Athletes who represented the Virgin Islands in the 53rd CARIFTA Games in Grenada were welcomed home on Tuesday during a special ceremony at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. 

Family members, supporters and government officials gathered to celebrate the national delegation after a competitive weekend at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, where athletes from across the Caribbean competed in one of the region’s premier junior athletics events.

Among those present to greet the team were Premier for a Week Honourable Roman Nibbs Alberto who represented Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports for a Week Honourable Rudell Stoute, who both commended the athletes for their dedication and performance on the regional stage.

Team BVI recorded several notable performances during the games, including a Silver Medal in the Under-20 Girls High Jump secured by Jah’Kyla Morton, along with multiple fourth-place finishes and a number of new national records and personal bests.

During remarks at the ceremony, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro praised the athletes for their determination and competitive spirit.

“To our athletes, I watched you in Grenada and I saw the grit, the determination and the heart that you brought to every event,” Minister de Castro said adding, “You did not go simply to participate; you went to compete. Your performances demonstrated that while the Virgin Islands may be small, we continue to show strength and talent on the regional stage.”

The minister noted that the team’s performances reflect the continued development of athletics within the Territory, pointing to improvements in events including the high jump, decathlon and relay competitions.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports continues to support the development of athletes through targeted investments in sports, including the Athlete Tier Programme, which provides financial assistance to athletes representing the Virgin Islands at regional and international competitions.

The programme supports elite and developing athletes through funding that assists with training, competition preparation, travel and performance development, helping to strengthen pathways for Virgin Islands athletes competing on the regional and international stage.

The CARIFTA Games, which bring together the Caribbean’s top junior athletes each year, remain an important platform for young competitors to gain experience at a high level while representing their countries.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports congratulates Team BVI, including athletes, coaches and support staff, for their dedication and commitment in representing the Virgin Islands at the 53rd CARIFTA Games.