Sports

A Call For More Support For Senior Games

With the 21st anniversary of the National Senior Games being commemorated this year, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, is urging more support from Barbadians for this event.

He made this appeal yesterday while addressing a press conference at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St, Michael, to launch the Games.

While he praised the efforts of the seniors, he lamented that the Games had not been sufficiently supported, saying: “I think we have some of the most elite athletes, the best athletes, and senior athletes in the region, surely. I think that we haven’t been able to get the crowds to support them the way that they should be supported.

“My view is that the senior athletes put a lot of time and effort into training and preparing themselves for the Games and it is very difficult, even when you are very, very young, to get into the kind of shape that these athletes are in, as they get older.”

Minister Humphrey also stated that government had “to make it easier for people to be healthy/active” and he expressed the view that “Healthy and Active Ageing”, which has been the theme of the Ministry for a long time, now needed to be manifested.

Noting that people should come out and watch the competitive games because they are “extremely exciting”, he stressed the event would draw more attention and interest from young people if they came out and competed as well.

“I dare the average Barbadian who is not training the way these athletes train to come out and try to compete with some of these athletes because it is really intense,” he challenged.

The 2025 Games will comprise both highly competitive and recreational games, which will be held in different months. Whit Monday, June 9, will see the culmination of the track and field activities. These will be held on just one day as opposed to two.

Explaining that, that discussion with athletes was responsible for this decision, Mr. Humphrey added that it would allow persons to have more time with their families and more participation by the public. In September, during the Month of the Elderly, there will be other activities such as archery and dominoes.

Meanwhile, it was disclosed that the Ministry has requested that the Senior Games teams/committees spend some time in the communities, over the next few months, in the lead up to the Games on Whit Monday, June 9.

This year, the public can also look forward to a major health fair at the Wildey Gymnasium that will seek to attract persons to the Games and its various activities.

Additionally, the Ministry will be working with all the parish ambassadors and organising committees as they undertake their We Gatherin’ events, to have the Games associated with parishes to draw more attention to them. (PR/GIS)

Sports

Minister Griffith Backs Growth Of Bodybuilding In Barbados

Sports Minister Charles Griffith has expressed pleasure at the progress of the Barbados Bodybuilding Federation, stressing the need for Barbados to reclaim its dominance in the sport, at both regional and international levels.

Speaking at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex during the launch of the Roger Boyce Classic and the IFBB Pro World Cup, Mr. Griffith said bodybuilding has long been a pillar of excellence in Barbados, with icons like Darcy Beckles, Earl Maynard, and Roger Boyce setting high standards.

The Minister emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent through early exposure. “The only way the sport will continue to grow is if it’s moved into the primary schools and communities,” he stated.

Mr. Griffith commended Erin Promotion and the IFBB for their continued efforts to develop and expand the sport locally and internationally.

“The fact that an entity is putting on a competition in its third year that has moved from 35 to over 40 countries is a clear example that they are expanding, and the product is extremely strong,” he noted.

With over 250 athletes expected to compete in May, Minister Griffith said the event showcases the island’s capacity for sports tourism and reinforces the value of strategic planning.

He also pledged the support of his Ministry, noting that community centres under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment would be made available to the sport to help reignite interest at the grassroots level. “If you have a wide, wide base, then those diamonds in the rough will shine and move to the top,” he said.

He also encouraged organisers to remain focused, despite any distractions, asserting “if we deviate and allow a few lawless people to distract us from our purpose, then we are doing our young people a disservice

Mr. Griffith also voiced strong support for the junior programme set to launch next year, saying it would help develop future champions and instill discipline in the youth. (PR/GIS)

Sports

BRATHWAITE QUITS WEST INDIES TEAM

Article by David Harris

Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as the captain of the West Indies Test team, his resignation was announced yesterday morning at Cricket West Indies (CWI) quarterly press conference. According to CWI, Brathwaite indicated his intention to step down from the captaincy at the end of the West Indies tour to Pakistan earlier this year.

The right-handed opening batsman has bow out three months ahead of the West Indies’ next assignment; a three-match Test series against Australia which bowls off at Kensington Oval on June,25. This series marks the beginning of a new International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship cycle, Brathwaite will play his 100^th Test match during the series.

Brathwaite, 32, was appointed captain in March, 2021; during his tenure the West Indies defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in tough conditions during the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Asian continent, were victorious against England at home in 2022, secured a thrill win on Australian soil for the first time in 27 years in 2024.

Earlier this year, Brathwaite captained the West Indies to a landmark victory in Pakistan levelling the two-match Test series with a victory that ended a 34-year drought in that country. He the West Indies in 39 Tests, winning 10 and losing 22.

CWI expressed its gratitude to Brathwaite for his contribution during for his leadership of the team.

“Kraigg Brathwaite has been an outstanding leader for our Test team, guiding the squad with discipline, resilience, and a deep the game. His contributions have been invaluable, and under his leadership, we have witnessed historic moments that will be remembered for years to come”, director of cricket Miles Bascombe said.

Meanwhile, captain of the One Day International (ODI) side Shai Hope has replaced Rovman Powell as the captain of the T20I team.

CWI the decision to removed Powell from the leadership of the side was taken after advice from head coach Darren Sammy.

Sports

Dame Sandra Mason To Present ‘RCS 150 Trophy’

The Commonwealth Society of Barbados has again partnered with the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletics Championships to present the “RCS 150 Trophy”, this year.

President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, who is patron and lifelong member of the organisation, as well as an advocate for youth and sports, will present the trophy today, Friday, March 28, during the closing ceremony of the athletics event at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex.

The “RCS 150 Trophy” is awarded to the school team found to be exemplifying the values of the Commonwealth, namely sportsmanship, teamwork, equity, and fair play, in addition to achieving consistent performance during the championships. It symbolises unity, excellence, and camaraderie among the nation’s student athletes.

In addition to the trophy, each athlete participating in the championships will be provided with branded paraphernalia. The Commonwealth Society of Barbados is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary as a charitable organisation.

It continues to support sports and acknowledges the importance of physical activity in reinforcing and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among the youth and the wider community. (PR/GIS)