A new chapter of Caribbean youth basketball is about to open, and Dominica’s under-23 3×3 national basketball team has already set off for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to compete in the first ever ANOCES U23 3×3 Championship. This groundbreaking tournament marks a key milestone for 3×3 basketball development across the Caribbean region, bringing together emerging young talent from across the area.
The departure of the Dominican delegation was officially confirmed in a press statement issued by the Dominica Amateur Basketball Association (DABA). The association noted that the team left the island brimming with ambition and excitement, ready to carry the pride of Dominica onto the regional competition court. For the entire Caribbean basketball community, this event is far more than just a tournament – it is a transformative moment designed to highlight the region’s most promising rising players, strengthen cross-island sporting bonds, and accelerate the expansion of 3×3 basketball across the Caribbean.
In the lead-up to the first tip-off, DABA extended formal greetings and well wishes to all competing teams, event officials, organizing committees, and institutional partners that have contributed to making this historic tournament a reality. The association also took the opportunity to recognize the key leaders who turned the idea of the championship into a real event. First, it highlighted the outsized contributions of Velly, General Secretary of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), praising his unwavering commitment and strategic leadership that shepherded the championship from planning to execution.
DABA also singled out the President of the St. Kitts Basketball Association, identifying him as the core visionary and driving force behind the entire ANOCES 3×3 initiative. According to the association, his persistent efforts and long-term vision for regional basketball have consistently pushed the sport to grow and advance across every corner of the Caribbean.
Beyond regional leaders, DABA expressed sincere gratitude to two key host and supporting institutions. First, the association thanked the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee and the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee for their extensive preparation work and warm hospitality extended to all participating delegations. It also offered public recognition to the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), which has covered the full cost of Dominica’s team participation in the championship. DABA emphasized that ongoing support from the DOC remains an indispensable foundation for Dominican athletes, opening doors for them to compete at elite regional and international tournaments that would otherwise be out of reach.
DABA’s leadership, including the association’s president, also celebrated the hard work and dedication of Dominica’s own athletes and coaching staff, who have put in months of rigorous preparation ahead of the competition. Officials stressed that events like this inaugural ANOCES championship offer irreplaceable value for young athletes, exposing them to high-level competitive play and creating long-term development opportunities that will serve them throughout their sporting careers.
The full Dominican delegation for the championship includes four competing players: Karim Daniel, Andel Olivacee, Yawani Regis, and Rene Williams. Yannick Regis will take on the role of head coach for the team, while Yehudi John will serve as a tournament official representing Dominica.
“As the competition begins, may this inaugural championship foster unity, sportsmanship, friendship, and excellence both on and off the court,” the association shared in its closing statement. DABA ended its announcement by extending warm wishes to Team Dominica, hoping the delegation will gain a rewarding, successful and memorable experience competing in the British Virgin Islands.