The BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA), in partnership with the Hon. Andrew A. Fahie, will be hosting a Grassroots Track and Field Camp from Thursday August 1, 2013 on the field at Capoons Bay. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The grassroots track and field camp is another brainchild of BVIAA Vice-President, Mr Steve Augustine with help from the association members. The camp is aimed at 4-14 year olds and will offer youths a broad brush experience in all disciplines of what has fast become the Territory's number one and most successful sport. Photo: VINO/File

The initiative is another brainchild of BVIAA Vice-President, Mr Steve Augustine with help from the association members. The camp is aimed at 4-14 year olds and will offer youths a broad brush experience in all disciplines of what has fast become the Territory's number one and most successful sport. “The participants will all get a chance to experience something new and develop their skills,“ commented Mr Augustine. “They will be able to run, jump and throw and see all that athletics has to offer.”

On Thursday August 1, 2013 the camp organisers will be hosting a pre-camp orientation on the field at Capoons Bay. Registration is still open for interested persons.

Hon. Fahie has pledged his full support by offering to fund the first 50 youths from his district who register.

“The involvement of young potential athletes and a larger talent pool is an important step in the future plans of the sport,” noted Augustine. “This Camp is hopefully the first of many and plans include expanding to other Districts, including the likes of Virgin Gorda.”

One of the main ideologies of children in athletics is to identify talent and the camp will be staffed by the some of the best coaches available. Help will also be coming from current young stars such as the athletes who performed so well at the World Youth Championships in the Ukraine.

Parents, according to Augustine, can be assured of a worthwhile productive and safe environment for their children as the camp is specifically designed for the grassroots level. “We have everything needed to give a full experience...the equipment they will use is all modified to suit ability, the hurdles will be lower, they won’t be throwing with full javelins, but all are adjusted to be safe and user friendly.”

The Grassroots Camp will also culminate on the final Saturday with a mini fun-filled family orientated track meet. “We invite parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers and everyone else to come out to Capoons Bay on August 17 for the track meet,” concluded Augustine.

The camp runs from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Monday to Saturday. An orientation will be held on July 31 between 5:30 and 6 P.M. The registration fee is $35, which includes a camp T-Shirt.

For more information, contact Steve Augustine on 496-7529 or Delva Thomas on 443-8262.