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by pltm
(PLTM) - Thirty Elite Athletes have been selected to compete in the 2023 CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas - 50th Edition of the Carifta Games, the BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) announced on Sunday March 26.
President of the Association, Steve Augustine officially presented the athletes during a press conference at Village Cay, who have been selected to compete in the 2023 CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas.
Augustine offered words of encouragement as he noted that he is excited to have a large delegation.
“I had a discussion with Mr. Austin Sealy [founder of the CARFITA Games], this morning, who told me that as long as you guys are being respectful of the team, press on, press right on.”
President Augustine, noted that he felt encouraged to continue his mission to provide opportunities for the athletes and confirmed that he was confident in the delegation, as he knows that the team is fully prepared, mentally and physically.
Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sharie de Castro offered congratulatory remarks and expressed her great expectations based on the caliber of athletes to be presented.
“Given the performance of last year, we are really waiting in great anticipation of what will take place this year.”
The minister noted that discussions have been ongoing on how best to develop sports in the territory by partnering with organizations such as the BVIAA and those conversations lead to 3 priority areas being identified.
“We’ve been trying to come up with a plan as to how we seek to truly develop sports in the territory, especially grassroots programs. When we met we came up with 3 priority areas, funding, infrastructure and grassroots.”
The Minster noted that the discussions lead way to the ability to provide annual grants via a special subhead to sporting associations and federations.
The Minister continued, “The BVIAA has taken the leads among all other federations and associations. They have submitted their annual budget and their request was $50,000, and I have a cheque here, on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands to ensure that we give the funding as requested to be able to develop athletics in the Virgin Islands”, she announced.
Ashley Kelly, Athlete’s Representative of the BVI Olympic Committee and former BVI Olympian, offered encouraging comments to the athletes and admonished them to live in the moment.
“…Note that when you step on the track this is your battlefield. This is your chance to put all your hard work, lactic acid, sacrifice on display and show up for your moment,” she noted.
She reminded the athletes then once they travel to the Bahamas they are traveling as a team family and they should be supportive through cheers and tears.
The CARIFTA Game 2023 will take place in Nassau, Bahamas from 8 – 10 April, 2023.
The delegation presented are as follows:
Officials : AnnaBelle Skelton-Malone – Team Manager Coaches: Karene Hodge (Head Coach), Carl Barrett, Raphael Jack, Paul Hewlett Therapist: Chester Levi James, Shaun Williams
Athletes: U17 Girls 1. Taryn Augustine 2. Shyra Stoutt 3. Shania Johnson 4. Jah’kyla Morton 5. A’Sia McMaster 6. Kenniqua Grate 7. Cristal Daly
U20 Girls 1. Savianna Joseph 2. Adaejah Hodge 3. Palesa Caesar 4. Kaelyaah Liburd 5. Kenyatta grate 6. Amia Todman 7. A’Keela McMaster 8. Ashleigh Penn U17 Males 1. J’Den Jackson 2. Othneil Gillings 3. MarioCarter 4. Tiondre Frett U20 Males 1. Gabriel Cline 2. Jonathan Lynch 3. Orlando Douglas 4. Mychael Claxton 5. Andre Smikle 6. Jahshani Farrington 7. M’Khori Crabbe 8. Khamauri Crabbe 9. Mikei George 10. Tyreese James 11. Jaylen Callwood
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