Sports
BVI women’s softball nation team get financial help
Donation from Sports Minister. Photos by CM Farriganton Photographer and Andre “Shadow” Dawson
(JTV News) –– The Government of the British Virgin Islands is among several organisations that have made a financial donation to the British Virgin Islands Women’s National Team who are competing in the 2023 Eastern Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Championship in St. John, USVI, from March 1- 5, 2023.
Sports Minister Sharie De Castro handed over a $12,000 cheque to the national team on Monday night.
According to a press release, De Castro encouraged the team to “have fun and do their best and, of course, bring home the WIN!”
President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Ephraim Penn, also presented the association with a cheque valued at $7,000.
Donation from BVIOC Olmpic Commission
Penn mentioned the Olympic Committee’s long-standing support of women’s softball and strongly emphasised “the continuation of the development of the younger players to ensure the sport continues to grow”.
Also contributing to the national team was the business owner of Tradewinds Mexican Grill, Shamora “Molly” Penn-Maduro.
Her cheque of $3,000 directly contributed to the national team’s newly designed uniforms which are a collaboration with the local clothing brand Trefle Designs, the press release stated.
Penn-Maduro saod”this initiative will act as a small business for the association as they roll out different apparel and merchandise for purchase in support of Softball and Baseball in the Virgin Islands”.
Coach Neville Smith gave brief remarks by thanking all the sponsors for their contributions to the women’s national team and expressed, “the gold will be brought back to the BVI!”
A total of six teams will compete in the WBSC-sanctioned tournament: Jamaica, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curacao, St.Maarten and the British Virgin Islands.
The winning team of this championship will automatically qualify for 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, in June 2023.
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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