BVI Olympic Committee AGM Highlights Positive Trajectory for Sports in the BVI

The BVI Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association convened for its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 7 at the Road Reef Plaza offices in Tortola, unveiling a promising outlook for sports in the British Virgin Islands.

In a gathering attended by members of the BVIOC/BVICGA Executive Committee and representatives of the member National Federations, President Ephraim Penn provided a comprehensive overview of the committee’s activities throughout 2023. This included major events such as the 2023 San Salvador CAC, 2023 Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, and Santiago 2023 PanAm Games.

President Penn expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of National Federations and volunteers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in contributing to the significant progress made in various sports. “We’ve witnessed impressive strides in athletics, squash, and volleyball, and look forward to hosting notable regional and national tournaments in 2024,” remarked President Penn.

The BVIOC/BVICGA annual report covered a spectrum of topics, ranging from updates on the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission to insights from the International Olympic Committee, PanAm Sports, and Commonwealth Games Federation. Treasurer Mark Chapman presented financial statements, shedding light on grants available through Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports.

Gloria Leola Fahie, Member at Large, shared updates on the Women in Sports Commission, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to fostering gender equality in sports. New recruit Mrs. Sophia Brewely-Massiah, set to become the Office Manager in January 2024, discussed the upcoming Safeguarding program.

Athlete Representative and BVIOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Ashley Kelly OLY, announced the 1st Annual Athletes Forum & Sports Psychology Workshop scheduled for December 16 at the Multipurpose Complex.

Representatives from National Federations, including Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Triathlon, shared their annual reports, underlining the collective commitment to sports development.

President Ephraim Penn and Secretary General Lloyd Black are set to attend The USOC / Panam Sports Athlete 5th Americas Best Practice Symposium on December 9-10 in Miami. Meanwhile, track and field athlete Deya Erickson will represent the BVI at the Panam Sports Awards event on December 9.

Looking ahead, the focus turns to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled for July 26 – August 11 in France, where Tahesia Harrigan-Scott OLY will once again serve as the Chef de Mission, steering BVI’s representation at the international sporting event.