Olympic Committee President Ephraim E. Penn (R) and Secretary General, Lloyd K. Black present BVI Athletics Association representative, Stephanie Penn with track and field equipment donated by PanAM Sports in support of the athletics recovery efforts following the damage wrought by the August floods and the Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Photo: Provided

Participants in the Olympic Day 10km/5km run and 1m run/walk. Provided

BVI Olympic Committee President Ephraim Penn (R) and Secretary General, Lloyd Black present BVI Athletics Association representative, Stephanie Penn with track and field equipment donated by PanAM Sports in support of the athletics recovery efforts following the damage wrought by the August floods and the Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Photo: Provided

Venued at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, the activities featured several National Sporting Federations and their athletes.

The Committee in a press release dated June 26, 2018, said its President, Ephraim E. Penn, used the occasion to hand over new equipment donated by PanAm Sports to benefit the track and field athlete members of the British Virgins Island (BVI) Athletic Association. The kits included shot-puts, discus, hammer, and electronic starting blocks.

The release said around 70 runners and walkers registered for the ‘10km/5km’ run and ‘1 mile run/walk’ with top finishers receiving special edition Committee shirts and bags as prizes.

More people arrived at the recreation grounds and the multi sports complex mid-morning to watch demonstrations and try their hand in athletics, archery, basketball, football, rugby, tennis, and volleyball.

Mr Penn summarised the activities and achievements of the national federations over the last 12 months and invited attending national federation representatives to provide additional information on their progress.

“The public may be forgiven for thinking that sports had been put on the back burner since the August floods and Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Mr Penn.

 “However, this is not the case as illustrated by the National Federations’ reports of individual and team success. We are encouraged and excited that not only did the coaches and athletes show their resilience and determination to continue with their sports following the natural disasters, but they went on to win medals, titles and trophies, and improve on their previous scores and times! Congratulations to all involved.”

Anyone, anywhere, can enjoy & benefit from sport!

Olympic Day was established in 1948 as an annual occasion where everyone, everywhere can get together in their communities to celebrate the Olympic values of Respect, Excellence and Friendship, and also celebrate the Olympic Day pillars: Move. Learn. Discover.

In his Olympic Day message to people around the world, International Olympic Committee President, Thomas Bach said, “For the past 70 years, Olympic Day commemorates the founding modern Olympic Movement. Olympic Day reminds us that anyone, anywhere, can enjoy and benefit from sport. In our fast-changing society, Olympic Day is an excellent way to encourage all people to lead healthy and active lives, and to promote the role of sport in society. Our thanks and gratitude go to the National Olympic Committees who are bringing sport and its values closer to the people through the many sporting, educational and cultural activities that are organised throughout the year. Thank you for encouraging people of all backgrounds and ability to get up and get moving, to discover sport and to embrace Olympic Values. ”