BVIAA President Dean Greenaway accepts a donation from Steve Augustine on behalf of the BVI Twilight Invitational Track Meet Association. Also in attendance was Willis Todman. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

They came, they saw and they definitely want more! In response to the support given by fans and athletes alike, the Twilight Meet organisers promise even more Caribbean national athletes as well as home grown runners for 2014. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO/File

Huge crowds turned out to support the inaugural BVI Twilight Track Meet back in June 2013. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, Minister responsible for Sports, was a huge supporter of the event that has laid a benchmark for future endeavours. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The BVIAA has hundreds of young athletes from primary school to world stage medallists and the donation is a timely assistance to finance various development programmes. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The money, approximately $13,000, represented funds raised through the inaugural Twilight Track Meet staged back on June 1 this year and was proof that although some said it couldn't be done and some said no one would come, the organising team pulled it off and the fans came in their thousands.

"Part of their goal was to help with the development of track and field, so the BVIAA is very grateful for today's donation," commented BVIAA President, Dean Greenaway.

“One of the things we have found this year especially is that the more successful you are the more costs you incur, so today’s donation is very timely."

Willis Todman, who is the Treasurer of the BVIAA and a member of the Twilight Committee, was very proud to be able to make the donation "This was our number one goal; to hold the Twilight Meet and raise funds to help finance a lot of programmes here in the BVI," he commented.

"We have to put money back into the sport to help build the success so not only did we set up the Twilight Meet to entertain, but also raise funds to help the Clubs and the Association to travel, compete and continue being successful."

Todman noted that people are still talking about the Meet and the 2014 event will prove even bigger. "When our team went to the World’s in Russia they were talking about the Twilight Meet and a lot of those world class athletes now want to come to the BVI and compete."

Augustine confirmed he had met with the President of NACAC, who had expressed a keeness for the event to be held in 2014 and the official sanction was underway. Augustine also thanked the fans who had come out in force to watch the meet as well the support of the Minister responsible for Sports, the Honourable Myron V. Walwyn.

"We are also confidant that the money will be well spent and cover a broad spectrum of BVIAA activities."

Augustine also confirmed that all the athletes who took part in 2013 wanted to comeback in 2014. "Getting bigger names is always good as that leads to better performances and better interest, but we are small and don't want to get too big too quick. Whatever happens there will be a bigger cross-section of Caribbean Nationals competing and we hope that equals better performances."

Stand by for more news on the Twilight Meet 2014, which Augustine promises will be super action packed, with more races, more entertainment and many more athletes to perform right here in the Virgin Islands!