Prime Minister Mottley Pledges Further Athletics Support

Following Barbados’ impressive performance at the CARIFTA Games in Grenada, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on Monday welcomed the national track and field CARIFTA team to Ilaro Court as guests of honour, praising their representation of the country and outlining a stronger national framework for athletic excellence.

Addressing the athletes, coaches and officials, the Prime Minister said Barbados is moving decisively to improve the sporting ecosystem through upgraded facilities, stronger technical support and greater investment in the development of young talent.

Ms. Mottley said: “The full ecosystem that Barbados has in terms of infrastructure will change significantly. But infrastructure alone is not what made you. Even without the best infrastructure, you are already soaring.”

The Prime Minister referenced the redevelopment of the national stadium, the imminent handover of the Wildey track, and the planned establishment of two additional tracks in St. Philip and St. James, each to be supported by an Olympic-sized swimming pool as previously announced.

She further announced that the Government of Barbados will double the support already committed by CIBC Caribbean and provide BDS $1 million to strengthen junior athlete preparation, nutrition and performance support, including improved readiness ahead of major international competition.

The Prime Minister stated: “The Government will double what CIBC has given and provide a million dollars, because you are not just seeking to be the best in the Caribbean; you are seeking to be the best in the world.”

The engagement at Ilaro Court signalled a clear national intention: to back Barbadian excellence with the infrastructure, science, nutrition, coaching and confidence required to compete at the highest level. (PR/GIS)