The National Sports Council (NSC) 2025 Summer Sports Camp officially got underway on Monday at venues across the island, with 1 574 participants already registered out of a maximum capacity of 1 600.
Speaking at the camp’s official launch on Wednesday at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, NSC representative Ryan Toppin said the council may consider increasing enrolment for the six-week camp if the necessary resources are available.
Twenty-three sports are on offer in the camp’s 39th year, with the NSC partnering with some local sporting associations to provide coaching in disciplines that are not available from NSC coaches in the schools.
Archery, badminton, basketball (boys and girls), body fitness, body building, boxing, cheerleading, chess, cricket, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, karate, netball, road tennis, rugby, skateboarding, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and track and field will be in session at several locations.
Those locations are St George Secondary, Usain Bolt Sports Complex, Shuttlers Badminton Hall, Seaside Aquatics in St Lucy, the premises of the now closed Ursuline Convent, Brownes Beach, Barbados Aquatic Centre, Blenheim and the Wildey Gymnasium.
Toppin emphasised that the camp is focused on developing the next generation of well-rounded athletes, providing them with opportunities to reach their full potential.
The programme also includes continued implementation of the NSC’s development groups and after-school initiatives. Additionally, it features collaborations with the Summer Nutritional Feeding Programme, the National Council on Substance Abuse, and the Ministry of Health, which will lead sessions on nutrition. Support will also come from Let’s Unpack It—a youth-led NGO focused on making youth mental health in the Caribbean a priority.
Toppin also acknowledged the registration of a camper who is grieving the recent loss of a loved one to gun violence, stating that counsellors will be working closely with the individual to provide emotional support.
The camp will conclude on August 22, but not before participants enjoy tours to the popular Bushy Park Circuit, Atlantic Submarine, Harrison’s Cave as well as a scenic bus tour. (RW)
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