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Public schools receive softball equipment donation

-equipment was presented to PE teachers representing schools throughout the VI
National sports and physical education programs across the Virgin Islands have been enhanced following a donation of softball equipment to public schools, including those on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Photo: Government of Virgin Islands
According to a press release, the equipment was presented to Physical Education teachers representing schools throughout the territory. This will support the reintroduction and expansion of softball programs within both primary and secondary schools. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
According to a press release, the equipment was presented to Physical Education teachers representing schools throughout the territory. This will support the reintroduction and expansion of softball programs within both primary and secondary schools. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- National sports and physical education programs across the Virgin Islands have been enhanced following a donation of softball equipment to public schools, including those on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost van Dyke.

According to a press release, the equipment was presented to Physical Education teachers representing schools throughout the territory. This will support the reintroduction and expansion of softball programs within both primary and secondary schools. 

“We really want to ensure that softball is firmly reintroduced in our schools so that we can once again have strong inter-primary and inter-secondary competitions,” Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said, adding, “I grew up on the softball field, so this initiative is personal to me. We want to reinvest in the sport at the developmental level so that we can nurture the talent needed to represent the Territory."

'Equipment secured after years of effort'

The minister emphasised that for teachers to instruct students effectively, they must have the proper resources, and this investment provides the tools they need, including gloves, bats, balls, and bases, while also ensuring that teachers receive professional development to strengthen their instructional skills.

The Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Debra D. Hodge, noted that the equipment was secured after years of effort and represents an important step in strengthening softball development within schools. 

“This is an exciting moment for us because softball is our national sport,” Ms Hodge said. “By providing this equipment to our schools across the Territory, we are ensuring that students have the resources they need to practise, develop their skills and participate in the sport.”

Training sessions provided to teachers

During the handover, teachers also participated in training sessions that demonstrated the proper use of the equipment and provided guidance on enhancing softball instruction within physical education programs.

Veteran Physical Education teacher Ms Talia Nibbs commented that the equipment will create meaningful opportunities for students to develop their skills in the sport. She added, “You never know how far a child can go once they’re given the opportunity.”

10 Responses to “Public schools receive softball equipment donation ”

  • Xxx (25/04/2026, 09:46) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    deactro is the hardest working minister in government
    • @xxx (26/04/2026, 00:34) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      I agree she is working. But to say hardest it would mean the others are too. She is moving her Ministry forward. Thank God for that.
  • me2 (25/04/2026, 10:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who donated the equipment?
  • Mrs Claus (25/04/2026, 10:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Much appreciation to the unidentified donor.
    • @Mrs Claus (25/04/2026, 22:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports provided the softball equipment to the schools. It was NOT a donor!
  • Raw and Unfiltered (25/04/2026, 11:31) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    How can it be that Softball the BVI National Sport is dying on the vine and near death. Is softball truly the de jure national sport? Or is it the defacto national sport? It is not being treated as the national sport. Softball an import from St. Thomas had risen to a high level at the international level. Nonetheless, it has been neglected and dying on the vine? Softball returns to the Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles but sadly the BVI will not be sending a women’s team. Moreover, the donation of equipment to public schools is an important step at the grassroots level to attempt to breath life into the game. Precious memories of the inter-schoool competition. Town was the target, the team to beat. Oh, where have the Town players gone? Have they moved to the country and gone in hiding. Has former players abandoned the game? Will Town v. East, Baughers v. Sea Cow Bay, Town v. Town, etc, come back.? Will Tortola v. St. John/St. Thomas return? Why can’t the name of the sponsor be revealed? Is it above board? Why government fund the equipment for the public schools? When will the E. Walwyn Brewley Softball Field be reconstructed? Why is there only one field in the BVI where softball can be played? Does this field meet international standards? If softball can managed, operated at a high level should be removed as the national sport? If not softball, which sport can claim to be the national sport? Basketball, soccer, cricket, sailing, etc, ? By the way, will the 250th Anniversary Celebration in Long Look include a softball game, eg, Bert “ The Big Man” Henley v. Neville “ Sheep” Smith?
    • Eagle and Buffalo (26/04/2026, 08:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      @RU, you left no stone unturned in regards to the state of softball in the territory Your commentary was raw, unfiltered, unvarnished. The demise of softball is emblematic of things in the BVI from governing on down. How can a sport which has risen so high fell so low so fast, so spectacularly. BVI we better than this and not just about basketball. Let’s get to work. There is much to do.

      (Let’s soar and lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff following those promoting self interest)
      • Rattler (26/04/2026, 13:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Raw and Unfiltered, you seem passionate and has lots to say about the demise of the National Sport. The powers that be, ie, both the public and private sector needs to be raked over hot guava wood coal, for their mismanagement and neglect. One final question. Why was this sport equipment not budgeted over time? What is a budget? Budget is a plan for coordinating resources and expenditures.
  • nonsense (25/04/2026, 19:10) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why dont they get a proper professional to teach these kids.
  • Lollll. (27/04/2026, 19:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Election time. She know softball now after years of being Minister. Pulling out all the PR stops. We ain’t falling for this. Couple more months left.


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