Tourism minister, BTMI praised

The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has been a pillar of support for which the Barbados Wrestling Association (BWA) is extremely grateful.

During an interview with Barbados TODAY, BWA president Rollins Alleyne said they have been working closely with BTMI as a major sponsor. He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds who he said ensures that the sport is not left behind.

“First we want to deal with how wrestling is being developed around the world and more and more we are seeing countries moving towards the oceanic type of sports which speaks to beach sports culture. We in the wrestling association are beginning to turn our attention towards this phenomenon.

“We understand it is very cost-effective, and it also lends itself to not just being a normal sport or just a sporting activity. But it also helps our country with linking beach culture and sports together and that is where we have come to a partnership with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.,” Alleyne said.

He added: “He (minister) has given to us Dr. Anthony Yarde who is part of the BTMI and who has been a beach culture consultant. Dr. Yarde has been instrumental in pushing us in the forefront of things along with Devon Chase who is the manager for sports in the BTMI. These two gentlemen have played an integral role in making sure that Barbados is there on the cutting edge.”

Alleyne explained that the BWA is moving away from begging the Barbados Olympic Association and the National Sports Council for assistance. He is of the opinion that those governing bodies are not helping smaller associations.

“We at the wrestling association are moving away from begging the same old system such as the Barbados Olympic Association and the National Sports Council because they are not helping us as smaller sports. They are not taking us on but the BTMI has really taken on this whole concept of beach culture, understanding that it is a trillion-dollar industry.

“We are seeing great results, we are now in a position to have a world beach wrestling championship which is part of a series. We are also positioning ourselves to have the youth beach qualifiers for the Youth Olympics and along with the Pan American Beach Wrestling.

“So, those are three major things we are working on presently and thanks to the BTMI and the beach consultant for BTMI Dr Anthony Yarde who is in discussion with the president for the United World Wrestling (Nenad Lalović) and is seeking to forge ahead and bring this great sport to Barbados in a major way,” the BWA president said.

The BWA has employed technical director John Cho who will develop national programmes for the development of the sport locally. Alleyne explained that Cho has already given the BWA strategic plans for the athletes.

“We have organised our technical director who has sent some strategic plans and strategies for our athletes. We are getting ready to put our athletes in national training so that when the country is open we will be ready. There are a number of major competitions coming up.

“Also, we are trying to position ourselves to have some championships here in Barbados. So we are trying to position ourselves more holistically towards the sport. We are seeking corporate Barbados to come on board and help even if it is to sponsor two or three of our athletes,” Alleyne said.

morissalinddsay@barbadostoday.bb