The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Olympic Committee, in collaboration with its member National Federations and the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), successfully held its 5th annual Sports Festival in celebration of Olympic Day on Saturday, June 22.
The multi-island event which saw over 200 participants active in various sporting disciplines marked a special occasion, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the BVI’s representation at the Olympic Games.
The festivities began with an Olympic Day message delivered by BVIOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Ashley Kelly, followed by remarks from BVIOC President Ephraim Penn.
In his address, Penn reflected on the significance of the BVI’s participation in the Olympics over the past four decades, highlighting the achievements of the Los Angeles 1984 Olympians. Special recognition was given to track and field athletes Lindel “Chef” Hodge, Guy Hill, Dean Greenaway, Jerry Molyneux, and the Soling Class sailing team led by Dr. Robin Tattersall, which included Keith Thomas, Elvet Meyers, and brothers Keith and the late Peter Barker.
Tokens of appreciation were presented to the attending 1984 Olympians by His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce and Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports. Rey O’Neal OBE, co-founder and past president of the BVIOC, provided an insightful overview of the BVI’s debut at the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics.
Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott provided updates on the preparations for the Paris 2024 Games, unveiling the BVI Team’s Opening Ceremony wear featuring a unique Paradise Blue fabric designed by Kristin Frazer of Trefle Design.
“It is very fitting that, as we celebrate 40 years of attendance at the Olympic Games today, we are participating in the Paris 2024 Games with the same sports that we started off with at Los Angeles 1984 – track and field and sailing,” noted President Penn. He encouraged all attendees to draw inspiration from past Olympians and engage in physical activities to stay active and healthy.
The Olympic Day celebrations began with early morning runs hosted by the BVI Runners Club, taking place in various locations including Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. The HLSCC campus was bustling with activity, featuring interactive stations hosted by the Virgin Islands Archery Association, BVI Cycling Federation, BVI Netball Club, Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association, and Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Club. Additionally, the Department of Culture presented a maritime history display, and HLSCC representatives provided information on marine and maritime courses and led tours of the mangrove boardwalk.
At Brandywine Bay beach, the Royal BVI Yacht Club, Barracuda Swim Team, KATS, BVI Football Association, BVI Rugby Football Union, and Virgin Islands Volleyball Association offered a variety of activities. Over 200 participants of all ages engaged in the diverse activities across the territory, staying hydrated with complimentary Powerade and Dasani Water provided by Road Town Wholesale, distributors of Coca-Cola products, an Olympic Games sponsor.
The 5th annual Sports Festival was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of the Olympic movement and promoting physical fitness and community engagement throughout the BVI.