April 1st 2011 -
VI announces team for 2012 London Special Olympics
Thursday March 31, 2011 - The Virgin Islands Team is vigorously preparing to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London.
The Virgin Islands will participate in the sports of athletics and sailing at the Games.
The Territory’s prospective female athletes, Tahesia Harrigan, Ashley Kelly, Karene King and Chantel Malone, for the Games are seeking to qualify in individual events and in the Women’s 4x100 meter Relay. Prospect Omar Jones seeks to qualify in the Men’s Javelin Throw. The Sailing prospect Alec W. Anderson seeks to qualify in the Laser. The qualifying period for the Olympic Games begins on May 1, 2011.
At a press conference held last week His Excellency the Governor Mr. Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO, pledged his support to the Virgin Islands team. “I am delighted that the Virgin Islands will be represented by strong athletes and sailor,” he said. Governor McCleary praised the contribution of past Olympians who have done a great service to the Territory and stated, “I am sure that the young sportsmen and women will do a great job next year.”
He also urged everyone to support the athletes as this is not a cheap endeavour. “This is very expensive and it takes time, money and effort,” he added, “The Government is providing a significant contribution but it is up to the British Virgin Islands to support and send the team to London.”
Minister of Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie also pledged his support to the Virgin Islands team as they prepare to compete in the Games next year. “Through God we are seeing great favour, where our team can compete and our Territory can cheer them on as they represent us with pride in the London 2012 Olympic Games,” he said.
Minister Fahie commended the work of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) which has provided “the way for athletes to excel in regional and international competitions”.
Honourable Fahie also urged the community especially the private sector to join with the Government in contributing to this venture. “We really want to encourage the private sector to join us in this venture as the committee seeks to raise funds to ensure that the team makes it to the Olympic Games,” he stated.
He added that this was an excellent opportunity for any company or organization to embrace, “It is an opportunity to demonstrate to the team, that as a Territory we are backing them 110 percent and we can unite, as one people to achieve a common goal.”
President, BVIOC Mr. Ephraim Penn stated that the road to London 2012 Olympic Games is not an easy one, “It is demanding, not only physically and mentally but also financially.”
He added that the BVI Olympic Committee receives funding for the Territory’s representation at the Games but substantially more financial support is needed in order to prepare the athletes for the Games and assist in offsetting the costs of their participation.
Mr. Penn praised the accomplishments, commitment and hard work of the members of the team and described them as “record holders and committed international sportspeople.”
The BVIOC is working with Carton Tours who are the authorized ticket reseller and travel company for the committee. Comprehensive information and details of how to support the BVI’s athletes for the London 2012 Olympic Games can be found on the BVIOC website: www.bviolympics.org.
The BVIOC is a private, not-for-profit organization that brings together the Territory’s sport federations to form a common “team” to compete in both regional and international multi-sport games. The BVIOC has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1982. The BVI has been represented at the Olympic Games since 1984.
SOURCE: BVI GIS
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April 1st 2011 - VI announces team for 2012 London Special Olympics