The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is working diligently on updating the Virgin Islands National Sports Policy.

To achieve this objective, the department is appealing to the entire community to participate in a survey designed to provide essential data upon which to craft and update the Virgin Islands National Sports Policy.

The survey is comprised of 30 questions about individuals’ involvement in sports, the reasons why they became interested in sports, and where they would like to see the future of sports.

Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye says that she is excited to see further progress on the Virgin Islands National Sports Policy and looks forward to the participation of community members in this very important policy.

She said, “The Virgin Islands National Sports Policy is essential, for the future of sports and recreation in the Territory. It is also an important guide for the athletic community of the Virgin Islands, who are excelling in various disciplines of sports on the world stage.  I am appealing to the community to take a few minutes from your busy schedules and participate by filling the survey.  The survey, is simple and will only take about five minutes to complete.  Participation from the community will not only provide content to assist in the updating and crafting of the policy, but it will show that this community is in support of our athletes.”    

The Virgin Islands National Sports Policy (VINSP) was developed in 2013, and the process included a consultative method in the form of a two-day workshop that included the representatives from sports organisations, sports federations, the BVI Olympic Committee, Physical Education Teachers, members of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and public residents and citizens. A consultant was engaged to prepare the draft which was later finalised by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Virgin Islands National Sports Policy, was passed in Cabinet on 2^nd October in 2013 but not laid in the House of Assembly.

The Virgin Islands National Sports Policy (2013) sought to, among other things, advocate for sports, enhance the capacity for building and promotion, ensuring research and development, promote collaboration with stakeholders, as well as the mobilisation of resources for sports.

The National Sports Policy also identified Priority Areas. These included the establishment of a National Sports Council, physical education in the schools, sports for persons with special needs, athlete development and welfare, national representation, national recognition, sports infrastructure, sports tourism, financing, implementation, measurement and a proposed sports policy institutional framework.

 The Revised Virgin Islands National Sports Policy will seek to address sports in a holistic manner recognising the importance of  the roles of sport development for elite athletes and sports for development (social development, economic development and maintenance of health) towards the overall development of the Virgin Islands.

To take part in the survey, visit the government website at bvi.gov.vg, Facebook or Twitter @BVI Government or simply click on the link

https://forms.gle/FxN37xw5js5wVbNw5