Statement
Statement by Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley
Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture
Let’s Go For The Gold!
27 September, 2019
Good day and God’s blessings
As I speak, our top level BVI athletes are in Doha, Qatar, to compete in the 2019 International Association of Athletic Federation’s World Championships. Our athletes are having a stellar athletic season, and we send them all our support as they again GO FOR THE GOLD!
Chantel Malone will be going for the gold in the Long Jump. This is on the heels of winning the BVI’s first ever medal in the Pan Am games in Lima, Peru, a gold medal, which she followed with yet another gold while competing in Madrid, Spain. Given Chantel’s recent success, we have high hopes for her in the World Championships, and we will give her a heroine’s welcome when she returns to the BVI, celebrating her Pan Am gold as well as her other accomplishments.
Eldred Henry also will be going for the Gold in Doha. He has had a memorable season, winning the NCAA Division II indoor and outdoor championship for the shot pot, breaking the NCAA Division II record with a throw of 21.47 metres. Eldred is now making the transition from student athlete to professional, and we know he will continue to be successful.
Kyron McMaster is also going for the gold in the 400 Metre Hurdles. Coming off of an injury, Kyron medaled in the 2nd fastest 400 Metre Hurdles in history. With back to back bronze medals in the Diamond League, Kyron is poised to challenge the best in the world for the gold medal!
Athletics helps us to build pride in our beloved homeland! It is providing scholarships and meaningful livelihoods to our talented athletes. It is bringing positive attention to the Virgin Island’s capacity for greatness. Let us celebrate our athletes as they inspire a new generation of podium topping athletic stars. LET’S GO FOR THE GOLD!
God bless our athletes and God bless the BVI!
