The Virgin Islands’ jumpstart four: From left: Omar Walker, Mahkayla Pickering, Shaliqua Fahie and Demoi Bradley. Photo: Provided

The Virgin Islands 'Jumpstarters' were hosted by the BVI Tourist Board's New York Office. Photo: Facebook

Digicel Brand Ambassador and coach Jason A. Edwin (right) with Shaliqua Fahie and Mahkayla Pickering. Photo: Facebook

Relating the awesome experience to those back home? Photo: Facebook

The four, Demoi Bradley, Omar Walker, Shaliqua Fahie and Mahkayla Pickering were accompanied by Digicel’s Brand Ambassador, Jason A. Edwin as well as PR and Sponsorship Executive, Katasha Melville.

“It was a spectacular experience,” noted Melville. “From start to finish, the basketball, the culture was of New York, all unbelievable. The pace of New York, the hustle and bustle, watching a game, seeing the Lion King, just amazing.”

It was really a once in a lifetime experience, according to Melville and she hopes the youngsters were able to take it all in and learn what it takes to make it to the NBA.

Players share their experience

Bradley was impressed by the visit to Columbia University for a scrimmage game. “On arrival I noticed the college back home (HLSCC) could have fit in there four or five times! The sporting facilities were well maintained and kept very clean.”

Fahie welcomed the opportunity to visit a game and the NBA Store. “They kept driving home the importance of education and it inspired me. New York is like people don’t sleep, everywhere you go you meet someone. The NBA Store was awesome, shoes were well priced, the Lion King was a good experience.”

Pickering found the visit to the NBA Office and the NBA Game exhilarating as she was able to meet her favourite players. “The subway was awesome, I have never been on a train before. We went to a game and saw Kyrie Irving in person, the Rockefeller Centre was so high, about 70 floors and we also got to meet former and current players at the NBA Office.”

Walker also enjoyed the game, although wanting a closer finish. “The atmosphere would have been even better if the game had been close, but it was a blessing and a privilege just to be there. I learned a lot during the motivational speeches, the focus on hard work, dedication and school work. Seeing the trophy was very exciting, so many great people had touched it.”

Edwin said it had been a fun, enjoyable trip and thanked Digicel and the NBA for putting on such a great initiative and that he had been blessed to be a part of it.