Officials and supporters gathered Tuesday evening at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport to welcome home Darier Malone and Claury Scatliffe, two British Virgin Islands athletes who helped Great Britain capture the European Women’s Baseball Championships in the Czech Republic.
Malone, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Scatliffe, awarded Best Pitcher, arrived to cheers during a ceremony organised by the Virgin Islands Softball-Baseball Association in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
The pair played pivotal roles in Great Britain’s dramatic 10-9 comeback victory, erasing a 9-0 deficit before Scatliffe struck out the final batter in relief to secure the championship.
Officials hailed the achievement as a historic moment for the territory, marking the first time Virgin Islands players have claimed top honours at the continental tournament.
The celebration, held in the mezzanine of the airport, featured remarks from Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Sharie D. DeCastro and leaders of the local sports who praised Malone and Scatliffe for their performance and for representing the territory on the international stage.
A similar welcome is being planned for Jquann Smith, who also played a significant role in the championship run, earning recognition for clutch hitting and base-running that helped propel Great Britain to the title.
