International Softball Federation Secretary General Andrew Loechner, presents a gift to BVI Softball Association President Neville "Sheep" Smith. Photo>Dean "The Sportsman" Greenaway

TORTOLA—After launching its talent identification Youth and Jr. league followed by recognizing its athletes for their exploits on the field during the last two seasons, the BVI Softball Association has been praised for its initiatives by International Softball Federation Secretary General Andrew Loechner.

There has been no junior program since 1992 and the sport has been in decline. Loechner said at one time, the territory had one of the best junior programs in the region. “We want it to get that way again with some of the help we want to contribute, with some of the equipment, bringing some clinicians in for the umpires and coaches,” he said. “We want to fulfill our obligations to the BVI Softball Association.”

During the launching of the league that has attracted teams from Tortola and Virgin Gorda, Loechner said he saw a lot of enthusiasm and was surprised by the numbers. “This is great and I’m sure we can help them,” he stated. “We have just opened a training center in the Dominican Republic and we hope to get some of the athletes there to train with our Olympic stars to try to build up the Caribbean.”

Association president Neville “Sheep” Smith—a product of the Jr. league—said things went well. “Overall, I think it was a success,” he said. “There’s a lot of crimes in the BVI and we believe we can mold the youths if they are on the softball field. If they are here, you know where they are and don’t have to ask where they are. We are doing positive things with them.”

Regarding the red carpet dinner, Smith said he was lost for words. “I have to say like the young people, ‘it was the bomb,’ it was really good and the attendance was good, could have been better but things went pretty well,” he noted.

Loechner said it was the most awards he had seen given out at one time and there were a lot of energetic people. “It’s really good that we award the athletes for what they do,” he said. “It seems like a lot of talent here.”

Before collecting her 2007 Golden Glove third base award and Rookie of The Year honors, Jelissa Pottter pitched the Fortis Phillies girls teams from Baughers Bay, past the Harneys Jays from Virgin Gorda, 25-1, in the opening game of the Youth and Jr. League. Maples Marlins of East End, overpowered Virgin Gorda’s Smiths Ferries Astros, 22-15, in the Youth Boys game.

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