Bvioc Athletes Commission workshop at Eshs draws
The BVI Olympic Committee Athletes Commission held a two-day behaviours and expectations workshop at Elmore Stoutt High School, facilitated by Grenadian Olympian Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels, that attracted more than 70 participants on Saturday and brought together administrators on Sunday for leadership training. Organisers and participants told Island Sun the interactive sessions — which featured role play, icebreakers and group work — produced strong engagement and culminated in groups creating a BVIOC sporting pledge that the Commission will refine into an official code of conduct.
The BVI Olympic Committee Athletes Commission hosted a two-day behaviours and expectations workshop at Elmore Stoutt High School over the weekend, facilitated by Grenada Olympian and educator Hazel Ann Regis-Buckels. The event, originally publicised as a two-day programme expected to involve 85 people, drew a strong turnout on Saturday with over 70 athletes, parents and coaches in attendance, and a separate Sunday session for sports administrators and leaders.
The Athletes Commission, formed in December, chose behaviour and expectations as its first priority as more local athletes compete internationally, Commission Chairman Eldred Henry told Island Sun Sports prior to the workshop. "Competing at a track meet on Tortola is completely different versus being at the Olympic Games or World Championships," Henry said, noting the need for mental fortitude, discipline and appropriate conduct when representing the territory.
Saturday’s session ran from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and was intentionally interactive. Regis-Buckels emphasised how technology and social media have raised the stakes for athletes and their support networks: "Now everything that you do is out there, so it’s important for us to be proactive," she told Island Sun.
The programme covered expected behaviours, sportsmanship, respect, integrity, emotional management and conflict resolution, and used icebreakers, role play and scenario-based exercises to help participants apply lessons in real-world settings. Commission member Kennard Dawson said he was encouraged by the large turnout and the wide representation from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, describing increased engagement as shy participants warmed up and joined activities. "It was a rainy day, bad weather, but seeing everybody coming out from Virgin Gorda and all across Tortola, was really encouraging to see," Dawson told Island Sun Sports.
Several parents and volunteers also praised the workshop for being informative and hands-on. Parents who attended with their children said they hoped the lessons would lead to positive changes in attitude and behaviour. BVIFA referee Deryn Smart said the workshop was "amazing" and hoped her children would apply what they learned about attitude and expectations.
Parent Janelle Scatliffe called the workshop "well put together" and urged athletes to put the lessons into practice to stay out of trouble and better manage issues during training or competition. Young athletes also reported practical takeaways. Manique Kendall spoke about discipline and respect; Carifta medallist Tiondre Frett said he learned techniques to manage anger and stay composed; and U17 sprint finalist M'Kenzii Crabbe said the session was timely for seniors preparing to go to college, urging parents to uplift athletes rather than criticise them.
Sunday’s 9 a.m. to noon session brought about 15 administrators from five associations, clubs and schools to discuss leadership responsibilities, succession planning and good governance practices. Regis-Buckels told Island Sun the leaders heard about local challenges and the importance of preparing for transitions in elected positions, including establishing clear practices and procedures.
The weekend concluded with participants creating a BVIOC sporting pledge in groups; those pledges will be used by the Athletes Commission to draft an official code of conduct for athletes, coaches and officials. Organisers say the workshop supports the territory’s broader push to raise standards as BVI athletes increasingly compete at CARIFTA, CAC and Pan American events.
The events were open only to pre-registered participants; for further information organisers directed residents to contact the BVI Olympic Committee or the Athletes Commission.
Primary source: Island Sun