9 athletes to represent Virgin Islands in 3 sports at San Salvador 2023 CAC Games

June 21, 2023 by

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has confirmed that 9 athletes from 3 sports will represent the Virgin Islands at the 24th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador from June 23 – July 8, 2023.
 
The team comprising 4 track and 3 field athletes, 1 sailor and 1 archer will arrive in El Salvador between June 22 and July 1 ahead of their events. Chef de Mission, Gloria Fahie arrives in San Salvador on June 21 ahead of the athletes in preparation for their arrival. BVIOC President Ephraim Penn is in San Salvador to attend the Centro Caribe Sport AGM before the Opening Ceremony.
 
“This year’s CAC Games are seen as an important qualifying and ranking opportunity for athletes from all sports we can expect to see some tough competition,” said President Penn. “It will be the first time that archery will be represented at these Games and the second time for sailing since 1993 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Athletics has seen representation since the VI’s first participation in the CACs in 1982 and has included softball, squash, triathlon and cycling. This historic achievement for archery is a promising trajectory for the development of different sports in the Territory and brings to fruition one of the BVIOC’s missions for this quadrennial to have more sports compete at major Games.”
 
Laser sailor Thad Lettsome, competing in the ILCA 7 men’s single person dinghy event, is the first of the VI’s team to compete when the sailing events start on Saturday, June 24 at Lake Ilpongo. Lettsome is also selected to be the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 23.
 
Archer Ritseeniyah Georges will compete in the Women’s Compound Individual starting Sunday, July 2 at 9:00am at the Polígono de Tiro con Arco Ciudad Merliot.
 
Track athletes include Rikkoi Brathwaite in the 100m semi-finals starting at 5:00pm and Beyonce Defreitas in the 100m semi-finals starting at 5:30pm on Monday, July 3; Deya Erickson in the 100m hurdles semi-finals starting at 5:45pm, Tuesday, July 4; Jaleel Croal in the 200m semi-finals starting at 5:00pm and Beyonce Defreitas in the 200m semi-finals starting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, July 5.
 
The all-men field athletes comprise Olympian Eldred Henry and twins Djimon and Diamante Gumbs. Henry and Djimon Gumbs will compete in the shot put final on Monday, July 3 starting at 5:25pm. Djimon and Diamante Gumbs will compete in the discus final on Wednesday, July 5 starting at 6:55pm.
 
While San Salvador 2023 will be the first CAC Games for 7 of the athletes, it will be the second appearance for Henry, who won the territory’s first shot put medal in a CAC games when he placed 3rd with a distance of 20.18m at Barranquilla 2018 and for Erickson who made her debut at the same games in the 100m hurdles.
 
In addition to the Chef de Mission Gloria Fahie and President Penn, the VI delegation to San Salvador 2023 includes Erwin “Redz” Telemaque (athletics coach), Winnette Lawrence (archery coach), Xavier Buxo (archery technician), Chris Watters (sailing coach) and Chester James (Physiotherapist).
 
The VI will be one of 37 countries represented at the CAC Games. The games, under the auspices of Centro Caribe Sports, will feature 57 disciplines in 37 sports taking place over 16 days. The Games, under the theme “It’s time to transcend”, will be broadcast live on the Centro Caribe Sports Channel on YouTube.
 
The CAC Games are the oldest continuous running regional games dating back to 1926. Held every four years, the Games typically host competitors from countries in Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and the South American countries of Suriname, Guyana, Colombia and Venezuela. The San Salvador 2023 Games were originally slated to be held in Panama in 2022. 30 sports will take place in El Salvador and 7 will take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
 
The CAC Games are considered the starting point of international competition for athletes from the region who are seeking to represent their countries at the Olympic level. They are designed to provide a step between sub-CAC region Games held the first year following a Summer Olympics and the Pan American Games, which are held before the Summer Olympic. The next Pan American Games are slated to take place in Santiago, Chile October 20 – November 5, 2023.

More information on the San Salvador 2023 Games can be found on their website.

Follow the BVIOC page on FaceBook for regular updates and results.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, CAC, Eldred Henry, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Thad Lettsome, Triathlon Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay brings unity through community in the BVI – Full Report

May 11, 2022 by

On May 3 and 4, the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) hosted the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in the Virgin Islands (UK). The Queen’s Baton toured communities on Tortola and Virgin Gorda heralding the upcoming Commonwealth Games which will be held in Birmingham, UK from July 28 to August 8, 2022.

The Queen’s Baton arrived from Dominica into the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Monday, May 2 and was presented by Ms. Korlita Hamilton of the Dominica CGA to Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVICGA.

The Welcome and Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, May 3 at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Games officially marked the start of Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI with remarks by His Excellency Governor John Rankin, the Honourable Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and Mr. Penn, and an explanation of the workings of the Queen’s Baton by Mr. Joe Chapman, Baton Manager and 4x Commonwealth Games squash player.

The ceremony started with the Althea Scatliffe Striders Drum Corps and the entrance of the Queen’s Baton brought in by past Commonwealth Games athletes to include Lindel “Chef” Hodge, Steve Augustine, Ralston “Grandfather” Henry, Tynelle Gumbs, Trevia Gumbs and Joe Chapman. It was followed by a programme of recitals and performances of cultural and heritage significance curated by Dr. Katherine Smith, Director of the Department of Culture and presented by Poet Laureate Dr. Richard Georges, President of the HLSCC; author and poet Miss. Anika Christopher, Birmingham 2022 QBR Creative Programme Awardee; Mr. Phil Aspinall, MBE, Operations Manager, Virgin Islands Search & Rescue; the Comfoo Dance Ensemble; Leonora Delville Primary School; and the Razor Blades.

The relay through Road Town was started by the BVI Athletics Association Carifta 2022 athletes and Honourable Kye Rymer, District 5 Representative. The route followed a heritage trail and Baton handover stops starting from the Sugarworks Museum (Batonbearer D’Nila Thomas, student Althea Scatliffe Primary School), to the J. R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens (Batonbearer Ms. Vanessa King, O’Neal Webster), to the Sunday Morning Well (Batonbearer Mr. David Thomas, Clarence Thomas Ltd), to the E. Walwyn Brewley Ball Park (Batonbearers V I Softball Baseball Association), to the Elmore Stoutt High School (Batonbearer Jelani Croal, Grade 12, ESHS) to H.M. Prison Museum (Batonbearer Mr. Matthew Cowman, Walkers (BVI) Limited), to Midtown Restaurant (Batonbearers Caribbean Insurance Ltd), to the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park (Batonbearers representatives of the BVI Bank Association), to the Waterfront Drive traffic lights (Batonbearers Coralisle Group), to Sir Olva Georges Plaza (Batonbearers Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd) to the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly (Batonbearer, Mrs. Vicki Francis, Governor’s Office) to the Old Government House Museum. Information was shared on the history of the location at each of the heritage and museum sites.

The Queen’s Baton was driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School where it was met with vigorous enthusiasm by the students, staff and faculty. The relay to the Manuel Reef Marina was led by Batonbearers Honourable Julian Fraser, District 3 Representative, Mr. Milton McClean, Youth Sports leader, and Jehu Adams, Grade 6, ETPS. Adams handed the Baton over to Royal BVI Yacht Club sailing federation youth sailor, William Sanders and Mr. Jamel Davies, Chairman of the Tortola Sloop Foundation who sailed the Baton to the beach at Nanny Cay where it was handed over to Mr. Miles Sutherland-Pilch, General Manager, Nanny Cay Resort and Marina.

The afternoon visit included a stop at Carrot Bay to recognise the Stoutt family of fishermen – father Albert and sons Zacchari and Andrew – who continue to supply the local community and restaurants with fish and lobster caught in the traditional and sustainable way of seine and line fishing and free diving.

The Queen’s Baton was then welcomed at the Leonora Delville Primary School joined by student and teacher representation from the Jost Van Dyke Primary School and celebrated with dance and a symbolic relay around the school field with Batonbearers Frank Chinnery (JVDPS).

Day 1 of the relay concluded with a visit to the coal pit at Capoon’s Bay where the pit owner, Mr. Palett explained the process for preparing, generating and harvesting charcoal in the traditional way.

An evening reception hosted by the Governor was attended by the Carifta 2022 athletes, Commonwealth Games athletes and representatives of the National Federations.

The second and final day of the Queen’s Baton Relay saw the Queen’s Baton and accompanying delegation transported to Virgin Gorda courtesy of the Royal Virgin Islands Marine Police and H.M. Customs. The visit included a warm welcome reception organised by the Primary and Secondary schools of the Bregado Flax Education Center with remarks by Secondary Principal Hilroy George, Honourable Shereen Flax-Charles, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, District 9 Representative, and Mr. Penn. Presentations were performed by the Woodwind Ensemble, the BEFC Trio and the BFEC Lions and Arabians Cheerleaders.

A visit to the school’s Edible Garden of the Green Sprouts Eco Club managed by Green and Clean VI was followed by a relay led by Batonbearers, brothers Mekhi Water (Grade 12) and Audony Gangoo (Grade 5) from the school to the Green VI Eco Park where all guests were given a tour and overview of the work undertaken at the site by Green VI in association with Green VI Bug Out and which speak to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The penultimate leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay took a route through East End and Long Look with heritage sites and handover stops starting at the Chapel Hill Methodist Church with a brief history shared by Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewely before Batonbearer Dean Greenaway led the relay to Penn’s Landing handing over to Honourable Marlon Penn, District 8 Representative.

From there the Queen’s Baton was run to the Willard Wheatley Primary School (Batonbearer Jacobi David) to the East End Police Station (Batonbearer Mrs. Sylvia Forbes) to the Francis Lettsome Primary School (Batonbearer Damir Dobson) to the Long Look Methodist Church and the Stickett where Batonbearer Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye, Director Department of Youth Affairs and Sports led the relay to the Long Look Tennis and Education Center to hand over to the youth and senior Cycling Federation members who cycled the Queen’s Baton to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College via YEP.

At the HLSCC, the Baton was handed over to Ms. Winnette Lawrence of the V I Archery Association who passed it on to Dr. Richard Georges, President of the HLSCC who handed over to the HLSCC Volleyball team. The Baton was then jogged across to the Maritime Museum by students of the Marine Studies before a handover to Phillipe Leroy, representing the BVI Triathlon Federation, who, followed by others, cycled the Queen’s Baton on the final leg of the relay which culminated at Brandywine Bay beach.

The Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI was brought to a close when members of the BVI Rugby Federation received the Baton followed by handovers to the BVI Football Association and the VI Volleyball Association. Each of the three National Federations showcased their sports in demo games on the beach with a traditional-rules, tug-of-war refereed by Mr. Elmore Stoutt ending the sports before closing remarks by Mr. Penn, President of the BVICGA. The grand finale was a cultural presentation speaking to national heritage and the VI’s history and maritime connections. Attendees were entertained and educated by songs, dances and story-telling performed by the Zion Sounds, Ms. Bria Smith, the Comfoo Dance Ensemble, the Heritage Dancers, Mrs. Lettsome and Miss Rosie Smith.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events included the Governor’s Office, the Premier’s Office, the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth Affairs, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Departments of Culture, Education, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Tourist Board.

Event sponsors include the BVI Banking Association – Banco Popular, Bank of Asia, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Republic Bank, and VP Bank – Caribbean Insurance Ltd, Clarence Thomas Ltd, Coralisle Insurance (BVI) Ltd, O’Neal Webster, Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd, Walkers, Harneys and JOMA Properties.

National Federations, schools, and community and social groups supported the event as volunteers and participants in the relays through the districts.

The BVICGA has hosted four Queen’s Baton Relays since 2005, the last one being in 2017 ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia where Kyron McMaster made history by winning the territory’s first Commonwealth Games medal with a gold in the 400m hurdles.

The VI is expecting to take its largest contingent yet to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with 19 athletes representing the territory in 5 sports – a first for the nation. 3×3 Basketball (Women’s Team) and Cycling will make their debut at a Commonwealth Games as the teams join athletes from track and field, squash and swimming.

The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay touring through 72 Commonwealth nations and Overseas Territories will cover a distance of 140,000 kilometres over 269 days, traveling to Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean and the Americas, before embarking on the final stretch of its journey across England for 25 days.

The Queen’s Baton Relay will complete its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. This is a traditional and fundamental part of the Games and the Opening Ceremony, as the final Batonbearer will pass the Baton back to The Queen. The Queen’s message to the Commonwealth will then be removed from the Baton and read aloud, marking the official start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Photos of the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay touring the BVI can be seen on the BVIOC’s Facebook page.

Student Batonbearers:

Althea Scatliffe School (ASPS), Road Town, Tortola
D’Niya Thomas (Handover at the Sugarworks Museum, Day 1)
D’Niya has represented for several years for Inter-Primary Spors. She has been the Victrix for Inter-House and Inter-Primary as well.

Elmore Stoutt High School, Road Town, Tortola (Day 1)
Jelani Croal – Grade 12
Jelani was chosen because he is one of ESHS’ top athletes during the Inter-House competition and who went on to do very well at Carifta 2022

Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola (Day 1)
Jehu Adams – Grade 6
Jehu is a hard-working, dedicated, disciplined and helpful young man who is the top Grade Six student for the Advent and Trinity terms of the 2021-2022 school year. Along with his classmates, he is actively involved in the process of planting and maintaining the crops in the school’s garden. He is also very much involved in anything that would enhance the lives of his classmate. Jehu is often involved in peer tutoring within the classroom. He has specifically been assigned to assist and mentor one of the ESL students. He assists him with in-class tasks, projects and homework whenever necessary.
Additionally, during the Lent term, Grade Six had started a recycling project. Jehu was actively involved in collecting, sorting and recording the data for the materials. He along with another student took the materials to the school’s recycling bins.
Jehu has proudly and effectively represented his school at various competitions and other extracurricular activities. Presently, he and another student are preparing to represent the school at the national spelling bee competition. Jehu’s self-less attitude and commitment to learning are admirable and examples to his peers.

Leonora Delville Primary School, Capoon’s Bay, Tortola (Day 1)
Mijael Jennings (LDPS)
Kh’mahni Anthony (LDPS)
Frank Chinnery (Jost Van Dyke Primary School) – selected because he is an excellent athlete and the perfect representative for an event such as the Queen’s Baton Relay.

Bregado Flax Education Center, Virgin Gorda (Day 2)
BFEC Senior Division
Mekhi Water – Senior – Class of 2022
Mekhi is an all-round athlete excelling in Volleyball (BFEC) who also is the Football national U20 goalkeeper and of the VG United football club. He also is a Track and Field division winner. He is a diligent and committed student of the BFEC Senior School.

BFEC Primary Division
Audony Gangoo – Grade 5
Audony is one who we call a true Lion Ambassador. He puts his best foot forward in whatever he does. He is from a single parent home with 4 other siblings. This does not deter him from excelling in school, in sports and being one of our school ambassadors. Audony recently participated in the Inter-Primary Sports and ran in the 13+ category. Despite being pushed up to the older level, he persevered and came 2nd and 3rd in his races. He was determined to do his very best.

Currently, he is one of the top students in Grade 5, and he ensures that he continues is a positive influence for his peers.

Willard Wheatley Primary School, East End, Tortola (Day 2)
Jacobi David – Grade 6
Jacobi has grown into a positive student. He is a good athlete and displays good sportsmanship. He continues to represent the school well in sports and never refuses when he is asked to do something. He is a team player and as this is his final year at WWPS, we feel he deserves the honour of carrying the Baton.

Francis Lettsome Primary School, Greenland, Tortola (Day 2)
Damir Dobson – Grade 6
Damir is an enthusiastic 13-year-old, who excels in sports as one of his extracurricular endeavours. Damir is son to Earle Dobson and Glasmie Williamson. He represents his school at sporting events, and has been a top athlete, and proud Wildcat of FLPS, in Greenland, Tortola. Damir is the Francis Lettsome Primary School Wildcats’ 2022 Queen’s Relay Baton Bearer, because of his keen spirit, respectfulness, dedication to learning, willingness to help, community service, and pride in representing his school.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Birmingham 2022, BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Commonwealth Games, Cycling, Football, Joe Chapman, Kyron McMaster, Milton McLean, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , , ,

BVIOC to host Olympic Day runs and inaugural BVI Beach Games

June 9, 2021 by
  • Olympic Day Run
  • Beach games

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in collaboration with member national federations will host the first community BVI Beach Games at Brandywine Bay Beach from 10:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

The BVI Beach Games is an initiative that was first introduced at the BVIOC AGM by the BVI Rugby Football Union as a potential community event following the successful beach rugby and CrossFit fundraiser they organised in November last year.

Working with the national federations for rugby, volleyball, football, sailing and triathlon as well as Castaways CrossFit, the BVIOC is facilitating a community-oriented event aimed at encouraging residents of all ages to try a sport and get active.

The day will feature mini tournaments, pick-up games and an opportunity for anyone to try the aforementioned sports.

“These inaugural games will feature sports that already have a beach version so we know that the land based events are suited to be played in sand,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “We are excited to have a fun, healthy and physically active family-oriented event in a safe, outdoor space where the community can get together while maintaining their social distance in keeping with current protocols.”

The BVI Beach Games will include music entertainment, bouncy castles, food and ice cream for sale by Brandywine Estate Restaurant and Icy Treats as well as a bar. Recycling of disposables will be in effect and managed by Green & Clean VI Ltd. A collection table for the donation of non-perishable items for the Family Support Network will be set up as a charitable community out-reach element of the day.

The event will be the first of two annual beach games planned with the second beach games to be hosted in November 2021.

“The long term goal is to develop these disciplines that are already played as beach sports competitively at regional and international level with a view to inviting our neighbours in the USVI, St Maarten and Puerto Rico in the winter of 2022 and hosting the first Regional Beach Games possibly in the winter of 2023 provided COVID-19 travel protocols make it viable,” said Penn.

This event will take place the weekend after the traditional 1 or 2-mile Olympic Day run/walk on Saturday, June 19 in collaboration with the BVI Athletics Association and starting at 7:00am (registration at 6:30am) from the A.O. Shirley Grounds, Tortola and a 3-mile walk/run managed by the Road Runners’ Club and starting at 6:00am from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Virgin Gorda. Cyclists are also welcome to join an Olympic Day ride in VG which will depart from the college at 6:00am.

Attendees at both the Olympic Day events and the BVI Beach Games will be required to observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing a mask and frequent hand sanitising while at the event.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Football, Olympic Day, Rugby, Sailing, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay leads BVI athletes to Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games

June 21, 2017 by

BVI athletes, tennis coach and Chef for the Bahamas 2017 Copmmonwealth Youth Games with the BVI Commonwealth Games Association, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye for the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and Mrs. Angeleta Bernard, Chef for the previous youth games in Delhi, Isle of Man, and Samoa. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in its capacity as the Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA) introduced the itinerary and route of the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay which heralds that start of the quadrennially held Commonwealth Games and announced the 8 young athletes that will be attending the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The BVI delegation to the Bahamas 2017 CYG (July 18 – 23) was introduced by Ms. Sabinah Clement, Chef de Mission for the Games at a media briefing at the BVIOC office on Monday, June 19.

The BVI team comprises Arianna Hayde (Long Jump and Javelin), Rackeel Jack (400m), Joshua Hill (400m), Mikkel Bassue (100m and 200m), Beyonce Defreitas (200m), Djimon Gumbs and Diamante Gumbs (both competing in Shot Put and Discus), and Adrian Baijnauth (Tennis). The team will be accompanied by Track Coach, Willis Todman, Field Coach, Omar Jones and Tennis Coach, Malcolm Dabre.

The athletes will take part in the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through the communities of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda in a series of public activities and relays planned for Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event that invites members of the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories to showcase their country, culture, hospitality, communities, and sports. It is a unique event and an occasion for all who reside in the BVI to come together in the spirit of friendship and unity and we strongly urge everyone to make an effort to join in where they can,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Commonwealth Games Association.

The full programme starts with the official welcome reception on Monday, July 3 from 9.00am to 10.00am at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park when the baton is officially handed over to the Premier and the Virgin Islands.

The public relay will then start with the first baton bearer on a route through Road Town to take in the Tortola Pier Park, Waterfront Drive, Queen Elizabeth Park, Old Government House, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Main Street, Botanic Station and ending at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground.

The baton will then be driven to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cow’s Bay where the students will be back at school with a short presentation to welcome the QBR.

The relay will then continue to Manuel Reef and the baton will be sailed to Nanny Cay aboard a Tortola Sloop and a flotilla of dinghies. At 3.00pm the relay will pass through Cane Garden Bay from De Wedding heading east to Quito’s.

A relay supported by residents will pass through Great Harbour at 4.00pm before the baton is transported back to Tortola.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a public welcome ceremony at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda from 9.00am – 10.00am. The baton then will be handed over for a relay through the Valley up to the Baths. All residents of Virgin Gorda and Anegada are encouraged to participate.

The baton will arrive back to Tortola at 4.30pm where it will be received by cyclists at Trellis Bay and ridden across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and handed over for a relay on foot through Long Look, the Sticket and East End and end at the Greenlands Playing Field.

A cultural presentation by traditional musicians, dancers and performers to include performances by the Australian resident community will form part of the official closing ceremony starting at 6:00pm at the Central Administration Complex. The evening will end with music and local food and refreshments on sale.

The key stakeholders involved in the planning and hosting of events include the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports including the Departments of Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Tourist Board and GIS.

Event sponsors include the Government of the Virgin Islands, the BVI Bank Association – Banco Popular, CIBC FirstCaribbean, FirstBank, National Bank of the Virgin Islands and VP Bank – Premier Dental, Harneys, Meridian Construction, BVI Painters, Road Town Wholesale, Eureka Medical and Bougainvillea Clinic.

National Federations, schools, and Community and Social Groups will be supporting the event in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

The baton, which contains the message from the Queen to the athletes competing in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018, and international crew will arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1 at 7.00pm and will depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

The last time the Queen’s Baton Relay toured the BVI was ahead of the Glasgow 2014 games.

More information can be found on www.bviolympics.org. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or who would like more information on the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay event in the VI can contact the BVI Olympic Committee on 496 6007.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Queen’s Baton Relay returns to the BVI for fourth time

May 17, 2017 by

Kyron McMaster carries the Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton in a relay leg through Road Town in April 2014.

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (GC2018 QBR) is on its journey through the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories as it heralds the start of the quadrennial Commonwealth Games which will be held in Australia in 2018.

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in its capacity as the BVI Commonwealth Games Association (BVICGA), will host the Relay in the British Virgin Islands when the Baton and traveling crew arrive from Anguilla on Saturday, July 1, 2017 until they depart for Jamaica on Wednesday, July 5.

There will be two days of community-oriented activity as the relay passes through Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

“Although called a relay, running is not central to the QBR and the activities planned through Road Town, Sea Cow’s Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke, The Valley, Virgin Gorda and East End/Long Look will be accessible to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mr. Ephraim Penn, President BVIOC/BVICGA.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton was designed by Queensland-based Designworks and incorporates Macadamia wood which is native to the Gold Coast, LED

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton

illumination which lights up when held, a Queen’s message window and GPS to track the Baton in real time.

Working with key stakeholders, the BVICGA organizing committee has planned a relay route and activities that will showcase to the world the VI’s residents, its sports-men, -women and -children, its beauty, culture, diversity and hospitality.

The Delhi 2010 Queen’s Baton makes a stop at the Elmore Stout High School in March 2010.

“This is definitely a community event and we are delighted to have the support of the Governor’s Office, the Government of the Virgin Islands and its Departments of Education, Culture and Sports, the BVI Tourist Board and the Royal BVI Police Force as well as the Australian community in the planning and execution,” said Mr. Penn. “We also invite businesses to join private sector entities, the BVI Bank Association, Premier Dental, Harneys and RTW in sponsoring this unifying initiative.”

Everyone is encouraged to participate in all the relays and public activities which will include an official ‘Welcome’ ceremony on July 3, relays involving the spectrum of sporting associations and a grand cultural finale on July 4 showcasing the traditions, music and culinary treats from the VI and Australia as organized by the resident Australian community members.

The Relay started at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 13, 2017. At the commencement ceremony, HM Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the athletes in to the Baton which will pass through the hands of the many batonbearers who will carry it around the Commonwealth.

Covering 142,915 miles in 388 days, the Queen’s Baton Relay will be the longest in Commonwealth Games history traveling to more than one third of the world’s

population. It engages communities and provides a platform for thousands of people to ‘share the dream’ ahead of the quadrennial celebration of Commonwealth sport from April 4 – 15, 2018.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will embody the values of the Commonwealth Games Federation – Humanity, Equality and Destiny and build upon the event’s reputation as the ‘Friendly Games’ and the integral role sport plays in uniting and strengthening communities.

Get more information on the GC2018 QBR.

 

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball Tagged With: , ,

The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay in the BVI

May 16, 2017 by

Join in and share the dream of the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay when it tours through your community in Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Click here to read the itinerary and route of the Baton in the BVI.

For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Sofia Fay by email at sofia@broadswordpr.com or by ‘phone on (284) 541 7845 or Cleave Farrington by email at cmfarrington@bviolympics.org or by ‘phone on (284) 494 6920.

Images of the Dheli 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relays in the BVI

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Gold Coast 2018 News, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Uncategorized, Volleyball Tagged With: , , ,

Fournier, Ruschienski win 2016 BVI Steelman

April 18, 2016 by

By: BVI Tri Federation

Vincent Fournier and Natasha Ruschienski were the winners of the 2016 BVI Steelman. Photo: BVI Tri Federation

“The Steelman”, BVI’s toughest multi discipline event was switched from its traditional afternoon Winter slot to a new Spring date. On April 9, triathletes reveled in the flat, fast, traffic free conditions with some superb racing in both adult and junior divisions. Vincent Fournier and Natasha ‘Tash’ Ruschienski respectively took the 2016 BVI Steelman titles in the adult male and female categories.

The line up at the swim start featured Tortola’s five finest open water swimmers and they did not disappoint. Jaco Boss was quickest off the mark but was soon reeled in by top swimmer, Martin Trott and Aussie “Dangerman” Shane Donovan with Antony ‘the Chorpdeo” Spencer and Tash Ruscheinski covering every move.

After twenty four minutes of bumping, barging and bashing the five could not be separated each smashing the previous course record by over two minutes with Martin Trott eventually winning by a finger tip. With a slick transition the Chorpedo made an early move on the bike whilst Dangerman Donovan checked his tyre pressures and brakes before adjusting bicycle clips and bell. Tash Ruscheinski fresh from a personal best at the Puerto Rico Half Ironman set the pace in women’s competition and Philippe Leroy challenged himself with lapping the entire filed in the team bike leg.

Whilst the Chorpedo kept up a metronomic pace the new wonder boy Vincent Fournier slowly ate into his lead. Dan Mitchell rode hard proving its possible to do the event without intending to take part until the last minute, whilst Cayley Smit showed steely determination keeping Tash in sight. In the team event Leroy caught the field one by one whilst Grant Carroll had an unfortunate puncture, Barry D’Kane road a strong leg for team Ferrari and Justin Smit shook off some rust with a typically fierce effort. By the end of the bike leg Chorpedo retained a reduced lead from Fournier, whilst Tash increased her advantage over Cayley. Phillippe closed out the team bike leg with a strong 8 minute edge but failed in his bid to lap the field foiled by some inspired riding from grizzled veteran Alastair Abrehart .

Cheered on by a growing crowd of spectators, competitors donned running shoes and hit the trails and back roads of Beef Island for the final 6 mile run challenge. Fournier continued to reel in the Chorpedo, Tash slowly extended her lead over Cayley whilst in the team event ex-Triathlon President Simon Cookster Cook set his sights on a fuschia clad Kay Reddy. With 3 miles to go Chorpedo finally relinquished his lead to the new champion Fournier who ran a brilliant leg with the fastest run ever recorded in the men’s event. Tash won the women’s event beating brave Cayley whilst Kay Reddy kept the fast charging Cookster at bay by seconds with the closest ever team finish.

Following the adult event there was some excellent kids racing in Trellis Bay organized by Richard Morgan with competition at U6, U9 and U12 level. The spectators agreed it was great to see all the youngsters enjoying their sport.

The next event is the BVI National Triathlon Championships in May.

Full Results | Full Gallery

 

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Crumpler sets new record in taking his second Semi Steel

November 4, 2015 by

By BVI Triathlon Federation

Semi Steel 2015. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Semi Steel 2015. Photo: Broadsword Communications

In the third annual Semi Steel held on Sunday (November 2) on Beef Island, Russell Crumpler successfully defended his 2014 title and broke the course record established by Antony Spencer in 2013.

Crumpler completed the course in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 55 seconds, taking 42 seconds off the record.  Richard Morgan was second 59 seconds behind Crumpler. Tash Ruscheinski was first in the ladies division (1:17:47).

Crumpler was first of the two out of the water with a 39-second advantage. Morgan managed to turn the tables on Crumpler during the bike leg and gain a small 3-second lead. However, on the final run, Crumpler was able to put a minute between himself and Morgan to claim his second Semi Steel title and record.

I’m not the only one, the sole team, saw swimmer Martin Trott and runner Melissa Brunner recording the fastest times for the day in their legs.

Fifteen intrepid triathletes braved the rain, lightning, and wet roads to swim, bike, and run around Beef Island.

The Semi Steel, is a warm up event for the BVI Steelman which also takes place at Beef Island.
Final Results

Mens Individual

1 Russell Crumpler – 1hr03m55s

2 Richard Morgan – 1hr04m54s

3 Daniel Mitchell 1hr09m07s

4 Simon Cook – 1hr11m18s

5 Gary Salter – 1hr15m50s

6 James Drury – 1hr18m49s

7 Aaron Gardner – 1hr19m37s

8 Shane Donovan Bike – DNF

Ladies individual

1 Tash Ruscheinski – 1hr17m47s

2 Kerry dos Santos – 1hr22m41s

3 Sarah Carroll – 1hr28m11s

4 Cayley Smit – 1hr31m02s

Teams

1 I’m not the only one (Martin, Laurent, Melissa) – 1hr05m40s

FULL RESULTS WITH SPLITS | MORE PHOTOS

 

Filed Under: Triathlon

Records Fall, Or Reset, In Second Peter Island-Athlon

June 12, 2015 by

By BVI Triathlon Federation

Cyclists tackle the course at Peter Island during the fundraising 2015 Peter Island-athlon. Photo: Todd Van Sickle

Cyclists tackle the course at Peter Island during the fundraising 2015 Peter Island-athlon. Photo: Todd Van Sickle

On Saturday, the BVI Triathlon Federation hosted several events at Peter Island Resort to raise money for the Family Support Network organisation. The event featured a triathlon, an aquathon and Zumba.

The triathlon consisted of a 1,000-metre swim, a five-mile bike ride and a four-mile run. There was also a team division.  The aquathlon featured a 400-metre swim and a two-mile run.  After the adult divisions finished, there was a youth event, which consisted of a 50-metre swim, an 800-metre bike and a 100-metre run.

Antony Spencer topped the men’s triathlon recording his fourth victory in this year’s triathlon season, making it four-for-four so far.  Kat Brownsdon topped the ladies division. Both won this event last year.  Team Xtreme with Tash Ruscheinski, Alastair Abrehart and Kat Crumpler won the team event.   Guy Williamson and Jenny McIvor won the mens and ladies divisions respectively in the aquathlon.

While faster times were recorded across the board, general consenus is that the swimming course was 200-metres shorter than it should have been because Peter Island, in the course of replacing the swim zone markers over the winter, may have put them back closer together. Therefore, the records have reset rather than been broken.

Vernon Johnson competed in the run portion of the triathlon as part of the Peter Island 2 Team. It was his first time competing in a running competition. “My runs are a little more scenic, this was more rigorous,” Mr. Johnson said.

He added that working on the island didn’t give him any advantage in the race. “There are some really good runners and swimmers here today,” Mr. Johnson said. “This course is really challenging with the hills. The descents are really hard on the knees too.”

The assistant general manager added that there were a few reasons why he was competing in the event, including boosting camaraderie among his co-workers. “We were able to get the employees and managers together to do something good. It is for a good charitable cause,” Mr. Johnson said. “And to challenge myself.”

All told, the event raised $1,440 for FSN.

Gareth Thomas was running the cadet races. He said holding such events is important to the sport’s future. “The idea behind holding a cadet’s race is to get more kids out there, because obviously they can be tomorrow’s adult athletes,” Mr. Thomas said. “We are trying to encourage as much swimming, biking and running for these guys, because it is going to be fantastic for them to keep fit with all the challenges of obesity. What better place to do that than Peter Island. It has been fantastic.”

About 12 cadets between the ages of 5 and 12 years old took part in the youth event.
This year the BVITF has a five-race series for the cadets. The winner of each division will be awarded a new bike.

“There is motivation there,” Mr. Thomas said.

Alex Fountain, 9, won his division in the cadet race on Saturday. “It feels good to take the gold,” said the Cedar International School student after the race. It was his third consecutive win this season. He said Saturday’s race was one of his favourites, because of the course.
He said he enjoys the run the most.

BVITF President, Antony Spencer was the overall winner for the second consecutive year. He beat Natasha Ruscheinski out of the water, by just a few strokes. “That always makes me feel so happy, because she is much faster than me,” Mr. Spencer said. “She has been away for five weeks. That is the only time I have beat her.”

Aside from competing, he also helped organise the event. “We always hope everything goes smoother for the second year,” Mr. Spencer said. “Everyone knows what they are doing.”

Last year, some of the competitors had trouble navigating the course, but this year the organisers and the host placed signs at various points throughout the course.

“I would say that it would be impossible for anyone to go the wrong way, but someone did,” Mr. Spencer said.

All of the entry fees go to FSN, which is the chosen charity by Peter Island Resort.

“It is lovely to see all the people who turned up today,” Mr. Spencer said. “The more that turn up, the more we donate. So, a big thank you to everybody.”

Aside from the resort breakfast, charity and beautiful location, the competition is still very stiff, according to the BVITF president. “We are keeping each other honest,” Mr. Spencer said. “It gets harder and harder each year. There is a real rivalry in the men and women triathlon community.”

The BVITF said there are signs that the sport is growing in the region. Next May, there is going to be a Caribbean Islands Championship. The event will be held in Miami for the first year and will most likely move around to different islands.

“It was decided that it would be held in Miami, because it would be the easiest place to get to,” Mr. Spencer said. “Everyone is really excited about it. We are going to take as many as we can, so we can put the BVI on the triathlon map. That is our goal.”

Full results | Photo Gallery

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Spencer Wins National Sprint Champs in Record Breaking Time

April 14, 2015 by

By BVI Triathlon Federation

Antony Spencer, 2015 national champion, recovered well after swimming into a moored dinghy. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Antony Spencer, 2015 national champion, recovered well after swimming into a moored dinghy. Photo: Broadsword Communications

In the BVI Triathlon Federation’s National Sprint Champs, newcomer Jenny McIvor vanquished the other ladies to gain her first title as national champion, while grizzled veteran Antony Spencer placed the men’s crown on his head for the second time, and set a new record, after taking 39 seconds seconds off 2011 Chris Ghiorse’s time.

The National Sprint Champs are held at Sandy Ground boatyard, Soper’s Hole and comprise a “sprint distance” 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run.

The men’s division saw three national champions battling for glory again. This was reflected in the finish times which were considerably faster than 2014 with Antony, second placer Richard Morgan, and third placer Russell Crumpler, all posting better times than last year’s winning time. Russell was four minutes faster than his winning time in 2013 and Richard one minute faster than his 2014 championship time. This may be in part be due to faster swim time generated by the Barracuda that shadowed the competitors on the opening swim leg.

Fortunately the silver assassin turned out to be no more trouble than a delinquent halibut and swam off into the murky waters beyond, possibly deterred by the sight of Dan Mitchell in his onesie, enough to put even the most hardy water born predator off their brunch – Iain Walker

Richard Morgan storms the bike leg. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Richard Morgan storms the bike leg. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Mirroring previous events, Spencer exited the water well ahead of Morgan, only to lose the advantage to Morgan, the stronger rider, on the bike leg. Into the run, Spencer started just ahead of Morgan, with Crumpler ready to pounce in third.

This was a battle royale, as Spencer and Morgan jousted for position, exchanging the lead six times, each digging deep to out gun the other. Just behind, and by no means out of contention, Crumpler was slowly winding them both in, hoping to profit from any lapse. At the one mile mark Morgan cracked and Spencer slipped away to cross the line two minutes ahead of his rival in a new course record of 1 hour 12 minutes and 57 seconds. Crumpler, just 37 seconds behind Morgan, took third.

Jenny McIvor – 2015 Ladies National Sprint Champion. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Jenny McIvor – 2015 Ladies National Sprint Champion. Photo: Broadsword Communications

Jenny has roared into form this year, shocking the other ladies with fast improvement. Tash Ruscheinski, true to form, powered through the swim and managed to maintain her lead, putting in a ride time 30 seconds faster than Jenny. However, Jenny, much fleeter of foot, posted one of the fastest runs of the day, decimated Tash’s lead with a run six minutes faster than Tash, finishing just under three minutes ahead. Kerry Dos Santos was third.

In the team event, Trott, Buckle & Crumple (Martin Trott, Laurent Keeble-Buckle and Kat Crumpler) fielding a very swimmer and runner were assured of their victory barring catastrophe and romped home 3 minutes and 43 seconds ahead of Team Blitz (Cayley Smit, Justin Smit, Jules Potgieter) despite Justin reeling back almost 4 minutes on the bike leg.

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Standings after 3 races

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