The BVI Olympic Committee announced the team of 15 athletes that will be representing the BVI at the inaugural Caribbean Games which are scheduled to take place in Guadeloupe from June 29 to July 3, 2022.
The athletes who will compete in the regional U23 Games were introduced by the Chef De Mission Ralston Henry at a press conference held on June 21 at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The 11 track and field athletes include Ke’Andrae Campbell (100, 4×100), Malik Romney (110 hurdles), Diamante Gumbs (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Malik John (400, 4×100), Beyonce Defreitas (100, 4×100), Zara Brown (100, 4×100), Arianna Hayde (long jump, triple jump, javelin, 4×100), Xiomara Malone (long jump, 4×100), Mikkel Bassue (100, 4×100) and Vadley Sylvester JR (400, 4×100). They will be accompanied by coaches Ericca Fredrick and Eric Matthias J and physiotherapist Chester James.
The 3×3 basketball team comprises Kiara Woodley, Shauliqua Fahie, Jolene Bowens and Keithrece Smith. They will be accompanied by Coach Joy Victor.
Beyonce de Freitas will be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony which kicks off the Games at 7:00pm on Thursday, June 29.
Speaking on the teams, the President of the BVI Olympic Committee Mr. Ephraim Penn said, “We are very excited to be sending a competitive team of track and field athletes as well as our historic 3×3 Women’s Basketball team, who are the first set of female athletes to be representing the territory in the sport in a regional event.”
He added, “Beyonce de Freitas and Djimon Gumbs returned as medalists from the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in 2017. They did us proud then so we have high expectations that we may hear the Territorial Song for the first time at a major Games on this occasion.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Sports Honourable Sharie De Castro, shared remarks on the occasion.
She said, “It’s a great feeling when we send our athletes as ambassadors to the region and the world to celebrate and to show their Virgin Islands pride.”
“We know and are appreciative of the hard work that it takes to prepare for Games such as these we want to put the full force of our population behind you in cheering you on and supporting you. On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, we offer our full support behind Team BVI,” the minister added.
29 countries will be represented by approximately 800 athletes and 200 officials competing in 7 disciplines.
The 7 sports include Athletics, Basketball 3×3, Cycling, Futsal, Judo, Netball and Swimming. The BVI will be represented in Athletics and Basketball 3×3.
The Chef de Mission will depart for Guadeloupe on June 25 ahead of the athletes, coaches and President of the BVI Athletics Association, who will leave for the Caribbean Games on June 27.
The Closing Ceremony will be at 7:00pm on Sunday, July 3. The Games can be followed live on the Panam Sports Channel.