Athletics boss pleads to ‘very large’ corporate BVI

By Davion Smith, BVI News Online Staff

President of the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) Steve Augustine has made a public appeal to the Government and corporate entities in the British Virgin Islands to support local athletics.

“As long as they put me on the podium I’m gonna reach out, because we have a very large corporate BVI and I’m also reaching out to you guys to come forth and offer your support to athletics. There is quite a bit of things happening in the athletic arena; we can use your support,” Augustine said.

He noted that local athletes could accomplish much more than they have already done if local companies back them financially.

“You can see the result of what we are able to do with not very large funding and monies, and I’m sure with support from Corporate BVI we can definitely do a whole lot for the BVI. So I’m making a plea… Help us to help our youths to become the true athletes that they can possibly be.”

The BVIAA president’s plea for support came three days after local 400 metre hurdler Kyron McMaster decimated a track of top athletes to run a word-leading time of 47.80 seconds in Jamaica.

Augustine said the young runner is an exceptional talent who needs support.

“We have something special happening here, and I’m asking you guys to jump on board with the Athletics Association in giving Kyron the support that he truly needs. This doesn’t happen everyday,” he said at a ceremony held at the Central Administration Complex on Monday to celebrate McMaster’s achievement.

Augustine continued: “To the government, we know that you guys have continued to support BVI athletics and I hope and trust that Kyron’s accomplishment here today reinforces the need for you to continue to support BVI athletics.”

Minister with responsibility for sports Myron Walwyn, in recent times, urged his Government colleagues to fund ‘outstanding’ local athletes like McMaster. The call was supported by both Government and Opposition members of the House of Assembly.