J’coi Liburd (left) at IMG Academy. Photo: Provided

Director of Tourism, Sharon Flax-Brutus: Photo: VINO/File

Angel George Jr. at IMG Academy. Photo: Provided

Known to be “the world’s leading integrated academic and athletic training establishment,” the BVI-TB is happy to serve the community, by collaborating with IMG Academy and providing scholarships that will positively impact the lives of four athletes, according to Director of Tourism, Sharon Flax-Brutus.

The Tourism Director in a press statement, dated June 7, 2018, said “sports tourism is an avenue to generate new opportunities in tourism and strengthen our tourism education programmes.

According to Ms Flax-Brutus, “through our partnership with the Miami Open—as the Caribbean’s destination sponsor—the BVI Tourist Board is pleased to provide this opportunity for youth of the BVI, to develop their skills with the aid of professionals.”

30,000 Athletes-100 Countries 

The IMG Academy has, over the past three decades, helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes realize their full potential in life and in sport.

The Bradenton, Florida, based campus, attracts more than 30,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries annually.

Angel George—a 2017 Virgin Islander, IMG scholarship recipient—excitedly reported, “going to IMG Academy has been an amazing, life-changing experience for me. During the week camp, I improved my tennis skills with daily coaching and games. I made new friends and I represented the BVI with pride”.

A second recipient—specializing in baseball—J’coi Liburd, was chaperoned by his coach Mr Terry Chinnery.

Mr Chinnery, with expressions of gratitude for the opportunity to attend said, “IMG Academy was an amazing experience. The athletes were motivated and learned a number of techniques from the intensive professional training.”

According to the BVI-TB statement, the athletic scholarships offer training that includes elite coaching, total development methodology, accommodations, professional-quality facilities, technology and a history of results. 

Scholarships this year are being offered for baseball, basketball, tennis, and track and field and the deadline to apply is June 28, 2018 and applications can be submitted to BVI-TB.

Application forms can be collected from the BVI-TB or downloaded from: www.bvitourism.com/img.