Support For Athletes Must Be Continuous

No Image Found!
Sonje Greenidge/BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - British Virgin Islands Athletic Association Vice-President Ralston Henry described this year’s CARIFTA Games as unlike any other.

His statements came on Thursday, May 19 at the “Recognition Ceremony in Celebration of the 2022 CARIFTA team”. The historic team comprised of 17 girls and 15 boys - 32 in total for the 49th staging of the CARIFTA Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

Henry urged attendees to believe in the abilities of the young athletes and urged the audience to continuously support the BVI athletes.

“I believe in them. I see the work they put in and I am asking you all; don’t jump on their bandwagon when we win medals. Jump on we bandwagon now,” Henry exclaimed.

He also stated that the coaches should be respected for the extensive work which they have been doing with the team, including facilitating training for long hours and their overall dedication to the athletes’ progress.

Even though the Virgin Islands CARIFTA Games team placed third overall on the medals table, Henry explained that due to injuries, medals were lost out on specifically in the relays.

He also announced that he anticipated that the Virgin Islands CARIFTA team for 2023 would achieve even greater feats.

Henry noted that Adeajah Hodge, who was arguably the most outstanding athlete at this year’s CARIFTA games having won the coveted Austin Sealy award, did a wonderful job. With Hodge’s international status, Henry stated that many persons around the world were uncertain about her origins. Yesterday at the ceremony, he sought to dispel any false claims.

“I am not afraid to say this. A lot of people thought that Adeajah was built in the United States,” Henry noted.

No Image Found!
Sonjé Greendige / BVI Platinum News

He added, “We got we lemongrass, coconut bread and we funji and fish. She was built here in the BVI. She left here with the base. We gave her the base.”

Henry announced that the team was also in need of sponsorship since the athletic season is not yet finished. He urged corporate BVI, the Government, and the members of the public to support the athletes, who he guaranteed would not disappoint. Upcoming track meets include the Caribbean Games, PANAM’s U-20 Championships in Brazil, and the U-20 World Championships for which some athletes have already qualified.

Yesterday’s ceremony, which was preceded by a motorcade, was attended by Ministers of Government, Governor John Rankin, and several supporters.

Reader Opinion
Please note that the opinions posted are the opinions of its author and does not in any way reflect the views of the management, staff, parent company or sponsors of Virgin Islands Platinum News.
There are no comments to show at this time.
Cruise Schedule
IN PORT - TODAY ( 29 March )
We have no cruise ship in port on this day!
IN PORT - TOMORROW ( 30 March )
We have no cruise ship in port on this day!