Senior Games Going Digital As Registration Starts April 14

Registration for the Barbados National Senior Games 2025 will open on Monday, April 14, with athletes now able to do so fully digital, for the first time.

This was disclosed by National Senior Games Coordinator, Ytannia Wiggins, last Wednesday, during a meeting at Harrison College to provide potential athletes and other stakeholders with information on how this event, also dubbed National Senior Games 2.1, would be structured, as it commemorates its 21st Anniversary.

The meeting was convened by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, under whose aegis the National Senior Games falls.

The 2025 Games will comprise both competitive and recreational participation categories and will be held over a series of months. Whit Monday, June 9, will see the culmination of the track and field activities, being held for one day instead of two.

Ms. Wiggins said: “The team has embraced digital forms. While we used fillable PDFs last year, we’ve now created an online version with QR codes and shareable links – perfect for WhatsApp and other social channels. It’s currently being tested by our committee; it includes accessibility features, and provides instant registration confirmation while compiling our participant database – something that was requested by participants last year.”

Although the new method is digital, some seniors will still be able to submit hard copies of forms at specific locations. Explaining how this will be done, she stated: “At the Ministry, one of our key goals is building our relationship with BARP through capacity building and mutual support. This year, BARP will have registration forms available at their office and will welcome members to the Members’ Lounge, where they can get help filling them out. For those opting for the digital version, assistance will also be available. It’s about helping each other, sharing knowledge, and growing together as a community. Forms will also be available at various locations across the island.”

Ms. Wiggins added: “The registration forms will open on April 14 and will be available on the Games website. Our website is currently being updated to include key features such as registration, past statistics, social media links, and important updates. We welcome any feedback or suggestions as we continue to improve!”

National Senior Games 2.1 will officially launch on Saturday, May 24, with a motorcade in and around communities and end with a health and wellness fair, at Golden Square Freedom Park, The City.

The coordinator, noting that June 9, Whitsuntide Monday, has been designated as the marquee event under the Games, said the Committee’s goals were simple. “We want to look at improving participation across the communities, to strengthen partnerships and align with our national priorities on health, wellness, and inclusion. So, for us, National Senior Games 2.1 our 21st birthday is not just going to be a sporting event, we are looking at it as a national movement.

“That’s why we’ve realigned the Health and Wellness Fair – originally started in 2024 – to take place in September this year, in recognition of the Month of the Elderly. We’ll officially launch the event on May 24, with a motorcade, which will conclude in Golden Square,” she stated. (PR/GIS)