The Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Olympic Committee are encouraging the community to support the Queen’s Baton Relay.

President of the BVI Olympic Committee, Mr. Ephraim Penn said the Queen’s Baton Relay is a unifying event with the purpose of uniting members of the Commonwealth and Overseas Territories to showcase the country’s culture, hospitality, communities and sports.

Mr. Penn said his organisation which also serves as the coordinating arm for the BVI leg of the relay, is working directly with national federations, schools and social groups to raise awareness and support in the form of volunteers and participation in the relays as they pass through various districts.

According to Mr. Penn, athletes and persons who have made significant contributions to the Territory both young and old will be selected as baton bearers.

The relay will begin with a welcome reception on July 3 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park where the baton will be handed over to the Premier and the people of the Virgin Islands. The baton will pass through various communities and attractions including the Tortola Pier Park, Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Botanic Gardens, A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, the Sea Cow’s Bay community, Cane Garden Bay and Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke.

On Wednesday, July 4, the Deputy Premier will speak at a welcome ceremony in the Valley, Virgin Gorda from 9:00 -10:00 a.m. and the entire Virgin Gorda Community is invited to attend.

Following a schedule of events on Virgin Gorda, the baton will return to Tortola via Trellis Bay, where it will be received by cyclists who will take it over the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge where it will be handed over to runners who will take it through Long Look, The Stickett, East End and end at the Greenland playing field where there will have a number of exhibitions from different sporting federations.

The event will conclude at the Central Administration Complex where a number of activities including a coal pot cook off of traditional Virgin Islands dishes will take place.

“This is a unique event for residents to come out and enjoy a friendly outing and to really give the baton a good send off. I encourage everyone in the different communities to come out and cheer on the baton bearers as they run and showcase the BVI at its best,” Mr. Penn said.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or requiring more information can contact BVI Olympic Committee at 494-6920, visit the website bviolympics.org or follow them on Facebook.

The lasting legacy of the Queen’s Baton is sports for all.  While it brings a message, it also encourages persons to be active and to exercise.  The Queen’s Baton last toured the Commonwealth and Overseas Territories in 2014.

The BVI Olympic Committee has formed a partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development to increase physical activity among all ages in the BVI. Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors contributing to childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases in the Virgin Islands.

Photo Captions: 1 of 2 – Queen’s Baton Relay 2014 Tortola

                        2 of 2 – Queen’s Baton Relay 2014 Virgin Gorda