CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Office of Senator Janelle Sarauw held a forum to bring awareness to the ongoing issues that are plaguing our student athletes due to the restrictions and limitations on resources as a direct result of the impact of COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic, on the territory.
The forum was “about giving our young student athletes some guidance and direction as it relates to not only competitively pursuing their sport of choice, but how it can be done safely during this unprecedented time – during a pandemic, according to Senator Sarauw.
And for novice athletes, to gain exposure to various sporting options (non/minimal contact) that they may not have otherwise entertained.
The forum was just the beginning of future conversations that will highlight the resources available to our athletes, coaches, and parents, and how the resources can be accessed and utilized during the pandemic.
The Senator extends heartfelt gratitude to the panelists who presented at the forum, to include LaReina Robinson, Livewire Sports; Matthew Mays, VI Olympic Swimming Athlete; James Gardener, Co-founder of Mad Hot Media; Dr. Jerry Smith, Physical Therapist and owner of Therapy Works, LLC; Mark Daniel, Former Coordinator of Health and Physical Education; Allison Bourne-Vanneck, USVI Golf Federation & CEO/Founder of Ocean Prospects; Desiree Miranda, St. Croix IAA Vice President; Steve Parris, District Administrator, VI Little League; Lecia Richmond, STTJ IAA Executive Secretary; Mr. Brad Kappel, Certified Sports Chiropractor and member of the Montessori COVID Task Force; and Charlotte Amalie High School Senior,
Niyana Chesterfield, Varsity Volleyball and Softball player.
“Thank you to the panelists for participating and sharing your insight on this very important matter, providing valuable information that will benefit our student athletes,” Senator Sarauw said. “The forum highlighted an issue that many of our graduating athletes are facing regarding recruiting and
scholarship opportunities – lack of resources and facilities. But more importantly, it allowed for a discussion on how we can fast track some of those resources via networking, for our student athletes who do not necessarily have the time for long-term plans to be implemented – our juniors and seniors. It is my hope that this collaborative meeting by the sports community have shed some light on a plausible direction for students, coaches and parents to ensure the best possible opportunities under the circumstances. In addition, it also provided an opportunity for the individual sport entities to discuss their plans for the overall athletic success of our territory.”
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