The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), in collaboration with its member National Federations and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) in partnership with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, will host the 5th annual free Sports Festival celebrating Olympic Day. Photo: Provided

Attendees at 2023 events. For 2024, events will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, across Tortola and include activities on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada dubbed a family-friendly festival is open to the public of all ages and abilities. Photo: Provided

2023 Beach day Games. Photo: Provided

Events will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, across Tortola and include activities on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada dubbed a family-friendly festival is open to the public of all ages and abilities.

This year’s celebration will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Virgin Islands' (UK) first appearance at the Olympic Games where In 1984 when the territory was represented by speed skater Erroll “Canute” Fraser at the Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games and a team of four track and field athletes and five sailors at the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games.

The athletics team members included Lindel “Chef” Hodge, Guy Hill, Dean Greenaway, and Jerry Molyneaux, while the sailing team featured Robin Tattersall, Elvet Meyers, Keith Thomas, Keith Barker and the late Peter Barker. These past Olympians will be honored at the event.

Events all across the VI 

The day will start with walk/runs that will take place from 6:30am on Virgin Gorda at the VG Recreation Ground and on Anegada starting at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre.  On Jost Van Dyke, the walk/run will start at 5:30am from the Albert Chinnery Admin Building, Great Harbour.

This year's Sports Festival on Torotla will be hosted from 9:00am - 12:00pm at the HLSCC campus grounds in Paraquita Bay, returning to the original site of the festival’s launch in 2012 and Interactive stations at the college grounds will include archery, athletics, basketball, cycling, netball, softball and squash. The BVI Anit-Doping Commission and health and nutrition advisors will also be on site.

The Department of Culture will also be showcasing an interactive maritime historical display with the Maritime Museum open for visits. The Heritage Dancers will continue to build on their participation with lessons in some of the VI’s traditional dance steps.

Additional activities will co-occur at Brandywine Bay Beach with aquatic and marine sports including sailing and swimming stations, alongside beach sports hosted by the volleyball, rugby and football federations. DYAS will be hosting corporate competitions with points to be accrued for the winner’s title.

BVIOC President Ephraim Penn said the sports Festival is designed to showcase various sports and encourage the public to move, learn and discover as they try out different activities they can incorporate into their lifestyle for better fitness and health.

Event attendees will have the chance to receive Olympic Day tee shirts (subject to availability) and enjoy Coca-Cola products including Dasani water and Powerade.