Road Town, Tortola - Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie, accompanied by other Government officials and friends, welcomed the Special Olympics Football Team with great fanfare and pride as they returned home from the Latin American Special Olympics Games, held in Puerto Rico in February.

The team, which placed fourth at the games, arrived at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Sunday and was received by Honourable Andrew Fahie who congratulated them for their stellar performance.

Minister Fahie commended the team members for doing their best. “I am extremely proud of all of you and you are all winners because you went out there and did your best,” he said, adding, “This being your first international event and for ranking as high as you did, you are worthy of all the praises because you did an excellent job.”

The minister also commended Education Officer Ms. Lorna Dawson, National Director, Special Olympics BVI Mrs. Allison Knights Bramble and Managing Director, BVI Watersports Centre Mr. Colin Bramble for their contribution and dedication in the area of special needs and for their work with the children. He also praised the hard work and commitment of the coaches, parents and teachers.

Territorial Representative Mrs. Irene Penn O’Neal also welcomed the team with great enthusiasm and congratulated them for their great performance. “Well done athletes you made us proud and you are very special indeed,” she said.

The team played an evaluation game with the St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia teams. During the official games they played with teams from Colombia, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. In their final game, the BVI team battled Puerto Rico for the bronze with the Puerto Rican team winning three goals to one. Venezuela captured the gold medal while Colombia won the silver.

Seven young people represented the Territory in this grand sporting event: Ali Davis from BVI Services, Delroy Gordon from BVI Technical and Vocational Institute, Akeem David, Brandon Foxe and Zva Vern Adams from Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, Glenford Gordon from Horizon Yacht Charters and Jamie Murray. Missing from the team was Kenton Lettene from Virgin Gorda who is recovering from a broken foot. The delegation was led by Ms. Lorna Dawson accompanied by Alison Knights Bramble, Lenroy Henry and Kayron Todman.

Special Olympics BVI was launched on June 28, 2009 and was appointed a fully accredited programme in December of that year.