BVI RETURNS TO OECS CHAMPIONSHIPS AFTER 8-YEAR HIATUS

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has made a long-awaited return to the OECS Swimming Championships, represented by four young swimmers from the BVI Barracudas Swim Team.

This marks the BVI’s first appearance at the competition since 2016, after years of absence due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The team members — Arun Bissoondutt, Naya Bissoondutt, William Vergel, and Skylar Steer — are competing in the 32nd OECS Swimming Championships, held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which began today at 10 a.m. and will run through Sunday, November 10.

Speaking on the excitement surrounding Team BVI’s return, the Barracudas Swim Team expressed pride in the swimmers’ hard work, sharing that they have worked extremely hard through training with Coach Rebecca Nockolds.

“We are so very excited to watch them compete and show the region what the BVI can do! It has been a long journey to reach this point with countless hours of training, practice, and perseverance. We know that they will use their training, skills, and knowledge to do the best they can and make the BVI proud,” the BVI Barracudas stated.

Their participation symbolizes not only a competitive comeback but also a testament to the resilience of the BVI swimming community through the dedication by Coach Rebecca.

As the competition unfolds over the next few days, all eyes will be on these four athletes as they aim to bring pride and representation to the BVI in the regional swimming arena.