Sports
Sofball: BVI women’s national team heads to regional tournament
A member of the BVI women’s softball national team. * Photo credit: CM Farrington
(JTV News) — Members of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) women’s softball national team are scheduled to depart the territory on Tuesday, Feb. 28 for St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands where they will participate in the 2023 Eastern Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Women’s Fast Pitch Qualifying Championship.
The World Baseball Softball Confederation-sanctioned event takes place from March 1-5 at the National Park Ball Field, St. John, with six teams: Jamaica, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curacao, St.Maarten, and the BVI.
The winning team will automatically qualify for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador in June 2023.
According to a press release, the Virgin Islands Softball – Baseball Association (VISBA) distributed official letters on February 3, 2023, congratulating its players for making the 2022-2024 women’s national team.
The press release further stated: “The selection process for the 2022-2024 Women’s Softball National Team consisted of members from the VISBA’s executive body identifying 33 elite female players to invite for tryouts. Of the 33 identified players, 24 players were selected to make up the 2022-2024 national team roster.
“To meet the 16-player roster requirements for the 2023 Eastern Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Championship in St. John, USVI, from March 1-5, the team was grouped into Team A and Team B – to give the coaches a competitive selection pool of athletes playing in various positions in preparation for upcoming competitions.
“Team A consists of Akira Phillip, Bria Smith, Claury Scatliffe, Dariér Malone, Javlyn Frett, Jelisa Potter, Jheane Niles, Kaynesha Stoutt, Kennisha Powell, Kimiya Matthias, Lil-Makeda Fahie, Marisa Malone, Melanie Stoutt, Shauliqua Fahie, Sheniqua Fahie-Johnson and Thea Cooke.
“Team B consists of Bianca Brewley, Chandni Wattley, Che’Vaunne Richardson, Kiara Woodley, Kimmesha Adams, Shaika Jeffers, Shanika Forbes, and Tyalia Nibbs.
“In the event of a player from Team A not being able to attend the event due to an injury, lack of commitment to practices, a suspension or any other reason, a player from Team B will move up to Team A for the qualifying tournament and other games in the future.
“After every tournament, the teams will return to one group, and players will work towards making the official roster for that specific tournament. ”
The coaching staff will include Head Coach/Manager Neville “Sheep” Smith; Assistant Manager/Pitching Coach, Allen “Woodrow” Smith; and Assistant Coaches and Trainers, Shamouri Robinson and Demoi Hodge, the press release stated.
“Chief Umpire and Vice President for VISBA, Glenford “Chappy” Maduro, will represent the Virgin Islands as the only certified BVI umpire. At the same time, President of VISBA, Rhodni Skelton, will attend ECASC executive meetings on February 28, 2023,” the release further stated.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1
Curacao vs Aruba – 12 p.m.
Jamaica vs BVI – 3 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies – 6 p.m.
St. Maarten vs USVI – 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2
Curacao vs Jamaica – 10 a.m.
BVI vs St. Maarten – 1 p.m.
Aruba vs St. Maarten – 4 p.m.
Aruba vs USVI – 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3
St. Maarten vs Jamaica – 11 a.m.
BVI vs Aruba – 2 p.m.
USVI vs BVI – 5 p.m.
USVI vs Curacao – 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
BVI vs Curacao – 11 a.m.
Curacao vs St. Maarten – 2 p.m.
Jamaica vs Aruba – 5 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
4th vs 3rd – 1 p.m.
2nd vs 1st – 4 p.m.
CLOSING CEREMONIES
Ephraim Penn has been re-elected as President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), continuing his leadership for another four-year term. Joining him are returning officers Ms. Sabinah Clement as 1st Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Black as Secretary General, and Mr. Mark Chapman as Treasurer. The election, held during the BVIOC’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2024, also saw the addition of Ms. Ashley Kelly as 2nd Vice President and Mr. Zebalon McLean as Member At Large.
The meeting, held at the BVIOC headquarters at Road Reef Plaza, brought together representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission to reflect on the organization’s achievements, plan for the next quadrennial, and recognize outgoing officers. Former 2nd Vice President Mr. Ralston Henry and Member At Large Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie were honored for their contributions to the BVIOC’s development.
The elections were overseen by an independent commission comprising Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“Our guiding principles align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education, empower individuals to excel, and foster collaboration through impactful partnerships,” said President Penn. “We are committed to working with all National Federations and encourage open dialogue to achieve success across all sports in the coming years.”
Penn extended gratitude to the Election Commission for its oversight and to the participating National Federations for their engagement in shaping the BVIOC’s future.
British Virgin Islands Olympian Kyron McMaster added another illustrious accolade to his name as he was officially bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on Thursday, November 28, by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
McMaster, who is currently ranked fourth globally in the 400m hurdles, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It feels good to be recognised by the British Empire for my due diligence in sports and the British Virgin Islands,” he said in a brief interview following the ceremony. “I don’t take this [honour] lightly.”
Looking ahead, the decorated athlete expressed ambitions for even greater milestones, hinting at a potential future as “Sir Kyron McMaster.”
The OBE title is one of the highest honours conferred by the British monarchy, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in fields such as military service, community development, and professional excellence. McMaster’s recognition underscores not only his athletic achievements but also his role as a symbol of pride for the British Virgin Islands.
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.
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