The Sea Cow’s Bay Basketball Club, in collaboration with the BVI Olympic Committee, is set to host the MLK Jr. District 3×3 Basketball Tournament this Saturday, February 16,  at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. The event, which runs from 1 PM to 6 PM, will feature the U13 and U16 age groups, with teams from across the territory encouraged to participate.

This tournament provides an exciting opportunity for the youth of the BVI to showcase their basketball talent while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The competition will see local teams from the District 3 (D3) and beyond battle it out in a fast-paced 3×3 format.

Public admission to the event is $2.00, and the registration deadline for all teams is February 13. Players can sign up by contacting Mr. Milton McLean at 542-0555.

In addition to the tournament, awards will be presented to the Champions in each division of the Holiday District Tournament, which was held in December.

The U17 category of the Holiday District Tournament saw the D3 team, made up of Jhustin Disla, Twari Samuel, and J’lun Ramirez, go undefeated, winning all four of their games to claim the title. Disla and D2’s Zion Phillip were named co-MVPs. In the U13 category, Money Jr., representing D7, with Steven Walters Jr., Zayden McIntosh, and Anthony Baker, also claimed victory, winning every game they played. Walters was named the MVP for his outstanding performance.

The MLK Jr. District 3×3 Tournament promises to be an action-packed event for basketball fans, with local talent set to shine on the court.

Whether you’re cheering for your local team or simply enjoying the sport, this tournament will be an excellent display of the BVI’s young basketball players and their commitment to the game.

Be sure to come out, support the teams, and enjoy the fast-paced action this weekend.

The British Virgin Islands Under-17 Men’s National Team has departed for Costa Rica to compete in the Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers, scheduled for February 7 to 16.

The squad, led by captain Latriel Williams, includes Toby Whiteside, Qu’yl Billingy, Robert Penman, Eljay Scatliffe, Marc Tan, Kyle Farrington, Michael-Anson Findlay, Lashawn Nibbs, Blake Kirk, Malik Fenton, Luca Stuttard, Roman Nibbs, Zevieh Abraham, D’Andre McSheen, Christian Vanterpool, Sam Sharman, Akeem Paddy, Dasiell Dickens, Theo Coombs, and Morris Mark III.

The team is supported by a technical staff featuring Technical Director Paul Decle, Head Coach Felix Percival, Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach Morris Mark II, Trainer and Kit Manager Jermaine May, Physio Levi James, and Team Manager Nigel Williams.

The tournament will see teams from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean competing for qualification spots in the next round.

The British Virgin Islands Cricket Association (BVICA) has taken a major step toward the development of youth cricket by completing its first Safeguarding Course for coaches, a prerequisite for launching a territory-wide Youth Cricket Coaching Program.

The course, held recently and facilitated by Morris Mark of the BVI Football Association, covered critical aspects of safeguarding, including child protection, ethical standards, and fostering supportive environments for young athletes. The nine participants who completed the training are now equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of youth cricketers, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s development in the Virgin Islands.

“This training is an essential step in laying the foundation for youth cricket in the BVI,” said Acting BVICA President Richard Francis. “With safeguarding at the forefront, we can provide a secure and nurturing environment for our young players to excel. This initiative reflects our commitment to not just growing the sport, but doing so responsibly.”

The Youth Cricket Coaching Program, set to debut in the coming weeks, will introduce cricket to children across the islands while emphasizing skills development and personal growth. The program’s objective is to nurture a new generation of cricketers who are not only talented athletes but also well-rounded individuals.

Trainer and facilitator Morris Mark commended the BVICA for prioritizing safeguarding, noting that it is an essential component of modern sports coaching. “Creating safe spaces for young athletes is critical to their development and enjoyment of the sport. These newly trained coaches now have the knowledge and tools to make a lasting positive impact,” Mark said.

The program is expected to include coaching sessions, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for young players to engage in matches and tournaments. By incorporating safeguarding principles into every aspect of the program, the BVICA hopes to establish a gold standard for youth sports in the region.

“This initiative goes beyond cricket,” Francis added. “It’s about building a culture where sports can thrive, and where every young player feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

The BVICA’s focus on safeguarding aligns with broader efforts to elevate the standards of youth sports in the Virgin Islands. The association’s leadership has expressed optimism that the Youth Cricket Coaching Program will inspire a deeper appreciation for the sport, while simultaneously preparing local talent to compete on larger stages in the future.