A replica Olympic Torch given to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee is being taken to students and young athletes around the island country as part of the body's efforts to promote its participation at Rio 2016 ©SVGOC

A replica Olympic Torch given to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC) is being taken to students and young athletes around the island country as part of the body's efforts to promote its participation at Rio 2016.

The SVGOC, one of the National Olympic Committees of the Americas that were recently engaged in Torch ceremonies in Brasilia, received the replica during the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) Extraordinary General Meeting in Brazil’s capital.

It is hoped the project will increase support for the Olympic Games, as well as SVGOC’s representatives.

The Torch’s journey around St Vincent and the Grenadines is also part of the SVGOC’s activities for Olympic Month in June.

Athletes from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have so far achieved Rio 2016 Olympic qualifying standards in both the men’s and women’s 400 metres, through Brandon Valentine-Parris and Kineke Alexander respectively.

Kineke Alexander has achieved Rio 2016 Olympic qualifying standards in the women's 400m
Kineke Alexander has achieved Rio 2016 Olympic qualifying standards in the women's 400m ©Getty Images

The SVGOC was formed in 1982 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1987.

To date, no athlete from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has ever won an Olympic medal, despite the country having competed in seven Summer Games from 1988 onwards.

SVGOC general secretary Keith Joseph, along with Dominican Republic's José Joaquín Puello, has confirmed his intention to enter the race to become PASO President.

St Lucia's RIchard Peterkin has also indicated that he intends to stand.