Let’s cheer on our seniors too

Barbadians are rightly proud of our youth athletes. We fill the stands at school sports, cheer on inter-school rivalries, and celebrate young champions as national treasures. But as the 21st edition of the National Senior Games draws near, we have a new and timely opportunity to broaden our enthusiasm—and to rally behind a different kind of champion.

This year’s Senior Games, set to kick off on May 24, promises more than just athletic competition. It is a national call to recognise the strength, vitality, and value of older Barbadians. These Games are not only about medals; they are about affirming that healthy ageing, community participation, and joyful living are lifelong pursuits. They are about celebrating the lives and achievements of Barbadians who have contributed significantly to our communities, professions, and families, and showing that active living doesn’t stop with age.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has rightly emphasised the need to make the Games more inclusive and appealing to everyday Barbadians. From a more welcoming format that invites casual participants, to a strong community presence—including parish teams and cultural performances—the Games are being recast not just as an athletic event but as a social movement. The decision to broaden the Games’ reach, with more focus on participation and fun alongside competition, demonstrates a commitment to engaging a wider cross-section of our society.

It’s easy to get excited about young talent. The energy, the enthusiasm, and the drive of youth naturally capture our attention. But the truth is that a society is only as strong as the full breadth of its population—young, middle-aged, and elderly alike. It’s high time that we extend the same level of attention and support to our older citizens, who have so much to offer in terms of wisdom, perseverance, and experience. The National Senior Games is an opportunity for us to show that we value our seniors not just for their past contributions, but for their ongoing potential.

In a country where we pride ourselves on community spirit, this is something we should all get behind. We often speak about active ageing in abstract terms, but the National Senior Games brings that concept to life. It reminds us that movement, motivation, and mental wellness don’t have to stop at 40 or 60 or even 80. With categories for Masters, Seniors, and Super Seniors, these Games showcase what is possible at every stage of life. And with over 200 registered participants—and a surge in female participation—there is clear and growing interest. For those of us who believe in the importance of active living, the Senior Games are proof that age is no barrier to health and happiness.

What’s needed now is public support. The same energy and commitment that we direct toward our youth athletes should be extended to our seniors. Too often, older people are overlooked when it comes to sports and physical activity. Yet, these are the people who set the foundation for the younger generations. They are the ones who have worked, served, and raised families. Their ongoing engagement in sports and fitness demonstrates the importance of staying physically and mentally active throughout life. Let’s honour them by showing up and participating in the Games, by making it a community celebration.

We urge Barbadians to attend the events, cheer on the competitors, and treat these Games with the same level of national pride we reserve for school sports or regional cricket. Whether it’s the road race on June 1, where skaters join runners, walkers, and cyclists for the first time, or the track and field finale on June 9, your presence matters. Let your children see that excellence and effort are not limited to youth. Let our older citizens know that we honour their energy, their drive, and their example. Let’s remind them that they are an essential part of the national fabric.

In a society that too often sidelines its elders, the National Senior Games are a powerful corrective. They give visibility to the contributions and potential of older adults. They encourage healthier lifestyles. And they build intergenerational respect and appreciation. Our older citizens deserve the chance to show that they can keep up with the best, that they too have the heart of a champion, and that they are worthy of recognition and celebration.

So come out. Celebrate. Support. It’s not just good sport—it’s good sense. It’s good for our national health, for our social cohesion, and for the message it sends to all generations. By supporting the Senior Games, we support a society that values each and every person, no matter their age, and recognises their ongoing contributions.

Let’s show our seniors that their time to shine is now, and that the whole of Barbados stands with them in recognition of their lasting achievements, their strength, and their spirit. Their journey is far from over. And we, as a nation, should be there to cheer them on every step of the way.