Dr. Robert Mathavious, the Managing Director and CEO of the BVI Financial Services Commission, will be the guest speaker at the event. Photo: VINO/File

The pair, Dale Abrahamson and Gene Hodge, who were on the first team representing the territory in Track and Field shortly after the BVI Athletics Association was formed on September 19, 1970, will be the recipients of the association’s Lifetime Achievement Awards during its 5th Athletes Awards Gala tomorrow. 

Middle distance runner Dale Abrahamson and field event specialist Gene Hodge, who held National Records in the 800/1500m and Shot Put and Discus Throw respectively, will be recognized for their achievements, as the association continues to honor those who helped to lay the foundation in the early days of the sports development. 

Dr. Robert Mathavious, the Managing Director and CEO of the BVI Financial Services Commission, will be the guest speaker at the event. Dr. Mathavious is another early track and field stalwart who was the first athlete to serve as the association’s president in the late 1970s and was the first to penetrate the 20’ barrier in the Long Jump and 6’ in the High Jump.

More than 70 awards will be doled out during the evening culminating with the Athletes of the Year in Youth, Jr. and Sr. Divisions, presented by Sol. 

The Most Outstanding Athletes from U9-Open Divisions in Track events, Field events and Combined events will also be presented.

There will also be Road Racing and Cross Country Series awards as well as the Most Improved Athletes and the Comeback Athlete of the Year in the cards.

The Coach of the Year will also be honored as well as a new award, the LIME Collegiate Athlete of the Year, which will also be presented, during the night celebrating athletic achievement.