30 athletes have been selected to represent the British Virgin Islands in the upcoming 50th CARIFTA Games which will be held in the Bahamas from April 7, 2023.
The names were listed by the President of the BVI Athletics Association, Steve Augustine during a press conference at the Village Cay Conference Room on Sunday, March 26.
Athletes in the Under 17 Girls include: Taryn Augustine, Shyra Stoutt, Shania Johnson, Jah’kyla Morton, Asia McMaster, Kenniqua Grate and Cristal Daly.
In the Under 20 Girls: Savianna Joseph, Adaejah Hodge, Palesa Caesar, Kaelyaah Liburd, Kenyatta Grate, Amia Todman, A’Keela McMaster and Ashleigh Penn.
In the Under 17 Males: J’Den Jackson, Othneil Gillings, Mario Carter and Tiondre Frett.
The Under 20 Males include: Gabriel Cline, Jonathan Lynch, Orlando Douglas, Mychael Claxton, Andre Smikle, Jahshani Farrington, M’Khori Crabbe, Khamauri Crabbe, Mikei George, Tyreese James and Jaylen Callwood.
Providing some words of encouragement to the team, President Augustine said he spoke with the founder of the Games, Mr. Austin Sealy.
He said he is confident in the team’s ability to perform at the games considering that they are fully prepared and ready to put their best foot forward.
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sharie de Castro congratulated the selected team and presented the BVI Athletic Association with a $50,000 cheque.
She said the cheque followed discussions with the Association and their submission of their annual budget to the government where a $50,000 request was made.
Also present at the press conference Athlete’s Representative of the BVI Olympic Committee and former BVI Olympian, Ashley Kelly, who offered encouraging comments to the athletes and admonished them to live in the moment.