A new executive body of the BVI Swim Federation, headed by Elsworth Phillip, National Swim Coach and co-founder of the Makos Swim Club, was elected Saturday, 30th November during the Federation’s Annual General Meeting at the headquarters of the BVI Olympic Committee. The other new members include Ross Munro, Vice-President, Grant Green, Treasurer, Tracy Bradshaw, General Secretary, and Eugenia O’Neal, Public Relations Officer.
The BVI Swim Federation was formed in 2008.
In his remarks following the election, Mr. Phillip thanked the outgoing President, Verne Wheatley, and noted that the Federation had accomplished much during his tenure. The incoming President also spoke of his commitment to swimming, and of his intention to promote its growth and development in order to make it a viable alternative for the young people of the BVI.
“We have some organizational matters to deal with such as the adoption of a new constitution and the appointment of various working groups,” Mr. Phillip said, adding that “the main item on our agenda is to ensure that the sport is on a secure footing, and not subject to the stops and starts it has endured in the last four years, most important is the construction of a dedicated pool where our swimmers can practice year-round.” Mr. Phillip is a Level 2 Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) certified coach.
Currently, the majority of the BVI’s national swim team use the facilities at Prospect Pool, but problems have arisen with that arrangement and with the condition of the pool, itself, which have resulted in practice interruptions several times over the last few years. Despite these setbacks and challenges, the national team continues to rack up impressive wins at regional swim meets with Elinah and Amarah Phillip winning 16 medals, including 9 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze, at the recently concluded 23rd OECS Swimming Championships held in November in St. Lucia. The girls’ team placed 4th overall while the boys placed 5th. The junior boys made their inaugural appearance in the 200 medley and freestyle relays placing 4th and 5th respectively. It was the BVI’s fourth appearance at the OECS Championships.
“The performance of all the children showed that they have a lot of potential and also showed how important continuity of practice is to achieving great results so, over the next few years, we really want to focus on securing dedicated pool facilities to keep our momentum going,” Mr. Phillip said. He added that “I am looking forward to working with the other members of the executive to make this happen.”
Mr. Phillip co-founded the Makos Swim Club in 2010, with his wife, Tracy Bradshaw, and he has served as National Coach since 2009.
Members of the new executive will serve a four-year term.
