Bajefit meeting official expectations

The recently launched Bajefit programme has been receiving great response with a large number of individuals from several communities across Barbados taking part, says coordinator of the event Adrian Donovan.

Under the theme Keeping the Community Alive, Donovan said the programme which is organised by the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Youth Development Programme commenced Monday, June 7, and has so far covered every parish.

“We have been receiving some high turn outs especially in the parishes of St. Phillip and St. George. As expected, some venues started with low numbers and are expected to pick up in the coming weeks,” Donovan told Barbados TODAY.

A senior administrator at the NSC, Donovan also stated: “Our Minister of Sport the Hon Dwight Sunderland is a community man and he has a vision that we have to get back in the communities with such activities like Bajefit.”

In addition to the parishes of St. Phillip and St. George, Donovan noted that other venues such as Rices, King George V Memorial Park, National Stadium, Salisbury, Ellerton, and Checker Hall St. Lucy have all started with high numbers.

He explained there were some issues regarding ash on the playing field.

“At present a number of schools have not permitted their physical education classes to resume on the playing field because of the ash. So far in the Bajefit programme we have identified two playing fields with issues and have adjusted that the sessions be conducted on the hardcourts.

“It must also be noted when the sports council is cutting these playing fields that may have ash on it, we are requesting the residents to please close the windows as they were doing when the ash was badly affecting us,” Donovan said.

“Hopefully when the rain starts, we should get an ease from this ash,” he added, while asking the public to bear with officials as they try not to inconvenience anyone.

The programme is expected to run for nine weeks and will include two pop-ups in the communities.

“We will do two pop-ups of venues in the community. Bring in a popular DJ and have a good workout session. So far, we have received members of the family coming out. We are encouraging people who have products to sell in the community that they could come out and advertise their goods. Also, share information of what they have to sell at each venue for the next couple of weeks.

“So far, we have had people selling natural juices, fruits and other healthy items. They also have people displaying their sporting equipment. Some are educating the public on how to lose weight,” Donovan expressed.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb