and Venezuela.

The last time a Pan American Championship registered this amount of teams was Maracay 2009, also with 20 countries.

The Pan American Championship is the qualifying event for two continental multi-sport games — the Pan American Games Lima 2019, and the Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018 — and the 2018 WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship.

The top five teams in Santo Domingo will join Peru to compete in the Softball event in Lima 2019.

The top five countries from the Central American and Caribbean region, and the best ranked by the English Caribbean region (ECASC), along with Colombia, will play Softball in Barranquilla 2018.

Five teams will also qualify for the 2018 WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship, to be held in Chiba, Japan.

All games of the IX Women’s Pan American Championship will be streamed through Internet TV at https://www.internetv.tv/.

The public is strongly encouraged to support the Women’s Softball Team as the Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association formerly known as the British Virgin Islands Amateur Softball Association continues to develop softball-baseball in the Virgin Islands among all sections of the community and Virgin Islands’ citizens.

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