Sports

VI athletes Adaejah Hodge, Michelle Smith shine at Millrose Games in New York

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2023

Editor

Adaejah Hodge of the BVI celebrating at the 2022 Carifta Games in Jamaica

By MERRICK ANDREWS
Online News Editor

British Virgin Islands track star Adaejah Hodge placed second in the girls 60-metres and US Virgin Islands athlete Michelle Smith produced a record-breaking performance in the girls 600m at the Millrose Games in New York on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Hodge, a multiple gold medallist at the 2022 Carifta Games, clocked 7.29 seconds to take the runner-up spot representing Monteverde Academy in Florida.

Her Monteverde teammate, Micayah Holland, won the event in 7.24 seconds. Notably, Hodge has produced times of 7.24, 7.26, and 7.29 at meets earlier this year.

Finishing third on Saturday was Avery Lewis of Wynewood-PA, who clocked 7.33. The other finishers were Elise Cooper, Owings Mills-MD, fourth in 7.51; Catalina Sanchious, Lorton-VA, fifth in 7.52; Jade Ofotan, Potomac-MD, sixth in 7.61; and Kiera Davis, Queens-NY, seventh in 7.76.

Meanwhile, Smith, representing Montverde Academy, placed first in the 600m with a time of 1:29.52, a new Virgin Islands national indoor record as well as a Montverde record. (story continues below photo)

The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation said shortly after the event that her time “moved her up to the #1 position for under 18 athletes in the world” and “made her the 9th fastest High School girl at that distance in history”.

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Education

Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2024

Editor

Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.

The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.

“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”

The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.

Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.

For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.

Local News

BVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Editor

After an eight-year hiatus, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Swimming Federation returned to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships with a six-member team at the 32nd annual event held from November 8–10 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Center in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. This marked BVI’s first appearance since 2016, following setbacks from Hurricane Irma in 2017 that impacted athletic infrastructure and development programs.

Representing the BVI were Jai Potter (15-17), Kyla Potter (11-12), Arun Bissoondutt (9-10), Naya Bissoondutt (8 & Under), Skyler Steer (8 & Under), and William Vergel (8 & Under). Under the guidance of Coach Elsworth Phillip, the young athletes held their own against teams from 11 other territories including reigning champions Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and host nation St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

A standout performance was delivered by Kyla Potter, who claimed a silver medal in the 11-12 Girls 50m Butterfly with a time of 32.16, just 0.5 seconds shy of the gold. This impressive finish highlighted her potential among the region’s top young swimmers. Additionally, Kyla placed 4th in the 100m Butterfly, 6th in the 50m Breaststroke, and achieved competitive rankings across other events.

run Bissoondutt earned 9th place finishes in the 9-10 Boys 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, while Skyler Steer placed in the top 10 in multiple events for the 8 & Under Girls, including an 8th place finish in the 25m Backstroke. William Vergel, competing in the 8 & Under Boys, placed 10th in the 25m Freestyle. Additionally, the team’s 10 & Under mixed 200m Freestyle relay, featuring Arun, Naya, Skyler, and William, secured a respectable 5th place.

At the conclusion of the championships, Antigua and Barbuda claimed their third consecutive OECS title with 1,419 points, followed by Grenada with 1,301.5 points and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with 1,102 points. The BVI finished in 7th place overall, earning 37 points, and celebrated this opportunity to renew its presence in regional swimming after years of rebuilding efforts.

Coach Phillip praised the athletes for their dedication, stating, “Our swimmers have demonstrated commendable focus and resilience. Kyla’s silver medal is a significant achievement and reflects the promising direction of our program.”

Local News

Ephraim Penn Elected President of Eastern Caribbean Olympic Association

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Editor

Ephraim Penn, President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), has been elected President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES).

The election took place on Friday, 18 October, during the ANOCES General Assembly at the luxurious Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Penn’s years of dedicated service to the Olympic movement, coupled with his strong leadership vision, played a significant role in his election.

Penn’s appointment heralds a renewed emphasis on regional collaboration within the Olympic framework. Upon accepting the role, he shared his aspirations for the organisation:

“I am honoured to serve as President of ANOCES, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Eastern Caribbean to advance sports development, support our athletes, and further promote the Olympic ideals,” Penn remarked. “Together, we will build a stronger and more unified sports community in the region.”

Under Penn’s leadership, the British Virgin Islands has seen transformative growth in both grassroots and elite sports, particularly in track and field, where the region has consistently outperformed on the international stage.

Penn will be joined by a team of experienced sports administrators. Dominica’s Billy Doctrove, a prominent figure in Caribbean sports and President of the Dominica NOC, has been elected Vice President of ANOCES. Additional key appointments include:

Keith Joseph (St Vincent and the Grenadines) – General Secretary
Glenville Jeffers (St Kitts and Nevis) – Treasurer
Cliff Williams (Antigua and Barbuda) – Committee Member

With this experienced leadership, ANOCES is poised to continue strengthening the Olympic movement and supporting athletes across the Eastern Caribbean.

The ANOCES team has a packed agenda, with their next meeting scheduled in Panama City, Panama, from 12 to 14 November 2024. This gathering will coincide with the Centennial Celebration of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO).

The summit in Panama City will offer ANOCES members a platform to discuss strategic priorities for the future. “This is a pivotal time for our region as we chart a path toward greater inclusivity and innovation in sports development,” said Billy Doctrove, the newly elected Vice President.

Sports administrators across the region have expressed optimism about the new leadership. “Ephraim Penn has consistently shown a remarkable ability to unite people and achieve ambitious goals,” commented Keith Joseph, General Secretary of ANOCES. “His vision and commitment will be crucial as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”