The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) is set to host the 5th annual free Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day on Saturday, June 22, 2024
The event is a joint collaboration with the BVIOC and its member National Federations, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS), and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).
This family-friendly event, open to the public of all ages and abilities, will span Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada.
Commemorating 40 Years of Olympic Participation
This year’s celebration is particularly special as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Virgin Islands’ (UK) first appearance at the Olympic Games and will honour those athletes.
In 1984, speed skater Erroll “Canute” Fraser represented the territory at the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games, while a team of four track and field athletes and five sailors competed at the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Honourees include Lindel “Chef” Hodge, Guy Hill, Dean Greenaway, Jerry Molyneaux, Robin Tattersall, Elvet Meyers, Keith Thomas, Keith Barker, and the late Peter Barker.
Festival Highlights
The main event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the HLSCC campus grounds in Paraquita Bay, where the festival was first launched in 2012. Interactive stations at HLSCC will feature archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, netball, softball, and squash. The BVI Anti-Doping Commission and health and nutrition advisors will also be present.
Additionally, the Department of Culture will showcase an interactive maritime historical display, with the Maritime Museum open for visits and lessons in traditional dance steps provided by the Heritage Dancers.
Simultaneous activities will occur at Brandywine Bay Beach, including aquatic and marine sports like sailing and swimming, alongside beach sports hosted by the volleyball, rugby, and football federations. DYAS will host corporate competitions, with points accruing for the winner’s title.
Early Morning Activities Across the Islands
Walk/runs will kick off the day’s festivities early in the morning: at 6:30 a.m. on Virgin Gorda from the VG Recreation Ground and on Anegada from the Claudia Creque Educational Centre, and at 5:30 a.m. on Jost Van Dyke from the Albert Chinnery Admin Building, Great Harbour.
Encouraging Fitness and Fun for All
Speaking on the event was BVIOC President Ephraim Penn who noted that the sports festival is designed to showcase various sports and encourage the public to move, learn, and discover as they try out different activities they can incorporate into their lifestyle for better fitness and health.
“There is a lot on offer, and it most definitely is a great opportunity for everyone in the family to get involved together. I encourage all to join us for a day of fun, fitness, and celebration of the Olympic spirit,” Penn stated.
Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott will attend the Olympic Day celebrations, providing updates on the preparations for the Games. VI designer Kristin Fraser will unveil the Opening Ceremony wear for the BVI team at Paris 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to receive Olympic Day tee shirts and enjoy Coca-Cola products, including Dasani water and Powerade.