Nine elite Virgin Islands (VI) athletes will benefit from the Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme (THSEAS) this year. Photo: Internet Source

President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Ephraim E. Penn said the effectiveness of the Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme has been proven since its launch in 2012. Photo: BVIOC

Kyron A. McMaster OBE, expressed gratitude for the continued backing and stability provided through the Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme. Photo: BVIOC

They are track and field athletes Kyron A. McMaster OBE, Chantel E. Malone, Rikkoi A.R. Brathwaite, Beyoncé A. De Freitas, Djimon L. Gumbs, Jaleel J.N. Croal, Kimberly A. Smith, Kaelyaah Liburd, and Khybah Dawson, according to a press release from the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC).

THSEAS is designed to provide comprehensive support to the Virgin Islands’ elite athletes as they prepare for major regional and international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.

THESAS has proven its effectiveness

During a ‘meet & greet’ organised by CTL Home Centre for McMaster on January 2, 2026, President of the BVIOC, Ephraim E. Penn said, the effectiveness of the THEAS programme has been proven over the years, from when it was launched in 2012 with a fund of $50,000 to support Tahesia Harrigan, the territory’s leading athlete at the time.

"The fund allowed us to support 6 elite athletes in the last quadrennial, four of whom qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This quadrennial, we have nine athletes on the roster – all with their sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

CTL donated $10,000 during the event to the BVIOC. This formed part of the company’s three-year commitment to the THEAS programme, the press release stated. 

The funds will be used to provide direct financial assistance to elite athletes, supporting critical needs such as training expenses, international competition travel, coaching services, medical and sports science support, and high-performance equipment.

“Elite performance requires long-term investment. CTL Home Centre’s commitment over multiple years allows us to plan strategically and provide consistent support to our athletes as they progress through their competitive cycles. This partnership directly strengthens our high-performance programme,” Penn said.

Funds address real & immediate needs

Meantime, McMaster, on behalf of the athletes, expressed gratitude for the continued backing and stability provided through the programme.

“Consistent support makes a tremendous difference in our preparation and performance. Knowing that partners like CTL Home Centre are committed to us over the long term allows athletes to focus on training, recovery, and competition with confidence,” he said. 

President of the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) Steve Augustine highlighted the practical impact of the funding on athlete readiness and performance.

“These funds address real and immediate needs faced by elite athletes, from access to quality training environments to the ability to compete internationally. Support of this nature plays a vital role in maintaining and elevating the standard of athletics and sport in the Virgin Islands.”