National Bank officially sponsors Kyron McMaster

in All News / By: BVI News on August 2, 2017 at 6:21 PM /

Kyron McMaster and his coach, Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels with National Bank of the Virgin Islands CEO, Joy Francis.

The National Bank of the Virgin Islands (NBVI) has announced the official sponsorship of Virgin Islands athlete and the world’s fastest 400M hurdler for 2017, Kyron McMaster.

The 20-year-old Virgin Islander has put the Territory on the map by winning its first medal at the IAAF World Junior Championships, which remains a historical triumph for the Territory.

McMaster, who is trained by one of the Territory’s longest serving coaches, Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels, challenged the 400m Hurdles world record (46.69 seconds) this past May in Kingston, Jamaica with a time of 47.80 seconds.

“The National Bank of the Virgin Islands is committed to supporting young professionals and recognising their achievements in the community,” said Joy Francis, Chief Executive Officer of NBVI.

“We admire those who strive to work hard, set goals, and persevere to achieve great success, for themselves and for our Territory. As an ambassador for the Virgin Islands, Kyron McMaster is a fine example and inspiration to us all. The Board, management, and staff of National Bank, couldn’t be more proud of this young Virgin Islander.”

A longtime client of National Bank, accepting the sponsorship McMaster humbly said, “This really means a lot to me to know that National Bank believes this much in me and it really encourages me to train even harder to make my community proud.”

Steve Augustine, President of the Virgin Islands Athlethics Association commented on the importance of the sponsorship. “I’m really pleased that National Bank has answered the call to support Kyron in this way. There is a lot that is involved when competing in this challenging arena that Kyron has been placed in; for him as an athlete, and for this community. I’m proud that our National Bank recognises this and is truly investing in ensuring Kyron comfortably trains as an elite athlete representing this Territory.”

This sponsorship, in the initial amount of $2,500 for Q3-Q4 of 2017, with continued contributions over the next three years, will support McMaster, particularly as he prepares for the Men’s 400m Hurdles at the London IAFF World Championships this weekend, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

NBVI remains proud of McMaster’s accomplishments and looks forward to supporting the young hurdler as he represents the Virgin Islands in competition on the world’s stage. The Territory can show their support for McMaster during the live broadcast of the Men’s 400m Hurdles.