The BVI Special Olympics Team- a little rain did not stop the smiles during yesterday's parade through Road Town.

And so it was yesterday, when the rest of us, staying home or sheltering from the rain, should have been out to support the BVI Special Olympics Team as they made their way, May 20, 2011, in a motorcade from Manuel Reef to Administration Drive in a sea of colour and noise.

Dressed for the elements in their weather clothing, supplied by Maples, four of the 6 sailors representing the Virgin Islands at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, waved as they rode in the back of an open-back vehicle dressed with signal flags and Digicel logos, in a motorcade that announced its presence with horns and sirens.

His Excellency the Governor Boyd McCleary greeted the team at Government House and passed on his best wishes to the team. Mrs. Jenny McCleary, Patron of Special Olympics BVI, went one step further and happily joined the Motorcade for the rest of the route to the Admin Building.

Alan Bates, CEO of Digicel BVI, passes on words of encouragement to the team.

No matter how much rain fell, the boys were determined to make sure everyone braving the conditions in Road Town, could see that they are ready to go with only four weeks left before they fly to Greece.

As platinum sponsors for the international event, Digicel BVI, has stepped up with a commitment impressive by any standards covering the costs of the delegation’s European flights and accommodation.  Maples purchased highly expensive, technical kit for the team to ensure that not only do the SOBVI team stand out in a crowd, they will be fully equipped for all air and water temperatures.  Caribbean Insurers Ltd. again has taken the worry out of comprehensive insurance for the entire trip.

Tuimarine at The Moorings, were also present at the Administration complex with a large donation raised on behalf of one member of the team – Lenford Pope, from Virgin Gorda, who is currently training there one day a week, on a work experience programme.

Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, together with Ms. Tasha Bertie, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Education & Culture, took time out of their Friday afternoon to greet the team – passing on regrets from their individual Ministers.

Ms. Lorna Dawson, Education Officer for Special Education at the Student Services unit, introduced the athletes and delegation to the gathered audience at the Administration Complex as she also explained the cultural and humanitarian experiences that the Special Olympics BVI Sailing Team will be exposed to in a trip that will cover 20 days.