Eight to Represent BVI at OECS
Eight swimmers from the British Virgin Islands will compete at the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships in St Vincent & the Grenadines from November 7–9, 2025. The squad includes two first-time OECS competitors and is led by Head Coach and BVI Swimming Federation President Elsworth C. Phillip.
The British Virgin Islands will send an eight-athlete delegation to the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships, scheduled for November 7–9, 2025 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in Ratho Mill, St Vincent and the Grenadines. The team — five girls and three boys — was announced ahead of the regional meet, which brings together swimmers from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
The girls named to the squad are Naya Bissoondutt, Skylar Steer, Evelyn Freeman, Jai Potter and Kayla Potter. The boys selected are William Vergel, Gavril Copaceanu and Arun Bissoondutt. Evelyn Freeman and Gavril Copaceanu will make their OECS Championships debuts, marking an important milestone in their competitive careers.
Phillip, who serves concurrently as Head Coach and President of the BVI Swimming Federation, with Rebecca Nockolds as Assistant Coach. According to Virgin Islands News Online, the BVI returned to the OECS Championships last year after a six-year absence and finished seventh overall.
Kayla Potter secured the territory’s lone medal at that meet, taking silver — a result that helped re-establish the BVI on the regional swimming stage and set a benchmark for the 2025 squad. For BVI residents, the OECS Championships offer more than medals: they are a developmental platform for young swimmers to gain international experience, measure progress against neighbouring islands, and attract attention that can support future training opportunities.
The presence of two debutants on this year’s team underscores growth at the grassroots level and the federation’s focus on expanding competitive depth. The BVI Swimming Federation’s dual role for Elsworth Phillip — as both president and head coach — highlights the organisation’s hands-on approach to preparing athletes.
The federation has been working to restore competitive programmes since the territory’s return to the OECS last year, with community support and local training resources seen as key to sustaining progress. Residents are encouraged to follow results and support the swimmers as they compete regionally.
Performances at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre will give a clear indication of where the territory stands going into future Caribbean and regional meets.
Primary source: VINO