The Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) will spend an estimated $2.5 million to send national teams to this summer’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in the Dominican Republic and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
BOA Vice President Cameron Burke disclosed the figure on Sunday as the full squads were unveiled at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Barbados will field one of its largest delegations to the CAC games in over two decades, with 141 competitors set to represent the island in 24 disciplines from July 24 to August 8, while the Commonwealth Games will see 21 competitors competing across six disciplines.
Burke said the scheduling of the two major meets has required authorities to navigate some logistical challenges.
He noted that the scheduling conflict is however unlikely to occur again and only came about, after Australia pulled out of hosting the Commonwealth Games at a date which was originally earlier in the year.
Regarding the cost of sending teams to both meet, Burke said the BOA is expecting returns on its investment.
“For example at CAC, we’ve always meddled at CAC. Also don’t forget Sada Williams is the reigning 400m Commonwealth Games Champion and from all reports she’s looking pretty sharp.”
Hockey players Ayanna Wilson and Marlon Daniel will be the Barbados flag bearers during the CAC games, while Dr Adrian Lorde will head the delegation as Chef de Mission.
“It is a big undertaking, but not only is it a big team but I have a good management team with me which would assist me in allowing this team to do well. We think we will do the best that we can for team Barbados,” said Dr Lorde.
He added, “Being in the games village, it is the best games village I’ve seen in 40 years of Central American and Caribbean Games. I think it will be a good game for you and the facilities are in place and the organisation from what we see, seems to be top notch.”
Shelley-Ann Griffith is the Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Games delegation, while gymnast Erin Pinder is the flag bearer and para-swimmer Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan the baton bearer.
“It’s a great honour,” said Boyce-Vaughn. “I think it is my third time doing a walk and every time I’m doing it, I feel very grateful.
Boyce-Vaughn has described his training in the buildup to the games as pretty intense and has specific goals in mind. “My realistic target is trying to at least get into the semifinals.”
Griffith meanwhile welcomed the addition of Boyce-Vaughn to the squad.
“I think we are especially proud to have Antoine in the team, you know this is probably the first time that they’re doing the para together with your regular sports, so I think for us it is very exciting.
“We have a nice blend of new faces and experienced athletes and we will do everything that we can, to make sure that team Barbados is well supported and that they execute.”
(KH)
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