The 2016 Industrial Volleyball League season is off to a good start following its launch last week at the Multipurpose Complex with 12 teams representing both public and private organisations.

The league is a collaborative effort of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (DYAS) and the BVI Volleyball Association.

At the opening ceremony on September 24, DYAS Acting Director, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye said, “It is good to see so many teams involved and I wish you all a successful league where not only competition is tight but teamwork and camaraderie are high…I invite the community and sports lovers to come out and support all the teams.”

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye explained that the league is being held in tandem with the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Healthy Lifestyles initiative and the Sports Policy’s ‘Sports for All’ objectives, adding, “A healthier Virgin Islands is possible and together we can make it happen.”

Regarding the rebranding of DYAS, the Acting Director said, “The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports has a new vision - empowering youth to succeed and fostering a holistic sporting environment. Therefore, our role is to use sports as a tool for national development and fostering wider community involvement.”

Mrs. Lettsome-Tye commended members of her team including Sports Officers, Ms. Sharlene Hill and Mr. Terrence Chinnery.

Ms. Hill was commended for her passion which made the league “a reality” and Mr. Chinnery was commended as he “continues to enhance community involvement in sports through softball”.

Last night’s matches were with Game On, RTW Vipers, Public Servers, SSB Investors, FSC Regulators, DMV, NBVI Warriors, Medics, MF Rough Cut and PWD Pavers.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to ‘Creating a Culture of Excellence’ through the development and promotion of sports.