Sports stalled

Sports associations and federations in Barbados still waiting with bated breath for approval from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Monitoring Unit to host sporting events may have to wait a while longer.

While there have been a few entities such as Barbados Cricket Association, Barbados Volleyball Association, Barbados Tennis Association and Barbados Hockey Federation, that have all been able to restart, there are associations that are still awaiting approval from the COVID-19 unit.

When contacted for a comment on the matter, head of the COVID-19 monitoring unit, Ronald Chapman, informed Barbados TODAY that he was currently on vacation.

Meanwhile, Allison Elcock acting in that position, said she was unable to comment on this particular matter at this time. However, she added that they were reviewing all applications.

She said: “I cannot comment on that matter at this time. But what I can tell you is that we are reviewing all applications and requests and we are seeking to respond in a timely fashion as soon as possible. So, they all would be dealt with.”

When questioned whether there could be a possible backlog that was affecting those applications sent forward by the associations, Elcock made it clear she could not speak to that at this time.

Just this past weekend the Athletics Association of Barbados was forced to cancel its first event for the 2020 to 2021 season after approval was not granted in time for the Saturday, October 10 event at Browne’s Beach.

During an interview last week, public relations officer for the AAB, Esther Maynard said they were hoping by the time the next event (cross country relay) comes around on Saturday, November 7th at the Botanical Gardens, the approval would be granted.

“That was on the schedule and obviously, we were dealing with the protocols and so on and approval from the COVID office which we haven’t had. So, rather than run amok of the law since we sent the information but haven’t gotten a reply, that would not start now.

So, we would then slot in with the next event. We don’t feel it is wise to go ahead with it without all the right consent,” she explained.

And it is not just athletics but other sports associations that wish to remain nameless that are patiently waiting, hoping that before the year concludes they would have some form of competition, providing permission is granted by the COVID-19 monitoring unit.

For many, it is a frustrating process because even though the government had given permission for sport to resume, the wait for approval seems like forever. Many of the national associations and federations are anxious to resume their competitions and events.

Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) just five weeks ago was forced to cancel one of its major events after no approval was granted by the COVID-19 monitoring unit.

In fact, because of that cancellation, BFIT was forced to refund fees to persons who had registered to participate.

In a notification sent out by BFIT president Darren Treasure a few weeks ago as it related to that particular cancellation, he said: “It is with regret that I am informing you about the cancellation of this Sunday’s event. We were taken by surprise yesterday when the COVID Monitoring Unit did not issue us permission to hold the event. Which in turn causes the MTW to not give road closure permission.”

He added: “After multiple emails and telephone calls providing information about BFIT’s protocols and additional measures which would assure our event would be a very low risk we still have not received permission to proceed. As such MTW has confirmed they will not have enough time to issue road closure permission even if the COVID Monitoring Unit gave its blessings.”

Despite such disappointment from the setback, Treasure assured athletes and members of BFIT that they will be working diligently to ensure nationals come off on Sunday, October 25th on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

And it would appear all systems are a go for the 30th staging of the nationals championship. The BFIT governing body through their Facebook page is encouraging persons to volunteer. This is to ensure a smooth running for one of the biggest events on its calendar.

Volunteers are asked to assist in areas such as marshals for the swim, bike and run events, lap counters, aid station, paddle boarders and kayakers, timers and crowd control personnel.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb