Sports

Barbados To Host Regional & International Triathlon Events

Barbados is poised to welcome the global triathlon community as it hosts two international and one regional triathlon events this year.

This was revealed during the launch of the 2024 Barbados Triathlon Calendar, at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s headquarters, One Barbados Place, Warrens, St. Michael.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, emphasised the significance of these events for sports tourism, as he acknowledged the efforts of the past and present executive of the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) in organising three upcoming events.

They are the World Triathlon Americas Cup on March 17; the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup and Training Camp from July 2 to 7; and the CARIFTA Triathlon, Aquathlon, and Mixed Relays Championships from August 17 to 18.

Mr. Griffith underscored the importance of collaboration between the past and present leadership for sports development, praising BFIT as one of the proactive federations on the island.

“I want to first congratulate the former executive and the current executive for being one of the proactive federations on island. The fact that … the former president is sitting with the current executive to help point the way is absolutely something that is important as it relates to the development of sports on island,” he said.

He highlighted Government’s vision to cultivate talent from grassroots levels and expand participation to achieve podium finishes, stating: “It is important that if we’re going to grow any sports that we move from the grassroots level, and broaden the base, so that we can have the podium finishes….”

Minister Griffith also spoke of Government’s commitment to supporting talent identification by providing equipment and infrastructure.

“Government is prepared to assist, maybe a little further, in sourcing some junior bicycles, so that that particular demographic will not be disadvantaged. And, if we can put that in place, then you create your database, and in five years’ time, you’re able to then identify those individuals who you believe can transition into the national programme.”

The upcoming triathlon events are expected to attract nearly 300 participants, with some utilising them as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games, including Barbadian hopeful Matthew Wright.

Others attending today’s launch included President of BFIT, Garth McIntyre; PR and Marketing Officer BFIT, Ytannia Wiggins; Secretary General of the Barbados Olympic Association, Erskine Simmons; and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Manager of Sports, Kamal Springer. (PR/GIS)

Sports

Orientation Held For National Anti-Doping Commission

An orientation meeting for the reconstituted National Anti-Doping Commission (NADC) and sub-committees was held at the Barbados Olympic Centre, Wildey, St. Michael, on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

The members were welcomed by the Secretary of the NADC, Patrina Bynoe, and introduced to Anti-Doping, by Chairman Dr. Adrian Lorde, and Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), Dr. Sasha Sutherland, who outlined the role of the Caribbean RADO.

Director of the National Sports Council, Neil Murrell, who recently returned from working as an International Doping Control Officer at the Paris Olympic Games, his third Olympic Games, gave an account of his anti-doping journey of excellence.

All members were presented with their instruments of appointment.

The National Anti-Doping Commission was established by the Government of Barbados in March 2000, with the objective of acting as the independent Anti-Doping Organization for Barbados.

The parent Ministry of the Commission is the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. The NADC had been deemed compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency and is affiliated to the Barbados Olympic Association and the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization.

The NADC provides educational opportunities for local athletes and their support personnel as well as testing in and out of competition in all sports recognised by the National Sports Council. (PR/GIS)

Sports

‘Get Fit Friday’ Is Back Tomorrow September 20

The Ministry of Heath and Wellness ‘Get Fit Friday is returning this Friday, September 20, in the car park of the National Insurance and Social Security Service, at Culloden Road, St. Michael, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Dubbed “Get Fit Friday 2.0”, the session, which was held for the first time in July, this year, will be hosted by Spinny. It is free of cost and is open to all members of the public. (PR/GIS)

Sports

CORNWALL BOWLS ROYALS INTO THE PLAYOFFS

DEFEATED THE ST KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS BY 9 WICKETS

Article by David Harris

Allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall starred with the ball as Barbados Royals defeated St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by nine wickets in the final match of the Barbados leg in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at Kensington Oval on Tuesday night.

Cornwall, the Man of the Match captured five wickets for 15 runs four overs as the Patriots slipped from 38 for two wickets in the sixth over to 69 for eight runs after 13.2 overs, the burly off-spinner was supported by fast bowler Naveen ui-Haq who took three wickets for 16 runs.

Captain Andre Fletcher made 32 off 22 balls, but it took a gritty ninth wicket stand of 39 runs between Joshua Da Silva (25) and Anrich Nortje (22) to get the Patriots score past three figures. Eventually, the Patriots were bowled out for 110 in 19.1 overs.

Chasing 111 runs for victory the Royals rushed to 113 runs for one wicket in 11.2 overs, inform opener Quinton de Kock smashed 59 not out from 38 balls, the South African struck three fours and four sixes, Kadeem Alleyne scored a 25 from 15 balls, and Alick Athanaze was unbeaten on 22.

Earlier, the match was delayed due to a wet pitch, the Royals won the toss and opted to field. The Royals next match is against St Lucia Kings in Guyana on Saturday.