Global athletics leader visits BVI athletes

As the BVI continues to show that it intends to leave an indelible mark on global athletics, the territory’s athletes were recently visited by Lord Sebastian Coe, the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

On January 12, Coe was joined by Sports Minister Sharie de Castro, BVI Athletic Association president Steve Augustine, and President of the BVI Olympic Committee Ephraim Penn on a tour of the A.O Shirley Recreational Grounds. Lord Coe — who was in the Virgin Islands viewing progress on sporting facilities following the hurricanes of 2017 — spoke with athletes about his athletic career and provided answers in relation to the difficulties and motivational drivers that kept him going during his Olympic appearances.

The BVI has been turning heads on the global stage in the field of athletics with senior athletes such as Kyron McMaster and Chantel Malone who are named among the best whenever they represent the BVI at global athletics events.

Upcoming stars such as Adaejah Hodge and KhyBah Dawson are also making their mark in the junior category, causing many global experts to shine their light on the developments that are taking place in sports in the BVI. Aside from athletics, the BVI has been performing well in sports such as skiing, swimming, sailing, basketball, cycling and archery.

The territory has been represented at major events such as the Winter and Summer Olympics, the PanAm Games, the PanAm Junior Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games. In the 2024 budget, the government also promised to continue developing local sport competitions which serve as a breeding ground for stars.

“We are committed to the continuation of after-school and summer school programmes, recognising their role in providing additional support and fostering holistic growth. Furthermore, the expansion of inter-primary and inter-secondary sports competitions in collaboration with sporting organisations will continue to create avenues for talent development and community engagement,” Premier Dr Natalio in his 2024 budget address.