Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL) was among those at the A.O. Shirley Grounds on July 3, 2017 for the Queen's Baton Relay across Tortola. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Students of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Centre were also a part of the Queen's Baton Relay on July 3, 2017. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Hundreds of youngsters, athletes, dignitaries and members of Sporting Bodies joined in the festivities as the Baton began its two-day journey throughout the Territory. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA carries the Queen’s Baton through Sea Cows Bay on July 3, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters

Hundreds of youngsters, athletes, dignitaries and members of Sporting Bodies joined in the festivities as the Baton began its two-day journey throughout the Territory.

Mr Ephraim Penn, who as President of the BVI Olympic Committee, also heads the local Commonwealth Games Organisation, explained the significance and importance of being involved in Global activities like the Queen’s Baton Relay.

“It’s very important for us to be seen as part of the commonwealth movement, it is a privilege and something we look forward to every four years. The fun of it, look at all these kids, they are outside, they are moving and they are active. This is what we are trying to promote, physical activity for everyone. It is a sport for all concept to get people active and one vehicle to bring attention to things like obesity.”

Penn also said it marks the countdown to the Commonwealth Games and hopes are high that the Virgin Islands (VI) will have a great team competing and could even see a first medal won.

The Baton continues its journey today, July 4, 2017, starting in Virgin Gorda.

Itinerary

Tuesday, July 4
8:30 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. – Virgin Gorda welcome at the Walters Recreation Park, Spanish Town

9:15 A.M. – 11:15 A.M. – Baton relays through The Valley to The Baths
• Walters Recreation Park to Rock Café
• Rock Café to Bregado Flax Educational Centre. Presentation by students of BFEC.
• Bregado Flax Educational Centre to Spring Bay
• Spring Bay to Top of the Baths
• Top of the Baths to the Baths
• Back up to Top of the Baths

Scenic drive from Top of the Baths to Hog Heaven. Stops at Copper Mine and Gorda Peak.

Necker Island visit with students of Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School

4:30 P.M. – 5:45 P.M. – Baton relays from Trellis Bay, Beef Island through East End, Long Look to Greenlands Playing Field

• BVI Tri Federation Cyclists from Trellis Bay to Chapel Hill Methodist Church
• Chapel Hill Methodist Church to Penn’s Landing
• Penn’s Landing to Willard Wheatley Primary School
• Willard Wheatley Primary School to East End Post Office
• East End Post Office to Long Look Sticket
• Long Look Sticket to Gram’s Place / East End Tennis Courts – display game by BVITA youth players
• Gram’s Place/ East End Tennis Courts to East End Police Station
• East End Police Station to East End Stadium – BVIFA youth display game
• East End Stadium to Greenlands Playing Fields (handover to BVI Archery, Basketball, Softabll – Archery, Taekwondo, Rugby and Softball demos.)

6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. – Grand cultural presentation and closing ceremony at Government Administration Complex. Presentations by local performers and resident Australian community members. ‘Coal Pot Cook Off’ – a culinary tasting of the VI for the international QBR crew. Music, local food and drink vendors.