Dominica will compete at Sochi 2014

Angelica and Gary di Silvestri will represent Dominica at the games. Photo courtesy  Gary di Silvestri
Angelica and Gary di Silvestri will represent Dominica at the games. Photo courtesy Gary di Silvestri

Dominica’s participation in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia has been sealed, according to general secretary of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), Thomas Dorsett.

He said president of the DOC, Felix Wilson, left the island on Wednesday to attend the event.

Gary di Silvestri, a 46-year-old originally from Staten Island, N.Y., and his wife, Angelica Morrone di Silvestri, 48, born and raised in Italy, will compete for Dominica at the games.

They are both Dominican citizens.

They had qualified to take part in the games but were awaiting final accreditation.

The two athletes will compete in cross country skiing at the event.

Gary di Silvestri will compete in the men’s 15 km classical, while his wife will participate in the women’s 10 km classical.

Dominica’s participation in the games has it genesis in late 2012 when the International Olympic Committee approached the DOC asking it if it had any athletes to enter into the games.

The DOC contacted the Silvestris, knowing they were skiers.

The Silvestris then created the Dominica Ski Federation “from scratch” and managed to qualify for the Games. Gary qualified in late 2013 and his wife January 2014.

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be held from February 7 to 23.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

57 Comments

  1. dominican
    February 17, 2014

    Highly embarrassing ,qt their sge I did not expect anything else, that explains why they did not represent their own country.Nonetheless Dominica was featured.

  2. Louis Harding
    February 9, 2014

    Rich husband and wife – Bought their way to the games. To some, might be an interesting story, but to the majority of the world who work to prevent commercialization of the games, this is an embarrassment. They are taking up space, tying up resources (security, officials, infrastructure, etc.), and stealing glory from REAL athletes. Has happened before and sadly, will happen again. To Mr. And Mrs. DI Silvestri, enjoy your time at Sochi as the rest of the world laughs at you.

    • Tetemorne I From..
      February 11, 2014

      OH SHUSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!

  3. Zuma
    February 2, 2014

    Celine Dion represented Switzerland at the Euro vision some years ago and won. she is not Swiss,

    Just Google the movie *Rasta rocket*, and this should inspire you

  4. phil me
    February 2, 2014

    thanks for being there for us

  5. CONSCIOUS
    February 1, 2014

    To me it is not just skiing. Questions: Did they buy the citizenship and how long ago? Did they fail to place with the American association? How much money Dominica get or how much money is Dominica going to get. Who is paying for Felix trip? Is it the people of Dominica? Well representative enjoy yourself while you are laughing at our children who do not have the opportunity. What is Dominica getting from the couple in return. Dominica is already known. It on the black list. How does Dominica has an association? We have no snow in the Caribbean. Why didn’t the country send at least five youth to train probably by the same people who are going to represent this country.

  6. live n let live
    February 1, 2014

    Oh God,make one of them win a meadel please.
    i wander what would be the comments here.
    Dominicans get with the programe,the world is not remote like befor,
    The reason why we so bitter in Dominica,because we spend too much time being negative,we even forget how to be nice.It so sad.

  7. Yes I
    February 1, 2014

    yeah hee yeah hee! free passports to all foreigners available here!
    come one come all.

    This is ridiculous and laughable

  8. Ideall
    January 31, 2014

    I will be watching to see my flag flying high at the winter olympics, who cares if they were not born in DA ? They are now Domiican citizens, so proud to have representatives at the winter olympics for the very first time..Good luck you two make us proud

  9. For Richer Or Poorer
    January 31, 2014

    True we have no snow in Dominica but don’t we have 100 thousands Dominicans living in countries that have snow. Many ski and skate. So maybe it is time the younger ones take it up not only as recreational.

    Did you not see some UWP candidates who were one week in Dominica and the next posing by a picture background decked in winter boots and winter coats, gloves and hats? Did they buy these winter clothing hoping another visit will come soon or Dominicans loaned it to them because we have not winters in Dominica so no one can expect visiting Dominicans to have winter clothing.

    I hope we do not see them walking around Dominica like mad men dress like that. Did any one slip on the ice or were they real troupers? Where are the other pictured.

  10. Met Ve Ye
    January 31, 2014

    Congrats to Angelica and Gary. No hard feelings about who represents us at the winter games, but what about the Summer Games. Like typical Dominican Politicians, the secretary and President are on bla blaing… Soon on their CV first DOC president to attend Winter Games.
    What has Thomas Dorsette and Felix done for the true development of athletes since their last impasse with the majority of its members. God is a good God. Things must change for the betcterment of God’s children.

  11. Sports Fan
    January 31, 2014

    Let’s look on the positive side.
    This is an opportunity for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora (North America, Europe, etc.) to get involved in the sport of Skiing. Dominica now has a Skiing Association which is affiliated to its International Federation. So Diaspora people, since you live in the countries where the conditions are right for the sport, please get in touch with the President/Secretary of the Dominica Skiing Association and register to be members and move to develop the sport so we can have more participation at future Winter Games. Dominicans at home can register as well, as there may certainly be vacancies on the Executive Committee of this local Association now or in the near future. You can get the President’s address online. Just “google it”.

    • Simply the Truth
      February 1, 2014

      The primary intentions of those who migrated to those countries was to work. They really had no time to even consider skiing.
      The young ones who were born in these countries have the opportunity to skate and ski. My nieces and nephews did just that especially skating at a young age.
      Skiing is primarily an adult sport. To this day I wished that I at least skated. It is a good sport and an excellent form of exercise. It is never too late for those who have the time and can take the time to do so. In this manner, they also could enjoy the winter months. Skaters and skiers do.

    • anonymous2
      February 1, 2014

      I hope that you are also going to send them money because skiing is a very expensive sport

  12. RastarMarn
    January 31, 2014

    Allyou is something else yeh is dem same people dat come brining allyou forefathers d bible to hold, and took allyou land from under allyou!!!

    These people should be ridiculed for the mis representation they are attempting to present while laughing all the way,,,

    Why don’t they go represent their own land/village/country where they came from???

    • Zuma
      February 2, 2014

      brother man… you r entitled to your opinion but thanks for allowing me to comment… please Google the movie Rasta rocket. its with a group of Jamaicans.. there was a white man supporting them with their quest to win…he took nothing from them but gave them the will to win and to realize a dream…. stop the hatred and the animosity its not good for your health .. look on the bright side

  13. Simply the Truth
    January 31, 2014

    Now that all is finalized, good luck to you. Many of us Dominicans worldwide will be viewing the Olympics and prodding you on to victory.

  14. Bryant John-Baptiste
    January 31, 2014

    It’s sadden me to read such negative comments on these two people who are going to the Winter Olympic Games to represent Dominica. It’s seems some Dominicans doesn’t now the world they live in. Whenever there’s worldwide sporting events taking place I’m always looking out for the Dominican Flag. Be Proud of your country and maybe the rest of world might take note of Comm of Dominica and not Dominican Republic

  15. Surething
    January 30, 2014

    Glad to see more positive than negative comments here. Good luck to the couple. Dominicans need all the publicity they can get, especially to stop us getting confused with the Dominican Republic. Is it any wonder that Dominica lags behind the rest of the world. We are so backward! Our heads are buried up our …. that we can’t see any opportunity for progress. Once again, well done to the couple.

  16. CHARMER
    January 30, 2014

    Why do some people turn everything to negative. I see it as they showing some patriotism for having Dominican citizenship.

  17. Me again
    January 30, 2014

    Congratulations are in order…

  18. Plan Dominque
    January 30, 2014

    This is laughable. We do not have snow so why are we seeking representation at a winter Olympics?Just to satisfy the ego of some foreigner with dual citizenship and to have our country name mentioned at an international event? what if someone says I would like to come to this country to further my skiing talent what will be our response. This to my mind is bad publicity in the final analysis. we should only promote that which we can offer. This sounds fake to me, pretending to be what we are not on the international stage. And do not tell me that they are paying their way.

    • Teresa
      January 31, 2014

      Bro, always try to find good in life. It does wonders for your health. Their action isn’t hurting anyone and if it serves to “big up” DA on the global stage, then how can that be a minus. JA doesn’t have snow, but they have bobsleders and have had in the past, and I for one will cheer them on. So lift your head, open your eyes, sun is shining, enjoy the positive!!

    • zouk
      January 31, 2014

      you are a complete idiot

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      They were asked to participate and they accepted. They passed the test and they will be participating.
      No snow in Dominica? Who cares? Hang in there. The way the world is going including the climate, someday, Dominica may very well have snow instead of a tropical climate. Strange things do happen.

    • winston warrington
      January 31, 2014

      Jamaica has a bobsled team!

      • Stuppes
        February 2, 2014

        With natural born Jamaicans!

    • Interested
      January 31, 2014

      So must we have snow to take part in Winter Olympics. What if it was two Dominicans who were professional skiers living overseas, would that make you feel better. Jamaica is being represented in the Bob Sleigh event, but there is no Bob Sleighing in Jamaica. So what is your point.

    • what
      January 31, 2014

      This comment is just from an ignorant mind…Jamaica competes in the bobsled race and became famous for it, even had a movie made about it ……..does it snow in Jamaica?…………….you my friend are laughable

  19. Erasmus B. Black
    January 30, 2014

    So much for tourism! Chechen rebel leaders in Russia have likened the Sochi Olympics to “satanic dances on the bones of our Muslim ancestors” and have vowed to derail them. CNN has announced that the US Military will have 2 warships on standby in the Black Sea as well as several transport aircraft ready under a contingency plan to evacuate American officials and athletes if the need arises. It is the responsibility of the Government of Dominica to protect its citizens where ever they may be so it is hoped that they also have a contingency plan in place to protect our athletes in Sochi.

    Best regards to the di Silvestri’s in their quest for Olympic glory on behalf of Dominica, their island home. Hope that when the games are over, they will return to continue their philanthropic work not “mostly in other Caribbean islands” this time but with particular emphasis on Dominica. If their philanthropy is significant enough, who knows, their passports may be upgraded to diplomatic and they may even be appointed Honorary Consular Representatives to Italy or Co-Ambassadors for Sports. The precedent exists. Paolo Zampoli, another Italian “entrepreneur” was appointed Ambassador of Oceans of the Commonwealth of Dominica. His profile can be viewed on Wikipedia.

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      Have you heard of the black widow? She dresses in black. She is a dangerous woman and is out for revenge. The Russian authorities are on the lookout for her lest she causes harm.

  20. by de way
    January 30, 2014

    Wey, WEY!! this will leave me to doubt the citizen of my island. imagine reading an article about a drug bust or deportation from the united states, some one who may may be said to be a national of dominica but Dominica Republic is pretty close, that person could be well holding our passports……….lol………just a rough comment

  21. yah who?
    January 30, 2014

    Well look on the bright side it’s some exposure for Dominica and they can’t get any racial profiling in Russia. I always looked at skiing as a Caucasian man’s sport. Wish em luck and all the best.

  22. anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    well done congrats////// go online an check sport persons who have fly the flag of other ,
    before you say things .do you know what it like see your flag flying on the world stage

  23. hope
    January 30, 2014

    I’m are well bread and buttered Dominican, enjoying two of both worlds. DOMINICA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I make the money in the USA, living legally, and come to my country and spend some of that money and bring revenue to the country legally. I send barrels, money, etc, to my friends and family. I love my DOMINICA, AND I LOVE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. One love, Go Dominican/American Go.

    Lets stop hatred and pettiness and move on. The world is moving, times are changing, so lets move in and don’t be stuck in the mud.

  24. hope
    January 30, 2014

    Too bad, they have citizenship already, they have the skills, they have the money, let them go represent Dominica. They at least will put Dominica on the map. The young generation in Dominica just want to smoke, drink, do drugs and kill each other, too bad.

    A lot of us are too ungrateful. We and some of us Dominicans are Citizens in other peoples countries, so exchange is no robbery, once they and we get the Citizenships the right way. The world is not big anymore, so people can travel and live where they are wanted and feel comfortable. Go Dominica Go.

  25. January 30, 2014

    Some Dominicans are such morons. Sometimes they make you wonder whether ther are any Dominicans anywhere else in the world. Congratulations to the couple and may they bring home gold.

  26. Wow
    January 30, 2014

    Let’s Go! Team DA!!

  27. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    These two non-native Dominicans are more patriots than all the evil-minded anti-Dominica folks who comment on DNO and other fora trying to forever put Dominica in a negative light. Go for the gold, and even if you do not get there, just your presence alone and the worldwide press which the country will receive would have worth your sacrifice.

  28. Cocoa Tea
    January 30, 2014

    When you all criticising Skerrit for the citizenship programme, just remember who started it: Mamo, Dame Eugenia Charles. It was then “re-engineered” by the UWP and was inherited by the DLP.

    People wailing “Dominica should be more developed…it should be like Singapore”. But when you get the place more cosmopolitan by opening up citizenship, they vex. What do Dominicans REALLY Want?

    • Tetemorne I From..
      February 11, 2014

      “What do they want?” Maybe they want dem to go and play rounders? You just cannot please these people!

  29. me
    January 30, 2014

    It’s better than not having anybody go at all… they are helping to put DA on the map and are quite likely to get media coverage for it.

  30. Curious
    January 30, 2014

    Great news. Good luck. Do they still have US citizenship.

  31. OK
    January 30, 2014

    who are these people? how did they came to represent Dominica? Are they residents of Dominica? I don’t understand can someone explain???????? I thought to represent a country in the olympics etc one of the requirement is that you have to be a citizen of the country.How did Mr and Mrs Staten Island became citizens??????? Hmmmmmmmm ?????????

    • LIMP
      January 31, 2014

      Oh! I see you did not read the article, hence your questions. Well let me tell you something, I do not have the time to explain it to you at the moment so what I can advice you is go read the article and get the answers

    • jerry
      January 31, 2014

      Read before you write :!:

  32. Thinker
    January 30, 2014

    When will the stupid DLP govt stop selling/ giving away our Passports?

    • Anonymous
      January 30, 2014

      Why don”t you just shut up!!!!

    • joseph
      January 30, 2014

      When the U.S, France ,England and other countries stop allowing Dominicans to become citizens. My point is this, Dominicans want special treatment while abroad but never want to show visitors/ naturalized outsiders the same special treatment. We want to go abroad live, work and study but we never accept outsiders who come to do the same in our country.Dominicans Fig not selling tourism is the next best thing for our survival.

    • not thinking much
      January 31, 2014

      When stupid people like you start learning to think.

      Dominica is not the only country doign this.

      what you should wish for is that it is done PROPERLY!

  33. change is a must
    January 30, 2014

    none of them are natives to dca and they are both going to represent dca… a record man….. this is a new one, no shame, no pride, no sense!!!!!

    • joe
      January 30, 2014

      I wonder if Lennox was PM what would have been your comment on this issue??

    • jfingers
      January 30, 2014

      Buddy…you think most of the Americans and Canadian and many more country athletes actually born in these country. I can see you have never traveled….”country bookie”

    • BVI Resident
      January 30, 2014

      This happens all over the world FOOL!!!!!!!

    • not thinking much
      January 31, 2014

      you can tell the people that either:
      1) havent lived outside
      2) small minded
      3) narrow minded
      4) non thinkers
      5) do not know how to use the technology at hand to educate theselves.

      in this day and age, there are so many athletes choosing to participate for other countries. there are many reasons why why 1) opportunity 2)fame 3)rewards 4)patriotism 5)pride

      what do you have to show to represent that you are Dominican?

      my daughter is nto Dominican and i have told her if she ever goes to the Olympics – she is representing Dominica. it has to start somewhere

  34. Mee too
    January 30, 2014

    Go for the Gold!!!

  35. jane messam
    January 30, 2014

    Great news. Contrats to both Mr and Mrs and wish you the best of luck on the days

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available