Private sector steps up to support BVIOC’s roster of elite athletes
National Bank of the Virgin Islands ($5,000), The Guana Fund ($3000), Republic Bank ($2,500), BDO ($2,500), Scrub Island Resort and Smiths Gore (each at $1000) pledged their support to the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship (THSEAS) fund over the last few weeks.
This is according to the BVIOC in a press release today, April 17, 2024.
Inspiring ‘future Olympians’
In presenting the cheque from the National Bank of the Virgin Islands to BVIOC and Commonwealth Games Association President, Ephraim E. Penn on Thursday, April 11, Mrs Joy N. Penn, the bank’s CEO said, “We are delighted to join as a bronze sponsor of the Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme.
“NBVI firmly believes in supporting community initiatives that foster the nation's development and progress. Athletes representing our country at the highest level not only excel as incredible ambassadors but also inspire future Olympians. We eagerly anticipate cheering on our champions at the Paris Olympics and celebrating their future successes.
Donation made in memory of Jim Morris
Additionally, Mrs Vivian Lloyd donated a sum of $5000 in memory of her late husband, Mr Jim Morris, a founding member of the BVI Olympic Committee in 1980.
“One of the highlights of Jim’s life was being able to attend the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles as one of the BVI’s officials. He would be very proud to see how far the BVI athletes have come since then,” wrote Mrs Lloyd in a letter to President Penn.
‘Truly wonderful’ support- BVIOC President
“The support that the THSEAS has received from the community so far is truly wonderful,” said President Penn. “These national athletes are proud Virgin Islanders, competing for the Virgin Islands with their hearts and minds set on flying the flag for kin and country. We know that they are even more encouraged and bolstered in spirit when they see businesses and individuals rallying behind them in their efforts to represent their country at major Games. On behalf of the athletes, the BVIOC, the BVI Athletics Association and the Royal BVI Yacht Club, I thank all supporters of the programme and encourage others to join in donating to the cause.”
Funds from the THSEAS are entirely dedicated to the development of the BVIOC’s elite athletes identified by their respective National Federations and confirmed by the International Federations as being on track to compete for medals at major Games.
The roster of athletes each receive a monthly stipend to assist them on their journey to the Olympics. The fund distribution is documented in regular reports for Olympic Solidarity and PanAm Sports who provide $200,000 towards the programme.
Roster of Elite Athletes
The BVIOC’s current roster of elite athletes - all of whom are national and regional record holders with proven track records in major Games - include Kyron A. McMaster, silver medalist in World Championships and world ranked #4 in the men's 400m hurdles, Chantel E. Malone (long jump), Eldred Henry (shot put), Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite (100m) Adaejah T. Hodge (200m) and Thad A. Lettsome (ILCA 7 laser sailor).
The THSEAS stipend contributes to training and coaching, athlete support including access to sports medicine, physical therapy, performance analysis, nutrition counselling, and mental resilience training.
Major sponsors who committed to support the THSEAS earlier in the year include Clarence Thomas Ltd (CTL), DLT Solutions, Conyers, and Capriccio di Mare Trattoria.
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8 Responses to “Private sector steps up to support BVIOC’s roster of elite athletes”
I fed up with some of these businesses and now with the Fillipinos running you down in every single one of them, I am catching the damn boat soon for everything I need. Amazon will provide the rest and I will eat at home. Since our young people "don't want to work" and everybody else from all over the world does, then I can get what I want from all over the world. This country is sickening. They must be paying them $1,000 a month. Strupes., Give back by hiring your own. We are treated like second class citizens in our own home. That is bull. I hate it. Who are we building this country for? Our children need jobs. They need a career right out of high school. Not after years of sitting on the block. Hell, yeah they are lazy then and don't know how to hold a 9:00 to 5:00. But you are bringing in people from all over the Caribbean who haven't graduated high school and now Fillipinos? Terrible. The businesses in this country is not giving back to their own. The bottom line is all they care about.