Government Agencies Battle at Brewers Beach

By Nyomi Gumbs
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Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, Office of Disaster Recovery and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s “Team Resilient” take the trophy for best time captured during the tricycle race. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, Office of Disaster Recovery and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency’s “Team Resilient” take the trophy for best time captured during the tricycle race. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

Government agencies from far and wide descended upon Brewers Beach Saturday for the fifth annual Battle of the Agencies event hosted by the Government of the Virgin Islands Wellness Program and sponsored by CIGNA.

Wendy Giron Bailey representing the “Working Resources” DPNR and DPW team makes quite the fashion statement in her vibrant and colorful team shirt. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Wendy Giron Bailey representing the “Working Resources” DPNR and DPW team makes quite the fashion statement in her vibrant and colorful team shirt. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Team members lining the street showed support to the participants . (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Team members lining the street showed support to the participants. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

Eager participants braved the blistering sun to compete in a range of activities, from classic three-legged races, with some pairs finding that three legs weren’t always better than two, to the hilariously chaotic dizzy bat relay, obstacle course challenges and more!

And we’re off! Agency heads come barreling down the hill for the tricycle competition. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
And we’re off! Agency heads come barreling down the hill for the tricycle competition. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

“The GVI has a number of different health and wellness events that we host throughout the year, and Battle of the Agencies is definitely one of our larger ones,” shared Ladee Shanna Martin, Division of Personnel Wellness program coordinator. “We love seeing the camaraderie, good energy, and everyone coming together to get active and have a fun time; there’s really something for everybody at these events.”

Participants in the water balloon challenge tried to delicately catch the balloons and run to the finish line without getting soaked. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Participants in the water balloon challenge tried to delicately catch the balloons and run to the finish line without getting soaked. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Aariyah Athanase from WAPA’s “We Got the Power” team is all smiles, as she roots for her team members. ( Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Aariyah Athanase from WAPA’s “We Got the Power” team is all smiles, as she roots for her team members. ( Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

After an all-day affair of music, laughter, food, and heated competition, the University of the Virgin Islands emerged as the winner, taking home the crown as the St. Thomas 2024 Battle of the Agency champions. In second place was the Education Department.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Calvert White, commissioner of the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department preparing to present one of the winning teams with an award. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Calvert White, commissioner of the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department preparing to present one of the winning teams with an award. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

Next up is the St. Croix Battle of the Agencies which is set to take place at Cramer’s Park on April 20. For more information on upcoming events and wellness initiatives, visit the GVI Wellness Program website at https://www.gviwellness.org/.