Sports Minister calls on territory to support team BVI

Members of Team BVI for the 20th Caribbean Basketball Confederation Senior Men’s Tournament pose for a picture at a practice session. Photo credit: Mr. Allen Hodge

Roadtown, Tortola - Minister for Education and Culture with responsibility for sports, Honourable Andrew Fahie, is calling the Territory to support Team BVI at the 2009 Caribbean Basketball Confederation Senior Men’s Tournament at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.

His call came at the end of a two-game winning streak after Team BVI beat teams from Bermuda and Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, respectively. The Minister is urging support as Team BVI will play against the team from Cuba today at 9 p.m. who is currently also undefeated.

“In the past two days we have seen Team BVI play basketball at an exceptional level to beat Teams from Bermuda and Antigua and Barbuda. Our toughest competition yet comes tonight when Team BVI meets the undefeated team from Cuba”, he said. “Cuba is a good team, but I believe Team BVI is a great team. I am therefore inviting you to join me in filling the Multipurpose Sports Complex tonight, when the BVI will play Cuba at 9 p.m.”

The Minister also lauded the participation of the crowd and their support for Team BVI saying it has made all the difference.

“Winning for Team BVI in the past two days has not only been about their talent, or their impeccable team work, but the fan support for Team BVI has made all the difference. This higher level of Territory pride has united us. It has transcended all the political, social, economic and cultural boundaries. Although we may be separate fingers, the high level performance of Team BVI over the past two days has made us one as a hand”.  

Finally the Minister is asking the Territory to wear yellow, green or white to match the team uniforms of the BVI at the games and notes that special arrangements have been made to transport residents from Virgin Gorda.

“My people of the Virgin Islands, our team needs us even more now than ever before. Join me tonight at the Multipurpose Complex for all games, but especially for game number four at 9 p.m. Virgin Gordians, I want to see you there! The Premier through the Ministry of Education and Culture has chartered Speedy’s to leave VG at 7 p.m. and returns after the game.  Dress in your yellow or green or white Territory colours and bring your flags, bring your family, bring yourself, bring your Territory pride and let’s rally around the yellow, green and white team! ”. 
                             
The 20th Caribbean Basketball Confederation Senior Men’s Tournament is being hosted in the BVI from June 30 to July 4 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex. The top three teams will advance to Centro basket. The Ministry of Education and Culture is a sponsor of the tournament while it is being administered locally by the BVI Basketball Federation.