BVIAA had submitted an application for funding for the rebuilding of facilities at the A.O. Shirley Grounds. Photo: BVIAA

BVIAA President, Steve Augustine, in discussion with IAAF President, Lord Sebastian N. Coe in January last. Photo: BVIAA

The announcement was made on Monday, August 27, 2018, by BVIAA’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Cleave M. Farrington.

According to Mr Farrington, in a release issued, BVIAA had submitted an application for funding for the rebuilding of facilities at the A.O. Shirley Grounds.

He said, on January 15, 2018, last, at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) meeting, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, discussions were held to determine the degree of damage to the region and the extent of help needed to aid with the recovery efforts.

The IAAF and NACAC, at that time, promised to assist affected federations as much as possible.

That meet was attended by IAAF President, Lord Sebastian N. Coe, NACAC President Victor Lopez and BVIAA President Steve Augustine.

Rebuilding

"I hope these funds will go some way to rebuilding the sport in the countries, most affected by the hurricanes," the IAFF President, Lord Coe, said.

“We know this is not enough but hope it will at least get the member federations affected, back up and running…We will continue to seek further funds and work with the region to ensure athletes’ training is as uninterrupted as possible.”

NACAC's President, Mr Lopez remarked that, “as President of the area, one of my key concerns was ensuring our athletes could continue training…I received calls and was in contact with members from across the athletics family and was touched by the support received from the IAAF and from colleagues from all corners of the world who have offered to help, house and host affected athletes training for this year’s events.”

BVIAA President Steve Augustine in acknowledging the support said, “the much needed funds will go a long way in helping to get our facilities back in order.”

According to Mr Augustine, “with the provision of this funding alongside the continued voluntary works of our track family, I am certain that our facility will regain and surpass the functionality it once had.”