BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn, pins Olympic hopes on all girls team for London 2012.

Whilst only one athlete, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott in the 100m Dash, has actually made the qualifying times so far, the BVIOC President, Ephraim Penn stated that they have high hopes for her to be joined by Karene King, Chantel Malone and Ashley Kelly.

“All the athletes have worked hard to gain the qualifying times, the effort and dedication required to compete on the international scene is very demanding. Our athletes have competed well and although all six of the original athletes will not be heading to London we should recognize and encourage them to continue their efforts,” he commented.

“We also have three additional young women to Harrigan Scott,” he said. “Malone, Kelly and King, who are Champions in their disciplines and looking to shave mere fractions of seconds, in upcoming competitions, to make qualifying times and 2012 could well be the first time we (BVI) have been represented by an all women team,” he concluded.

The Premier whilst noting he wasn’t much of an athlete himself, re-affirmed his Government’s support for the Olympic Committee during the build up to the 2012 Games.

Alec Andersen and Omar Jones were originally Olympic hopefuls, but seem to have slipped out of contention, along with Eric Matthias who has retired from International Competition.

Keron Stoutt remains an outside bet to join the team.

His Excellency the Governor, William Boyd McLeary, made note that this would be the third time that London had hosted the games and that it was a great showcase for the VI’s athletes.

The Premier, the Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith, noted that he wasn’t much of an athlete himself, but re-affirmed his Government’s support for the Olympic Committee during the build up to the games.

“The Egg and Spoon race was my thing,” he said. “However, I am definitely an arm chair supporter and want to congratulate the athletes and the Olympic committee for their efforts.”

Minister responsible for Sports, Hon. Myron Wawlyn, declared himself an enthusiastic citizen and supporter of athletics. ‘‘The Olympic Games remain a time of competition when Nations get together, despite conflicts and chaos, to rally behind the human spirit that propels our athletes to prominence. No one can deny the pride they feel as a human being when they witness greatness unfold before their very eyes.”

He added that the Olympic Games provide some of the greatest memories for all of us where we enjoy the capacity and the ability of the human physique.

“As you have heard so far Tahesia Harrigan-Scott has qualified and we wait with anticipation and hope that she is joined by the other young ladies. That line up of Harrigan-Scott, King Malone and Kelly sounds like a 4 x 100 metre relay team that the Americans and Jamaicans will have to look out for!”

He concluded by saying, “Sports continue to provide a constructive outlet for young people to learn discipline the meaning of hard work and commitment.”

The Minister responsible for Sports, Hon. Myron Walwyn said that the Olympic Games provide some of the greatest memories for all.