BVI Track Season Kicks Off January 17
The 2026 athletics season in the Virgin Islands opens on January 17 with the Dag Samuels Development Meet at the A.O. Shirley Ground, starting at 2:00 PM. The BVI Athletics Association says the afternoon will feature fierce competition and family-friendly fun as local track clubs take to the blue track.
The 2026 track season in the British Virgin Islands opens on January 17 with the Dag Samuels Development Meet at the A.O. The BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) says competition begins at 2:00 PM and promises an energetic start to the year: "We're starting the year off fast and fierce with the opening of the 2026 Track Season in the Virgin Islands," the association stated.
Designed as a development meet, the Dag Samuels event gives athletes across age groups a chance to test early-season form, gain competition experience and sharpen techniques under meet conditions. Development meets are an important stepping stone for young and emerging athletes as they build toward larger regional events through the season. "Watch BVI's best track clubs compete on the blazing blue track.
Finish!" the BVIAA added, inviting spectators to see club rivalries unfold and to cheer on island talent. Shirley Ground — the main athletics venue on Tortola — to host meets that showcase sprint, middle-distance and field event talent from across the territory. For coaches and selectors, early-season meets like Dag Samuels are valuable for assessing athletes' progress, testing relays and identifying promising performers.
While not every athlete will be chasing regional qualification at this stage, the meet helps establish a competitive rhythm that can carry into the rest of the 2026 calendar, including regional circuits and junior competitions. Organisers emphasise that the afternoon will be family-friendly, offering residents a chance to support youth and community athletes in a vibrant, social atmosphere.
Competition begins at 2:00 PM at the A.O. Shirley Ground; spectators are encouraged to arrive early to find seating and enjoy the full programme. Residents who want more details on event scheduling, participating clubs or safety arrangements should follow BVIAA communications and local sports channels for updates.
The Dag Samuels Development Meet is expected to set a spirited tone for the season and provide fans with an early look at athletes who may represent the Virgin Islands on bigger stages later in the year.
Primary source: VINO