Government to commit over $1M to boost athletic programme 

Government is putting its money where its mouth is.

On the heels of Barbados’ superb showing at the recently concluded 53rd CARIFTA Games, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has revealed that government will provide more than $1 million in additional funding to assist with the further development of athletics on the island.

Mottley made the announcement at Ilaro Court today during a reception for the team, which returned home on Tuesday from Grenada.

While congratulating the squad for winning 17 medals, including six gold –  their best performance in over a decade, Mottley encouraged them to strive for even better results in the future.

She revealed that while CIBC Caribbean had promised a donation in the ballpark of $500 000, government was willing to double that amount to ensure junior teams were well taken care of ahead of regional and international competitions and to implement local programmes.

“The corporate sector of Barbados already has committed in the form of CIBC Caribbean, but the government will double what CIBC has given and provide $1 million to be used for a number of things that we’ve specifically started to discuss with the association.” 

“This is with respect to one; preparing the junior team so that you can spend two weeks on the ground rather than having to travel and acclimatize yourself and therefore, not necessarily be in the best of shape to participate in World Juniors,” Mottley said.

“We will ensure that a portion of that money is used for a national junior nutrition development program, because what you put in is what what you get back and we need to make sure that nobody is disadvantaged on this journey to be the best in the world, because you’re not just seeking to be the best in the Caribbean.” 

Additionally, Prime Minister Mottley said a Sports Science Centre was also on the cards.

“I want you also to know that the million dollars is without prejudice to the government’s establishment of a National Sports Science Centre, which will be not just for athletes but for other sporting disciplines.”

“We’ve started to commit to give the money to cricket… [and] we want to be able to do the same because I am convinced that sportsmen and artists are global citizens,” Mottley said.

The prime minister also urged the members of the team to remain committed to representing the island with pride.

“You are global citizens with Bajan roots and I don’t want you to ever forget it. All of you said it when you were interviewed, (that) I am so happy to represent Barbados and that is what binds us together,” she said.

The move by government to pump additional funding into the sport has been welcomed by president of the Athletics Association of Barbados, Noel Lynch.

“You know, we’ve won more medals before but this is on the right trajectory, and I really want to thank the prime minister and the government for hosting us here and for making these longer term commitments.” 

“Remember what she said, the three pledges; she’s doubling the CIBC money, which is $500 000 pledged for the four-year program, she’s doubling that, so that’s $1 million. She’s giving us another $1 million for the program for nutrition and everything else, and she’s made a commitment to funding the camp for World Juniors. The stage is set; we can do all the work,” Lynch said.

President of Barbados, Jeffrey Bostic, along with several Cabinet members, were also in attendance at the reception. 

Bostic said while he had followed the exploits of team Barbados closely for the past three years, he was particularly pleased with this year’s performance.

“All of you have made all of us very proud. Even those who did not win medals, we saw the effort on your faces and your performances. In some cases you were able to do better than you did last CARIFTA, even though you might not have medaled.” 

“We as a country, we are very, very, very proud of you. And to be honest with you, seeing you in person, some of you look much smaller than you do on television, but congratulations and well done to you, the coaches, the parents, the supporters, and the Athletic Association,”  President Bostic said.

(KH)