Virgin Islands Olympic Committee asks Legislature for $500,000; officials say FY2025 allotment has not been released

The Virgin Islands Olympic Committee asked the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on July 16 to appropriate $500,000 for fiscal 2026, saying the territory's support is critical for athletes, federations and upcoming international competitions.

"The VIOC is committed to supporting our athletes in their training and sending them to represent The Virgin Islands in international competitions," John Abramson Jr., president of the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee, told senators. He said the committee requests $500,000 rather than the $300,000 the executive branch has proposed.

The committee provided detail on how funds are used. Abramson said VIOC supports 24 national federations, pays training grants and travel for qualifiers and major games, and provides direct monthly support to elite athletes. Abramson said the VIOC currently provides roughly $3,000 per month to each elite athlete and that about 12 athletes are receiving that support.

Why it matters: VIOC officials said government support is a significant part of their operating resources and helps federations prepare athletes for the Pan American, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) and Olympic events. Senators pressed for specifics about how prior allotments were spent and whether outstanding requests have been filed and processed.

Committee members repeatedly asked why the Olympic Committee's FY2025 allotment had not arrived. Abramson said VIOC submitted the request and had received no correspondence after submission. Later in the hearing the committee chair reported that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) told the committee it had not received a request from the VIOC.

VIOC officials said the organization has relied on a mix of restricted local funds, donations and international sport-body grants to continue operations. Abramson told senators the IOC and Pan American Sports Organization provide a majority of the VIOC's external funding; he said Pan Am Sports awarded a $40,000 grant and that the IOC provides substantial annual assistance used, in part, to fund federations and athlete programs.

Senators and VIOC leaders discussed amounts and priorities. Abramson said the VIOC provided $340,955 to federations last year and $175,637 so far this fiscal year; he said many federation requests remain pending for competitions this summer and fall. Senators asked about operating-line items, including training budgets, office equipment and the committee's reserve accounts. Abramson said VIOC maintains a reserve and has used it as a holdover until government funds arrive.

VIOC representatives also outlined facility plans and recent grant awards. Abramson said the committee secured a $400,000 Pan Am Sports grant for design work on a permanent multisport facility that would house VIOC offices and double as a FEMA-designated shelter. He said FEMA and local agencies have been engaged and that required documents have been submitted.

What did not happen: The Legislature did not vote on an appropriation during the hearing. Senators said they would examine the budget markup process and the availability of funds, and one senator said he had contacted OMB for a status update.

What's next: Senators said they expect to revisit the VIOC request during budget markup. Committee members asked the VIOC to supply additional, line-item financial detail so lawmakers can evaluate personnel costs, fringe and program support before finalizing allocations.

Ending note: VIOC leaders asked the committee to consider restoring a higher appropriation to avoid turning away federations and to ensure timely travel and training for athletes preparing for regional and international competition.