Bviaa National Track & Field Championships Set
The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) will stage the Junior and Senior National Track & Field Championships this weekend, Friday June 19 and Saturday June 20, 2026, at the A.O. Shirley Grounds in Road Town, organisers confirmed via VINO. The meet will feature U17, U20 and open divisions, a full programme of events and some notable absences as BVIAA and VINO noted concerns about the track surface and exceptions to mandatory senior participation.
The British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) will stage the Junior and Senior National Track & Field Championships this weekend at the A.O. Shirley Grounds in Road Town, organisers confirmed in reports carried by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Competitors will be split into three categories — Male and Female U17, U20 and open — with the territory’s top-tier professionals, rising youth stars and collegiate athletes all expected to vie for national honours, VINO reported.
On Friday, June 19, the meet opens with the Open Male and Female Discus and Long Jump events. Saturday, June 20, begins with an official opening ceremony and is followed by a full programme that includes the 110m and 100m hurdles, Shot Put, 4x100m Relay, 400m, High Jump, 100m, 200m and 4x400m across the divisions, according to VINO’s event outline.
The BVIAA has invited the public to attend, saying: "Come expecting the best of BVI's track and field stars to put on a show. See you on the track." Residents are encouraged to come out to support local athletes, especially young competitors for whom Nationals remain a key development milestone.
Organisers cautioned that several prominent professional and collegiate athletes will not compete this year because of mandatory rest periods and summer training schedules. High-profile absences named by VINO include sprinter Adaejah T. McMaster, OBE, who are resting or protecting their lead-up plans for international competition.
The BVIAA also raised concerns about the condition of the track at the A.O. Shirley Grounds and said the surface has affected preparations and some participation decisions. In a statement reported by VINO the association noted: "Participation in the National Championships is mandatory for Senior athletes.
For 2026, however, an exception is being granted in light of the present condition of the A.O. Senior athletes are still expected to participate where reasonable." The BVIAA said considerations have been made for professional and collegiate competitors to protect their training schedules and health.
For many young athletes the Nationals remain an important rite of passage and an opportunity to test themselves against the territory’s best. With regional selection and future international meets in mind, the weekend will give selectors and fans a chance to see emerging talent and established performers who are fit to compete.
VINO is the primary source for the event schedule and the BVIAA statements cited above. Organisers continue to work on facility concerns ahead of the coming season and have asked the public to support grassroots athletics by attending this weekend’s Championships.
Primary source: VINO