Four Athletes to Represent the Virgin Islands (UK) at 2023 Pan American Games

Four athletes will represent The Virgin Islands (UK in track and field and sailing at the upcoming 2023 Pan American Games. Eldred Henry (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (discus throw), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles), and Thad Lettsome (men’s ILCA 7 laser) will compete in the 19th edition of the Games scheduled to take place from October 20 to November 5, 2023, in Santiago, Chile.

Deya Erickson will have the honor of being the flag bearer and leading the contingent at the Opening Ceremony on October 20. This will be the second Pan American Games appearance for Eldred Henry and Thad Lettsome, while Djimon Gumbs and Deya Erickson will be making their debut.

The track and field events are set to commence on October 30, with Djimon Gumbs competing in the discus throw at 6:40 pm EST. Deya Erickson will be participating in the 100m hurdles heats at 5:45 pm EST on October 31, and Eldred Henry will showcase his skills in the shot put at 4:25 pm EST on November 3. The track and field events will be held at the Coliseo del Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez in Ñuñoa, Región Metropolitana.

Thad Lettsome’s sailing races will take place from October 28 to November 5, between 11:00 am and 5:30 pm, at Cofradia Nautica del Pacífico in the Valparaiso region.

Mark Chapman has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Santiago 2023. Speaking about the upcoming Games, Chapman expressed his confidence in the organizers’ efforts to provide comfortable accommodations and excellent competition venues. He also highlighted that this will be the Virgin Islands’ 11th Pan American Games participation, having competed in every edition since the 9th.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee, extended his congratulations to the athletes for securing their spots at the Games and acknowledged the dedication and hard work they have put in throughout the season. He emphasized that the Pan American Games will be the last major competition of the year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and wished the athletes success in their endeavors.

In addition to his role as President of the BVIOC, Ephraim Penn will also attend the PanAm Sports AGM ahead of the Games as a member of the PanAm Sports Technical Commission, representing the Virgin Islands (UK).

The 2023 Pan American Games is expected to host approximately 6,909 participants from 41 countries in the Caribbean and Americas, competing in 39 sports. The Games provide an excellent opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For those unable to attend the event in person, the Games will be streamed live on the Panam Sports Channel on YouTube.