BVI sending 24 athletes to Carifta Games in the Bahamas

The 2013 Carifta Games Delegation is the largest the territory has sent in 37 years 

MARCH 22—The BVI Athletics Association today, officially announced its delegation to the 42nd Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas, during a press conference at the Dept. of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The regional championships which targets Under 17 and Under 20 athletes, will see 24 athletes donning the territory’s colors as they compete for spots against there counterparts on the podium in 14 disciplines over three days of competition, March 30-April 1.

With 24 athletes being the largest delegation to attend the premier regional Jr. Championships in Nassau this year, the Bahamas has played a significant role in the territory’s Carifta Games history.

The BVI’s first Carifta Games participation was in the Bahamas in 1976 with four athletes. In 1978, current association president Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway, won the 400m silver, the territory’s first medal in the championships. Keita Cline bagged the territory’s first gold medals in 1992 when he won both the Long and Triple Jumps.

Opening ceremonies are set for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Competition begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and runs through the evening of Monday, April 1. The delegation returns to the territory on April 2.

 The 2013 BVI Carifta Games delegation is as follows:

U17 Girls: Nelda Huggins, 100/200; L’Tisha Fahie, 100m; Tarika “Tinker Bell” Moses, 400m; Judine Lacey, 400m; Lakeisha “Mimi” Warner, 800m. Deya Erickson, 100m Hurdles; Kala Penn, Long Jump/Triple Jump; Ashley Penn, Long Jump/Penthatlon; Kiwana Emmanuel, Shot Put/Javelin Throw. Boys: Kyron McMaster, 200/400m; Deshawn Douglas, 200/400m; Tahj Malone, High Jump; Kadeon Potter, Shot Put;

U20 Girls: Taylor Hill, 100/200m; Jonel Lacey, 200m; Shaian Vandenburg, 100m; Trevia Gumbs, Shot Put/Discus Throw; Tynelle Gumbs, Javelin Throw/Discus Throw; Boys: Shaquoy Stephens, 200/400m; Khari Herbert, 200/400m; Tarique Moses, 800m; Eldred Henry, Shot Put/Discus Throw; Brandon Andrew, 110m Hurdles/Long Jump. Ryan Joseph, 4x400m Relay reserve.

Officials: Steve Augustine, Head Coach; Winston Potter, Assistant Head Coach; Coaches, Omar Jones and Samantha John; Team Manager, Delva Thomas; Chaperone, Angeleta Bernard; Psychologist, Dr. Sylvia Simmonds; Trainer, Shaun Williams; Massage Therapist, Elizabeth Hopper.  Delegates: Dag Samuels and Dean Greenaway.