Athletes get private sector support ahead of Olympics

As local athletes get ready to leave their mark at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a number of private sector businesses and individuals have committed monetary support to assist the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) that will be getting the stars ready for the games.

The BVIOC said in the last few weeks, the corporate sponsors that have pledged support to the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship include: The National Bank of the Virgin Islands – $5,000, The Guana Fund – $3000, Republic Bank – $2,500, BDO – $2,500, as well as Scrub Island Resort and Smiths Gore, each of which pledged $1,000.

Additionally, Mrs Vivian Lloyd donated a sum of $5,000 in memory of her late husband, Jim Morris, a founding member of the BVI Olympic Committee in 1980. The scholarship fund contributes to training and coaching as well as athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition, counselling, and mental resilience training.

The athletes who will benefit include Kyron McMaster (400-metre hurdles), Chantel Malone (long jump), Eldred Henry (shot put), Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m), Adaejah Hodge (200m) and Thad Lettsome (ILCA 7 laser sailor). The athletes will each receive a monthly stipend to assist them on their journey to the Olympics.

In presenting the cheque from the National Bank of the Virgin Islands to BVIOC, Joy Penn, the bank’s CEO said, “We are delighted to join as a bronze sponsor of the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme. NBVI firmly believes in supporting community initiatives that foster the nation’s development and progress. Athletes representing our country at the highest level not only excel as incredible ambassadors but also inspire future Olympians. We eagerly anticipate cheering on our champions at the Paris Olympics and celebrating their future successes.”

The BVIOC said those who sponsor the athletes through the scholarship fund may have access to tickets to select events at Paris 2024. Entities that would like to support the THSEAS programme are invited to contact the BVIOC office by email at [email protected] or call (284) 346 8375 or visit the BVIOC website for more information.