Strong’ BVI team heads to CAC Games in Colombia

Sporting authorities believe the British Virgin Islands will have a commanding team of athletes entering the 23rd Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Six field athletes and seven track athletes including the internationally ranked 400-metre hurdler, Kyron McMaster will compete at the games scheduled to be held from July 19 to August 3.

“This is yet another strong team that will be representing the VI in what is the territory’s second international event this year following the Gold Coast 2018 Games in April,” said President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Ephraim Penn.

The territory received worldwide recognition when McMaster won a historic gold medal in the Men’s 400-metre hurdles at those Commonwealth Games. In addition to him, five other athletes made it to the finals of their respective events.

According to Penn, all the athletes have been doing well at their various meets this season and the committee salutes them for making the team.

“We are looking forward to their performances as we hope for another successful outcome across the board,” he added.

The track team

McMaster, sprinter Ashley Kelly will be making their debut at the CAC Games, while 100 meter sprinter and two-time gold medal champion Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, will be competing for the fourth time.

Other athletes who also qualified for the games on the track team are Deya Erickson, Adriano Gumbs and Shaquoy Stephens for the 100 meters, while their counterpart Ronique Todman will compete in the 200 and 400-metre track races.

Field team

The six field athletes down to compete in the field are Eldred Henry, Tynelle Gumbs, Trevia Gumbs, Kala Penn, Akeem Bradshaw and gold medalist Chantel Malone.

Several officials are also accompanying the athletes such as physiotherapist Doug Arter, Chef de Mission Michael Farrington, sub Chef de Mission Lindel Hodge, Coach Winston Potter, Secretary Lloyd Black, athletic coaches Omar Jones, and Anna-Belle Skelton-Malone and President Penn.

The CAC Games is a regional multi-sport competition dating back to the 1920’s. It is held every four years.