Sports
Curaçao wins ECASC Women’s Softball Qualifier; BVI places 4th
(WBSC) – Back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the fifth inning gave Curaçao a 3-2 win over the host team in the final of the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Women’s Softball Qualifier (March 1-5).
Curaçao earned a spot in the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador after a narrow 3-2 win over hosts US Virgin Islands, in the final of the English Caribbean Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament Qualifier, at the National Park Ball Field in St. John.
A total of six teams made the trip to the US Virgin Islands, aiming to claim the last available spot for the El Salvador 2023 Games: Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Jamaica, Sint Maarten and US Virgin Islands.
Curaçao went undefeated in the opening round to advance to the final, followed by the US Virgin Islands with a 4-1 record. Aruba (3-2) and the British Virgin Islands (2-3) qualified for the bronze medal game.
In the final, the host team took the lead in the first inning, thanks to a two-RBI single off the bat of Kiara Richards. Curaçao scored once in the fourth, on a bases-loaded walk, and one inning later Jandely Ricardo and Julisa Koffy hit back to back homers to give their team the decisive lead.
From the circle, J’dah Girigorie earned the win holding the USVI to three hits over seven innings, with a tournament-best 16 strikeouts.
Aruba clinched the bronze medal with a 9-8 walkoff win over the British Virgin Islands, in an electric game. Jennysela Tromp produced the game-winning run with a single in the bottom of the seventh.
BVI Head Coach Neville ‘Sheep’ Smith told the media he thinks the team played well despite the time they had to pactice and train.
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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