Drew is from Newton, New Jersey and loves the outdoors. Camping and hiking are among his many interests, which is part of the reason why he was chosen to help Black Beard Sports kick-start itself into the media sector. Drew has already begun his work here in Vieques and will be getting his PADI dive certification by the end of the week. He has been tasked with creating a video that displays everything Black Beard has to offer. That means he’s going to film biking, snorkeling AND diving tours that he will eventually turn into a documentary of Black Beard’s tours and services. This documentary is going to be played on a continuous loop in the rooms at the W Hotel. Drew will also be updating the website with new videos of the week so you can see what we’re up to here on the island. Not only that, but you’ll be hearing from him personally as he bloggs about his experiences through the Black Beard Sports website.

We are so excited to have him!

The course was held the 23rd of September 2011 in the Plaza between the hours of 1-3 pm. Attendance was slow initially as the word had not gotten around despite posters being placed strategically. By the end of the course; however, 10 had signed up and 6 bikes were repaired. Parts and technical assistance were provided free of charge.

The lack of youth activities prompted us to create different strategies to enable children and their families to draw the youth into constructive activities. We at Black Beard Sport would like to encourage cycling as a means of local sustainable transport and promote cycling as an alternative to medication for the mitigation of obesity, heart disease and depression.

Congratulations to Albert Colon winner of the event.  Albert ran the course in 26:25 minutes! Shaving last years results by one minute!

This year Black Beard Sports introduced  electronic timing and computerized result tabulation resulting in real time result posting . This technology is the first for Vieques sports. Black Beard Sports at the forefront of Vieques Sports! ARRRRRGHHHHHHH!!!!

Los Potros have become an icon to the Viequense community as they are followed where ever they go.  This time they were able to enjoy the fights live through webstreaming.  This pilot effort was brought to you by Black Beards Sports in an attempt to have The Potros image be recognized in Puerto Rico and also in the amateur circles in US.

Although we suffered technical problems on Friday, in which the image was frozen or still, the community could still hear what was happening.  The fights were viewed by family and friends from New York, New Jersey, Florida and Texas.

“This pilot transmission serves as experience as to how we can improve and mange future events for the benefit of our youth and our community” expressed Bryan Jahnke, Black Beard Sports owner.  “We are in the process of looking for ways of improving the quality of the image, the equipment and sound”.

“The true constant in this experience; however, has been the dedication and compromise of the trainers, boxers and unwavering support from the Viequense people.  Stay tuned for more to come!” the owner reaffirmed.

1.  Quote from biographer Gary Poole.

We bid goodbye to Clio Rosa and Dwayne Graves both who are returning to their respective homes in the USA.Clio will return to Connecticut and Dwayne to South Carolina.  Clio served as retail consultant at the W hotel and Dewey served as BBS vehicle maintenance and mechanic for our fleet of vehicles and bicycles.  We wish them the best in their new endeavours.

Leaving us is also Matt Muse.  Matt, the forever charismatic fellow, not only served as retail consultant;  but also assisted with our IT set up and remote computers .  Matt  will be refocusing his efforts with his local mission. He will not go far as he will be remain living on Vieques.

Joining the BBS ranks are Blaine Williams, Heber Arreola and Francisco Valentin.  Blaine and Heber are assigned to BBS W hotel and will complement BBS W Tour operations.   Frank is taking over vehicle maintenance.

We wish to extend our congratulations to Charlie Peterson on successfully completing his instructor examination and  becoming our latest PADI Open Water  Dive Instructor! Well done Charlie!

Above: Young athletes sponsored by Black Beard Sports in training. See the article in El Nuevo Día

This new sports season is due to the massive efforts by Sports and Recreation staff, parents of many of the children and volunteers who wish to claim our youth back and engage them in activities that promote confidence and self worth.   To capitalize on this momentum, the need for volunteers is greater than ever.

Volunteering in our community is crucial to bringing people, businesses, and needs together.  There are many opportunities right here in our neighborhoods and communities.    Volunteers are needed in different disciplines:  Little League Baseball, Female Softball all ages, Volleyball and Basketball.   Volunteers are needed to serve as coaches and assistants to direct practices and officiate games.

“When I was young, I used to practice sports year round” Abdel Guadalupe, Director of Sports and Recreation, reminisces.  “I went from practicing one sport right into another”.  “We are trying re-establish the sports cycle by integrating the school physical classes and summer programs so we can continue feeding players into the different disciplines. “ We will speak only one language-SPORTS!”.

This month we saw the start of Little Leagues, a basketball tournament, soccer in the different schools and female softball in the Parks of Monte Santo and Esperanza.

Community leaders play an important role in linking the community and families.  Leaders help inspire and help the young people from our most distressed neighborhoods to recognize their full potential as productive citizens.

Next time you drive by a recreation facility, take time to look around.  The fields are kept, the buildings are painted, and our youth is playing sports.  If you wish to volunteer, contact Guadalupe at Sports and Recreation, or Gladys@blackbeardsports.com