Support Our World-Class Athletes
BVIOC president Mr Penn appealed to the public for additional funding at a January 2, 2026 meet-and-greet with Olympian Kyron A. McMaster, OBE, saying the committee has increased its allotment but still needs more support. Clarence Thomas Limited donated $10,000 during the event as the committee warns athletes face a busy two years on the international stage.
The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has renewed an urgent appeal for public and private support to help local athletes remain competitive on the world stage. Speaking at a meet-and-greet with Olympian Kyron A. McMaster, OBE, on January 2, 2026, hosted by Clarence Thomas Limited (CTL), BVIOC president Mr Penn said the committee is “nervous” about whether it has sufficient funds to cover the costs of international competition. “We are here appealing to the public again to assist us.
We have increased our allotment to about two hundred and fifty thousand, but we still need a lot from the public because these are not just athletes; these are world-class athletes who will be competing against the best in the world. They need all the support you can give them,” he said.
Mr Penn underscored the heavy financial and logistical burden behind elite sport. “It’s not an easy feat; we see the end results on TV, but there’s a lot that goes into preparation, there’s a lot of expenses involved, and we can only hope that the little bit that we are doing can keep them at the cutting edge of international competition,” he said.
He praised athletes for their commitment, noting they “stick with the programme through tough times but still go out and give 110 per cent for the British Virgin Islands.” The BVIOC president warned that Virgin Islands athletes face a packed international calendar over the next two years, preparing for championships and qualifying events that will determine their places at future global meets.
He expressed confidence, however, that the athletes will once again represent the Territory with distinction, “just like how they did in 2024 in Paris.” At the CTL event, the company made a $10,000 donation to the BVIOC — a welcome contribution, Mr Penn said, but one that highlights the need for broader community and corporate backing.
As a small National Olympic Committee, the BVIOC relies heavily on allocations, sponsorship, and public donations to cover travel, coaching, equipment and competition fees. BVIOC leaders are asking businesses, philanthropists and residents to consider sponsorships, partnerships or one-off donations to help ensure athletes can access the resources they need.
For many in the Territory, continued funding is about more than sport: it sustains national pride, inspires youth participation and raises the BVI’s profile abroad. According to Virgin Islands News Online, the appeal is ongoing as the committee seeks to bridge its funding gap.
Primary source: VINO