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

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.

Jaleel Croal runs sub 20 PB in Cali 2021 200m finals. 3×3 basketball team perform valiantly against top teams

Virgin Islands sprinter Jaleel Croal delivered a PB of 20.93 in the 200m finals at the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games – his first major Games and season opener.

Pitching his speed against faster and older runners in the race, Jaleel did well to pull out all the stops to run sub 21 and place 5th. The new time smashes his previous PB of 21.10 achieved at the end of last  season.

“When I got on the track my main goal was to have fun and run a 21 so after a nice start and execution and finish and a 20.93 – even though I came 5th – I was the happiest man on the track at that moment. There’s more to come and I already marked the guys’ faces!” said Jaleel.

Speaking after the race, Coach Ralston “Grandfather” Henry said, “This is the peak time of season for the sprinters from Ecuador and Brazil and to see him come and run that fast with them is a major accomplishment!”

Jaleel already qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships with his semi-finals time of 21.24 and he will be back at the same stadium for the event next August 1 – 6.

The medals in the Cali 2021 200m went to Anderson Marquinez (Ecuador, 20.51), Lucas Vilar (Brazil, 20.59) and Lucas Rodrigues Da Silva (Brazil,20.68).

Jaleel and Coach Grandfather return home to the BVI on Saturday, December 4.

The 3×3 basketball team comprising Shakeem Tyson, Michael Richardson, D’/Andre Mitchum and Stephano Paul played their final group game against Venezuela on December 3. The team gave everything they had and put up a much improved performance with contributions from all of them. While they ultimately lost 22-11 they remained very much in touch with their strong opposition until the halfway point when Venezuela showed their class and pulled away. Since that match, Venezuela went on to beat Puerto Rico (in their final group game) and then beat Brazil in the quarter finals. 

“After initially losing out 21-5 to Puerto Rico in their first match to only a day later be pushing Venezuela in a much closer affair shows how far the team has come in such a short amount of time,” said Chef de Mission Adam Murrills. “It also shows a strong mentality in their ability to problem-solve, adapt, work together and improve throughout what has been the BVI’s first International Competition for Basketball since 2010!

“Having spoken with the guys I know that they’re proud (and rightly so!) of how they performed and how they improved throughout the tournament and they’re keen to push on after this and hopefully experience more International Competition in the future!”

President Ephraim Penn who has attended the competitions from the start of the Games was impressed with the level of application and incremental improvement of all athletes and more so with the camaraderie and supportive attitude of the athletes from the different sports ensuring to attend the matches or watch live where physical attendance was not possible.

“The athletes and coaches all arrived as separate teams but as they leave these Games, they depart with a sense of one BVI team which is a very rewarding result in itself,” said President Penn.

“On behalf of the BVIOC, I congratulate Jaleel on setting a new PB coming off the blocks of the final at his first major Games. That he achieved this at the start of the season and racing against more experienced and older sprinters in the middle of their season is all them more exciting for what we can expect to see from him in 2022. Congratulations also to the 3×3 Basketball team who have done a remarkable job of holding their own in new territory. Thank you to the National Federations, their athletes and especially to their coaches, Ralston  “Grandfather” Henry, track and field coach and 2nd Vice President of the BVI Olympic Committee and to Coach West for Basketball for committing to and executing admirable performances at these inaugural Panam Junior Games.”

Thad Lettsome, who is based at Lake Calima with his coach, Chris Watters finished the 2nd day of the regatta with a 7th and 6th place for an overall 6thplace at the start of the final set of races in the one-person ILCA7 laser today, Saturday December 4. 

Coach Watters described the second day of competition as a “tough day”.

“It was cranking windy and we were closer to shore. The guys in 1st and 2nd place are in a race of their own; they have a good 15lbs on Thad. It’ll be a major focus for him moving forward. That and the downwind in heavy breeze flat water,” said Coach Watters. “He’s still not bad shape in the regatta. 6th overall but only 1 point from 5th. Bit of a gap to the medals but there’s some protests for 3/4 going on so we’re not out of it!”

The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 5 after which the  3×3 team and BVI delegation will return home to the VI while Thad will return to Tulane University, New Orleans and Coach Watters to Florida.

Croal advances to semi-finals. Lettsome settles mid fleet on day 1 and 3×3 basketball compete in first two games of the Cali 2021 Junior Panam Games

Congratulations to Jaleel Croal who placed 3rd in his heat of the 200m semi-finals at the Cali 2021 inaugural Junior PanAm Games . His time of 21.24 secured a spot in the finals where he will run in lane 8 at 7:00pm on Friday December 3.

18-years old Jaleel came out of the race feeling positive about his time and performance. “Before the race I was nervous but I said to myself that the hard part is qualifying and the fun part is the finals. Once on the track I felt better and I felt good coming out of the blocks and overall felt the race was good. I am very happy about it and will be ready to give it my 100% in the finals.”

Coach Ralston “Grandfather” Henry also was happy with the race and performance saying, “It was a very good time with which to open the season at this time of the year. He ended the season with 21.10 so coming back with a 21.24 to start the season was very good. I’m looking forward to what we will see in the finals.”

Thad Lettsome closed out his first day of racing the ILCA7 laser with a 5th and 4th place finish out of a fleet of 14 which, according to Coach Chris Watters, is exactly where they planned to be. “Thad did a really good job starting, sailing smart and conservatively. We want to be in the middle of the hunt all the way through the end so we’re hoping for similar conditions tomorrow,” said Coach Watters.

“The first day of the regatta went well,” said Thad. “We’re looking to maintain a consistent score line and then perhaps look at being more aggressive and making a push after the first race as that would mark the half way point of the event.”

Thad will compete in 4 more races with 2 each on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4.

The BVI 3×3 basketball team competed in their first two matches of their first international Game where they lost out to Puerto Rico 5-21 in a shake up match. The 2nd match against Colombia went better for the team as they held the lead for the first part before finally conceding the game by 6 points for a 9-15 score. The team comprising Michael Richardson, Shakeem Tyson, Stephano Paul, D’Andre Mitchum and Coach Trevor “West” Stevens will face Venezuela at 11:30am BVI time on Friday, December 3.

“Today has been a very positive day for Team BVI at the Junior PanAm Games,” said Chef de Mission Adam Murrills. “The day started with a very tough game for our basketball team against one of the favourites. They really showed a strong mentality in bouncing back in their 2nd match against home country Colombia. They still have a chance of qualifying and so there is everything still to play for. After speaking with the boys they are up for the challenge and are looking forward to getting stuck in!

“Thad had a great day out on the water executing objectives which put him in 4th place ready to mount a challenge for a medal while Jaleel did the business in the 200m semi-final and everyone is looking forward to cheering him on in his final where he’ll be going in with no pressure!”

BVI Olympic President Ephraim Penn has been in Colombia since November 21 where he attended the meetings as a member of the Technical Commission as well as attending the Panam Sports AGM and the Extraordinary General Assembly of Centro Caribe Sports along with Secretary General Lloyd Black.

“So far the Cali 2021 Junior PanAm Games have been very busy both from a technical perspective and from the angle of our athletes, coaches and physio, Levi James” said President Penn. “This is a new experience for all but one of our juniors – that being Thad Lettsome who competed in his first major Games at the Lima 2019 PanAm Games. I am impressed with how the athletes have adapted to the demands and expectations of international competition guided by their coaches. They are excited, yet disciplined and focused and are great ambassadors for the Virgin Islands. As Chef de Mission, Adam Murrills is doing an excellent job of making sure that our athletes are well looked after and that the delegation is kept up to date and informed of all schedules and requirements as may be announced by the organisers. As the BVI Olympic Committee, we couldn’t be prouder of our team and we look forward to the action over the next couple of days.”

The live action can be seen on Panam Sports Channel, CBNTelevision.com and CBN Channel 101. Full scores for competing nations can be found on calivalle2021.com.

BVIAA names 2018 Athletes of the Year

By BVI Athletics Association

BVIAA Colonial Insurance (BVI) Ltd 2018 Athletes of the Year. Photo: BVIAA

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association is pleased to officially announce the 2018 Colonial Insurance (BVI) Ltd. Athletes Of The Year awards in each of its categories:

Kyron McMaster and Chantel Malone have been named BVIAA Colonial Insurance (BVI) Ltd. Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Kyron McMaster, ranked No. 3 in the world in 2018 in the men’s 400-meter hurdles is the two-times Diamond League Champion of 2017 and 2018. He is a three-times 2018 Gold medalist in the 400m Hurdles having won at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, the Central and American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Barranquilla, Colombia and the North American and Caribbean Championships (NACAC) in Toronto, Canada. McMaster’s personal best of 47.54 seconds achieved at the Paris Diamond League in June 2018 highlights his huge accomplishments.

Chantel Malone, the territory’s first IAAF World Championships finalist finishing 7th in the women’s long jump in 2017 was ranked top 100 in the world in 2018 in the women’s long jump. Malone’s 2018 achievements include placing 5th at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, a silver medalist at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) with a leap of 6.52m, and a 5th place in the women’s long jump at the 2018 North American and Caribbean Championships in Toronto, Canada.

Rikkoi Brathwaite and Beyonce Defreitas have been named BVIAA Colonial Insurance (BVI) Ltd. Junior Male and Female of the Year.

Brathwaite is the Jr. National Record Holder in the 100m dash. During 2018, he placed 3rd in the 100m at the Flow Carifta Games in Bahamas as well as competing at the IAAF World Under 20 Championships in Tampere, Finland where he advanced to the 100m semi-finals with a time of 10.44 seconds.

DeFreitas, 2017 silver medalist at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas in the 200m sprint, began 2018 with astonishing times which qualified her for the Flow Carifta Games, the IAAF World Under 20 Championships and the Youth Olympic Games. She is one of the few in the OECS to run under 24 seconds in the 200m at the age of 15 and is a national leader in her division. She has remained unbeaten in local competition since the age of 13.

Jaleel Croal and Adaejah Hodge have been named BVIAA Colonial Insurance (BVI) Ltd. Youth Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2018.

Croal, coming off strong performance among peers in the Heptathlon at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Age Group Championships held in Trinidad and Tobago in June 2017, ended 2018 as the national top 100m and 200m leader in his U15 age division. He qualified for the Flow Carifta Games in both the 100m and 200m and as a first time competitor, he placed 6th in the 100m finals at Carifta.

In 2018, Hodge ran a time of 12.34 seconds in 100m. She broke the 26 year old record (24.47 August 1st, 1992) with a time of 24.37 seconds in the 200m in her Under 13 age division at the Jr. Olympics in the USA. Hodge was honoured as the top female athlete at both the Wildcat Invitational meet and Mustang Stampede meet in Douglasville, GA. She also set 60m and 200m indoors with times of 7.88 seconds and 25.53 seconds respectively at the Birmingham Alabama Cross Plex meet during the season. Her personal best in other events includes 56.79 second in the 400m and 17 feet 12 inches in the long jump amongst her other highlighted accomplishments as an Under 13 athlete.

The BVIAA Executive and the BVI athletics family extend congratulations to all the athletes.

Four establish Carifta qualifiers during Dag Samuels Development series opener

By BVI Athletics Association

L-R – Diamante Gumbs, Jaleel Croal, Palesa Caesar and Djimon Gumbs established Carifta qualifiers during the Dag Samuels Development series opener Jan 12, 2019. Photo: BVIAA

The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) held its first Dag Samuels Development Series to kick off the Track and Field season over the weekend. Four athletes established Carifta qualifiers during the opener namely:

Diamante Gumbs – 16.80m shot put (qualifying mark 16.75m)
Diamante Gumbs – 52.33m discus (qualifying mark 52.00m)
Jaleel Croal – 10.99 sec 100m (qualifying mark 11.25seconds)
Palesa Ceasar – 34.90m discus (qualifying mark 34.00m)
Djimon Gumbs – 54.10m discus (qualifying mark 52.00m)

“We are especially happy with the results of development meet #1. With a total of five qualifiers in four events at our first development meet, it’s clear that the road map to the 2019 Carifta Games is already being set,” noted BVIAA President, Steve Augustine.

Palesa Ceasar who was among four of the qualifiers, was highlighted by Mr. Augustine who said “special mention must also be made of new comer Palesa Ceasar, who worked extremely hard over the pre-season in the throwing events, solidifying her ability of making the BVI qualifying standard in the Discus throw at our first Development Meet.”

“Be it the Carifta Games qualifiers, personal bests marks or general competition, the meet proved memorable and indicative of a great season that lay ahead,” Mr. Augustine concluded.

Results from athletes overseas:

• Eldred Henry competed in his first indoor meet of the year in the Shot Put event with a throw of 19.44m setting a new school record, National Qualifier and NCAA division 2 leader.

 

Complete results of Dag Samuels Development Series Meet # 1:
12 January, 2019

Teams: Ambassadors Throwing Club (ATC), Fast Lane Track Club (FLTC), Raw Skillz Track Club (RSTC), Sprint Tech Track Club (STTC), Top Notch Track Club (TNTC), Unattached (UA)

SHOT PUT:
GIRLS U13 (6.6lbs/3 kilos): 1. Kijana Callwood (ATC), 9.66m. 2. Savianna Joseph (FLTC), 8.90m.
U15 (6.6lbs): 1. Palesa Caesar (ATC), 9.03m. 2. A’Keela McMaster (UA), 7.55m .
U17 (6.6lbs): 1. Alli-anna Davis (ST), 10.08m. 2. Alexa Hodge (FLTC), 8.82. 3. Empress Williams (ATC), 8.55m.

BOYS U17 (12lbs): 1. Orlando Douglas (ATC), 10.78m.
U20 (14lbs/6kilo): 1. Diamante Gumbs (TNTC), 16.80. 2. Djimon Gumbs (TNTC), 15.72.
OPEN (16lbs/7.26 kilo): 1. Deshoy Ward (ATC), 10.56.

DISCUS: (1 kilo)
GIRLS U13: 1. Kijana Callwood (ATC), 32.75m. 2. Savianna Joseph (FLTC), 27.38m.
U15: 1. Palesa Caesar (ATC), 34.90m.
U17: 1. Empress Williams (ATC), 23.16. 2. Alexa Hodge (ATC), 20.84m.

BOYS U15 (1.5kg): 1. Orlando Douglas (ATC), 40.50m.
U20 (1.75kg): 1. Djimon Gumbs (TNTC), 54.10. 2. Diamante Gumbs (TNTC), 52.33m. 3.

OPEN MALES (2 kilos): 1. Deshoy Ward (ATC), 35.50m.

60m:
GIRLS U9: 1. Destra Jack (FLTC Jr.), 10.97.

BOYS U9: 1. Christian Butler (FLTC Jr.), 10:36.

80m:
GIRLS U11: 1. Chelsea Edwards (FLTC Jr.), 11:53. 2. D’Niya Thomas (FLTC Jr.), 12:00. 3. Khaliah Hall (FLTCJr), 12:25. 4. Xambiah Demming (RSTC), 12:75. 5. Cianna Industrious (STTC), 13:39.

BOYS U11: 1. Tiondre Frett (STTC), 10:65. 2. Clariq Frett (FLTC Jr), 11:07. 3. Othniel Gillings (FLTC Jr), 11:25. 4. Ty’rique Charles (FLTC Jr), 12:00.

100m:
GIRLS U13: (wind +0.7) 1. Karliyah Morton (UA), 14:13. 2. Shannia Johnson (UA), 14:93.

BOYS U13: (w-1.7) 1. Jaheem Lennard-Joseph (FLTC Jr), 14:22. 2. Latriel Williams (STTC), 14:52.

GIRLS U15: (w+1.0) 1. Jahtivya Williams (STTC), 12.81. 2. Crystal Maximea (FLTC),13:05. 3. Jordanne Thomas (STTC), 13:31. 4. Vinesha John (STTC), 13:50. 5. Dejoie Sebastian (STTC), 13:81. 6 DiaMonae Thomas (STTC),14:57. 7. Monisha Martin (STTC), 14.75. 8. Kareena Shortte (STTC), 15:04.

BOYS U15: (w -1.1)1. Jabari Pemberton (FLTC), 13:27. 2. Antuwn Maduro (STTC), 13:46. 3. T’Khoy Stevens (RS),13:76. 4. Makelis Fergus (RS), 14:17. 5. Shakoi Maduro (RS), 15:83.

GIRLS U17: (w -1.9) 1. Abriel Magloire (FLTC), 13:26. 2. Kaelyaah Liburd (RS), 13:40. 3. Lia Claxton (RS), 13:97. 4. Glendy Knight (ST), 14:73.

BOYS U17: (w+0.5)1. Jaleel Croal (STTC), 10.99. 2. Shajoni Huggins(FLTC), 12.33. 3. Jamoi Roberts (STTC), 12.34.

OPEN MALES: (w+0.5)1. Joshua Lynch (STTC), 11.68.

Throwers 50m Dash
GIRLS: (w +1.2) 1. Alexa Hodge (FLTC), 7.98. 2. Alli-anna Davis (STTC), 8:05. 3. Savianna Joseph (FLTC), 9.56.

BOYS: (w +1.2) 1. Diamante Gumbs (TNTC), 7.59.

1500m
BOYS U17: 1. Jelani Croal (ST), 4:51.14. 2. Rashawn Jack (ST), 5:42.34. 3. Caleb Lynch (FLTC), 5:46.66

300m
GIRLS U11: 1. Chelsea Edwards (FLTC Jr), 50.57. 2.Khaliah Hall (FLTC Jr), 51:81. 3. D’Niya Thomas (FLTCJr), 58:70. 4. Cianna Industrious (STTC), 1:03.65.

BOYS U11: 1. Clariq Frett (FLTC Jr), 47.69. 2. Othniel Gillings (FLTC Jr), 47.70. 3. Abijah Auguiste (FLTC Jr), 58.06.

GIRLS U13:1. A’Sia McMaster (UA), 46.04. 2. Karliyah Morton (RSTC), 46:10. 3. Jah’Kyla Morton (UA), 48.24. 4. Shannia Johnson (UA), 52:36. 5. Adrianne Thomas (STTC), 53:01. 6. Shyra Stout (STTC), 55.67

BOYS U13: 1. Jaheem Lennard-Joseph (FLTC Jr), 47:40.

400m
GIRLS U15: 1. Jahtivya Williams (STTC), 1:00.71. 2. A’Keela McMaster (UAT), 1:02.70. 3. Jordanne Thomas (STTC), 1:04.27. 4. Crystal Maximea (FLTC), 1:04.33. 5. Kailia Martin (STTC), 1:04.57. 6. Dejoie Sebastian (STTC), 1:07:34. 7. Vinesha John (STTC), 1:07.77. 8. Kareena Shortte (STTC), 1:10.04. 9.Monisha Martin (STTC), 1:17:43.

BOYS U15: 1. Jabari Pemberton (FLTC), 59:14. 2. Jonathan Lynch (FLTC), 1:06.19. 3. T’Khoy Stevens (RSTC), 1:07.64. 4. Makelis Fergus (RSTC), 1:09.45. 5. Shakoi Maduro (RSTC), 1:17.89.

GIRLS U17: 1. Kaelyaah Liburd (RS), 58.47. 2. Ariyah Smith (ST), 59.21. 3. Kenyatta Grate (ST), 103.29. 4. Glenny Knight (ST), 1:14.72
U20: Mariah Christian (RS), 1:04.99.

BOYS U17: 1. Jaleel Croal (STTC), 51.37. 2. Jamoi Roberts (STTC), 59.31. 3. Shajoni Huggins (FLTC),. 1:02.04.
BOYS U20: 1. Malik John (ST), 50: 84. 2. J’Mari Duhaney (ST), 53: 81. 3. Jonathan Hing (ST), 56:98.

The Dag Samuels Developmental Series Meet # 2 is slated for Saturday January 19th, 2018 at the A.O. Shirley Grounds beginning at 10 am with the following events:

800m, 600m (u11 & u13 only), 400m hurdles, Javelin, Ball throw (u9 & u15), 150m (u9 and u11), 200m (u13 – open)

Beyonce Defreitas and Jaleel Croal respectively qualify for 2018 IAAF World Jr Championships, Carifta Games

By BVI Athletics Association

Beyonce DeFreitas (red Sprint Tech top) clocked a time of 24.07 in the 200m to earn a spot at the IAAF 2018 World U20 Junior Championships in Tampere, Finland from July 10 – 15, 2018. Photo:Dean Greenaway

Beyonce DeFreitas of Sprint Tech Track Club clocked a time of 24.07 in the 200m dash surpassing the IAAF World Jr Championship’s 200m qualifier mark of 24.20 and earning her the right to compete at the upcoming IAAF 2018 World U20 Junior Championships in Tampere, Finland from July 10 – 15, 2018.

Additionally, Jaleel Croal of Sprint Tech Track Club ran a time of 11.25 and 21.86 in the 100m and 200m respectively to surpass Carifta Games qualifying standards of 11.25 and 22.15.

Locally, the fifth meet in the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) Dag Samuels Developmental Meet Series concluded at the A.O. Shirley Grounds.

The BVIAA acknowledges the regional athletes from Antigua and Barbuda and the US Virgin Islands (the St. Croix Track Club and Cheetah’s Track Club of St. Thomas) for competing.

The BVIAA and the BVI Athletics family extends thanks to Walkers during their 2017 Charity Day Qualification Event for their generous donation of $1,500.00 which has been used towards the Dag Samuels Developmental Meet Series and the recovery of athletics in the territory.

During the meet, Ms. DeAnna Wattley was the lucky raffle winner of the 32g IPAD compliments of Klass Electronics. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the Fast Lane Track Club founded by Coach Dag Samuels.

The BVIAA Dag Samuels Developmental Meet Series will continue on Saturdays, March 10 and 24, 2018 at the A.O. Shirley Grounds.

Official Results of the BVIAA Dag Samuels Developmental Meet Series
A. O Shirley Grounds, Road Town, Tortola
Meet #5- 24 February, 2018

Participating Teams: ANT- Antigua & Barbuda, ATC- Ambassadors Throwing Club; CTC- Cheetah’s Track Club; FLTC- Fast Lane Track Club; RSTC- Raw Skillz Track Club; STTC – Sprint Tech Track Club; STXTC – St. Croix Track Club; TNTC- Top Notch Track Club; UNA- Unattached;

LONG JUMP:
GIRLS U15: 1. Kenyatta Grate (STTC), 4.41m (+1.4). 2. Abriel Magloire (FLTC), 3.97m (+1.3)
BOYS U17: 1. Allonye Gordon (CTC), 4.80 (+4.2)

SHOT PUT:
GIRLS U13 (6.6lbs): 1. Savianna Joseph (FLTC), 6.86m.
U15 (6.6lbs): 1. Jonique Smith (ATC), 8.80m. 2. Alexa Hodge (FLTC), 7.58m.
U17 (6.6lbs): 1. Ariana Edgar (STXTC), 11.64m. 2. Kyra Willett (ANT), 11.30m. 3. Alli-anna Davis (STTC), 7.73m.
U20 (8.8lbs): 1. Akira Phillip (ATC), 8.44m.

BOYS: U15 (12lbs): 1. Sh’ael Lavacia (STTC), 10.16m. 2. Orlando Douglas (ATC), 6.93m. 3. Mehki Smith (ATC), 6.33m.
U20 (14lbs): 1. 2. Diamante Gumbs (TNTC), 15.95m. 2. Djimon Gumbs (TNTC), 14.43m. 3. Deshoy Ward (ATC), 10.29m.
OPEN: (16lbs): 1. Kevin Vanterpool (TNTC), 9.88m.

JAVELIN:
GIRLS U13 (500g): 1. Savianna Joseph (FLTC), 13.85m.
U15 (500g): 1. Jonique Smith (ATC), 16.97m. 2. Alexa Hodge (ATC), 15.50m.
U17 (500g). 1. Kyra Willett (ANT), 29.05m. 2. Alli-anna Davis (STTC), 15.64m.
U20 (600g): 1. Akira Phillip (ATC), 37.68m. OPEN: 1. Britney Peters (600g), 42.88m.

BOYS: U15 (700g): 1. Sh’ael Lavacia (STTC), 33.54m. 2. Mekhi Smith (FLTC Jr.), 20.28m. 3. Orlando Douglas (ATC), 18.15m.
U20 (800g): 1. Deshoy Ward (ATC), 31.06m.
OPEN: (800g): 1. Kevin Vanterpool (TNTC), 50.00m.

800m RUN:
GIRLS: OPEN: 1. Katrina Lindsey (FLTC) 2:27.11. 2.Tashira Edwards (STTC) 2:27.64
BOYS: OPEN: 1. Gevon Smith (STTC), 2:13.32. 2. Clever Liberte (CTC), 2:26.35

100M
GIRLS: U13 (wind +2.8) : 1. Acaida Frett (FLTC), 13.79. 2. Asia McMaster (UNA), 13.81. 3. Vinesha John (FLTC), 14.38. 4. Karliyah Morton (RSTC), 14.45. 5. Nejma Benjamin (FLTC), 16.08.
U15 (H1 – +1.5; H2 -2.3): 1. Crystal Maximea (H1) (FLTC), 13.01. 2. Jahtivya Williams (H2), (STTC), 13.13. 3. Abriel Magloire (H1), (FLTC) 13.34. 4 Lia Claxton (H1) (STTC), 13.65. 5. Akeela MacMaster (H2), (UNA), 13.66 6. Nickelia Drummond (H2) (STTC), 13.73. 7.Kailia Martin (H2) (FLTC), 13.90. 8. Ariana Edgar (H2) (STXTC), 14.62. 9. Genelle Smith (H1) (STTC), 15.06. 10. Anaya Frett (H2) (STTC), 15.14.
U17 (-0.2): 1. Joella Lloyd, (ANT), 11.75. 2. Soniya Jones, (ANT), 12.13. 3. Sherna Williams, (CTC), 13.82.
U20 (-0.2): 1. Anelia Austries, (STXTC), 13.81
OPEN (-0.2): 1. Deya Erikson (STTC) 12.81.

BOYS: U13 (wind +0.3): 1. Antuwn Maduro, (STTC), 13.71. 2. Johari Lacey, (STTC), 14.07. 3. Jobari Pemberton, (FLTC), 14.19.
U15: (-2.8) 1. Jamoi Roberts (STTC), 12.96. 2. Jelani Croal (STTC), 13.36. 3. Rashaun Jack (STTC), 14.44. 4. Santos Caines (STTC), 14.47.
U17: (-1.7) 1. Razeeam Richards (ANT), 11.15. 2. Jaleel Croal (STTC), 11.25. 3. Jaekwon Gordon (CTC), 11.81. 4. Shajoni Huggins (FLTC) (no time available)
U20 (-1.7): 1. Ramandin Alexander (ANT), 10.89. 2. Joshua Lynch, (STTC), 11.66. 3. Chris Wickham, (CTC), 12.37.
OPEN (-1.7): 1. Khoy Vanterpool, () 12.84.

60M
BOYS: U9 (+1.1): 1. Ayden McIntosh (FLTC), 10.04. 2. Apollo Henry (STTC), 11.02.

300m DASH:
GIRLS: U11: 1. Shyra Stoutt (STTC), 55.74. 2. Ka’Brina Hill (STTC), 1:00.47. 3. Malia Robin (STTC), 1:01.24.
U13: 1. Michelle Smith (STXTC), 45.03. 2. Kenniqua Grate, (UNA), 54.80.
U15: 1. Kenyatta Grate (STTC), 42.97. 2. Crystal Maxima, (STTC), 42.98. 3. Ariyah Smith (STTC), 45.95. 4. Deonna Campbell (FLTC), 46.36.

BOYS: U11: 1. Tiondre Frett (STTC), 47.56. 2. Latriel Williams (STTC), 48.18. 3. Azriel Smith (STTC), 52.01.
U13: 1. Kaleem Lettsome (STTC), 45.55. 2. Sean Samuel (RSTC), 46.14.

400M
GIRLS: U17: 1. Akrisa Eristee, (STTC), 56.98. 2. Zara Brown (STTC), 59.45. 3. Kaelyaah Liburd, (RSTC), 1:00.78. 4. Tashira Edwards, (STTC), 1:02.16. 5. Alisha Hayde, (STTC), 1:06.55.
U20: 1. Beyonce Defreitas (STTC), 56.95.

BOYS:U17: 1. Malik John, (STTC), 52.05. 2. J’mari Duhaney (STTC), 53:40. 3. Jelani Croal (STTC), 58.32. 4. Allonye Gordon (CTC), 58.89. 5. Wanyae Belle, (STTC), 1:00.80. 6. Wayne Reid (STTC), 1:03.01. 7. Rashuan Jack (STTC), 1:04.53. 8. Santo Caines (STTC), 1:10.20
U20: 1. Joshua Lynch, (STTC), 56.10. 2. Jonathon Hing, (STTC), 58.57.

1500M
FEMALES Open: 1. Mariah Christian, (RSTC), 5:13.09. 2. Katrina Lindsay, (STTC), 5:16.47
MALES: Open: 1. Samuel Romney, (STTC), 4:40.65

150M
GIRLS: U11: 1. Shyra Stoutt (STTC), 24.59. 2. Ka’Brina Hill (FLTC Jrs.), 25.89. 3. Malia Robin (STTC), 26.36.
BOYS: U9: 1. Ayden McIntosh (FLTC Jrs.), 24.01. 2. Apollo Henry (STTC), 27.32.
U11: 1. Tiondre Frett, (STTC), 20.92. Azriel Smith (STTC) 22.89.

200M
GIRLS: U13 (wind -1.5): 1. Michelle Smith (STXTC), 28.54. 2. Asia McMaster (RSTC), 28.95. 3. Karliyah Morton (RSTC), 30.70. 4. Vinesha John (FLTC), 30.75
U15 (+0.9): 1. Jahtivya Williams (STTC), 26.20. 2. Akeela McMaster (UNA), 26.86. 3. Ariyah Smith (STTC), 27.76. 4. Nickelia Drummond (STTC), 27.79. 5. Kailia Martin ((FLTC), 28.30. 6. Lia Claxton (STTC), 28.96. 7. Deona Campbell (FLTC), 30.41. 8. Anaya Frett (FLTC), 33.10.
U17 (+1.9): 1. Joella Lloyd (ANT), 24.23. 2. Soniya Jones (ANT), 25.03. 3. Zara Brown (FLTC), 25.57. 4. Alisha Hayde (STTC), 27.24. 5. Sherna Williams (CTC), 28.78.
U20: (wind +1.9) 1. Beyonce Defreitas (STTC), 24.07. 2. Shanice Hucey (STTC), 29.02.OPEN: (+1.9) 1. Deya Erickson (STTC), 26.74.

BOYS: U13: (wind -1.5) 1. Antuwn Maduro (STTC), 28.05. 2. Kaleem Lettsome (STTC), 28.11. 3. Jobari Pemberton (FLTC), 29.02. 4. Johari Lacey (STTC), 29.97.
U15: (+1.8) 1. Jamoi Roberts, (STTC), 25.31. 2. Jelani Croal (STTC), 26.86
U17: (H1+1.8, H2: -2.2, H3: +1.8) 1. Razeeam Richards (H3) (ANT), 21.84. 2. Jaleel Croal (H3) (STTC), 21.86. 3. Malik John (H3) (STTC), 23.13. 4. Jaekwon Gordon (H3) (CTC), 23.60. 5. J’mari Duhaney (H2) (STTC), 24.29. 6. Wanyae Belle (H2) (STTC), 25.17. 7. Kadeem Pena (H1) (FLTC), 25.00. 8. Wayne O’Neal (H1) (STTC), 26.30. 9. Shajoni Huggins (H1) (FLTC), 26.38.
U20: (H2: -2.2, H3:-+1.8) 1. Ramindin Alexander (H3) (ANT), 21.31. 2. Chris Wickham (H3) (CTC), 24.81. 3. Jonathan Hing (H2) (STTC), 26.46.
OPEN (+1.8): Khoy Vanterpool (STTC), 25.37.