Forde rallying support for National Senior Games final

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Adrian Forde, has urged Barbadians to come out in their numbers at the Usain Bolt Complex on Saturday, September 26, for the athletics final of the National Senior Games.

The event is now into its 23rd year, and admission is free to the public, with the activities getting under way at 9 a.m.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Barbados Community College today to shed more light on the event, Forde said his ministry was working to encapsulate all different demographics.

“Although we culminate on Saturday with an athletic day of activities, we are celebrating, and I want to get into the brains of Barbados that we are celebrating a season, and that is very important.”

Forde continued, “This is the call to every single Barbadian who is living in the silver aspects of their life. That silver demographic is to be given the golden moment on Saturday. Come out on Saturday and participate in the events.

“We will have the races for those persons who will want to compete in Utah and other places. Equally, we will have activities and races and whatever for persons who don’t have the intention and who are not prepared to be judged by a clock or by a certain standard,” he stated.

Away from the track, the minister has also urged Barbadians to lend much-needed spectator support.

Sports Adviser for the National Senior Games, Ytannia Wiggins said the event has once again attracted a wide range of participants.

“Generally, the majority of our participants are 50 and over, that is about 67 per cent of persons who participate. We had about 1 500 people participating last year, in 17 sporting disciplines.

“Fast forward to 2025 and we have 25 sporting disciplines across six weeks of activity and on Saturday we have 225 persons registered to compete,” Wiggins revealed.

In addition to the activity on the track, Managing Coordinator Kamal Clarke said an extensive entertainment package will be a major part of Saturday’s finale.

“We have Red Plastic Bag, we have Peter Ram, Anderson Blood Armstrong, Alison Hinds, competitors from the blind calypso competition, Lead Pipe and Saddis as well as Krosfyah, who will be performing their hits of the last 35 years.

“So our closing ceremony is one not to be missed as we encourage Barbadians to come out, celebrate, enjoy life and enjoy living,” Clarke revealed.

(KH)