Team BVI won 4 silver, 4 bronze, broke numerous Junior Records, Scholastic Records and set a slew of new Personal Bests at the 42nd Carifta Games and richly deserved their moment of Celebration. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, said he was confident that the team would deliver at the recent Carifta Games. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Hon. Myron V. Walwyn presented baskets of fruit to the medal winners, including Eldred Henry, who was a double bronze medal winner at his first ever Carifta Games. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The delayed start, which kept the Athletes waiting on the coach that brought them from the A.O Shirley ground for nearly an hour, was soon a dim memory as the celebration finally began under a sea of flag waving and cheering and with the athletes parading past the line of Ministers gathered to greet them.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith led the line flanked by the Minister for Education Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources Honourable Dr. Kedrick D. Pickering, Minister for Health and Social Services Honourable RonnieW.  Skelton, the Hon. Archibald C. Christian and the Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines.

The smiles were broad and the tangible air of national pride that enveloped were strengthened under renditions of the National Anthem and the Territorial Song, which was expertly sung by Sylvanna Charles.

The Premier was the first to offer his formal congratulations to the team, which although missing a few of athletes had assembled the record haul of 4 silver and 4 bronze medals at the Games which concluded last Monday in the Bahamas.

The Premier noted that the second story he had seen when doing a Google search on the team’s performances had been the Girls U17 4 x 400 silver medal won on the last day. “I was confident that you would deliver, but it’s still a great achievement and you all deserve a round of applause. My heart is filled with joy today and it is running over!”

He went on to comment that this was just a start of their journey and that they must continue to make the Virgin Islanders proud of “the place we call home.”

President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn was the next to offer his congratulations to the team.  “Wow, what a day,“ he exclaimed. “We are here again to celebrate yet more great achievements. The athletes did us proud!”

He recognized not just the medal winners, but also the other team members who whilst not reaching the podium all did their best, including breaking records and achieving new Personal Best times.

President of the BVIAA, Mr Dean Greenaway used his time at the podium to individually present each member of the team, who were resplendent in their blue BVIAA jackets and khaki pants, and also to make a plea for more support and funding for the work of the BVIAA.

“What we achieved is down to the commitment of the Athletes and Coaches. The BVIAA has identified “Project Podium” to make sure we can reach the next level and win medals at larger Meets like the Pan Americans and CAC’s, we have a five year plan and this cadre of athletes is the foundation for that ambition. We have the talent and what we need now is finance. We need the commitment of the Government and the private sector to bring more success.”

The Minister Responsible for Sports, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, whilst adding to acknowledgements of the team’s success, said “I am very excited to share a few words of congratulations and celebration as we welcome home the team. These young people represent the future of athletics in the Virgin Islands, but also represent the potential of all our people. Everywhere you went last weekend people were anxiously awaiting results from our team and we should never be ashamed to celebrate these types of achievements.”

After the presentation of certificates, a gift pen and large fruit baskets to the team and medal winners, Head Coach Steve Augustine led the response from the team, but the most stirring speech of the day came from double Bronze Medal winner, Eldred Henry.

Henry had been responsible for the team’s first medal win of the games and was making his debut. ”Events like today are known to leave lasting impressions and for me, my life has been truly transformed. Our accomplishments speaks of our willingness and perseverance.”

He also implored the Association to continue with the plans to help them reach new heights as well as thanking them and the coaches for all their support and hard work.

“We all look forward to moments like this and no one can deny our success. This is not the end of the road though for us; let us support each other to the extent of making it on the world stage.”