The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has announced that 11 athletes from 3 sports will represent the Virgin Islands at the 25th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from July 24 to August 8, 2026.
The team announced by Deputy Chef de Mission Zebalon McLean comprises 4 track and 3 field athletes, 3 squash players and 1 archer. All athletes qualified to represent the territory at the Centennial Edition of the oldest regional multi-sport Games.
The athletics competitors include Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m), Wanyae Belle (200m), Beyoncé Defreitas (100m, 200m), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Khybah Dawson (long jump) and Jah’Klya Morton (high jump). Events will take place at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.
The all-male squash players competing in the men’s team include Joe Chapman also competing in the singles, and brothers Oliver and Daniel Henderson in the singles and doubles. Squash matches will be held at courts in the Metropolitan cluster.
Winnette Lawrence will compete in archery in the Women’s Compound held at the Parque del Este Sports Complex. Lawrence also will serve as Team BVI’s flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony.
This will be the second CAC appearance for Brathwaite, Defreitas, and Gumbs after their debut at the San Salvador 2023 Games where Brathwaite and Gumbs respectively won bronze medals in the 100m and shot put. Erickson will make her third CAC appearance after debuting at Baranquilla 2018 and competing at San Salvador 2023. It will be the first CAC Games for Belle, Dawson and Morton as well as Lawrence. This will be the first time that squash will be represented at a CAC Games since 2014 making it a first-time appearance for Chapman, and the Henderson brothers.
The delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Sophia Brewley-Messiah, assisted by McLean.
BVIOC President Ephraim Penn described the selection as another important milestone in the continued growth of sport in the Virgin Islands.
“The Central American and Caribbean Games provide one of the most competitive environments in our region,” said Penn. “Our athletes have earned the opportunity to compete through commitment and performance, and we know they will represent the Virgin Islands with honour.”
On announcing the team, McLean shared his expectations of the team to embrace the challenge of competing against the region’s best.
“Every athlete on this team has earned the opportunity to compete at these Games,” he said. “We expect them to perform with confidence, represent the Virgin Islands proudly and gain valuable experience that will continue to strengthen the national programmes of the respective sports.”
BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine said “We have seen exceptional performances throughout the season and are excited about what this group can achieve in Santo Domingo. Beyond results, these Games are another important step in the development of our athletes.”
Virgin Islands Archery Association President Patrick Smith described Lawrence’s qualification as a landmark achievement.
“This is a great moment for archery in the Virgin Islands,” said Smith. “Winnette has earned her place through determination and consistent performances, and her qualification demonstrates the growth of our sport. We are extremely proud to see her make history for the Territory.”
BVI Squash Racquets Association President Mark Chapman said qualifying three athletes for the Centennial Games highlights the continued development of squash locally.
“Although squash is not part of the Commonwealth Games programme this year, qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games is a tremendous achievement. Daniel, Oliver and Joseph have worked incredibly hard, and we are excited to see them represent the Virgin Islands on this important regional stage.”
Supporting the athletes will be athletics coaches Jean Carlos Cruz, Michael Heimerman and Willis Todman, squash coach Adam Murrills and physiotherapist Levi James.
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 Santo Domingo Games will bring together more than 6,000 athletes from over 35 countries and territories.
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 and the Pan American Games, which are held before the Summer Olympic. The next Pan American Games are slated to take place in Lima, Peru July 23 – August 8, 2027.
