Teams participating in the ‘Hearts of Many – Connecting The World Through Aviation’ (HOM) Aviation Football Tournament being held today, Thursday, February 27, were welcomed to the island at a reception at the Barbados Coast Guard Headquarters, last evening.
Those teams are British Airways Virgin Atlantic and Delta, JetBlue, American Airlines, O2 Beach Club – Barbados, British Airways (Barbados), Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and Weymouth Wales FC.
The games will be played at the Barbados Football Association’s Technical Centre from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Andrea Franklin, welcomed the teams, noting that HOM is more than just a football cup.
“This tournament is far more than a competition, it is a celebration of sport, tourism, and the meaningful connections that emerge when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite with a shared passion…. The Aviation Cup is a powerful testament to the way sports transcend boundaries, bridging cultures, industries and communities,” she said.
The BTMI CEO stated that Barbados is committed to enhancing sports tourism endeavours, as it seeks to position itself as a location for hosting premier sporting events.
“Barbados remains committed to expanding the scope and impact of sports tourism, recognising it as a driving force behind economic growth and international engagement.
“According to the Barbados Statistical Service, in 2024, the island welcomed 12,140 visitors, who travelled specifically to participate in or spectate at sporting events. This remarkable figure underscores the increasing global interest in Barbados as a premier sports tourism hub. As we look to the future, we are determined to further strengthen our position on the international stage by actively marketing Barbados as the ideal destination for major sporting events,” Ms. Franklin stated.
She thanked the Co-Ordinator of the Aviation Cup, British Airways’ Performance Development Co-Ordinator, Kurt Morlese, for organising the initiative and for his “dedication and unwavering passion” for making the Barbados ‘leg’ possible.
According to Mr. Morlese, HOM is an event where the world of aviation professionals and the love for football converge.
He said it took three years of planning to pull off the initiative with the first leg being held in October 2024 in London. He pointed out that the initiative aids in raising awareness about homelessness and supports young kids and adults who are getting into apprenticeships within the aviation industry.
Mr. Morlese noted that the British Airways team comprised various persons from within the aviation sector, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, global senior management, and persons in cyber security, and loading and baggage.
Also welcoming the teams were BTMI’s UK-based Business Development Officer, Cedric Lynch, and BDF Captain, Shane Drakes.
Ms. Franklin and Mr. Morlese thanked those who made the Barbados leg possible and wished the participants a successful and safe tournament. They also encouraged the teams to enjoy their time together as they build camaraderie on and off the field. (PR/GIS)
Caption: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) CEO, Andrea Franklin (centre); British Airways’ Performance Development Co-ordinator, Kurt Morlese (ninth from left) ; BDF Captain, Shane Drakes (sixth from right); and BTMI’s UK-based Business Development Officer, Cedric Lynch (right) pose with some of the participating team members and supporters at the welcome reception yesterday.