Richard Peters, on behalf of Harney Westwood and Riegels, hands over the donation of $10,000 to Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC.

Whilst the funds will be accessible to all athletes in their quest for qualification for the London 2012 Games, the BVIOC has high hopes to bring together a “Dream Team” in the Women’s 100 metre Relay.

Earlier this year, the team of Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, Chantel Malone, Karene King and Ashley Kelly ran 44.34, which is just .34 seconds outside Olympic qualifying time.

The world’s top 16 teams will make the Games and two qualifying times are required to guarantee the invitation.

According to BVIOC General Secretary, Dean Greenaway, three of the four have a realistic chance of qualifying in individual disciplines. Harrigan–Scott has already made the “B” standard in the 100, Chantel Malone has switched her focus to the 400 metres from the long jump and in her one race over that distance ran just .05 outside the qualifying mark. While Kelly is running close to qualifying in both 200 and 400, being .41 and .49 outside the required marks.

“One of the things we are doing is the management of Kelly’s season. In speaking to Ashley we are asking if she can run less for her team, it’s a long season. Her coach is one of the USA Olympic coaches, so we are hoping for some understanding on how best to prepare her,” Greenaway said.

The girls have until July 8, 2012 to reach qualifying standards.

According to Mark Chapman, “a key item on the BVIOC agenda will be to have the four girls meet regularly so they can practice and run together.”

The athletes are in Illinois, Texas, Florida and Oregon so to get them together will be hard work.

One of the first events will be the Penn Relays held in late April 2012.

However, the BVIOC is also awaiting confirmation of which events will count towards qualifying and is looking for USA Track and Field to provide information on those events.

Most of the competition is running “43’s” and Brazil just ran 42.95 at the Pan Am Games last month.

Peters stated that Harney Westwood and Riegel, as a 50- year old business in the VI, is very proud to make the donation.

“2012 is the 10th anniversary of our London office; we have a very targeted approach to our community relations and involvement in local sports in the BVI. Helping to prepare the countries athletes to take part in the London 2012 Games is something we consider very important. Together with our financial donation of $10,000, we would like to extend on behalf of all our partners and staff and offices our moral support to all the BVI men and women as they strive to qualify. We are very pleased to support both on the road to and participation in the 2012 Games and look forward to seeing the BVI flag flying high,” he said.

BVIOC President Ephraim Penn accepted the donation from Peters stating that it was an honour to receive such a donation.

“Harney has made its mark in the BVI over the years and contributed to many youth development programmes in sports; we on the BVIOC committee truly embrace this financial support.”