David Abednego Cup Debut in BVI
About 40 archers from the BVI, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago took part in the inaugural V.I. Field Archery Federation indoor nationals — the David Abednego Cup — at the Multipurpose Sports Complex. Organisers say the event highlights archery's rapid growth among BVI schoolchildren and sets the stage for the federation's first international outdoor tournament in 2026.
Field Archery Federation staged its first indoor national championship, the David Abednego Cup, on Sunday at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, attracting roughly 40 competitors from the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. The event, reported by Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway for The Island Sun, was designed to raise the profile of archery locally and regionally and to prepare organisers for a planned international outdoor tournament in 2026.
Field Archery Federation president Reuben Stoby said the tournament was a milestone for the sport in the territory. "Everyone went through their paces well... I’m happy that we were able to pull off our first indoor competition and we’re really excited about the future," Stoby said.
He noted strong support from Puerto Rico and private partners, including David Abednego, and said archery is growing quickly among schoolchildren across the BVI. Trinidad and Tobago Field Archery Association president Sherwin Francis, who attended to support the federation’s first event, praised the organisers and emphasised the value of more regional competitions. "I personally am keen to see the sport grow in the region — whether field or target archery — I think this is a really great step forward," Francis said.
Puerto Rico coach Jose Juan Bolque also commended the competition as a solid first effort and expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. Organisers described archery as an inclusive sport drawing participants from all walks of life — children, professionals and community members — and as a discipline that builds mental focus and endurance.
Competitors in some divisions shot 60 arrows, testing both concentration and stamina. The federation holds practices Sundays from 3-5 p.m. at the Roger Allen Hodge Softball Park in Sea Cows Bay, where trained coaches provide instruction for newcomers. Results of note included Maxmillian Zurich winning U13 Barebow Compound (129) and Ava Ghiorse topping Jr.
Women categories (161 in one division, 218 in another). In Freestyle Unlimited, Trinidad and Tobago’s Sherwin Francis won Adult Men with 299 points, and Ritseeniyah Georges Buxo claimed Adult Women with 244. Barebow Recurve Adult Men was won by Lohendy Salva (198), Bow Hunter Unlimited Adult Men by Kerry Ottley (278), and Freestyle Recurve Adult Women by Natcha Leon (264).
Junior and youth divisions also produced promising local talent, including Oshane Mason (Jr. Men) and Sebastian Feliciano (Freestyle Unlimited Jr. Federation officials said they will use lessons from the indoor nationals to refine planning for next year’s outdoor competition and to continue expanding participation across the BVI.
Primary source: Island Sun