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| Puerto Rico’s Victor Lopez, left, President of the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Confederation, Rey O'Neal, BVI Amateur Athletics Association founding member (President 1970-73 and 1978-2003) and IAAF area representative Jamaica’s Neville “Teddy” McCook, at the inauguration of the new Mondo track. Photo>Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway |
TORTOLA—The British Virgin Islands’ eight lane Mondo track was inaugurated on Thursday, as the small British Territory became the 28th member of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation to have such a facility that is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Fittingly, the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships 60 meters bronze medalist Taheisa Harigan, who made the territory—with a population just over 25,000 the smallest to win a medal at that level—was among visiting dignitaries, government and local officials and the general public, attending the track’s inauguration that coincided with the return of the Elmore Stoutt High School inter-house athletic competition for the first time since 2004.
“Today we celebrate three historic events rolled into one occasion. The dedication of the rubberized track, the celebration of our national hero Tahesia Harrigan and the resumption of inter-house athletics championships,” said Fifth District Legislative
Representative Elvis “Jughead” Harrigan. “Location notwithstanding, cost notwithstanding and delays notwithstanding, I am pleased that this day is finally here. With the opening of this certified IAAF world class rubberized track, the BVI would be able to host regional meets and would give our athletes the opportunity to train and excel beyond their wildest dreams.”
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| Premier Ralph T. O'Neal--a founding member of the BVI Olympic Committee--makes a presentation to Taheisa Harrigan. Photo>Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway |
IAAF area representative Jamaica’s Neville “Teddy” McCook, brought greetings on behalf of IAAF President Lamie Diack, who has mandated the reps of the six regions in the athletics family ensure such facilities are in place by 2011.
“Of the 32 federations in the North American, Caribbean and Central American region, this contribution makes it only four now that are without such a facility,” McCook noted. “I thank the Government and the people of the British Virgin Islands for making this possible. I hope the facility will be used to the benefit, not only for the development of the sport in the BVI, but, you would make it available to your colleagues in the region where you have an opportunity now to bring them together for regional championships.”
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| Representatives of the 1st BVI team to travel to international competition in 1970. L-R: Robert Mathavious, Jacquline Richardson, Velma Warner, Juliette Penn and Eric Mathias Sr. Photo>Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway |
Puerto Rico’s Victor Lopez, President of the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Confederation said the inauguration of the facility is a historic occasion. “Puerto Rico, my country, has over 78 track and field facilities. Only one that opened in May 2006, compare to this facility, certified by the IAAF to host international competitions. Congratulations, British Virgin Islands. This is a memorable event.” Lopez said
With the facility’s opening coinciding with the resumption of the Elmore Stoutt High School inter-house athletics championships, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Andrew Fahie said the having the facility opened for those who are participating in the championships, is an opportunity to go on to greater things.
“After a number of years without the inter-house competition, I’m pleased that this long awaited event is finally taking place once again,” he said. “This sporting event has been one of the most anticipated activities on the education system of this territory. It has been the
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| O'Neal House Cheerleeders completing one of their routines. Photo>Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway |
catalyst for many students, who have and are presently making their marks in different levels of competition at both the national and international levels.”
The Sports Minister paid tribute to BVI Amateur Athletics Association vice president Rey O’Neal—an association founding member who served as president from 1970-73 and 1978-2003. O’Neal who was inducted into the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation in 2003, was the first BVI High School Lincoln House master from 1969-1977 and had the house renamed in his honor last month.
“Today, they are making their first appearance as O’Neal House in honor of Rey O’Neal who has made outstanding contributions in track and field in this country,” Fahie said. “Congratulations to you Mr. O’Neal, for the honor bestowed on you-it’s really deserving.”
Premier Ralph O’Neal said getting the rubberized track ready, was something being looked forward to. “I encourage people to use the track and take good care of it,” O’Neal said. “I walked on it this morning for the first time and I said I’m walking on sacred ground. It gives me great pleasure to officially declare the eight lane rubberized track at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds officially opened.”
