Badminton delivered Barbados’ first taste of action at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, but the national team fell 4-1 to Venezuela as the island’s 140-plus athlete delegation began its campaign in the Dominican Republic on Thursday.
Barbadian Kennie King defeated Ricardo Torres 21-18,11-21, 21-5, while Monyata Riviera lost in straight sets to Mariangel Garcia 14-21, 19-21.
In men’s doubles action the Venezuelan pair defeated King and Shae Martin 21-15, 21-15, while the Barbadian duo of Riviera and Sabrina Scott was defeated 21-14, 21-18 in the women’s encounter.
Venezuela was similarly impressive in the mixed doubles contest, with the Barbadian pair of Martin and Scott being defeated 21-10, 21-19.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY from the Dominican Republic, Chef De Mission Dr Adrian Lorde, confirmed the first group of team members has settled in well.
Chef de Mission Dr Adrian Lorde. (Photo Credit: BOA/246bfit)
“Batches of competitors are still coming in and I like the spirit of the team, which is showing resilience. In terms of the conditions, it’s very hot out here and then there would be different room conditions, but they are really settling in well.”
According to Dr Lorde, several team members who arrived early have already begun preparations for their respective events.
“The hockey guys have been out training, they even had a warm-up game against the Dominican Republic. They didn’t tell me what the score was, but it was just a warm-up game, so it doesn’t really matter.
“The shooting team is here and the swimmers came in last night, along with the tennis players. We’re gonna have our team welcoming ceremony on Wednesday evening in the games village,” Dr Lorde added.
Approximately 6 000 athletes are expected to participate in the games, which runs from July 24 to August 8.
Dr Lorde revealed that the local contingent has been mingling and blending well with the other teams and exchanging national pins amid excellent camaraderie.
With a total delegation size of around 200 people, the Barbadian representatives are split across several cities.
“I am in Santo Domingo, while the rowing team is in another city and the golfers are in Punta Cana. Others are also in Santiago, so we’re scattered around the country.
“The organising committee is doing its best to accommodate us with all the teething problems that they have, but we’re all set to go,” he said.
“There have been no complaints about the competitive facilities and while the Games Village is getting ready, it’s not as ready as we would have hoped, but the food is excellent. Generally, things are looking good,” he added.
(KH)
The post Competition begins for Barbados at CAC Games appeared first on Barbados Today.
