BVIOC donates equipment to schools for Physical Literacy pilot programme

November 19, 2019 by

The BVI Olympic Committee donated equipment to the 12 pre- and primary schools piloting the physical literacy project.

The equipment will provide support in building the physical literacy capacity of students in schools participating in the project.

As part of the assessments that were carried out last month by the team of physical literacy specialists visiting from Canada Sports for Life, one of the recommendations in the report was the need for equipment to introduce various activities to the children that will assist in building mastery, confidence and motivation to move in different ways.

President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn said “This initiative is being sponsored by the Olympic Solidarity and therefore we want to ensure that this programme is a success. In order to do so we have to continue to invest in the physical development of the Territory’s children.”

Physical Education teachers, coaches and persons involved in sports along with parents are encouraged to support the initiative by learning about physical literacy and following the physical literacy campaign on BVIOC’s website – bviolympics.org – and page on Facebook.

“There is great information and tips that everyone can use to introduce physical literacy concepts to children in their care. I encourage parents, teachers, care givers and volunteers to support the concept of physical literacy and to lead by example by being active and encouraging your child or children to be active as well,” Mr. Penn said.

The equipment was handed over to the Ministry of Education and Culture and received by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe and Chief Education Officer Ms. Connie George on November 8 during a short ceremony.

“We recognize the importance of physical literacy in our community and the long term benefits of ingraining physical activity from an early age so that it becomes a lifetime habit,” said Ms. George. “Having the Physical Literacy project run in our schools is paramount and the Ministry of Education is very appreciative that the BVI Olympic Committee is ensuring its success through their ongoing support and donations with funding from Olympic Solidarity.”

The equipment, which includes a variety of training tools tailored for the needs of each recipient, will be distributed to the participating schools in the coming days.

Participating schools include Althea Scatliffe, Francis Lettsome, Leonora Delville and Jost Van Dyke Primary Schools, Bregado Flax Education Centre-Primary Division, Agape Total Life Academy and Pelican Gate School as well as New Life, Little Light House, New Testament, Visions and Jost Van Dyke preschools.

The mission to promote physical literacy locally is a multi-agency collaboration between the BVI Olympic Committee, Canada Sports for Life and the Ministries of Health and Social Development and Education and Culture.

Physical Literacy is the competence, confidence and motivation to enjoy a variety of sports and physical activities.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, LTAD, Physical Literacy Tagged With: , , ,

BVIOC free sports clinic stepping stone to promote grass roots development in the community

October 18, 2019 by

The BVI Olympic Committee organized and ran a free sports clinic for the community at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Saturday, October 12 as part of celebratory activities to mark Chantel Malone’s historic gold medal win in long jump at the Lima 2019.

The clinic took place the day after a ceremony recognizing Chantel’s achievement of becoming the British Virgin Islands’ first Pan American Games medalist. The interactive session was presented by Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and Joey Scott of Tru Fit Athletics, Miami and featured the BVI’s elite track and field athletes, Chantel Malone, Kyron McMaster (400m hurdles), Eldred Henry (shot put) and Ashley Kelly (400m) and Dr. Harlan Vanterpool, NHI Medical Director.

“This clinic was a great launch pad for executing grass roots engagement and bringing to life the practical elements of the long term athlete development programme,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC. “The four BVI professional track and field athletes worked with a captivated audience for the whole morning, interacting with the youngsters in the community, advising and inspiring them to work towards developing their athletic potential.”

The panel of professional athletes are all beneficiaries of the BVIOC Elite Athlete Programme which provides financial support to help them prepare throughout the year for major games. Each of the panelists shared their personal experiences, insights and practical tips on a wide range of topics during the indoor discussion forum and out on the track and field. Attendees heard what it takes to make it in a selected sports and learned more about the dual purpose of college attendance with recommendations to focus primarily on the academics followed by sports as an avenue to excel in a particular discipline.

The most important takeaway for many was the advice to set a personal goal and identify the support base to help achieve the goals. Out on the track and field, attendees loved the ‘form and technique’ sessions provided by the professional athletes – with each participant coming away with something new to apply to their execution.

Dr. Harlan Vanterpool’s engaging explanation about what anti-doping actually means and his conversation on testing and reveal of the testing kit used helped to deliver a better understanding among the young athletes on the reasons, rules and regulations as promoted by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“The BVIOC sees this clinic as just the start of another way of promoting sport for all and pushing the LTAD program in the community,” said Mr. Penn. “The BVIOC has 16 National Federation members, several of whom have athletes and teams who are on the professional circuit and who can help to build our pool of athletes through similar engagement. We have held two named Sports Festivals on Olympic Day with interactive sports stations set up by the National Federations but we now want to evolve these stations into actual clinics within the Sports Festival as a means of educating and enthusing the public of all ages. We also hope that it becomes an opportunity for the coaches to spot potential talent from within the community and open up a pathway for the development of such talent.”

The Olympic Day Sports Festival is slated to take place on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

View the BVIOC free sports clinic photo album on Facebook

Filed Under: Ashley Kelly, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Caribbean RADO, chantel malone, Eldred Henry, Kyron McMaster, Lima 2019, LTAD, Olympic Day, PanAM Games, Regional Anti-Doping Organization, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

VI Health Ministry signs agreement to develop physical literacy in pre-schools

September 10, 2019 by

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Calvin Malone has signed an agreement with Sport for Life Society for the development of a physical literacy approach in pre-schools across the Territory.

The programme will be coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the BVI Olympic Committee and will enable the Sport For Life programme to build capacity in key personnel including early child care providers and teachers as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the project in increasing physical activity in children and youth.

Coordinator of Health Promotion Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Ms. Ivy George said the programme will also increase awareness of physical literacy in the Territory while improving physical activity.

The intervention will be held in four phases in identified schools in the Territory. Education, training and assessments will be carried out by the organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Agriculture and Fisheries.

The programme began in August and will conclude in July 2020. Sport for Life is a non-profit organisation out of Canada whose purpose is to create cross-sectional partnerships between sport, education, recreation and health while aligning community, physical activity programming and more.

Persons seeking more information on the organisation and the intervention programme can telephone the Ministry of Health and Social Development at 468-2274.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates the recovery of human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee, LTAD, Physical Literacy Tagged With: , , ,

BVI among first in Caribbean to complete Physical Literacy and LTAD Series

May 26, 2017 by

BVI school principals with members of the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Committee. Photo: BVIOC

Workshop #5, the final in the series on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Physical Literacy (PL), was held at the Training Division Conference Room May 18 – 19, 2017.

This marked the culmination of the BVIOC/ CANOC initiative which was launched in the Virgin Islands as one of the test beds for the introduction of similar programmes across the Caribbean. The other countries were the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, and Suriname.

The objective was to develop Long Term Athlete Development sport models and introduce the concept of Physical Literacy: “Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”- The International Physical Literacy Association, May 2014.

Day 1
The facilitators Mr. Drew Mitchel and Mr. Thomas Jones of Canada Sport for Life met with the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Connie George, Education Officers, principals from public and private schools, Dr. Monica Sagala, Deputy Director of Medical Services of the BVI Health Services Authority and other health representatives. The attendees were enthusiastic and pledged to get their schools more involved in physical activities.

“The workshop was wonderful and was a great opportunity to meet with other principals and educational personnel. The concerns were similar. I will continue to encourage a healthy lifestyle and the integration of physical activities in the daily lives of my students. I will use our school assembly to reinforce the concept of Physical Literacy,” said Dr. Antoinette Rock, Principal of St Georges Secondary.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the session on Physical Literacy. I believe it is a needed component in our curriculum in the VI. I plan to implement school-wide programs and encourage movement and healthy lifestyle practices,” said Mr. Orlandette Crabbe, Principal of Joyce Samuel Primary School. “My PE teacher has been charged with developing a plan for the new school year with regards to Physical Literacy.”

Day 2
Physical Education teachers of public and private schools, health liaison teachers, gym instructors and early childhood educators attended the workshop. Topics covered included integrating Physical Literacy into warm up routines, increasing performances of all participants and Physical Literacy Play Tool assessment for sport practices, Physical Education and group exercises.

“The Physical Literacy Workshop I must say was a grateful opportunity for me to be a part of. It has enhanced my knowledge and future thoughts on the importance of a physically balanced lifestyle and has already put me into action to find various strategies and goals from both workshops to execute in my curriculum at Akua Roots 24 Family Care effectively with results that will last a lifetime and promote optimum health and quality of life,” said Shevonne Findlay, Akua Roots 24 Hours Family Care.

As an outcome of these workshops, Physical Literacy is now an integral part of the curriculum in the government Primary Schools and is expected to become a buzz word in the High School.

The teachers of the Early Childhood Centers have expressed eagerness to include the concept in their daily routines. The BVI Health Service Authority is in the process of rolling out the “Green Prescription” through which doctors will prescribe a battery of physical activities, initially in addition to medication in an attempt to lessen the occurrences of non-communicable diseases.

National Federations present LTAD sport models
The LTAD sport models for Athletics, Archery, Basketball, Rugby and Sailing were handed over by the project leads to the President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn at a ceremony held at the Old Government House Museum.

Minister for Education, Culture and Sports, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, presidents of the national sport federations, and the executive of the BVIOC and guests were in attendance.

The project leads for the sports were awarded CS4L International Certificates and others were awarded certificates of recognition.

“We are excited about future projects in the BVI and want to thank you all for your boundless energy and interest in working with us to help improve the health and physical activity possibilities for people in this country. It is truly a special place,” said Tomas Jones of Canada Sport for Life.

Mr. Ephraim Penn and the National Coordinator of the LTAD and Physical Literacy, Mrs. Angeleta Bernard are pleased with the results of the 18 months of dedicated work by the project leads and the cooperation of the national federations.

Mrs. Bernard is grateful to the BVIOC for the opportunity to have served as coordinator.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, Rugby, Sailing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

BVIOC / CANOC complete 4th workshop in LTAD series – Periodization & Planning

February 14, 2017 by

BVIOC LTAD Periodization Feb 2017 0463The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in partnership with the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Canada Sport for Life Society (CS4L), Canada Olympic Committee (COC) and Olympic Solidarity hosted the 4th Workshop on Long Term Athlete Development with emphasis on Periodization and Planning.

The two-day workshop which took place on February 9 and 10, 2017 at the Government Training Division Conference Room, focused on time management as a planning technique. It provides the framework for arranging the complex array of training processes (skill development, strength training, regeneration) into a logical schedule to bring about optimal improvements in performance.

The facilitator was Mr. Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada, a Planning and Periodization expert who worked with 17 different National Teams as a high performance advisor. He has led program development in the United States, South Africa, England, Ireland, Sweden and Bahrain.

On day one representatives of the six selected sports, Basketball, Archery, Track & Field, Rugby, Sailing and Football met with Mr. Balyi to analyze the work done so far on the Long Term Development of their sport.

Periodization & Planning workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi addresses BVI sports representatives. Photo: BVIOC

Periodization & Planning workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi addresses BVI sports representatives. Photo: BVIOC

The workshop was well received by the participants who represented the Basketball (3), Football (4), Rugby (2), Sailing (1), Archery (1), Track & Field (4), Volleyball (4), and Softball (2) Federations. Physical Education teachers (2) were also present. Also present was Mrs. Heida Joyles Selwood, the supervisor of Physical Education at the Ministry level

Raymond ‘Chi Chi’ Fonseca of Volleyball said “the presentation was awesome and enlightening. I have learned a lot about the importance of nutrition, mental and physical preparations of the athlete. I am now more aware of the concepts of burn out, over training, peaking and tapering”. He wishes that the workshop could be run again in the near future.

Supporting the comments of Raymond was Dwayne Rubaine also of Volleyball, “As coaches we need to be more prepared and this knowledge that we have received will foster better preparation of coaches and athletes that should lead to greater success.”

Jason Edwin of Basketball said “The information received leads us to realize that now is the time to get rid of a lot of misconceptions. Structure must be put in place and a national sport calendar is crucial to the development of the sport of basketball.”

Dag Samuels of Track & Field said that the information is very valuable for all coaches but it must be implemented and passed through a process of trial and error for success to be realized.

LTAD workshop coordinator, Angeleta Bernard introduces Ephraim Penn, president BVIOC (l) and Planning & Periodization expert and workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada. Photo: BVIOC

LTAD workshop coordinator, Angeleta Bernard introduces Ephraim Penn, president BVIOC (l) and Planning & Periodization expert and workshop facilitator, Istvan Balyi of Sport for Life, Canada. Photo: BVIOC

“The BVIOC continues in its quest to improve the sport practices of our coaches and individuals who are affiliated to Sport Federations in an effort to increase the nation’s podium finishes regionally and internationally,” said Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC.

The workshop was number 4 in a series of 5. At the end of the series the sports of Basketball, Archery, Rugby, Sailing, Football and Track & Field should have a document outlining the Long Term Development of their sport.

The coordinator Mrs. Angeleta Bernard was very disappointed with the turn out. “Some coaches designated by their Federation did not show up and having noted the enthusiasm of those present and the questions asked, the absent ones would have benefitted. However, I am confident that with implementation of the periodization plan, the sports that were present will add to the successes they have

 

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, CANOC, Football, LTAD, Rugby, Sailing Tagged With: , , , ,

BVIOC set to host CANOC Long Term Athlete Development Workshop on Periodisation

February 7, 2017 by

Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

Group work at the launch of the Long Term Athlete Development and Physical Literacy workshop in February 2016. Photo: BVIOC

The BVI Olympic Committee will be hosting the CANOC Long-Term Athlete Development Workshop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands from Thursday, February 9 – 11, 2017.

The fourth workshop in the Caribbean LTAD series will be facilitated by Mr. Istvan Balyi of Canada Sport for Life Society.

The focus is on periodization which is time management as a planning technique. It provides the framework for arranging the complex array of training processes (skill development, strength training, regeneration) into a logical schedule to bring about optimal improvements in performance.

The workshop is offered to all sporting organisations and those involved in coaching sports.

The first session took place in February 2016 and covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

The second session, which took place in May 2016, focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that followed on from the first workshop.

The third session took place in September 2016. The interactive session on Physical Literacy address looked at the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.

The Physical Literacy Workshops are supported by the Sport for Life Society of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health.

For more information contact workshop coordinator, Mrs Angeleta Bernard.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Basketball, BVI Olympic Committee, CANOC, Football, LTAD, Rugby, Sailing Tagged With: , , , ,

Rugby forges ahead with youth development programme

October 28, 2016 by

Source: BVI Platinum

Children take part in tag rugby under the guidance of Rugby Development Officer, Sherlock Solomon. Photo: BVIRFU

Children take part in tag rugby under the guidance of Rugby Development Officer, Sherlock Solomon. Photo: BVIRFU

In efforts of making the sport of rugby a permanent fixture on the competitive charts in the British Virgin Islands, the BVI Rugby Football Union (BVIRFU) has now turned their attention to training and encouraging young persons to play the sport.

Over the last two weeks, representatives from the union have been visiting schools around the Territory, teaching young persons how to play the game, its rules and the overall health and physical benefits to be gained.

These visits and training with the students will lead into a Rugby Festival, to be hosted by the union late next month, November.

According to Rugby Development Officer for the BVIRFU, Sherlock Solomon, the Festival will put the training received by both primary and secondary school students to the test, as teams are expected to go head to head in tournaments.

Filed Under: LTAD, Rugby Tagged With: , , , ,

Coaches attend 2nd Long Term Athlete Development workshop

June 8, 2016 by

LTAD bannerThe second BVI Olympic Committee Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Workshop was held at the Olympic Committee office May 27 – 28, 2016.

Representatives from the Football, Rugby, Tennis, Sailing, Basketball, Athletics and Archery federations attended the 2-day sessions which were facilitated by Mr. Istvan Balyi from Canada Sport for Life Society (CS4L), one of the initiative’s three co-sponsors.

The first session covered the key factors pertinent to athlete development and the 5 basic ‘S’s of training and performance – Stamina (Endurance), Strength, Speed, Skill, and Suppleness (Flexibility).

Coaches were also taken through the process and measurements required to manage athletic development. They were instructed on how to optimise training and output based on the distinct capacities of male and female athletes according to their individual physical, mental and cognitive, and emotional development. By applying the appropriate ‘periodisation’ model, coaches can identify periods of optimal trainability throughout the life of an athlete to help them reach their full genetic potential.

The second session focused on discussing the project outlines in the areas of Sport, Health and Education that were submitted for further development following on from the first workshop.

All the sporting organizations that were in attendance will now begin to work on the LTAD for their sport beginning with an assessment of “where we are now” to be followed by “where we want to be”.

The premise of the LTAD program is that it will pave the way for a healthier and more productive life and prepare the territory’s athletes for podium finishes at regional and international competitions.

“I was impressed with the workshop. I now see how Physical Literacy, the number 1 key factor of LTAD, is very important to the health of the nation, the development of sport and the concept of ‘Active for Life’,” commented Mr. Rhennie Phipps, a national Junior Basketball coach.

Other co-sponsors of the workshop include the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) with full endorsement from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The next workshop is set for September of this year and will cover Physical Literacy as a key factor for sport development.

Filed Under: BVI Olympic Committee Tagged With: , , , ,