The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is moving forward with plans to install a 25-meter international competition standard swimming pool at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College.
This update was provided by Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee, during a recent awards ceremony for the BVI Barracudas Swim Team, which celebrated their impressive haul of 22 medals at the 2024 Virgin Islands Long Course Championships in St. Croix.
Penn, speaking to 284 Media, revealed that preliminary drawings for the swimming pool have been completed and are set to be reviewed by donors Panam Sports and World Aquatics.
Penn emphasized the commitment and resilience of the young swimmers, who have excelled in competitions despite the lack of a proper training facility.
He described their achievements as simply amazing.
The BVI Barracudas Swim Team has consistently demonstrated excellence, and their recent performance in St. Croix is a testament to their dedication.
Coach Rebecca Nockolds expressed the importance of the awards recognition ceremony, noting that it serves not only to honour the achievements of the young swimmers but also to inspire and encourage others to join the programme, thereby expanding the competitive pool of athletes in the territory.
In February 2023, the BVI Olympic Committee announced a significant development in their quest to enhance the territory’s swimming infrastructure.
They secured a commitment from Panam Sports and World Aquatics to support the provision of the 25-meter competition standard swimming pool, valued at approximately $400,000. This facility once completed will be a major boost for the local swimming community, providing a much-needed venue for training and hosting competitions.