Hodge inspires young athletes at workshop

Virgin Islands Olympian and World Junior gold medallist Adaejah Hodge encouraged young athletes to dream big and set goals during her recent “Dream It, Do It” workshop.

The event, organised by Ashley Kelly, Chairperson of the Athletes Commission and BVI Olympic Committee representative, marked another step in Hodge’s mission to give back to her community.

The workshop attracted 23 participants who engaged in interactive activities, including creating their own vision boards. These boards served as tools to help the athletes outline their goals for the upcoming year.

Reflecting on the day, Kelly described the workshop as a success, noting that she was brought to tears. “Adaejah’s biggest mission is to give back to the community,” Kelly said. Hodge, who is also launching the Adaejah Hodge Foundation, expressed her delight at the event’s outcome.

“It went better than I expected… The kids came, and they were ready to participate and get all the information I was giving them,” she shared while adding that she was impressed by the courage and enthusiasm shown by the participants.

The workshop aligns with the Athletes Commission’s goal of elevating the voices of young athletes in the Virgin Islands. According to Kelly, icons like Hodge and fellow athlete Kyron McMaster, who recently received an OBE, play a crucial role in inspiring and mentoring the next generation.

As one of the territory’s rising stars, Hodge continues to build on her historic achievements, including her gold medal win in the 200-metre event at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

Her commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for young athletes reflects her dedication to ensuring their success on and off the track. The workshop followed Hodge’s celebrated return to the Virgin Islands, where she was warmly welcomed by officials and the public after her outstanding performance at the U20 Championships.