The newly installed high tech glass flooring at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium has been given the thumbs up by at least two sporting administrators ahead of it being officially pressed into action.
With a price tag of $4.7 million dollars, the ultra modern floor is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and will cater to multiple indoor sports.
Speaking during an interview published on the Instagram page of the National Sports Council, President of the Barbados Netball Association, Nisha Craigwell gave the new floor high marks.
“I’m excited to be here in the gymnasium on this floor and I am extremely impressed. I mean when I heard glass floor, obviously I had thoughts, but now that I’m actually standing on it and I’m able to feel the impact of when I bend my knees and stuff, I’m really excited to have these facilities in Barbados.”
“This floor would be the first in this region, and netball is scheduled to host our World Cup Qualifier here in Barbados in October. I am extremely pleased that this floor is here and that we’ll be able to host our guests from throughout the region on this world class floor. It’s of an international standard and I actually feel very proud to be able to play our Qualifier on this surface,” Craigwell said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Barbados Hockey Federation board member Darren Nicholls, who hopes the installation of the new floor will herald the return of indoor hockey to the island.
“My first impression of the surface is that it actually looks much more durable than it did from a distance. It actually feels very nice and cushioned. You know I was concerned that it might put some extra pressure on the knees.”
“It would be good to get back here and play some indoor hockey. We’ve been assured that the surface is certified for indoor hockey, so that is really a positive for us now,” Nicholls said.
According to Nicholls, the court will provide a major boost for multiple disciplines.
“I actually used to play volleyball too as well, so I would be interested in seeing all the sports here, but yes, definitely we can’t wait to get hockey back indoors as soon as possible,” he said.
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