The athletes showing off the new National Team Clothing from left ; Taylor Hill, Samantha John, Chenaki Samuel, Shakari Frett, Tariqua Moses, Bianca Duggan and Lakeisha Warner. Photo: VINO

Hon. Myron Walwyn with Andrea Wilson, the designer of the BVIAA's new National Team Clothing. Also in the picture is Raheem Taylor and Tarique Moses. Photo: VINO

It is the first time in the 41 year history of the association that it has its own identity and not before time, according to the Minister.

“I would like to congratulate the BVIAA on a very good initiative, it’s a bit late, but it’s good. When u put on a uniform it should give you a different feeling – it’s time for action it brings a sense of pride, a uniform identifies you. All persons involved in sports that travel regionally, who travel are essentially ambassadors for the country. People are watching you, they are looking at you and what you do is a reflection of the country you represent. So when you put the uniforms on if you behave good and conduct yourself well then we are proud- if you do the opposite you are also identified and you may not have projected your home country in a positive light.”

He went on to pledge his full support to the BVIAA and other sports.

“The Government offers its full support to the BVIAA as it does to all sports associations,” he said. “We will be meeting with all associations over the coming weeks to see how we can help each association improve themselves and get the athletes to perform better. We must get a Usain Bolt!”

Speaking before the Minister, the Acting Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Patrick Harrigan commented, “I commend the Athletic Association in their work in reaching the stage where we can be recognized when we compete. I hope the other sporting federations will follow suit. Now we will be able to see which is our team whether they are in first, second or finishing last.”

To the athletes, he said he hoped they would put them on with pride.

“There should be a sense of purpose when you put the uniforms on, it should mean something to you. I advise you to wear with pride as now people will know where you are from.”

President of the BVIAA, Dean Greenaway, made the point that he hopes VI athletes will reach a level of performance to attract a major sports company to start producing the uniforms, like St. Kitts or the USVI, as a form of sponsorship so there is no costs to the BVIAA.

The idea behind the new national uniforms was first raised back in 2003, but it wasn’t until Mrs. Irene Penn O’Neal made comments about VI athletes looking different to all the rest at the Beijing Games in 2008 that the idea really began to take off.

In 2009, funding was raised via the BVI Olympic Committee and Andrea Wilson was appointed as designer.

Many athletes, coaches and officials had input into the designs and styles which culminated with a “catwalk” by the athletes.

Lakeisha “Mimi “Warner kicked things off sporting the brand new tracksuit followed by Bianca Duggan in full competition gear. Samantha John displayed a warm up style outfit which includes tights and either a green or yellow colour option.

Tariqua Moses was decked out in the travel clothing and Shenaki Samuel wore the casual white uniform for “off” days at competition. Sakari Frett showed off the youth competition attire complete with back pack; Taylor Hill, the casual uniform; Tarique Moses the training gear; and Raheem Taylor a casual outfit designed for travel which also included a back pack.

Each age group will have slightly different versions, but the main themes and logo will be consistent.

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