The British Virgin Islands Chess Federation is pleased to announce that the BVI National Chess Teams have safely arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to represent the Territory at the 46th Chess Olympiad. 

The Olympiad is one of the most important team events on the global chess calendar and provides a valuable opportunity for our players to test their skills, gain experience, and represent the Virgin Islands with distinction. This year is reportedly the largest in the Olympiad’s 102 year history with over 200 national teams from around the world meeting in Samarkand for 11 rounds of over the board competition.

In preparation, national team members have had the benefit of international training which started in June and its youngest players have also had the benefit of two international preparatory tournaments this summer in Peru and Aruba.

The National Team comprises:

Open Team 

Maurice Lettsome Board 1

Jhon Samuel Board 2

Shamoy Joseph Board 3

Anferny Raheem Hodge Board 4

Dimitri Fungfook Reserve

Art Christopher Captain

Women’s Team

Tiandra Scatliffe Board 1

Makalia Fergus Board 2

Alexis Ganigan Board 3

Chane-Ann Chin Board 4

Kiara Phillip Reserve

Angela Franco Captain

Jenefer McSheene serves as Team Manager and Sachkia Barnes, BVI’s Delegate to the International Chess Federation’s Congress. The team is also being supported on the ground by accompanying parents and delegation supporters. The Federation thanks the families, sponsors, supporters, and wider community whose encouragement has helped make this journey possible. Key sponsors include, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Confederation of Chess in the Americas (CCA), the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Georges Rhymer Institute of Public Policy, Barry’s Electrical Services, Barnes & Co. and Mellow Moods Cafe. We invite everyone across the Virgin Islands to follow the team, celebrate their progress, and send best wishes as they proudly fly the BVI flag in Samarkand. Olympiad updates will be shared through BVI Chess on Facebook at /bvichess.

About BVI Chess Federation

BVI Chess is the official governing body and a registered non-profit organisation for chess players and supporters in the British Virgin Islands. The Federation exists to grow the game across the Territory, support participation at every level, and connect local players to regional and international opportunities through its affiliation with FIDE, the International Chess Federation.