Past President Mr Verne Wheatley is satisfied with what he and his team were able to accomplish over the years he headed the BVI Swim Federation and expressed his confidence in Mr Elsworth Phillip to continue to take the sport forward. Photo: facebook

Mr Elsworth Phillip (centre in back row) was elected to serve for the next four years when the BVISF held its Annual General Meeting at the headquarters of the BVI Olympic Committee on Saturday, November 30, 2013. Photo: Provided

Mr Phillip was elected to serve for the next four years when the BVISF held its Annual General Meeting at the headquarters of the BVI Olympic Committee on Saturday, November 30, 2013.

The other new members include Ross Munro, Vice-President; Grant Green, Treasurer; Tracy Bradshaw, General Secretary; and Eugenia O’Neal, Public Relations Officer.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Past President Mr Verne Wheatley said he was satisfied with what he and his team were able to accomplish over the years he headed the federation and expressed his confidence in Mr Phillip to continue to take the sport forward.

“Through the support and vision of the Virgin Gorda Charitable Company, we sent our swimmers overseas to represent the Territory 100 % privately funded. The new president and his committee share the same passion for swimming and understand the challenges we endured. As we have set the stage, I am confident the Territory’s swimming programme can only excel under the leadership of President Elsworth Phillip,” Past President Verne Wheatley stated to this news site in an invited comment.

In his remarks following the election, according to a press release from the BVISF, Mr Phillip thanked the outgoing President and noted that the Federation had accomplished much during his tenure. The incoming President also spoke of his commitment to swimming, and of his intention to promote its growth and development in order to make it a viable alternative for the young people of the VI.

“We have some organizational matters to deal with such as the adoption of a new constitution and the appointment of various working groups,” Mr. Phillip said, adding that “the main item on our agenda is to ensure that the sport is on a secure footing, and not subject to the stops and starts it has endured in the last four years, most important is the construction of a dedicated pool where our swimmers can practice year-round,” said the Level 2 Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) certified coach.

Currently, the majority of the VI’s national swim team use the facilities at Prospect Pool, but problems have arisen with that arrangement and with the condition of the pool, itself, which have resulted in practice interruptions several times over the last few years. Despite these setbacks and challenges, the national team continues to rack up impressive wins at regional swim meets with Elinah and Amarah Phillip winning 16 medals, including 9 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze, at the recently concluded 23rd OECS Swimming Championships held in November in St. Lucia, the press release stated.

At the OECS meet, the VI girls’ team placed 4th overall while the boys placed 5th. The junior boys made their inaugural appearance in the 200 medley and freestyle relays placing 4th and 5th respectively. It was the VI’s fourth appearance at the OECS Championships.

“The performance of all the children showed that they have a lot of potential and also showed how important continuity of practice is to achieving great results so, over the next few years, we really want to focus on securing dedicated pool facilities to keep our momentum going,” Mr. Phillip said. He added that “I am looking forward to working with the other members of the executive to make this happen.”

Mr. Phillip co-founded the Makos Swim Club in 2010,with his wife, Tracy Bradshaw, and he has served as National Coach since 2009.

The BVI Swim Federation was formed in 2008.