By BVI Athletics Association
Steve Augustine, President BVIAA with Lord Sebastian Coe, IAAF President January 15 2018. Photo: BVIAA
Despite the impacts of Hurricane Irma and Maria, the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association continues to forge forward, aiming towards a more successful future in the sport of track and field for the athletes and the territory. One of its latest achievements after submitting an application for funding for the rebuilding of facilities at the A.O. Shirley Grounds was the receipt of US$100,000 grant from the International Association of Athletic Federations’ (IAAF) solidarity funding programme.
Discussions were held on January 15th, 2018 at a North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) meeting, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico to determine the degree of damage to the region and the extent of help needed to aid with the recovery efforts. At the meeting attended by IAAF President Sebastian Coe, NACAC President Victor Lopez, and BVIAA President Steve Augustine and some of the affected Caribbean federations, the IAAF and NACAC promised to assist affected federations as much as possible.
“I hope these funds will go some way to rebuilding the sport in the countries most affected by the hurricanes,” said Lord Coe. “We know this is not enough but hope it will at least get the member federations affected back up and running. We will continue to seek further funds and work with the region to ensure athletes’ training is as uninterrupted as possible.”
Victor Lopez said: “As President of the Area one of my key concerns was ensuring our athletes could continue training. I received calls and was in contact with members from across the athletics family and was touched by the support received from the IAAF and from colleagues from all corners of the world who have offered to help, house and host affected athletes training for this year’s events.”
BVIAA President Steve Augustine stated that “ the much needed funds will go a long way in helping to get our facilities back in order. With the provision of this funding alongside the continued voluntary works of our track family I am certain that our facility will regain and surpass the functionality it once had.”
“The BVIAA is very appreciative of the tremendous outreach and support of the IAAF and NACAC towards the recovery efforts. The BVIAA is also appreciative of the efforts of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in the rebuilding processes. On the heel of the anniversary of Hurricane Irma and that of the significant loss of our Chief Coach Dag Samuel, we are pleased to be able to report on the grant we have received and the hope of seeing the A.O Shirley Grounds and its surroundings restored.”
The BVIAA also invites those that are interested in aiding the rebuilding efforts to reach out to BVIAA Executive members as follows:-
• Steve Augustine +284 496-7529
• Stephanie Russ-Penn +284 496-7155
• Willis Todman +284 496-6666
• Cleave Farrington +284 346-8375
or email ivb@mf.iaaf.org and bviathletics@gmail.com to make a pledge for funding or support in kind.
