John Abramson Jr. has been elected as the new president of the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC), taking over from Ángel Morales, who held the position for 12 years. Abramson was the sole candidate in the election, with his appointment confirmed during the committee’s annual General Assembly. His leadership follows over a decade of experience on the VIOC executive board, where he served as St. Croix vice president (2012-2016) and secretary general (2016-2024).
Abramson is no stranger to the Olympic scene, having been the Chef de Mission for the Virgin Islands’ delegations at key multi-sport events like the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games, the 2015 Pan American Games, and the 2016 Olympic Games. His deep understanding of sports has allowed him to play a vital role in representing and promoting sports development in the region.
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Alongside Abramson, the VIOC executive board has been renewed with a team of experienced sports leaders. Among them, Ansen Sligar takes on the role of secretary general after 12 years on the executive board and his position as Chef de Mission for the 2022 Winter Olympics and 2020 Summer Olympics. Other notable members include Desiree Miranda, who was re-elected as St. Croix vice president, and Natalia Kuipers, the athlete representative and two-time Olympic swimmer.
With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Abramson has also stood out in government and community roles in the Virgin Islands, reinforcing his leadership in promoting sports and wellness in the region. His focus is now on preparing the Virgin Islands for the upcoming Olympic cycle, supported by an executive team dedicated to advancing sports in the local community.
Abramson has also been a strong advocate for youth development and sports initiatives within his community. His commitment to sports is reflected in his involvement with various community organizations and in his role as a part-time professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, where he teaches economics and social sciences. With a vision centered on inclusion and sustainable development, his presidency is expected to drive a new level of participation and enthusiasm for sports among the youth of the Virgin Islands.