OLYMPIC TORCH PASSES THROUGH BVI HOUSE
Friday August 3, 2012
In an invited comment, Director of the BVI London Office Mr. Kedrick Malone said, “History was made when the Olympic torch made its appearance at BVI House, which I know brought the spirit of the Games a little closer to home.” – BVI House, the Territory’s first National Olympic House, received a very special visit last week from Olympic Torch bearer Ms. Holly Holmes at the 9th Annual Art and Culture Show and Territory Day reception; setting the tone for BVI House’s upcoming Olympic activities.
He further commented, “This year’s Art and Culture Show and Territory Day reception was special in that we were celebrating in the Territory’s first National Olympic House. I believe through this event and our planned Olympic activities, we will give the Territory maximum exposure during the Games that will help to raise our profile globally.”
In his official message for the London art show, Premier and Minister of Finance D. Orlando Smith, OBE congratulated BVI’s Olympic athletes Mrs. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and Mr. J’maal Alexander, stating, “I know you will make us all proud.” He also saluted the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) for its support to all athletes.
BVIOC President Mr. Ephraim Penn told art show attendees, “We worked hard to get all of our athletes in position to qualify for the Games…We are immensely proud that Mrs. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, a world class sprinter, and up and coming sprinter Mr. J’maal Alexander, will be representing the Territory this year and we stand fully behind them.”
He also commended Misses Chantelle Malone, Ashley Kelly and Karene King who did not qualify, adding that the BVIOC is proud of their effort.
Speaking to the London gathering, Mrs. Harrigan-Scott said, “I have had a rough season, but I am excited that things are picking up. I will represent the Territory to the best of my ability.”
Her colleague, Mr. Alexander remarked, “It is a great experience to compete in the Olympics while you are young. It has exposed me to what is required to compete at the highest level and I will be fully prepared for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.”
As part of the Olympic activities planned, BVI residents and supporters are invited to BVI House to watch the Games on a large plasma screen television and cheer on the BVI Olympic team. The 2012 London Olympic Games began on Friday with archery competitions.
The Annual BVI Art and Culture Show and Territory Day Reception on July 24 featured a collection by 12 local artists, titled, “Nature’s Little Secrets: The Artists’ Perspective”. The show also featured a BVI Olympic History Display.
The event attracted a wide spectrum of visitors and was attended by more than 80 guests, including UK Government officials, Members of the House of Commons, High Commissioners, financial industry representatives, BVI residents and students in London, Hertfordshire County officials and many others.
The Art and Culture Show is in line with Government’s mandate to offer local artists exposure via the BVI House, in addition to the enhancement and promotion of local arts and cultural expressions.