Peter Island Resort and Spa on Saturday November 21, 2015 held a fundraiser in aid of the BVI Swim Federation as the territory continues to make strides in the sport of swimming which has a relatively brief history here. Above are some of the territory's young swimmers. Photo: VINO

“Earlier this month the Federation sent seven swimmers to the OECS swimming championships. History was made when eight year old Khadija Sampson became the youngest BVI athlete to win a medal in regional competition,” said Reid. Photo: VINO

Competing at the 25th OECS Swim Meet in Antigua last weekend November 7-8, 2015 Virgin Islands’ Khadija Sampson picked up a bronze medal in the under 8 girls 100m Freestyle, with a time of 1 minute 30.77 seconds. Photo: Provided

Some of the guests decked out in blue. Photo: VINO

Spa Director of Peter Island Resort and Spa Safyie Reid said that there are many talented individuals in the VI who with some support will accomplish great things. Photo: VINO

More of the guests. Photo: VINO

These ladies were among the guests yesterday November 21, 2015. Photo: VINO

More beautiful ladies at the event. Photo: VINO

Feathers were part of the wardrobe for many. Photo: VINO

Speaking at the event, President of the BVI Swimming Federation Elsworth Phillip said thanks to Peter Island and Spa for hosting the fundraiser to which his Federation is the beneficiary. Photo: VINO

Persons making bids during the silent auction. Photo: VINO

Led by the lively and jocular John P. Aspinall, the event was fun-filled one which saw persons all dressed in blue and intermingling in a light hearted manner in the beautiful ambiance that encapsulates Peter Island Spa. Photo: VINO

Action at the auction. Photo: VINO

More participants at the live auction. Photo: VINO

The event comprised of a silent auction followed by a live auction, both of which saw a number of enticing prizes being given away.

Led by the lively and jocular John P. Aspinall, the event was a fun-filled one which saw persons all dressed in blue and intermingling in a light hearted manner in the beautiful ambiance that encapsulates Peter Island Spa.

Spa Director of Peter Island Resort and Spa, Safyie Reid said there are many talented individuals in the VI who with some support will accomplish great things.

“Earlier this month the Federation sent seven swimmers to the OECS Swimming Championships held in Antigua and Barbuda. History was made when eight year old Khadija Sampson became the youngest BVI athlete to win a medal in regional competition,” said Reid.

“Your support will help the continued development of the BVI Swimming Federation and to help young swimmers like Khadija in their quest for growth and continued success,” she said, adding that while this is neither easy nor inexpensive, it is a worthwhile quest.

“So tonight please open your hearts, your wallets and your purses in support of the Federation and the young swimmers of the [territory] as they aspire towards swimming greatness,” she said.

Local talent goes untapped

Speaking at the event, President of the BVI Swimming Federation Elsworth C. Phillip said thanks to Peter Island and Spa for hosting the fundraiser to which his Federation is the beneficiary.

“I have found that locally we have a lot of talent that goes untapped and I am fortunate in my opinion to give some of my skills back to the community and develop the young kids,” he said.

“We were fortunate this year to be represented for the first time at the World’s Long Course and Short Course Championships. So we now have swimmers that could go out there and compete [with the big names in the region],” said Phillip.

The amount of money raised on behalf of the BVI Swimming Federation by the live and silent auctions was not immediately known.