A new chapter of regional sporting collaboration is set to unfold this summer, as Antigua & Barbuda’s national under-20 beach volleyball delegation prepares to depart for St. Kitts & Nevis to take part in a week-long development program and regional championship hosted between July 7 and 12, 2026. The trip has been organized through a coordinated partnership between the Antigua & Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA), the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Eastern Caribbean (ANOCES), and the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC).
The entire week of programming is rooted in a larger regional initiative spearheaded by ANOCES, which aims to unite National Olympic Committees across the Eastern Caribbean to advance athlete development, strengthen cross-border ties, and celebrate shared passion for competitive sport. To expand on this vision, the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) has arranged a full schedule of activities beyond the main championship, including specialized educational and training development programs for coaches and game officials from across the region.
Four young promising athletes will carry Antigua & Barbuda’s flag at the 2026 ECVA Under-20 Beach Volleyball Championship: Miguel Peña Lugo, George Freeland, Philisha Burnette, and Faith Gibson. Their participation has been made possible through the ongoing financial and organizational support from ANOCES and ABNOC, which have prioritized nurturing young sporting talent across the twin-island nation.
Guiding the national contingent throughout the event are head coaches Jamarie James and Rosemarie Simon, who will provide on-court strategy, mentorship, and support as the team goes head-to-head with some of the most talented rising beach volleyball players from across the Eastern Caribbean region.
Leaders of ABAVA have publicly extended their gratitude to ANOCES for its ongoing work to build meaningful, long-lasting sporting partnerships across the Eastern Caribbean. As the delegation prepares for travel to St. Kitts & Nevis, officials from all three organizing bodies have extended well wishes to the team, wishing athletes and coaches safe travels and competitive success at the championship.
Organizers have noted that beyond competition, the week is designed to deliver valuable skill-building opportunities, foster friendly spirited rivalries between young athletes, and create lasting cross-regional connections, as Antigua & Barbuda’s young talent showcases their abilities on the regional sporting stage.