Local coaches receive $100K from PanAm Sports Organisation

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Coaches across the British Virgin Islands recently received cheques totalling $100,000, thanks to funding provided by the Pan American Sports Organisation (PanAm Sports).

This is according to a media release from the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), which said the funding is part of PanAm Sports’ special project for the hiring of coaches in support of sports development in the Americas. 

Cheques distributed across 14 sporting disciplines

The cheques were distributed by the BVIOC to coaches across 14 national federations.

The sports disciplines which are also part of the PanAm Sports member federations, include Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Football, Rugby, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Sailing, Softball/Baseball, Squash, Swimming and Volleyball.

President of the BVIOC Ephraim Penn thanked PanAm Sports for the funding which he said will go a long way towards the future development of sports in the territory.

“Coaching is a fundamental part of the success of any athlete or team and the development of sports. The BVIOC applied to receive its allocation of $100,000 from PanAm Sports which earmarked the money specifically for the hiring of coaches,” Penn stated.

“The BVIOC and its national federations are very appreciative of the funding which is yet another demonstration of PanAm Sports’ continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of sports across its 41 member nations which includes the Virgin Islands,” he added.

PanAm Sports contribution to BVI

This is not the first time that PanAm Sports have contributed significantly to sports in the BVI.

In 2018, the organisation agreed to provide funds for the full rehabilitation of the track at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Tortola.

Since then, PanAm Sports has also contributed by providing training equipment, funds for other repairs to facilities, and programmes to further develop athletes in the BVI.