(L-R) Wanyae Belle (100m & 200m), Jaleel Croal (100m & 200m) and Khybah Dawson (long jump) will represent the Virgin Islands (UK) at the 2nd Junior Pan American Games, taking place August 9–23, 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay. Photo: BVIOC

Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah T. Hodge is one of seven ambassadors for the Pan American Sports Organisation ahead of the ASU2025 Junior Pan American Games. Photo: Panam Sports

(L-R) BVI Athletic Association President, Steve Augustine, Wanyae Belle (100m & 200m), BVI Olympic Committee President, Ephraim Penn, Physiotherapist, Courtney Bascombe, Coach Winston Potter, Khybah Dawson (long jump), Safeguarding / Welfare Officer Sophia Brewley-Massiah, Jaleel Croal (100m & 200m), BVIOC Member at Large Zebalon McClean, Chef de Mission, Gloria Fahie attended the press briefing on July 28 at the BVIOC Office, Road Town, Tortola to announce the Virign Islands (UK) delegation to the 2nd Junior Pan American Games, taking place August 9–23, 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay. Photo: BVIOC

The Junior Pan American Games provide a platform for athletes aged 17–22 to gain elite competition experience and qualify for the Lima 2027 Pan Am Games. Photo: Internet Source

The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) announced the team during a press briefing on Monday, July 28, 2025. 

The games provide a platform for athletes aged 17–22 to gain elite competition experience and qualify for the Lima 2027 Pan Am Games. 

“The event embodies unity, youth empowerment, and sportsmanship, with the official motto, ‘The Heart in the Games,’” a press release from the BVIOC said. 

One of VI’s strongest youth teams- BVIOC President

The VI will compete in the Track and Field events during this year’s games. 

The team announced Monday is made up of National Record Holder in the 200m, Jaleel N. Croal, Wanyae Belle (100m and 200m), and Khybah Dawson (men’s long jump). 

President of the BVIOC, Mr Ephraim E. Penn, said, “This is one of the strongest youth teams we’ve fielded…Our athletes have demonstrated world-class ability and extraordinary dedication. Their performances on the regional and global stage prove that the BVI has talent worthy of the highest platforms.”

Mr Steve Augustine, President of the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) added, “Our athletes have been diligently preparing for this moment, and we are extremely proud of their development…We’re excited to support them every step of the way.”

The three athletes, he said, represent the future of athletics in the VI. 

VI Olympian Adeajah T. Hodge is also one of seven official ASU2025 Brand Ambassadors by Panam Sports.

Mr Augustine said, “Adaejah continues to be a shining light and leader in the region.”

Mr Penn added that Adeajah’s brand ambassador appointment is a testament to her hard work and leadership as a role model. 

Hodge said her selection is a major accomplishment. “Being chosen as an ambassador is a big deal- not just for me but for young athletes from small nations. I want to inspire others to believe that with talent and perseverance, anything is possible.”

Full Junior Pan Am team

Jaleel N. Croal said he is honoured to represent the VI at the games, saying, “My goal is to build on my momentum and put the flag on the podium. Every race is a chance to inspire the next generation.”

For Wanyae Belle, representing the VI at the Junior Pan Am Games is a dream come true. “I’ve worked hard for this moment, and I’m ready to compete against the best from the Americas. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

Khybah Dawson called it a “huge responsibility”, representing the VI. He said, “I’m focused and confident. I want to show the world what BVI athletes are capable of.” 

The VI delegation leaves the territory on August 14, 2025. The three athletes will be accompanied by Chef de Mission, Ms. Gloria Fahie, Safeguarding / Welfare Officer and Deputy Chef, Ms Sophia Brewley-Massiah, Coach Winston Potter, Physiotherapist, Courtney Bascombe, BVIOC President Ephraim E. Penn (Capacity Member of the Panam Sports Technical Commission), and Secretary General Lloyd Black (Member of the Panam Sports Finance and Audit Commission).

The VI athletes will compete on the following days and times:

• August 18, 6:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 100m Semi-Finals (Croal, Belle)
• August 19, 6:00 PM / 5:00 PM – Men’s Long Jump (Dawson)
• August 19, 8:50 PM / 7:50 PM – 100m Final (if qualified)
• August 20, 6:29 PM / 5:29 PM – 200m Semi-Finals (Croal, Belle)
• August 21, 6:20 PM / 5:20 PM – 200m Final (if qualified)

See link to related story below

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/adaejah-t-hodge-named-panam-sports-ambassador