Sporting Barbados 2020

SPORTING BARBADOS 2020 EDITION / w w w. s p o r t i n g b a r b a d o s . c o m

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C O N T E N T S

CONTENTS 8 10 12 16 30 46 52 74 76 86 88 96 104 110 112 116 118 124 130 140 148 152 154 160

WELCOME CONTRIBUTORS FOREWORDS TOP SHOTS BARBADOS! CRICKET GOLF SANDY LANE CHARITABLE TRUST HORSE RACING DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY POLO SAILING DIVING BARBADOS WATERMAN FESTIVAL SWIMMING SURFING RUNNING TRIATHLON MOTORSPORT RUGBY EQUESTRIAN SQUASH HOCKEY MASTERS FOOTBALL

Cover Image by Peter Marshall

Credits

Publisher - Hiltop Publications Ltd, 11 Cottage Ridge, St George, Barbados, BB19071 Tel (246) 228-9122 Email - sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com Editor – Pamela L Hiles Editorial – Pamela Hiles, J Clarence Hiles, and our Contributors - see page 10 Advertising – Pamela L Hiles Photography – J Clarence Hiles, Pamela L Hiles, Peter Marshall, Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Sandy Lane Hotel, Royal Westmoreland Golf Club, BTMI, Martyn Notesworthy, Lucy Agace, Caribbean Aerial Photography, Zary Evelyn, Rachel Roett, Brooks La Touche, Brian Talma, Randy Brooks, Pablo Agard, Tony Bray, Frank

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Jordan, Chefette Restaurants Ltd, Alleyne Real Estate, Ian Woosnam, Gerard Wilson, Shannon Brinkman, BEA, Tina Dunn, House of Jaipur, Diamonds International, Gerrard Wilson.

Design and Art Direction – Neil Barnard at 809 Design Associates Distribution – Hiltop Publications Ltd, CITO Distribution (UK) Printed in the UK The Material and editorial contained in this publication was deemed correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to change thereafter. No part of this publication should be reproduced without the consent of the publishers.

Copyright 2020 Sporting Barbados

F O R E W O R D

WELCOME!

Editor Pamela Hiles at Kensington Oval, Barbados

Sporting Barbados has always been a passion.

A totally unique concept, my husband and I could always see the potential for this publication to inform visitors about all that goes on here and inspire them to come and visit. It’s been 23 years of careful organization to promote the many events and festivals – started at a time before the Internet and social media existed to any serious extent.

Now, Sporting Barbados continues to lead the way and embrace the digital era. Of course we have had www.sportingbarbados.com for decades but welcome to the new revamped website. Take a look at the preferred list of Sporting Barbados partners, all whom come highly recommended. Accompanying this, we have our monthly digital Sporting Barbados News Update where you can see all that is happening way in advance and book your holiday accommodation. In addition, we are of course on Facebook and Instagram and there is no other source on the island that provides you with more up-to-date information on international sporting events and matters on the island than Sporting Barbados.

So we have come a long way.

But we have not done it alone. The hard copy of Sporting Barbados – the flagship of this information core which continues to triumph – is free. We thank our sponsors for sticking with us for without them it would not be possible to highlight this island in this way. We would also

like to thank Minister King and Minister Symmonds for their kind Forewords and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) for their continued faith in our efforts.

Enjoy this beautiful island and all it offers. It is truly special. There are few places left in the world where you can come and play, mingle and ‘mek sport’ as Bajans say, with the locals in complete confidence that you are welcome and safe. Friendships are forged that last forever.

Read our article from Tony Bray on a relationship spanning over 20 years with Barbados and Frocester Cricket Club. You will get the picture.

As the island slowly recovers from a very difficult economic climate, we look forward to seeing the sunny side and being instrumental in taking this island to the next level in sports tourism. Sun, sea and sand? Yes, we have that – and so much more…

Pamela

Log onto www.sportingbarbados.com for up to date news on events in Barbados!

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C O N T R I B U T O R S

CONTRIBUTORS

Clarence Hiles

Lucy Agace - Diving

James Johnson - Golf

Peter Marshall – Photography

Anne Tindale – Sailing

Brian Talma - Beach Culture

Robin Bradford

Kristina Evelyn – Marathon and Water Festival

Randy Brooks - Photography

Neil Barnard

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F O R E W O R D

Foreword by the Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, M.P. Minister of Tourism and International Transport

The Government of Barbados continues to place significant value on the contribution of sports and tourism to the economic and social well-being of Barbados. Undoubtedly, sports and tourism are intrinsically linked and are two very important aspects of our development.

Furthermore, the vital role that sports tourism plays in our efforts to attract additional visitor arrivals to Barbados must be underscored. This was especially manifested as fans of England’s cricket team descended on the Caribbean to enjoy high quality matches and the accompanying entertainment as the West Indies hosted the Test and One Day Series in January and February 2019.

As a mature destination, Barbados can capitalise on the different motivations for sports related travel. People travel to actively participate in sporting events; to undertake training for sports individually or as part of a team; to enjoy the sport as a spectator or to support a team and to improve health and enhance physical activity. Hence, we must strategically allocate our scarce resources to nurture the sports tourism niche to positively impact on our overall tourism income. This necessitates the availability of essential infrastructure, efficient customer service, and high-quality facilities and amenities to meet the demands of athletes, sports enthusiasts and fans.

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Over the years, the island has successfully hosted a number of world class events.

However, we are continuously seeking to develop new and exciting initiatives to increase our market-share and enhance our competitiveness. Consequently, in 2019, Barbados successfully bid ahead of Panama and Uruguay for the hosting of the May 2020 edition of the Pan American Beach Wrestling Championship. The event is expected to attract 150 competing athletes as well as coaches, supporters and other auxiliary staff out of the USA, Canada and the Caribbean and Latin American region.

Additionally, the island will host the first Barbados International Beach Soccer Invitational in September 2020. It is expected to attract teams from the USA and Caribbean regions and an estimated 140 visitors will attend the event. Another new addition to the calendar of events in 2020 will be the Barbados International Netball Festival to be held in October. The tournament targets teams competing in the Under 14, Under 16 and Under18 age categories. It is proposed that this event be held annually to attract teams from the United Kingdom, USA and the wider Caribbean.

Immediately following this event in November 2020 will be The Barbados Classic which will encompass a number of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball men’s and women’s teams travelling to the island to participate in this out of season tour. The event is endorsed and supported by the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association (BABA). It is envisioned that it will present Barbados with an opportunity to solidify its relationship with the NCCA and other visiting colleges and universities. Furthermore, the overall aim is to establish the island as the number one choice for pre-season training in basketball and other sporting disciplines.

Sporting enthusiasts can continue to look forward to experiencing our customary world class events including the Association of Paddlesurf Professionals Barbados Pro. The

tour has been conveniently scheduled to coincide with the National Surfing Championship which will result in an extended period of surfing at the iconic Soup Bowl located on the East Coast.

Moreover, we will continue to support the established events such as Round Barbados Sailing Week, Sol Rally Barbados, the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament and the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend. The latter has shown steady growth in participation by local and overseas participants since being re-branded in 2015.

In view of increased awareness of travel for health and wellness we also look forward to welcoming visitors to our re-vamped Mindful Living Barbados, a festival event synonymous with the adoption of healthy living, relaxation and rejuvenation.

From a traditional tourism perspective, we are eager to take advantage of the benefits that can be derived from hosting these sports events. Consequently, we are keen to showcase our history, heritage and culture which will provide participants, family, friends and fans with authentic Barbadian experiences to encourage them to return to our beautiful island.

I wish to acknowledge the contribution of Pamela Hiles and her team for their tireless efforts of showcasing Barbados’ sporting culture. Your diligence and commitment to highlighting our sporting endeavours is reflected in the high standard of your publication. Barbadians and tourists alike will enjoy the inspirational stories and breath-taking photography.

Kerrie Symmonds, M.P. Minister of Tourism and International Transport

#ThisIsYourTime

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F O R E W O R D

Foreword by the Honourable John A. King, M.P. Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports Over the years, Sporting Barbados has creatively showcased the sporting landscape in Barbados, highlighting our diverse sports to the world. The consistently high standard of this magazine has only been surpassed by its contribution as an invaluable resource for locals and visitors alike. It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate the Principals of Hilltop Publishing on the continued excellence reflected in this 2020 Edition of the Sporting Barbados Magazine.

The year 2019 was characterized by a variety of experiences and successes in sports, but arguably, none more special than the Pan American Games Gold medal winning performance by Barbadian sprint hurdler Shane Brathwaite. His outstanding feat was representative of the sporting culture that abounds in Barbados. We are extremely proud of Shane and all of our athletes in the various disciplines, who have once again elevated this small nation in the eyes of the world.

During 2019, Barbados was the usual hive of sporting activity, attributed to the numerous local, regional and international conferences, meetings and tournaments that were hosted on our shores. These sporting delights included the Gold Cup Horse Race, the plethora of motor racing meets, Barbados Sailing Week and the Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Competitions and Golf tournaments, as well as International Test Cricket and ODIs, CCCAN and CARIFTA Games (swimming) and various international hockey, football and surfing tournaments.

Beyond the excitement of the traditional offerings in the areas of sports and culture, Barbados will be celebrating our rich sporting culture as part of the initiative – ‘Vision 2020: We Gatherin’. Commencing January 2020, Barbadians, friends, sports and fitness enthusiasts and fun seekers from across the globe will be returning to Barbados, to be thrilled by a year-long menu of exciting activities. An array of events will be hosted by Barbados’ seventy-four national sporting organisations, ranging from the exhilaration of

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the fast pace Sol Rally Barbados 2020 and other motor sports events, our indigenous road tennis and the multi-sport Barbados Independence Invitational Games (BiiG) to the leisurely golf tournaments and beach and watersports activities, including CARIFTA Swimming Championships, Pan American Beach Wrestling, Barbados Beach Soccer Invitational and the Association of Paddling Professionals Barbados Pro tournaments.

These events will be structured to engender sharing the passions, experiences and stories of sports and culture in Barbados. This will be complemented by beautiful weather, fine cuisine and our otherwise rich culture, all of which distinguishes Barbados as an ideal sports and leisure holiday destination. The Government and people of Barbados therefore look forward to welcoming all sportspersons, enthusiasts and your families to our shores during 2020.

Once again, I congratulate the publishers of “Sporting Barbados” on an excellent publication, and wish you continued success in the future.

John A. King, M.P. Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports

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Photo: Barbados Trident’s Ashley Nurse by Randy Brooks 16 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

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Elegance is an attitude Simon Baker

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HydroConquest

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Photo: Gerrard Wilson courtesy Barbados Rally Club 20 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

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Photo: Peter Marshall 22 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

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Photo of Roberta Foster from Shannon Brinkman Photo courtesy of BEA 26 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

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B A R B A D O S

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ADOS BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

B A R B A D O S

Our cricket legends are honoured at the Cricket Legends Museum and Kensington Oval. Don’t miss this collection of memorabilia. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm and Sat 10am-3pm.

Above: Crane beach

Barbados

is small. 166 square miles to be exact. At some points on the island you can see many coasts. What is amazing is the amount of things to do and see on an island this size. This is one of the reasons why we started Sporting Barbados in 1998! We were totally excited and impressed by all the sporting activities that are represented here, many of which visitors can come and take part. It is still staggering so come on a journey with me and learn a little bit more about this amazing jewel.

The People

With just over 290,000 inhabitants, Barbados punches well above its weight in the world. As a people, Bajans (Barbadians) are friendly, laidback and have an opinion on most things, especially cricket! Education is big in Barbados with much of it free, including textbooks and uniforms. Bajans place a high emphasis on

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Barbados Facts Our first Settlers were the Arawak Indians – head to the Barbados Museum in the Garrison for an interesting look at our history.

Originally settled by the British, Barbados became independent on 30th November 1966 International singing sensation Rihanna is from Barbados! You can visit the street where she lived in Bridgetown.

When a Bajan says he’s going to a ‘fete’ it’s NOT a church fair! It’s a PARTY! The earliest Synagogue still in use in the Americas is in Bridgetown – The Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum. It’s open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and is well worth a visit.

Having a rum shop experience in Barbados is a must do! Enjoy local delicacies like pudding and souse, fried pork chops, macaroni pie, breadfruit chips and of course, some local rum! The way it’s done is you buy the bottle of rum and mixers separately along with a container of ice.

When a Bajan says, “I’m going liming”, he’s not about to cut up some limes- he’s going to ‘hang out’!

We have our own currency here – The Barbadian Dollar – tied to the US Dollar – 2-1. We no longer use the one cent coin.

Don’t bring any of your trendy camouflage gear to Barbados – it’s illegal for anyone except the military to wear it!

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc BTMI have offices around the world www.visitbarbados.org and www.sportingbarbados.com for more information

B A R B A D O S

Above: St. Andrew’s Parish Church

learning, and although some of the schools may not look like impressive buildings, the results achieved are normally at higher level.

There is plenty of choice on the island with both private and government schools. The 11plus exams are still a big factor here, and for those who are not familiar with this exam it basically decides where your child is going to school. In Barbados, it’s all about grades with some very bright children in the best schools.

Of course, this only applies to the Government schools. You can choose to opt out, and register your child in a private school. However, it comes at a cost.

Bajans are also very religious people. You will see churches dotted around the island in every little village. Every parish has an Anglican Church and one of note is St John’s Parish Church. It is the oldest Church on the island dating back to the 1700s, although the present building dates from 1836, as former buildings have been destroyed or damaged by hurricanes. Tourists flock to see St John’s Church, and the opportunity to explore the

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B A R B A D O S

Above: A wedding in St. John’s Parish Church Left: A sno-cone vendor

graveyards. Note that Ferdinando Paleologus (the last descendant of the second brother of Constantine – the last Christian Emperor of Constantinople) is buried in a tomb at the rear of the Church’s cemetery. With history and Church combine then that alone is worth a visit.

The Food

A big part of a Bajan’s life is eating. Bajans LOVE food. The amount of restaurants on the island to suit all pockets is mind blowing. You can get anything from Sushi to red snapper, pasta to pudding and souse, Flying fish to fish cakes. Head to Oistins for local delicacies or to Champers Restaurant at Rockley overlooking Accra Beach or Tapas at Hastings for superb fine dining. If you are hungry and need something quickly visit one of the many Chefettes on the island. Enjoy a local Roti, pizza or Chicken burger. Their bright colourful fast food restaurants have stood the test of time and the quality is not just in the food, but it comes at the right price.

And, if you want a food experience with a

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B A R B A D O S

Above: George Washington House Right: The Garrison Savannah

difference and can spend a few hours, try out the new Lickrish Food Tours where you will have lots of fun as you travel from venue to venue and get a sample of local delicacies.

The Fun things to do

You won’t get bored in Barbados. Many destinations have sun, sea and sand and that’s about it, but here there are many other attractions.

Are you into culture and history?

Visit our Unesco Heritage Site at the Garrison Savannah steeped in history alongside the Racing Track. Military buildings, St Ann’s Fort, the Drill Hall with famous Copola clock, Barbados Museum are all features in addition to George Washington House. Then head into Bridgetown and see the Parliament Museum.

Perhaps a Tour of an old plantation house like Sunbury Plantation?

Take a catamaran trip on the Tiami and swim

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B A R B A D O S

Above: The Careenage in Bridgetown Left: Foursquare, St. Philip

with the turtles - it is a day you will never forget.

Book an island tour – they cover a lot of ground and they can take you to see the dramatic contrasting coasts. You will be quite surprised at how such a small island will have such different sides to it. Or if you want to explore on your own, hire a car and take off!

Is Rum your thing?

Then why not sample some of the fabulous rums of Barbados. The Foursquare Rum Factory Tour and The Mount Gay Visitors Tours are both excellent.

And then of course there is the Shopping… picturesque Bridgetown with its Careenage and Admiral Nelson Statue beside Heroes Square. Then venture to Broad Street with Cave Shepherd, our big department store, Diamonds International, The Royal Shop and many more – all of these specialize in DUTY FREE. For souvenirs you have many locations islandwide at Best of Barbados with the

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B A R B A D O S

Above: Limegrove Above right: A lovely outfit from House of Jaipur, Limegrove

incredible artwork of Jill Walker and her family.

Ganzee is also located at Cave Shepherds outlets including the ports.

Head down to Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown where the vibe is luxury. Whether it’s a Cartier watch or an original piece from House of Jaipur, this is shopping heaven for the serious shopper. Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Always Summer, Gatsby, Heidi Klein – lots of choice for the discerning. For the less energetic shoppers there are plenty locations to relax with refreshments and food. Or simply have tea or coffee. You can even go to a movie and order Prosecco!

Sitting on a beach for your entire holiday is not an option in Barbados!

And we haven’t even got to the sport yet… that’s a whole new dimension.

Read on….

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C R I C K E T

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HOWZAT! EPIC CRICKET IN BARBADOS

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C R I C K E T

The first regional match was in 1865 at the Garrison.

Previous pages & Above: England vs West Indies at Kensington Oval. Photos by Randy Brooks

England

finally toured in the Caribbean early last year, and it set the tone at Kensington Oval for what followed in the Series.

There were 3 Test matches followed by 5 ODIs and 3 T20s. Barbados shared the visitors with Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia, and St Kitts, and it started with an epic match at the Oval.

The Barmy Army was in song as Barbados is often referred to as Little England. Certainly the visitors loved the ambience and took advantage of the beautiful sunshine in stark contrast to wintery conditions in the UK. Some pundits warned West Indies were going to get thrashed prior to the match, but as we often think, cricket is an amazing game. And once again it proved to be. Against all odds, Jason Holder’s team were up for it, and he led from the front.

England played 3 preliminary matches at the Three Ws at Cave Hill, but the West Indies showed little of their cards with shadow teams.

John Charles made his Test debut and when the West Indies won the toss, Holder elected to bat. It didn’t appear at the time that anything undue was about to happen, but we were all mistaken. West Indies reached 289, largely from Shimron Hetmyer (81), and as expected James Anderson (5 for 46) proved to be a thorn in the local team. His 5-wicket haul was his 27th.

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In 1930/1 fast bowler Herman Griffith bowled the legendary Australian, Donald Bradman, for a duck in his first match.

Pickwick Cricket Club played at Kensington Oval from 1882 to 2007.

Teddy Hoad was the first Barbadian Captain to play in a Test match for West Indies.

In 1953 Sir Everton Weekes scored five successive centuries for the West Indies.

The Kensington Oval staged the 2007 World Cup won by Australia.

Cricket Highlights Barbados has produced 7 cricket Knighthoods.

The Kensington Oval was landscaped in 2007 to be an Oval for the first time.

The first match at the Kensington Oval took place in 1882.

In 2011 the famous icon Rihanna staged a concert at the Kensington Oval.

A museum of the Legends of Barbados is close to the Kensington Oval.

The 3Ws Oval at the University of the West Indies complex has plinths of all the Barbados Test records.

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Left: Jason Holder, photo by Randy Brooks Below right: The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P. Prime Minister congratulates Jason Holder

However, in return Barbados pace bowler Kemar Roach (5 for 17) produced his best records to date, and England slumped to 77 all out!

The England bowlers bounced back with several quick wickets, and it looked like they rebounded enough to make it a contest. But their aspirations were quashed by an incredible performance from skipper Jason Holder, who scored an amazing 202no in tandem with wicketkeeper Shane Dowich (116no). It was Holder’s first double century and the fastest in the Caribbean in terms of balls. (229). It also made him the top allrounder in the world.

West Indies declared at 415-6, and England faced a mammoth 628 to win with plenty of time.

However, another Barbadian rose to the challenge, and spinner Roston Chase (8 for 60) proved to be the winner.

What an amazing match. As expected Jason Holder was Man-of-the-Match.

West Indies also won the 2nd Test by 10 wickets in Antigua to win the Series. England did get their act together at St Lucia to win by 232 runs with Joe Root scoring 122.

The first two ODIs also took place at Kensington Oval last February. Both teams won a game each after a blistering start from Chris Gayle (135), which was matched by Jason Roy (123) as England won by six wickets chasing 361.

In the 2nd match West Indies won by 26 in a thriller after Shimron Hetmyer (104no) and Shelden Cottrell (5 for 46), famed for his salute when he takes a wicket.

Two matches were also shared and one was a no result at Grenada due to rain leaving 2-2 for the Series. Unfortunately, West Indies lost their 3 T20 matches, which are best forgotten!

After all, isn’t it best to remember this epic Test win at the Oval?

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WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING Ireland cricketers return to Barbados

MORE Cricket Highlights West Indian all-rounder Phil Simmons was the Ireland Coach from 2007 to 2015.

Ireland has played West Indies ODI 12 times and won four times.

Paul Stirling holds the record scoring 177 against Canada in 2010 in Toronto.

The Governing Body of Cricket Ireland is in Dublin.

Ireland attained ICC Associate Members status in 1993 then Test status in 2018.

Ireland has played 3 Test matches, but lost to Pakistan, Afghanistan and England.

The Ireland Captain since 2008 is William Porterfield from Donemana, Co Tyrone.

An Ireland team first played in 1855. The Irish Cricket Union was formed in 1933.

Ireland first ODI match was at Stormont, Belfast in 2006 when England won by 38.

Ireland beat Pakistan at Sabina Park, Jamaica, during the 2007 World Cup. Eoin Morgan is the England Captain and formerly played for Ireland.

The last match between both teams was at Malahide, Dublin when WI won by 196.

Ireland

cricketers will return on January 2020 after an exciting and fairytale trip to the Caribbean during the World Cup in 2007. Thirteen years have elapsed since they played at Kensington Oval, but since then Irish cricket has risen to greater things, including Test status. The visit to Barbados in competition with three ODI matches against West Indies is long overdue, although the teams have been competing all over the world in between.

Historic Memories

Of course, Ireland’s greatest day was in 1969, which the West Indies will want to forget. The setting was at Sion Mills in County Tyrone just after the Lord’s Test between West Indies and England, and from all accounts the players were tired after arriving, not plied with hospitality prior to the match. Next day it was normal for the visitors to open first, but on the green pitch the Irish bowlers proved to be experts and wickets fell rapidly from Alec O’Riordan and Dougie Goodwin with some good catching. At one stage they were 12-9, but staged a revival of a sort to reach 25! The shock news was relayed from the media all over the world, and it prompted the former Ireland Cricket President Dr Billy Ritchie at the time to quip…”We had them 12 for 9 and let them off

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C R I C K E T

the hook!”

And don’t forget West Indies also toured in Ireland in 1928 after they attained Test Status during a visit to England at the same time. It was played at College Park, Dublin and JB Ganley was the Ireland skipper. It was a thriller and Ireland was victorious.

But enough of Irish victories, as the West Indies rebounded many times over the years, and Ireland suffered several trouncing defeats that followed.

Ireland Resurgence

The transformation within Irish cricket was huge in comparison to West Indies. Prior to the 1990s the West Indies made ‘social’ visits to Ireland and Scotland. Several players were often excused as the England series were long tours, but in contrast the Ireland matches were the highlights. Ireland had to become more competitive at the time, but it was a long journey, and in due course the strategy changed as overseas players with Irish origins were added. These players, mainly from Australia and South Africa, strengthened the quorum.

In addition, top Coaches South African Adi Birrell, and later West Indian Phil Simmons were the jewels in the crown. They brought a new dimension to professionalism, and the administration bought into the new culture with player’s contracts and a modern era.

Ireland were better suited to limited overs competition, and the biggest milestone was at World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean after they

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won against the Associate Member countries.

Against all odds, Ireland tied with Zimbabwe and then later defeated Pakistan to reach the next group stage. Ireland had arrived, and better was to follow when they defeated England in the World Cup 2011 in India. Kevin O’Brien proved the hero when he scored an unforgettable century in 50 balls!

Irish cricket can be defined as past and present. In the past they were all amateurs until 25 years ago, but the transformation was critical. The Irish Cricket Union was replaced with a new brand “Cricket Ireland”, and in due course, a new fulltime CEO Warren Deutrom was added to the team. He has deservedly been credited with much of the present set-up within Irish cricket, which now boasts over 30 full time employees, Interprovincial series, and cricket at every level throughout Ireland from Under 9. Irish cricket can only get better, and another step in the right direction will be competing with the three ODI matches in January.

Bajan-Irish Connections

It is interesting that West Indies, and in particular Barbadian players, have also played in Ireland. They include Henderson Wallace, a former Under-19 pace bowler. Big Hendy is best known after completing over 20 years every season at Eglinton, Londonderry, and Leinster in Dublin. Calvin Hope played at Downpatrick in 1981, and Jerry Kirton played at Strabane. Other West Indians included Herbert Chang, Tony Johnson, Everton Mattis, Mark and

Roger Harper. Mark played at Donaghcloney and Roger at Woodvale in Belfast.

Sir Everton Weekes made several visits to Northern Ireland. He joined with Sir Clyde Walcott to celebrate the opening of Holywood clubhouse, and then was honoured in 1996 in a dinner ceremony after his Knighthood. North Down also invited him to mark the Sesquicentenary Dinner in 2007.

Sir Garfield has made a several visits including when he captained a West Indies Select XI at Limavady in 1961, and he visited The Green at Comber when an NCU XI played a Barbados Select XI. Of course, Sir Garfield also played at Royal County Down golf course on the same trip. He has also made other visits promoting Barbados tourism and a Sports luncheon where he was the Guest Speaker.

The Present

The modern era involves three different disciplines-Test, ODI and T20 cricket. Ireland are the rookies in Test cricket, but better suited to the shorter game. West Indies should be better as ODI World Ratings have them currently placed 9th, but ominously just two above Ireland. Both teams have a huge incentive to perform against their rivals.

Pre World Cup 2019 in England last July, Ireland missed out on the Qualifying Tournament and West Indies and Afghanistan qualified. That’s why good performances are so important and why the January matches are vital for each country.

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C R I C K E T

Frocester Cricket Club Tour of Barbados 1992-2019 and onwards

BY TONY BRAY. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FROCESTER CRICKET CLUB

It

is 3.30am, Monday 25th February 2019, a dark, chilly morning in rural Gloucestershire, there is a slight drizzle in the air. A large coach pulls up outside the Kings Head whereupon bleary eyed folk congregate and board.

The coach moves off stopping at the various villages within the Stroud Valleys completing the pre-arranged pickups.

Next stop Gatwick Airport some three hours’ drive negotiating several motorways.

Eventually the coach arrives outside the North terminal and everyone alights.

At this point more members of this group turn up; those who travelled up the night before to avoid the early morning start.

It was way back in 1992 forty eight intrepid explorers 1998! m fro o ot ph Above: Tour set of for what they did not realise at the time was the start of something special, a bond and friendship which will be created and that would grow and develop over the years to come, reaching this point in 2019, the 14th tour of the island by Frocester Cricket Club. The organiser of this first tour and many following, Eric Bird had previously visited the island as a guest with Hereford CC and enjoyed it so much he decided to run one from his own club, Frocester.

The airline back in 1992 was British West Indies Airlines; it seemed a long but lively flight.

Two other cricketing groups were on board and long before they had reached Barbados the first Class compartment had to be raided by the staff for extra drinks.

The very first game of that original tour was

against The Government Industrial School.

Frocester won that first ever game with one player, John Evans scoring a century.

Regrettably he may have over done the celebrations afterwards according to sources.

Fortunately there was a doctor on tour to alleviate any potential issues arising from over indulgence. The second game against The Barbados Armed Forces brought everyone down to earth however as John was out for a first ball duck and was hit for 34 off one over.

Interestingly the last game played on the latest 2019 schedule also witnessed a victory for Frocester, beating a team from the Barbados National Oil Company. “Maybe we should quit there while we are ahead” was the call from some well-seasoned tourists.

In between the first game in 1992 and the last game in 2019 we have played somewhere in the region of 45 games of cricket. Recalling from memory and what records we still hold indicate we probably have not reached double figures in terms of victories out of that total played. We have played teams with varying amount of talent and we have at times struggled to find 11 fit and able players for one reason or another. Once we played a team who thought we were Worcestershire County Cricket Club and therefore fielded a team to equal that professional side. Not surprisingly we lost that one.

So it begs the question why do we keep coming back? The answer is fairly simple, an opportunity to enjoy a welcome break in the Caribbean during our own winter, naturally then the climate, which goes without explanation but also the camaraderie of a group of people focussed on having a good time. Without doubt it is the opportunity to rekindle acquaintances with some of the

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C R I C K E T

friendliest people on earth. People who will go out of their way to ensure you enjoy their island, with genuine pride and gusto.

Playing and social members from Frocester Cricket Club are joined by guests from nearby villages, some are associated with their own local sides but are either friends of Frocester or friends of friends who, having heard the many stories have decided to find out for themselves the magic of what Barbados has to offer. There is a hard core of folks who come on every trip now and they eagerly look forward to the next trip as soon as we return.

North Stars Cultural and Sports Club way up in Crab Hill, St Lucy is a team with whom we share a great affinity. Maybe because as two clubs we are very similar, both are based in a rural location away from the large cities, two clubs that have cricket at the core of a stronger community spirit developing youngsters and being a focal point for the community as a whole.

We always enjoy playing at this beautiful ground and have been linked with North Stars longer than any other team on the island. Much of this friendship was created by a visionary man named Ashley Toppin who became a dear and close friend alongside his partner Lynthia Skeete. Ashley created and drove the club forward as a beacon of friendliness, good cricket, great fun and someone who was immensely proud of his Barbadian heritage. He took every opportunity to promote the island both at home and abroad. Sadly Ashley is no

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longer with us but his memory and sheer dedication to cricket, North Stars and Barbados lives on. The bond of friendship between our two clubs started back in the year 2000, but I stand to be corrected if it was indeed earlier.

North Stars organise a tour to England every two years and recently they too enjoyed their 10th anniversary of travelling. We are proud to be able to repay their hospitality and Frocester are the first game they play when in the UK. Needless to say we attempt to replicate the kindness shown to us by ensuring they enjoy their visit to Gloucestershire. It is incredible to witness the scenes when they step off the coach and likewise when we visit St Lucy.

People are queuing up to greet each other with a hug and a welcome like long lost friends returning home.

Frocester is a small village with just some forty dwellings, nestling just below the Cotswold escarpment in the Severn Valley. The village lies ten miles south of the City of Gloucester and four miles west of the town of Stroud. We could not be further removed from the culture of the Caribbean, yet we feel like brothers and sisters to our friends in Barbados.

Moving on, another highlight of our tour has to be our visit to Isolation Cavaliers, located in Lakes Pasture, St Andrew. This marvellous club is also high on the list of unique spots and places to play. We have enjoyed the hospitality of Kevin Vaughan and his Isolation team for many years now. This is another club with whom we have created a strong bond of

friendship. To the point this year Kevin offered the use of the home dressing room to Frocester claiming we were the home team!

Our visits to Isolation always form the basis of many stories that are retold over the year with strong affection. Similar to North Stars and in fact all the teams we play, the cricket is always of a high standard, it was the only game we lost on this 2019 tour. The hilarity of the running ‘live’ commentary throughout the game and the loud music between overs create a fun, party atmosphere. The after match shenanigans are legendary within both our clubs. The location is simply beautiful and the hard work put into the continued development of this fine club by Kevin Vaughan and his team is commendable.

It has to be said that we do struggle to field eleven players at times for various reasons and this is where our close bond to the island comes to the fore, we can easily call upon several very good local players and friends to guest for us, which integrates us even more with whomever the opposition are, helping to become closer as two groups of people, mingling, talking and ultimately partying together because of that very important link.

We travelled just after the official ECB tour to Barbados and one Bajan friend remarked regarding our imminent arrival “Now the real England tour begins”.

Another essential element on tour is our friends, Sheldon and Erskine Branch who operate the buses to take us to and from the

There is something special in the Barbados air; could it be the refreshing sea breeze, the sound of soca on the radios, the lively banter of the locals going about their daily rituals? Maybe it’s the laid back approach to life in general. cricket matches. These guys are local celebrities and seem to know everyone on the island. I am sure we could reach our destination in half the time if they didn’t stop to acknowledge their many friends across the island. Not that it is a problem you just accept it takes as long as it takes, which seems to be the island philosophy for many. The sooner one accepts that approach the more one enjoys everything. Our tours would not be complete without these two devout Christians who are such individual characters in their own right. The fun we enjoyed with these two fine gentlemen is beyond words. They have ferried us around for as long as I can remember and although they may play the same old Beatles songs and repeat the same old lines and jokes they are still as funny to this day as the first.

Away from the cricket there is always plenty to do on the island, if people can drag themselves off the beaches and away from the bars. A highlight of every trip is a day on a catamaran, which has become another essential element of every tour. Sailing up along the west coast, anchoring in a couple of spots to enjoy swimming around a coral reef, feeding the turtles or simply relaxing on board with a drink in hand admiring the view along the beautiful Caribbean coastline. This trip also offers us the opportunity to repay some of our friends by inviting several to join us sailing as our guests.

Some people on the tour enjoy the Gold Cup horse racing day at the Savannah or a round of golf. Trips around the island are always popular, so too visits to places of interest of which there are many. Martin and Sylvia Camm are the only couple who have been on every tour since 1992 and when asked why they keep returning the simple answer was “Because we haven’t seen it all yet”!

On a personal note my wife and I have made some dear friends in Barbados in between tours we travel alone and we are delighted to be able to enjoy their company on a more intimate basis. Travelling at different times of the year to witness and enjoy the local seasonal festivities. I even recall representing North Stars at a National Sports Council Awards

presentation night to collect an award on behalf of North Stars who had won a certain category. A proud moment for me personally and identifies how close the two clubs have become.

There are very many amusing stories to retell about the fun and pleasure we have enjoyed each and every trip. Yet probably no more than other sporting groups enjoy when they visit the island. All visitors create their own unique and special memories. From our experience the advice we would offer anyone is to get out and about, talk and respond in kind to people, join in the fun, the banter and don’t be afraid to make Bajans your friends. We have so much in common, the two islands separated by a mere 4,000 miles. Hard to pinpoint but certainly being prepared to integrate is important, yet not so hard to do if you immerse yourself in the culture and adapt. Our Bajan brothers and sisters are willing to make us so welcome so

therefore it is only right we respond with a smile and engage accordingly, just look what has developed as a result.

We are praying for another fine summer ahead here in the UK so we can wear our shorts, shirts and skimpy tops as if we were actually in Barbados. Never quite the same though however hot it becomes. There is something special in the Barbados air; could it be the refreshing sea breeze, the sound of soca on the radios, the lively banter of the locals going about their daily rituals? Maybe it’s the laid back approach to life in general. Whatever it is there would be one essential thing missing and that would be our inimitable Bajan friends and hosts.

Following our return from yet another successful tour we are already in the planning stage to escape the Gloucestershire winter drizzle for a return visit in 2021.

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G O L F

GOLFING IN PARADISE By top Bajan golfer James Johnson

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If

you have come to Barbados to enjoy all that the island has to offer and are also looking for a game of golf then you’re in luck because this country has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.

There are currently four eighteen hole and two nine hole courses open; Sandy Lane Country Club, The Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, The Sand Lane Old Nine, Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, The Barbados Golf Club and Rockley Golf Club.

Golf Highlights Barbados has 5 18-hole courses and 2 9hole courses.

The oldest golf club is Rockley founded in 1926.

Sandy Lane Golf Resort has 3 courses including the famous 9 holes at the Old Nine.

All golf courses are pay-as-you-play except the exclusive Green Monkey at Sandy Lane.

Rockley is the only traditional Club with Men’s and Lady’s Captain.

All Barbados clubs are owned by private companies.

Masters champion Ian Woosnam owns a property at Royal Westmoreland Resort.

Apes Hill golf course is temporarily out of operation.

The 9-hole course at Rockley has all nine holes out of bounds for the errant player.

Golf carts are available at all clubs.

Sandy Lane Resort hosted the 2006 World Golf Championship World Cup. Barbadians James Johnston and Roger Beale competed.

The European Seniors Tours played at Royal Westmoreland Resort from 2000 to 2009. www.barbadosgolfclub.com www.rockleygolfclub.com www.royalwestmoreland.com www.sandylane.com www.apeshillclub.com 61 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

G O L F

Sandy Lane Country Club

The Green Monkey golf course is the most prestigious on the island and is very very exclusive! A tee time here will cost you $4000usd, yes that’s right, for four players if you are not a Sandy Lane hotel guest. However this Tom Fazio design is a gem, carved out of limestone and with views of the west coast of the island, this is truly a unique experience.

The Sandy Lane Country Club is also an exquisite golf course and kept in pristine condition year round. Designed by world renowned architect Tom Fazio as well, the 18 hole par 72 course is challenging but fair. It hosted the 2006 PGA Tour’s World Golf Championships World Cup, which I played in I must add, and boasts of exceptionally fast greens. It is mandated that caddies are hired who help players with their course managements and decipher the speedy green complexes. A world class club house and restaurant cater to all luxury needs of the traveling golfer. Cost here varies from around $246usd in season with an additional caddie fee.

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G O L F

Royal Westmoreland

Royal Westmoreland is another amazing golf course and is my favorite on the island. Large fairways and greens with rolling hills and undulations is the style that Robert Trent Jones implemented here, and his unique shaping of bunkers is clearly visible on most holes. Fantastic west coast views and limestone landscapes compliments the beautiful green cut grass. A fantastic club house, restaurant, pool sanctuary and gym are available for all guests. Cost here varies from around $275usd in season.

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G O L F

Barbados Golf Club

The most social golf club on the island in my opinion is the Barbados Golf Club. I may be slightly bias as I am on the board of directors of this course and where I play most of my golf. Another good little course that is not in the same league of Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland but where most of the regular local golfers play. And a place that you can easily role up and join in with players as a single. A nice clubhouse and restaurant comforts guests from morning until night with good food and a well-stocked bar. Prices here vary from around $115usd in season.

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G O L F

Rockley Golf Course

The Rockley Golf Course is only 9 holes but very enjoyable. Centrally located in the parish of Christ Church this club also has a vibrant membership and clubhouse.

Another very social club where locals play and somewhere I would recommend that a visitor can enjoy some golf and have a cold beer after their game. Prices here are around $55usd for 9 holes or $70usd for 18 in season.

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G O L F

Sandy Lane Old Nine

Sandy Lane Old Nine is also a great course and where I grew up playing.

Beautiful old mahogany trees and quick, sloping greens make this the perfect afternoon golf walk.

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G O L F

Ian Woosnam

Ryder Cup style golf for Charity in Barbados!

The

1991 Masters Champion and World number one golfer for 50 straight weeks in 91-92 is totally committed to Barbados. Ian Woosnam lives most of the time in Jersey but like the snowbirds, when the cold starts to bite, he can’t resist his lovely home at Royal Westmoreland in St James.

This amazing golfer, the only Welshman to win the Masters, fell in love with Barbados years ago. He came from humble beginnings on the farm to being the best in the world. Practicing in his garage to hit the lid of the bin, travelling to tournaments in an old VW van, eating cold baked beans so he could afford to enter…

These are the sacrifices of someone who is driven.

The rest is history! ‘Woosie’ as he is affectionately known, is a household name with anyone that knows about golf. He has played in 8 Ryder Cups but his most famous Ryder Cup Win as Captain at the magnificent K Club in Ireland will remain with him forever as a great moment in his life. Along with winning the Masters at Augusta of course!

Ian will be 62 and golf is still a passion, training young hopefuls and playing in various competitions around the world. He does have other ambitions and thankfully Barbados is the beneficiary.

Ian’s daughters both have the Type 1 Diabetes disease. One of them, Rebecca, was diagnosed by Barbadian Dr. Oscar Jordan about 20 years ago when she was 10. In a recent health study in Barbados, over 20% of the population is diabetic – a staggering statistic! Most of the diabetes is Type 2 – a type

Cally Boyea 72 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

of diabetes which often stems from poor diet and lifestyle. Type 1 you are often born with and for many, it goes undiagnosed. Ian’s aim is to change this and to help the Type 1 diabetics on the island – find them, treat them and educate them. The Ian Woosnam Type 1 Diabetes Registry is a result of this aim. This Registry, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, is designed to identify persons living with Type 1 diabetes in the Barbados community, and provide a safe and supportive environment for patient engagement. To date, almost 200 persons living with Type 1 diabetes have been identified. If you are living with Type 1 diabetes, and would like to be registered on The Ian Woosnam Type 1 Diabetes Registry, please contact Dr. Michele Lashley or Ms. Krystal Boyea at t1dregistrybarbados@gmail.com Six years ago, Ian partnered with Dr Oscar Jordan and Cally Boyea CEO (whose daughter Krystal is also a Type 1 Diabetic) at the Barbados Diabetes Foundation in an attempt to raise funds for this organization, the dream of Dr. Jordan, himself an avid golfer. The centre was built with funds from the Maria Holder Memorial Trust and is in Warrens, St Michael. It’s a state of the art building which is a one -stop shop for diabetes patients including screening facilities, dialysis, specialist diabetes doctors, podiatrists, a nutritionist and a Retinal Screening Administrator. The Barbados government helps with the running costs but there is a shortfall and upon hearing this, Ian Woosnam stepped up to the plate.

In 2016, he put his name to a Ryder Cup Style Golf Tournament held at Apes Hill Club –

Ian Woosnam with Desmond Haynes

From left to right Jim Brewer, Brian Lemessurier, Ian Woosnam, Derrick Smith and Michael Challis.:

Barbados vs the Rest of the World. In 2018 his second event was hosted at Royal Westmoreland. The two teams comprise 36 players each, all outfitted in matching shirts thanks to Gildan Sportswear. The event is a match play format with each team vying for the honours. Teams are sponsored by many private individuals and corporate Barbados. There is also a grand auction in the clubhouse afterwards with amazing sponsored items – some donated by Ian such as tickets to the Masters at Augusta or to the next Ryder Cup. When this event first started in 2016, they raised over $150,000. In 2018 it increased to almost $300,000. Ian leads a team of organizers including Mrs. Yvonne Brewer, Mr. Shane Johnson and Mr. Roger Beale. They are working towards bigger and better things when the competition takes place February 25th, 2020!

“The centre is in need of solar panels to cut the electricity costs,” said Ian, “We are hoping to raise enough to do that and lower the maintenance costs.”

Above all, Ian Woosnam is keen to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. You can see his mind working when you chat to him. He wants to take this competition to a different level in the future – perhaps involving more celebrities – without the event losing its competitive charm.

Watch this space as this is definitely the start of something big for Barbados!

For details of this charity event or to make a donation you can contact Shane or Roger at Alleyne Real Estate (T) 246-432-1159 or email admin@jalbarbados.com.

G O L F

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The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust Gala Night at Sandy Lane Country Club “Enriching lives – because every child deserves hope and opportunity” This is one of the mantras of the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust as it grows and spreads it’s influence across the needy children of Barbados.

Reading the most recent brochure of the work done by this incredible organization it is indeed staggering what the wonderful Pippa Challis and the trustees accomplish in a year.

Of huge note was the opening of the Thrive Family Centre by the Hon Mia Amor Mottley Prime Minister. It’s the first phychiatric facility on island for children under 16 to be treated separately. No longer are children placed with adults who may have even more serious issues.

Winning team – Ricky Simpson, Rachael Ross Simpson, Roger Catliff and Richard Hughes

It’s modern, clean, with a fully trained team who will help to transition these children and their families into a life of confidence and empowerment.

Of course the Trust continues it’s sterling work with the Sunshine Early Stimulation Centre and the John Payne School for exception Children as well as running community outreach programmes, educational initiatives in local schools, and orthopedic clinics with World

Second placed team – Patrick and Gabrielle Hungerford, Nigel Hurst and David Higgins.

Prizes presented by Gay Smith

Pediatric Project.

As the golfers meet the challenges of the beautiful Sandy Lane Country Club and the champagne flows in the evening, we all give thanks to the people who support this event and make these crucial things possible on this blessed island. It is truly moving to sit and watch the annual video and see the difference made in the lives of so many through the work done by this Trust. Many of us have no concept of the suffering endured and the relief given. It is wonderful to be a part of it all and see the amazing results achieved. www.sandylanecharitabletrust.org

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Ian Woosnam

Third placed team – John and Joan Hargreaves, Nigel Lythgoe and Christian Crowson. Prizes presented by Gay Smith

Sir Cliff Richard Elizabeth Bryns and Victoria Kershaw.

Lovely Ladies

Auctioneer – Russ Abbott

A fun night was had by all

Sandy Lane Owners - Dermot Desmond, Derrick Smith, John Magnier, Michael Tabor and JP McManus

Trustees from left: Julian Sacher, Phillipa Challis, John Lodge & Derrick Smith

Gay Smith hosting Day Family with TV and Theatre producers Laurie Mansfield and Nigel Lythgoe and friends

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H O R S E

R A C I N G

CHASING GOLD

A day at the races in Barbados, especially on Gold Cup Day, is hard to beat!

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H O R S E

R A C I N G

Previous page left: Celestial Storm romping home at the 2019 Sandy Lane Gold Cup Above: The Garrison Savannah on race day!

Home of the world renowned and internationally acclaimed Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup.

Background

The Garrison is where International trainer Sir Michael Stoute first started before moving to England.

The legacy of racing has deep roots, mostly originating from a background of the British planters and ultimately from the troops, as the cavalry horsemen loved competing with the plantocracy. Over 200 years we owed much to the Royal Engineers for the beautiful Garrison Savannah at Hastings, as they were responsible for draining the swampland and mosquitoridden surrounds. Over the years beautiful grassland replaced the swamps, and everyone now enjoys multiple sports, including the horse racing around the Garrison.

The Garrison ambience continues to have a military presence, although the Government and private business now own most of it. We can still see the red brick buildings that feature the impressive Guard House and famous clock tower, Drill Hall, St. Ann’s Fort, the former Military Hospital, the Barbados Museum, and the old home of the Royal Engineers at Shot Hall close to the Yacht Club. Engineers are also responsible for the underground tunnels under the Garrison area. The former US President George Washington once stayed in a house beside the Garrison. The whole place is steeped in history!

Many visitors and locals love the gentle pace of jogging and walking safely in the inside of the track, but there were much lively exchanges in the past. The first Derby took place in 1845, and at the time it seemed everyone wanted to flock to the Garrison. Derby Days were gala occasions and the affluent ladies were resplendent with glamorous attire and colourful hats.

In 1865 the first regional cricket match took

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Home of one of the best horses in the Eastern Caribbean – MENTONE – 1956 Bay Horse by Pink Flower ex Favilla.

1959: Governor's Cup, Stewards Cup, 1960: Texaco Plate, Queen Elizabeth S., Trinidad Turf Club Cup, Horse of the Year - Barbados - 1960 Raced in Trinidad and Barbados.

Unbeaten in six starts in Barbados, he also set several track records at the time.

He was a moderate sire at stud.

Home of Harry Challenor Jones M.B.E, winner of the most Derby’s in the Eastern Caribbean with over 16 derby’ victories between Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.

Horse Racing Highlights Sonia Perkins first female jockey in the Eastern Caribbean, career spanned from August 1979 – January 1985 with much success in Barbados, Martinique and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Garrison is one of Oldest racetracks in the Eastern Caribbean, Thoroughbred racing recorded as far back as 1845.

Only racetrack within a World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean.

Racetrack where champion Canadian jockey Patrick Husbands BSS first started his career before moving to Canada. He has over 3000 wins.

Boasts of having the only champion female Trainer in the Eastern Caribbean – Miss Elizabeth Dean SCM, with over 500 plus career victories.

One of the only tracks where most trainers give their horses regular sea baths as part of their training. www.barbadosturfclub.org

H O R S E

R A C I N G

Above: Zouave Band Left: And they’re off!

Bottom right: Entertainer Mac Fingall

place within the Track, and in the 1880s polo games were introduced, mainly from the British Cavalry. The Polo Club was formed in 1884, and shared with other sporting pursuits until 1966 when it found a new home at Holder’ Estate.

Football from the Barbados Defence Force and the Rugby Club also share space within the Track, and various sporting pursuits also take place including kite flying, basketball and netball.

Racing on the island

The Barbados Turf Club was formed in 1905, and is responsible for much of the hub in local racing these days. There are three seasons during the year, mostly on Saturday afternoons, but by far the biggest gala occasions are the Sandy Lane Gold Cup in early March and the Massy United Insurance Derby in August. CEO Rosette Peirce works with the Directors to orchestrate a plethora of races, and sponsors.

The Gold Cup dates back to 1982 and Sandy Lane have been the sponsors since 1997. Of course, the Sandy Lane Hotel is renowned all over the world with its magnificent aura and facilities. Over BBD$214,000 is the purse available for the Gold Cup winner competing over 1,800 metres. Horses have come from throughout the Caribbean and North America and the goal is to win by all owners, trainers, jockeys and grooms. It barely lasts one minute and 50 seconds, but the excitement is without precedent.

Who’s who in Gold Cup folklore

JE Carmacho was the first owner to win the

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H O R S E

R A C I N G

Above: Race day crowd Right from left: Dan Raizman, Martin Raizman and George Raizman. Bottom right: Jeff & Vicki Evelyn Bottom left: Jockey briefing

Gold Cup in 1982 owner with Cyril Arneaud his trainer and Irish jockey Declan Gillespie on board However, Sir David Seale, the President of the Barbados Turf Club, has since been credited with 7 wins including one of his great winners Sandford Prince. Sally Arbib won with Blast of Storm three times and a splendid statue rests within the parade ring.

Four jockeys can claim four wins at this event.

Venice Richards, better known for his success with Sandford Prince, two decades ago, although Jono Jones is also closely aligned to another famous horse Blast of Storm, securing four successive victories. Jalon Samuels also has 4 wins, but the greatest jockey is Patrick “Bowmel” Husbands, a veteran with over 3,000 wins in Barbados and Canada. Records are made to be broken, but Patrick Husbands may be immortal based on his tremendous success. We should also recognize former jockey Liz Deane, as the first female trainer in 2007.

US owner Ken and Sarah Ramsey love Barbados, and may add to his three successes, while the budding trainer Robert Peirce with 4 wins may well eclipse the legendary trainer WC ‘Bill’ Marshall who holds with 7 wins. Sadly, Bill is no longer with us, neither is the legendary “Scobie” Breasley.

The Sandy Lane Gold Cup Festival

This event involves a variety of activities, but the culmination is in the Saturday afternoon just

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H O R S E

R A C I N G

Above: Celestial Storm!

Bottom left: From left - Simon Parravicino, Bruce Parravicino, Sean Parravicino & Governor General Dame Sandra Mason

after 4-30pm. The Race Day usually has ten races, and brings thousands of locals and visitors. TV crews and presenters cover the event for broadcasting all over the world and the pomp and ceremony is supported with a build up from Calypsonian Mac Fingall, local musicians, National Anthems, regimental bands, and the splendid parade. Thousands flock to the entertainment and flood the inside track to play games, visit the many stalls and eat Bajan delicacies. Just before the start you can’t get a mouse in to watch this historic race.

The Race creates a great buzz and the grandstands, and hospitality boxes are packed, but once the Starter raises his flag to begin all sanity is lost for barely two minutes!

2019 Winners

We all love a fairytale to accompany a winner and the 2019 Sandy Lane Gold Cup winner fitted the bill. As everyone knew the Parravicino family lost some special people during the year, but obviously they were in spirit at the Garrison.

Trainer Roger Parravicino romped home with the grey mare Celestial Storm with jockey Rasheed Hughes on board at a whooping 14-1 return on the tote. The owners were within the CN Parravicino family. What a lovely story!

Infrared was second under Anderson Throtman and third the favourite Night Prowler under Jalon Samuel looking for the elusive third winner.

Last August winner at the Massy United Derby was Gandalf with Jalon Samuel on board from Brave Star.

You have to be there at Racing in the Garrison!

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DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY

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Exclusively sold at Diamonds International

Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, St. James : 246-271-8230 Lower Broad Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael : 246-430-2412 Grantley Adams International Airport, Christ Church : 246-418-2300

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P O L O

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POLO EXCITEMENT, SKILL, CHAMPAGNE & BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

PHOTOS BY PETER MARSHALL

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P O L O

Polo is played with four players for each team.

Previous page left: Rhys Odle & Adam Deane Previous page right: Barbados Polo Club Above: New Zealand vs Mango Bay Barbados

Polo

in Barbados is truly easy as Sunday morning, as the song goes. I challenge anyone to tell me where in the world you can watch polo – acknowledged as the Sport of Kings – in such a relaxed, fun atmosphere as in Barbados!

The history of Polo on the island goes back to the days when the military were here in the 1880s and the game was played at the Garrison Savannah. With the gift of Holders Playing Field to the Barbados Polo Club by the Kidd family in 1966 and the rise of Barbados as a major tourism destination, the popularity and visibility of Polo has grown tremendously.

Not too long ago, Barbados had five polo fields, which is phenomenal on such a small island. It used to be that Polo was played by only a small group of families on the island – The Williams, the Deanes, the Atwells, the Coles – to name but a few – now polo is played by many others and most significantly, women’s polo is on the rise. There are also a significant number of young polo players who show much promise.

Today, there are two major fields where most of the Polo is played, Holders Hill, which is the home of Polo on the island, and the affiliated

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Matches are divided into Chukkas and four Chukkas are played in a match, seven minutes each.

Polo Highlights There are two main Polo Clubs on the island with international matches on a regular basis open to the public. The Barbados Polo Club is centered at Holder’s Hill on the West Coast and Apes Hill Polo Club which is slightly further north, also on the West Coast.

The season starts in January and runs until May Admission to the Polo is very reasonable – averaging Bds $20 for an adult. Games usually start around 3pm and in the season are on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The British Cavalry brought polo to Barbados in the 1880s.

Up to date information on venues and matches can be seen on the Barbados Polo Club Face Book and Instagram and Apes Hill Polo Club Face Book and Instagram.

There are two umpires on horseback and one at the clubhouse if they disagree.

The Barbados Polo Club was formed in 1884.

Don’t miss getting a copy of Polo Barbados. It’s THE Polo magazine on the island.

Visit www.sportingbarbados.com and the Sporting Barbados website and instagram for the latest polo information and to read Polo Barbados on line.

When you go to Polo, stay for the after parties and entertainment as they are super fun and very lively!

P O L O

Above: Jamie Dickson

with Hurlingham Club in England, and Apes Hill Polo Club. There are also two private polo grounds – Bellevue and Buttals, which have featured during the past year.

The sponsors are a huge part of the game here. Diamonds International, MQI (BMW), Scotiabank, Virgin Atlantic, Nikki Beach, Port Ferdinand, Consolidated Finance and the list goes on. They embrace their sponsorship, and many go the whole way in terms of taking Corporate Hospitality to a high level. It’s always a treat to be invited to a beautiful marquee where champagne is flowing and the catering is out of this world. It’s a Who’s Who of Barbados, and even if you don’t get a pick, it is wonderful to see all the fashion and be part of this unique ambience. The Bars in the clubhouses have plenty of bubbles on sale, and afternoon tea is available as well as snacks later into the evening when the polo is over and the party begins.

The polo season runs from January to May, and polo is normally played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, depending

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EXPERIENCE Limegrove Lifestyle Centre

Discover Barbados’ most exciting lifestyle destination. Located steps away from the beach and at the heart of historic Holetown, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre boasts a mix of fashion, food, lm, art, events and entertainment. Enjoy duty-free shopping, local and global cuisine, blockbuster movies and events for the whole family.Â

Holetown, Barbados limegrove.com

P O L O

Above: From left - Wayne Archer, Oliver Williams & Linda Williams Right: Jamie Dickson, Philip Tempro, MQI’s Michael Franco, Adam Deane & Rhys Odle

on each club. There are a number of regular visiting teams - The Villages from Orlando, Florida, Cheshire from England, and Jamaica have been coming for decades. There are now visiting teams from New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Argentina, and the UK! Pomp and ceremony abound at the start, and then the action is played out on the field and competition is rife.

You can park on the sidelines, or dress to the nines in the clubhouse, for a modest entrance fee. The best and most lively events are Sunday afternoons, and there is no better place in the world to enjoy polo. If it is your first time watching a polo match don’t miss the opportunity to do it. The game is easy to follow, and you can pick up a free copy of Polo Barbados, that explains all the rules to guide you.

You are in for a treat!

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S A I L I N G

SAILING SEASON

BY ANNE TINDALE. PHOTOS BY PETER MARSHALL

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S A I L I N G

The main Clubhouse of the BYC falls within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The Barbados Cruising Club was founded in October 1957.

Without

a doubt, Barbados has some of the best sailing conditions found anywhere in the world. Calm blue sea, clear blue sky, almost constant north-easterly winds averaging 10 to 15 knots and daytime temperatures averaging 28 to 30 oC; what more could any sailor ask for?

With a packed sailing season ahead of them, mid-January saw local yachtsmen taking on their visiting counterparts during Barbados Sailing Week 2019. With 3 days of Coastal Racing followed by the Mount Gay Rum Round the Island Race, there was plenty of variety for all. The Coastal Series saw boats ranging in size from 24 ft J/24s, to the 89 year old, 64 ft Classic Sloop, Blue Peter, to the 80 ft Swan, Selene, enjoying the thrills of racing along the island’s South and West coasts.

After a day of rest, several other local monohulls, together with kitesurfers, windsurfers and multihulls, joined the fun for the 60 nautical mile Round Barbados Race to see if they could beat any of the existing records and win the skipper’s weight in Mount Gay Extra Old Rum. Despite the winds being less favourable than the previous year, three records were broken and of course, a good

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One of the founding members of the BCC was the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow who went on to become Barbados’s first Prime Minister.

The BYC and SetSail, operating out of the BCC, both run learn-to-sail programmes under the auspices of the BSA.

Sailing Highlights The Barbados Sailing Association (BSA) is the governing body of sailing in Barbados.

The President of the BSA is Dr Gus Reader, a vet by profession.

Two clubs promote sailing Barbados, the Barbados Yacht Club (BYC) and the Barbados Cruising Club (BCC).

The BYC was founded on December 26th, 1924.

Websites BSA: www.sailbarbados.com BYC: www.barbadosyachtclub.com BCC: www.barbadoscruisingclub.org Contacts BSA: sailbarbados@gmail.com BYC: byc@caribsurf.com BCC: membership@barbadoscruisingclub.com SetSail: setsailbarbados@gmail.com

S A I L I N G

time was had by all.

The racing season then continued with dinghy, J/24 or racer/cruiser regattas being held on most weekends from January to July, with the ever popular Old Brigand Rum Regatta being one of the highlights of the season.

Competition was fierce throughout the season in the J/24 fleet to see who would emerge as the overall 2019 Champion. After sailing a total of 7 regattas, the consistent performance of the crew on College Fund$, skippered by Jason Tindale, certainly paid off as they took the title for the first time.

Without the generous sponsorship provided

by Armstrong Agencies, Golden Ridge Farms, Harris Paints, Lucky Horseshoe, Massy Stores, Mount Gay, R L Seale and Co Ltd, Stansfeld Scott, Taylor’s Cycle Centre and Tiki Bar it would not be possible to run such an extensive and varied programme of regattas to cater to all aspects of sailing.

At the time of writing, one of the major events on the sailing calendar had not yet taken place, but this article would not be complete without its inclusion. On October 13th, veteran Barbadian sailor and GP14 World Champion, Bill Tempro, will set his sights on a new challenge, Sail for Sight, a sail to raise $500,000 for the Caribbean Lions Eye Care Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Having been declared legally blind, having no sight in one eye and very limited sight in the other, Bill, now 75 year old, will embark on a solo sail around Barbados, a sail which is

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S A I L I N G

challenging enough even for a sailor who has 20/20 vision. On board Nanna Anna, a 47 ft Beneteau, Bill will sail anticlockwise around the island. Starting from the Barbados Yacht Club in Carlisle Bay, he will sail along the South coast where he will encounter the unpredictable Bow Bells Shoal before sailing up the rough East coast past the treacherous Sam Lord’s Reef. He will then have to negotiate the large waves off the North of the island before reaching the calm waters of the West coast on his sail back to Carlisle Bay. Not only do many hundreds of Barbadians stand to benefit from the money raised by Bill’s heroic efforts, many of Barbados’s sailors of today may not be sailing if it had not been for the past achievements of Bill and Jackie Hoad.

In the summer of 1967, Bill and Jackie brought glory to Barbados when they won the Gold Medal in the GP14 World Championships held in Ontario, Canada. Their success made several Barbadian sailors very concerned that there was no programme to teach Barbados’s youth to sail and follow in their footsteps.

Concerns turned to action and the Barbados Youth Yacht Training Programme (BYYTA) became a reality in 1968. Throughout the years that followed, the programme, run under the auspices of the Barbados Yachting Association (BYA), later renamed the Barbados Sailing Association (BSA), taught hundreds of young Barbadians to sail. Many of these young sailors went on to represent their country at the Caribbean Dinghy Championships, the Central

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American and Caribbean Games, the Pan Am Games, various World Championships and the Olympics.

In July of this year, two young sailors, Amy Cox and Sarah Douglas, who both learnt to sail with the BSA’s programme from the age of 7, competed in the Pan Am Games in Lima Peru.

Sailing for Barbados in the Laser Radial Class, Amy placed 16th overall and Sarah, now sailing for Canada, won Gold in the same class; quite something for the BSA to be proud of.

Several other Barbadian sailors also represented their country in a variety of regional and international regattas through the year, including Grenada Sailing Week, Bequia Easter Regatta, St Maarten Heineken Regatta, the Caribbean Dinghy Championships in Antigua and the Laser North American Championships in Brant Beach, New Jersey.

In finishing, mention must also be made of the achievements of Conviction, a high performance Transpac 52. Flying the Barbados flag and skippered by Barbadian, Clint Brooks, Conviction sailed with success in several regional and international events, including the Round Antigua Race, BVI Spring Regatta, Pineapple Cup – Miami to Montego Bay Race, and the 50th Anniversary Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, Hawaii, a distance of about 2,225 nautical miles

Barbados’ Sailing Ambassador

D I V I N G

DIVE EASY

BY LUCY AGACE. PHOTOS BY LUCY AGACE

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D I V I N G

Left: a diver on Spawnee reef. Photo by Lucy Agace Above: Southern Stingray. Photo by Lucy Agace

Diving Highlights Website - Dive Fest www.divefestbarbados.com Dive Centers - 10 Best reef dives - Bright Ledge & Friars Craig/Rum Barrel Best wreck dive - SS Stavronikita Diving skill levels - Beginners Experienced divers (All) Dive depths - Vary from 20’ - 135’ Dive locations - West and south coast inner and outer reefs Marine life - Seahorses, Turtles, Rays, Sponges and Sea Plumes

Barbados

has some of the easiest diving conditions in the Caribbean.

With over half the sites being less than 20 meters deep and many of them near shore, the boat rides are short and the dives are longer.

Many of the dive sites provide excellent conditions for ‘drift dives’, where the skipper on the dive boat drops divers in at one point and picks them up at another (keeping an eye on the surface bubbles along the way). This allows divers to see a new part of the reef for the entire dive. With the dive leader out in front pointing out any interesting marine life along the way, this is stress-free relaxed diving.

Currents are not usually an issue and only sometimes dictate the dive direction.

It’s ‘Open Season’ for diving in Barbados all year round but some of the best underwater visibility is in the July/August/September months. This is when the year round easterly breeze is taking a break, the seas are calm and under the sea there is a special stillness and great visibility. As any diver will tell you there is a certain peacefulness to be found whilst scuba

diving. Suspended in the water with only the sound of our breathing and the crackling of the reef to listen to, our vision is heightened. We see more and if you take your time and look closely there is so much to see and appreciate.

Barbados has an excellent choice of beautiful reef and wreck dives, both shallow and deep. Providing the perfect combination of experiences for seasoned, novice and beginner scuba divers. This is probably the safest island in the Southern Caribbean to dive because there is a fully operational Recompression Chamber here, just don’t forget your scuba diving insurance.

Every July Barbados runs a fun packed week of diving adventures for all levels of divers. The Barbados Dive Fest starts on the first Tuesday in July and runs for 6 consecutive days. The event is run and sponsored by the BDOA - Barbados Dive Operators Assn, the Tourism Development Board and the BHTA - Barbados Hotel Tourism Assn, so put the date in your diary for next year!

Scuba divers and underwater photographers come from all over the world to be entertained

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D I V I N G

Above: Princess & Striped Parrotfish grazing on the reef. Photo by Lucy Agace

Bajan style by the wealth of marine life and crystal blue waters. There are nine fully equipped dive centres available to take you on a magical underwater journey of the best dive sites during the festival.

Dive Fest takes place in a month when the seas around Barbados are calmer, so dive boats can go out and dive the east coast dive sites.

Most notable dive sites are: Fathom, the Study and Ragged Point. The east coast has a rugged coastline where the Atlantic Ocean usually pounds the rocks and beaches, making it almost impossible to dive most of the year. The underwater seascape is equally rugged with massive rock formations and walls, sprinkled with occasional sea fans, sea whips and hard corals. There are plenty of fish here though and you never know what might swim around the corner!

During Dive Fest many of the island’s beach bar/restaurants offer incredible deals as part of the festivities. You can get involved in as many of the amazing activities as you wish. Here is a list of some of them: PADI Awareness for kids,

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Conservation Day, Underwater Clean Up, Wreck/Reef dives, Night Dives, Discover Scuba, Education Talks, Films, Photography Competition, Turtle Tagging, Free Diving and general fun for all the family. The opening and closing events are all free and take place in Carlisle Bay beach. Check them out on Facebook @DiveFestivalBarbados From Maycocks in the north to Graeme Hall Shallows in the south a variety of hard and soft corals cover the fringing and barrier reefs around Barbados. They lie along the west and south coast areas and provide the foundation for our extensive reefs. These corals are complimented by an array of colourful sponges such as; yellow, green, orange, brown, pink and purple. Some sponges, like the barrel sponge, grow to huge bath like sizes, while others are tubular in shape or flat that encrust the reef bedrock. It is interesting to note that there are more colourful sponges found on the west coast and more soft corals found on the south coast reefs.

The fish life is just as colourful. The inner

reefs have a variety of fish from tiny species of blennys, often found hiding in brain coral boulders, to schools of chromis, yellow mouth grunts and yellow goatfish. But these fish can also be seen on the outer reefs along with barracuda, sennets, butterflyfish, hogfish, snappers, parrotfish and angel fish. Barbados is also home to many pelagic fish such as, various species of jacks, tarpon, rainbow runners, cero and mackerels. There are the occasional sightings of manta rays, eagle rays, whale sharks (large and harmless), sun fish and some sharks. Sharks are a misunderstood creature and one of my favourites. The only ones you are likely to see whilst diving are nurse sharks off the north coast hiding in caves or under ledges, or occasional sightings on the east coast.

A favourite among divers and snorkelers are the many sightings of Green and Hawksbill turtles. It is common to see turtles on reefs and wrecks up and down the island throughout the year. They can be seen gliding through the water with almost no visible effort or resting on the bottom taking a break or perhaps sleeping.

D I V I N G

Above: Barbados Dive Fest Cleanup Crew. Photo by Lucy Agace

They are very approachable and fairly used to divers, but you are advised not to touch or ride them. Hawksbill turtles lay their eggs from May to July on west and south coast beaches. The hatchlings come out of the sand between July and October and make their way into the sea.

This doesn’t always go according to plan so there is a Barbados Sea Turtle Project Hotline 230 0142 which you can call to monitor sea turtle sightings and address sea turtle “emergencies”. This project also have hatchling releases during the season, please visit their website for more information.

Quite common on dive sites and the shallow near shore sandy areas are sting rays, these majestic creatures are harmless and will shy away from any human contact. But if you hover near them and just watch you can see them feed on fish scraps and search in the sand for food. A little local tip: Paynes Bay is a good place to snorkel with sting rays and turtles.

Eagle rays are more often found gliding over the outer reefs, they have lots of white spots all over their black backs, and rather pointy faces.

Possibly one of the most popular sea creatures worldwide are seahorses and Barbados is so blessed to have them here. I have seen them on these dive sites; Pamir, Carlisle Bay, Fishermans, Friar’s Craig and even on the mast of the SS Stavronikita wreck.

Barbados has two varieties of seahorse, the longnose and the lined (see photos for reference). They come in many colours: yellow, orange, brown and yellow. They grow to about

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20cms long and wrap their tail around a piece of sponge, usually near the ocean floor, to anchor themselves. Here’s a tip; if you don’t dive you maybe be able to spot one whilst snorkelling in Carlisle Bay, they can be found curled around buoy ropes.

However it doesn't stop there. Barbados has undoubtedly the best collection of wrecks in the Caribbean. There are 11 wrecks in total large and small, old and new, some are deep while others are shallow and easily accessible by snorkelling. Standing above all others, quite literally, is the freighter SS Stavronikita, she which was sunk on purpose in 1978 and lies at 135 feet. This impressive wreck is now covered in amazing corals, sponges and fish life and is the most often re-dived site in Barbados.

Unique in the world is the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. A collection of 6 wrecks all lie in a buoyed off area and it is possible to see all the wrecks on one guided dive. The fish life around the wrecks is astounding. The wrecks act as manmade reefs providing plenty of shelter for fish and an ideal place for them to re-produce.

Sister ships the Pamir and the Friar's Craig lie in excellent diving locations, one west the other off Hastings. Both provide awesome second dives because they are both fairly shallow. The Friar’s Craig site also has the bonus of two nearby reefs, one full of soft coral sea-plumes and barrel sponges; and the other a flat outer reef full of sea-plumes which slopes down quite steeply. The sandy area where the Friars Craig lies often has sand eels, snake eels and sting

rays. The Pamir has a yellow submarine adjacent to it, two wrecks for the price of one!

The nearby reef has a collection of stoney coral formations, sea plumes, sponges and colony of yellowhead jawfish. Jawfish can be found hiding in their holes on the seabed usually in the sand or rubble. To feed they have to come out of their holes and hover above them catching passing food particles. They are shy creatures and take time to come out of their holes, but patience pays off they are so beautiful and elegant.

The recently published Barbados Dive Guide book, which is also available in a digital format, can be bought on island and gives full details of all the dive sites, marine life and island information.

So if you haven’t booked your holiday yet and travel with a family put Barbados at the top of your list.

The divers in the family will be very happy with their activity and because there is so much to do around the island, not least just soaking up the sun and swimming in the beautiful aquamarine sea, it is a winning destination for everybody.

"Giving is living; receiving is a blessing.

Taking breaks the harmony and magic.

We are living"

windsurfing Oneal Marshall

ados Waterman

during the Barb

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B E A C H

C U L T U R E

Barbados Waterman Festival 2019

BY BRIAN TALMA. PHOTOS COURTESY BRIAN TALMA

The Barbados Waterman Festival 2019 the community whilst creating healthy was a celebration of beach culture minds and prosperous and safe with competition in action water sports communities. Business is conducted (windsurfing, kiteboarding, between international and local surfing and SUPing), beach culture individuals and companies in such a way cricket, football and golf, boat as to ensure that both parties benefit racing, conch shell blowing, climaxing equally. with the Beach Culture Organic Tourism is communicated Carnival. It was part of the Beach Culture through Symbolism Art and Spoken World Tour which travels the Words. Symbolism art depicts your world promoting destinations, athletes heritage, ancestry and beach and culture. culture. As part of the Beach Culture It was presented by Barbados Tourism World Tour these concepts are Market Inc in collaboration with exported around the world collaborating Inch Cape Seaside Villas who hosted a with other destinations. group from Gation Project.

The Barbados Waterman Festival in This project is a group of entrepreneurs January 2019, featuring the who choose a destination for think tank implementation of Organic Tourism and discussions and to experience the Symbolism Art, was a successful model kiteboarding conditions and the culture. for the Beach Culture World Tour. It Along with all the festivities and worked hand in hand with Master of the competition the focus was on the Ocean in the Dominican Republic, Turks & implementation of "Organic Tourism".

Caicos, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Organic Tourism means, doing business Hawaii. with the local people and businesses of

Boat race

Volleyball

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S W I M M I N G

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A GLORIOUS GATHERING OF SWIMMERS

BY KRISTINA EVELYN

Open

Swimming Highlights Name: Barbados Open Water Festival Date: Nov 4-8, 2020 Distances: 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K, 10K Timing: Sportstats Venue: Carlisle Bay, Barbados Safety: Escort boats, kayaks, emergency care docs, paramedics and ambulance Website: https://www.swimbarbadosvacations.com

water swimmers are a “special breed”! When they gather in Barbados every November for the annual Barbados Open Water Festival the camaraderie is heartwarming. Hundreds of swimmers, from all walks of life, with a shared passion for swimming in open water or a desire to try it arrive from all over the world. Over the life of the event the Festival has welcomed swimmers of all ages and abilities from more than thirty-five countries. From recreational to elite, pool swimmers to channel swimmers, world champions and Olympians, from as far away as Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa and Singapore.

Every year the Festival hosts specially invited guests who are well known in the open water world. Previously, USA National open water team members, Alex Meyer, David Heron and Taylor Abbott have visited, as well as ultramarathon swimmer Cameron Bellamy. In 2019 the organizers were thrilled to have both Cameron Bellamy and Jamie Monahan, renowned ice and marathon swimmer in attendance.

The Festival has a growing number of “regulars” who return year after year with many attending more than five Festivals. From inception the Festival has seen a high participation from Canadian swimmers from all across Canada with regulars from Calgary,

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S W I M M I N G

Thunder Bay, Toronto, Ottawa and parts of Quebec. For the past few years the Freestyle Experience, led by Katie Brambley, has visited hosting an Olympian coached swim camp for masters swimmers to coincide with the Festival.

Additionally, in 2019 Canadian National Open Water & Distance coach Mark Perry, travelled to the island with more than 20 open water swimmers hailing from all across Canada.

One of our favourite reviews this year came from Mollie Pearse of the UK: "The energy was magic. People had traveled from all over the globe for this festival. As I raced there was the usual human enthusiasm along the shoreline and in nearby kayaks, but the added brilliance was the underwater support; turtles, star fish and beautifully bright vertebrates. There were several occasions on which I forgot to breathe as I stared downwards in awe. Having turtles in my spectating cheer squad was a definite high point of the year's race season."

The 2020 Festival will offer three days of practice swims followed by two days of races: 1.5K, 3.3K, 5K and 10K. Highlights will include professional timing by Sportstats, the usual festival beach party atmosphere with live steel pan music on the beach, unique redesigned commemorative finisher medals for all races completed, winner medals in multiple age categories and numerous random prizes.

The event is scheduled for November 4-8, 2020.

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S U R F I N G

Surfing Highlights

with Chelsea Roett

Barbados is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Many major airlines fly into Barbados several times a week.

There are many excellent surf spots around Barbados, so there is always a possibility of good waves on one of the many coast around the island.

Barbados caters to every level of surfer and all abilities, there are surf spots for everyone.

The surf breaks are never crowded and the local surfers are friendly and welcome tourist. In general Barbadians are very welcoming people and the local vibe is always friendly.

The weather in Barbados is warm all year round so there is no need for a wetsuit.

Soup Bowl, Bathsheba which is located on the east coast of the island is one of the best surf breaks in the world. Kelly Slater, who is the 11 time world champion has listed Soup Bowl as one of his favorite surf breaks.

Barbados Is an island paradise for travelers, you can always find something interesting and exciting to do after your surf sessions, just a few are the many sights to see around the island, there are also a large variety of restaurants to choose from and the night life is also very festive.

The crystal clear blue waters and white sandy beaches in Barbados are second to none, the water is so clear that while you are out in the line up, waiting to catch your waves you can see the reef fish and turtles swimming below you.

The International Independence Surf Pro held during the month of November combined with the World Surf League Men's 1,000 and Boys and Girls Junior Pro is also a great reason to come visit Barbados. This contest draws many excellent surfers from around the world, it is held in Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, where the landscape makes it a perfect natural arena to watch a contest of this magnitude.

There is a possibility of seeing Rhianna!

In a nutshell Barbados is the perfect all round choice for a surf trip and vacation combined!

C H E L S E A RO E T T Chelsea Roett (pictured left), 25 years old began surfing at the age of 10 and soon developed a true love for the sport. Through this Chelsea has traveled the world competing and representing Barbados.

She is an exceptionally diverse individual, and apart from being a renowned professional surfer, she is also a Montessori school teacher, a qualified make up artist, model and now also a swim wear and fashion designer.

Through her surfing she has collaborated with the surf brand Akela Surf and has designed a print of “The Pride of Barbados flower� along with her own surf friendly swim suits which can be purchased online at akelasurf.com/collections/swimwear-chelsearoett-collection

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R U N N I N G

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RUN BARBADOS

A BARBADIAN TRADITION SINCE 1983

BY KRISTINA EVELYN

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R U N N I N G

Run

Barbados is a proud “Bajan” sporting tradition celebrating its 38th edition in 2020. The three-day road-running event showcases both the beauty and history of the island with its scenic coastal routes that wind through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bridgetown. Runners from all over the world visit to take part in the five races that comprise the Caribbean’s premier running series and enjoy an idyllic island holiday at the same time.

Run Barbados has been on a path of promising growth over the last five years with a growing number of “new” runners joining the faithful followers from an ever-expanding list of countries. Even with the growing numbers the event still retains the personalized feel of a “smaller” running event while presenting a somewhat unique offering with its wide range of races, from Mile to Marathon. The 5K Walk continues to support the Substance Abuse Foundation and its highly significant work.

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The continued support of the major sponsor, Cave Shepherd Group of Companies, has allowed for an enhanced experience that rivals races around the world. Highlights include: fabulous finisher medals, professional timing by globally known Sportstats, treasured memories captured by Marathon Photos, Pasta Party by the beach, AIMS-IAAF certified routes, plentiful aid stations, friendly volunteers, music on routes and a Start/Finish area alongside the spectacular white sand beach and crystal waters of Carlisle Bay. An exciting challenge for those who dare: run three races in three days and earn an extra special medal dependent on the combination of races chosen: “Pride of Barbados Gold”, “Flying Fish Silver” or “Sugar Cane Bronze”.

The ongoing efforts to continuously improve the Run Barbados offering has shown results not just by the growing numbers attending but also through other successes. In 2019 Run

Run Barbados Highlights Name: Cave Shepherd & Co Run Barbados Date: Nov 4-6, 2020 Races: Mile, 5K Walk & Run, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon Timing: Sportstats Start/Finish: Bay Street Esplanade Safety: Ambulance on course; Medical Tent & Ambulance at Start/Finish Area Website: www.visitbarbados.org/runbarbados-marathon-weekend

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The start!

Barbados became the first Caribbean running series to be named a Qualifying event for the global age group marathon ranking system by Abbott World Marathon Majors. The repeat attendance by the Canada Running Series group personally led by CRS Race Director Alan Brookes over the last four years also signals a certain level of confidence in the event. The CRS group is usually comprised of a mix of elite and recreational runners and in 2019 included Olympian and Pan Am Gold Medalist (10K) Natasha Wodak.

The 2020 event will offer: SigniaGlobe Mile, Cave Shepherd Visa Credit Card 5K, Colombian Emeralds Intl 10K, the Fortress Half Marathon and the Cave Shepherd Marathon as well as the Ganzee 5K Walk for charity. December 4-6, 2020.

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T R I A T H L O N

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T R I A T H L O N

Triathlon Highlights Barbados’ first triathlon was held on Sunday 28th August 1986. Eighteen teams contested the event.

The first Olympic distance triathlon soon took place on Sunday 22nd October 1989 off the Casuarina Hotel in Dover.

By 1990, local entries in races typically reached 50 competitors and a team from Barbados raced at the World Championships in Orlando, Florida, In 1991, BFIT mounted its only ‘ultra’distance triathlon to date --- the BRC Metal-Man which consisted of a 2K Swim, 60K Bike, & a15K Run. 2013 Jason Wilson finishes first in CAMTRI Bridgetown Sprint Triathlon Continental Cup. Jason Wilson and Matthew Wright compete at Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, finish 18th and 20th respectively.

Jason Wilson, a product of the Tri-Kids Series, became the first Barbadian to compete in the Olympics in triathlon which was held in Rio, Brazil in 2016.

Matthew Wright competes in Montreal Elite Grand Prix Triathlon, finishes 1st.

2017 28th Annual Barbados National Triathlon Championships, Niel Skinner & Eric Lashley finish 1st and 2nd respectively in the Sprint category. Gregory Austin 1st (National Champion) in Olympic category 2019 2019 3rd Annual CARIFTA Triathlon & Aquathlon Championships, Jamaica Barbados National Team finishes 2nd overall in country standings.

Darren Treasure, President Triathlonbarbados@gmail.com 246-230-0724 Main events in 2020 April - PATCO Continental Cup June -Bushy Park National Duathlon July - Port St. Charles Sprint Triathlon October - Barbados National Triathlon November - BiiG National Aquathlon

Over

the past 33 years Triathlon in Barbados has grown tremendously. From the first triathlon in 1986 to an active annual calendar filled with local and international events throughout the year. Fast forward to 2019 which has been nothing short of competitive and exciting. BFIT, the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes caters to the young and old, recreational to the competitive groups, developing and elite athletes of both genders.

BFIT has been continuously growing the sport of Triathlon not only in Barbados but also in the region.

Triathlon Events

The Americas Triathlon Continental Cup is an annual Elite Triathlon for international triathletes seeking Olympic qualification. With only 15 races in the Americas, Barbados is host to one of those races and this year BFIT hosted its 8th annual Bridgetown CAMTRI Central American and Caribbean Championships in April. Fortyeight athletes from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Grenada, Jamaica,

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T R I A T H L O N

Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, USA and our very own Barbados competed in the Sprint Triathlon event. Jason Wilson and Matthew Wright, Barbados Elite Triathletes along with emerging triathlete Eric Lashley competed notably in the event, with Matthew grabbing 5th overall.

BFIT, prides itself on being able to execute world class events for elite athletes but knows the foundation of youth development remains in its long-standing popular Kids Triathlon Series, sponsored by Pinehill Juice. These races are held once a month and give children the opportunity to learn about the sport of triathlon as well as race in a safe, supportive and supervised environment. The Series encourages kids to build their fitness, develop skills in the three individual sports, and above all have fun.

In addition to the eight BFIT Kids Series scheduled for the year, older triathletes are given the opportunity to participate in Age Group Sprint Triathlons and Duathlons. The first duathlon for the year was hosted at Bushy Park Racetrack. The leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean more commonly known for showcasing race car speed, the maneuvering expertise of rally-car drivers and also host of many Crop Over events, saw over 70 athletes transitioning to and from mountain and road bicycles to running laps around the track at the 2019 BFIT Bushy Park Duathlon.

The second annual Sprint Triathlon and Sprint Relay took place at the picturesque location of Port St. Charles. After the event, many of the participants relaxed and enjoyed a sumptuous buffet breakfast enjoyed at Pier One restaurant, one of Barbados’ premium waterfront dining destination.

Next up will be the Annual Barbados National

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Triathlon. In its 29th edition, it is expected to the biggest one yet, as BFIT aims on attracting more overseas competitors to compete on the island.

As one journey ends, another begins

At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Jason Wilson made history as the first Bajan triathlete to ever compete at an Olympic Games.

Barbados’ first elite triathlete is now saying goodbye to competition after 12 years of competing on the World circuit. Jason has not only placed Barbados on the triathlon world map but have also paved the way for many to follow including 2020 Olympic hopeful Matthew Wright.

Matthew, the #1 triathlete in Barbados and the Caribbean, is currently on a mission to become the 2nd athlete to represent Barbados in Triathlon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Matthew has been on the competitive trail to boost his current Olympic ranking from 98th in the world to 55th as he hunts for a place at the starting line of the 2020 Olympics. His journey continues as he represented Barbados at the Pan American Games in Lima Peru finishing 10th.

Although his competitive career has come to and end, Jason continues to give back to the sport. This year he held a Q&A session for young triathletes to share racing preparation advice and theoretical assistance to those looking to qualify for this year’s CARIFTA in Jamaica. His efforts have been fruitful as over 25 athletes have qualified for the Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mix Relay Championships scheduled for Jewel Bay Beach in August. Neil Skinner, Eric Lashley and Zahra Gaskin, all named to the CARIFTA Team, have also been identified as emerging athletes who were recently named to the JEAP program.

As BFIT looks to increase the number and quality of training opportunities for young and budding triathletes, the need to create developmental programs is a priority. Recently BFIT launched the JEAP – Junior Emerging Athletes Program with the assistance of corporate sponsors, Digicel, Essco, Fujitsu and Summit Asset Management. JEAP was created to develop athletes with long term potential to achieve high performance as Under 23 athletes and eventually elite performance through financial and coaching support. The goal of JEAP is to create a supportive, challenging and inspiring environment to guide athlete development which will be executed by coaches appointed by BFIT. The list of activities does not stop at hosting of events and developing athletes. BFIT is committed to increasing the overall standard of Triathlon in Barbados. The Federation plays a major role in the educational and coaching aspect of the sport and recently hosted a Level 1 ITU Technical Officials Course led by Leslie Poujol Brown, a certified level 3 technical official.

The two-and-a-half-day course provided participants with the theoretical and practical training required to make them capable of officiating at national and continental events.

These newly certified officials will join the ranks alongside Barbados’ own Adrian Sinckler who is a level 2 certified Technical Official who was recently selected to officiate the Paratriathlon Event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

BFIT prides itself on triathlon being Barbados’ best kept secret. The Federation and its Athletes have been punching way above its weight class for some time and given time and resources triathlon will be seen as a mainstream sport in Barbados.

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R U N N I N G

Chefette Fun Run Charity for a Cause Chefette’s

7th annual Fun Run was held on Sunday, June 9th 2019 and over 5,000 participants took to the streets of Warrens, St. Michael for the 6 Kilometer Charity Run and Walk. This event raised BDS$135,000 and continued Chefette’s goal of promoting active lifestyles in its local communities.

For the seven years of the event, Corporate Barbados has given the Chefette Fun Run its full support and assisted in generating approximately BDS$720,000 to date. The Funds raised over the 7 years have supported three (3) local charities. The Aunty Olga’s Needy Children's Fund; managed by Variety the Children’s Charity, provides school supplies and other essential items for approximately 1,350 children in need. The Precious Touch Foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children, and The YWCA Breakfast Programme, has distributed over 100,000 meals to kids from the Chefette Fun Run proceeds.

At our most recent event, participating schools such as St. Winifred’s, The Ursuline Convent and West Terrace Primary all received cash prizes for selling a large number of T-shirts. Other awards were given to the top winners in Five (5) categories.

These were: First Male and Female across the line; First teen Male and Female across the line; the First Boy

and Girl across the line; First Senior across the line; largest participating school; and largest corporate team, which was won by Carter’s with over 200 participants.

Special mention must be given to our Platinum Sponsor: The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, and Gold Sponsors: Chickmont, CIBC FirstCaribbean, C.O. Williams Group of Companies and Sol Petroleum for their continued support.

Additional thanks are also expressed to all of the children, parents and families who made contributions to the Chefette Fun Run by participating, purchasing a shirt or volunteering to assist with critical areas of the event. We could not do it without you.

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M O T O R S P O R T

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MOTORSPORT

DELIVERS

BY MARK WHEELER. PHOTOS BY GERRARD WILSON COURTESY BARBADOS RALLY CLUB

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Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD) www.baddmotorsports.com/ www.facebook.com/pg/BarbadosAutoRa cingLeague/

Previous pages from left to right: Dane Skeete, winner of Sol Rally Barbados 2019 at Bushy Park Barbados; Spencer Hutchinson at Vaucluse Raceway; Jermin Pope at Bushy Park Barbados during the Williams Industries International Race Meet.

Above Jamal Brathwaite at Vaucluse Raceway

When

the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) marked the 30th running of its premier event in 2019 – it has been known as Sol Rally Barbados since 2008 – it played host to more than 40 overseas crews for the fifth straight year, an emphatic reminder that motor sport continues to make a valuable contribution to the island’s sports-tourism product.

Sol Rally Barbados is the focal point of a celebration of motor sport that brings hundreds of visitors to the island in late May and early June each year, pumping millions of dollars into the economy, much in foreign exchange, with around 4,000 visitor nights logged over the three weeks of ‘rally season’. The main event is a tarmac rally contested between Friday night and Sunday afternoon over 24 ‘special stages’ totalling roughly 120 kilometres; up to six venues are each used three or four times, including stretches of public road closed temporarily with permission from the Ministry of Transport & Works. Don’t worry, you won’t turn a corner and find a rally car hurtling towards you, as the same safety protocols that prevail in Europe are in place here.

The previous weekend sets the tone: The Rally Show on Saturday allows the island’s hundreds of petrolheads to mix with the overseas visitors, with a Kidz Zone and other attractions to keep the family entertained; on Sunday, Flow King of the Hill is fought out over four runs of a 3km test, the results of which establish the seeding order for Sol RB. And the two sporting weekends

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Barbados Karting Association (BKA) www.facebook.com/pg/barbadoskartinga ssociation

Motorsport Highlights The Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) is the governing body of motor sport in the island, affiliated to the world governing body, the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA). The island has two permanent motor sport venues, Bushy Park Barbados in St Philip and the Vaucluse Raceway in St Thomas.

In addition, rallies and speed events are run on public roads, temporarily closed with permission from the Ministry of Transport & Works. Around 50 events are run each year, from grass roots autocross and karting up to international events, such as Sol Rally Barbados, which attracts up to 40 participating overseas crews each year.

Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) President, Andrew Mallalieu: e-mail: andrew.mallalieu@terracaribbean.com Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy (CJKAT) https://cjkat.com/

Barbados Rally Club (BRC) www.rallybarbados.net www.barbadosrallyclub.com www.muddogsbarbados.com www.facebook.com/BarbadosRallyClub/ www.instagram.com/barbadosrallyclub/ www.twitter.com/rally_barbados Bushy Park Barbados St Philip Tel: + 1 246 537-1360 www.bushyparkbarbados.com www.facebook.com/BushyParkBarbados www.instagram.com/bushyparkbarbados Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI) www.bushyparkmotorsportsinc.com www.facebook.com/BPMSInc Motoring Club of Barbados Inc (MCBI) rally.relaxmcbi@yahoo.com

Vaucluse Raceway (VRW) St Thomas Vaucluse Raceway Motorsports Club (VRMSC) www.facebook.com/vaucluseraceway/ www.facebook.com/BimmaCup/ www.facebook.com/Barbados-RallyCrossCarnival

M O T O R S P O R T

Above: Avinash Chatrani in his Mitsubishi Evo during Sol Rally Barbados 2019 on the Bowmanston Stage.

Left: Huge crowds spectate on stage rallies.

Bottom right: Paul Horton on Sol Rally Barbados 2019.

Bottom left: 2019 marked the 30th running of Rally Barbados.

Photo: Above Barbados

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bracket a host of social events, including an island-wide rum shop tour, catamaran cruises and trips to island staples such as the Oistins Fish Fry, on all of which lifelong friendships are made.

Sol Rally Barbados has become a ‘bucket list event’ for rally crews around the world and, while that phrase usually indicates a one-off experience to simply tick as having been completed, it doesn’t always work that way!

Newcomers join the roster of visitors every year, but there’s also a solid core of returnees, many of whom cite the friendly welcome they enjoy from island fans as a key reason for their repeat visits. While there’s only one Martin Stockdale – 2001 was the first of his so far 19 consecutive visits – another 10 drivers have competed 10 or more times, a further 30 five or more; and that is from a total of well over 500 overseas visitors that the event has hosted.

While the UK remains the major source market for international visitors, a crew from closer to home – Jamaica’s Jeffrey Panton and Michael Fennell Jnr – have dominated the event in recent years, with back-to-back wins between 2015 & ’18. There had not been a local winner since island legend Roger Skeete achieved the most recent of his impressive 13 victories in Sol RB14 until last year, when his son Dane drove the family’s Subaru Impreza WRC S12B to an emotional victory. Island competitors and fans most definitely welcome the visitors with open

M O T O R S P O R T

Above: Alex Allingham & Ross Weir, Ford Escort MkII Sol Rally Barbados 2019 at Bushy Park Barbados.

Right: Ford Fiesta R5 of Andy Scott at service Bottom right: Banks girl!

Bottom left: Kevin Flanagan - Mini Cooper S

arms . . . but there’s nothing quite like keeping the trophy at home!

Motor sport, which dates back to the late 1930s in the island, is arguably the number one spectator sport, and the BRC, founded in 1957, is the oldest Club in the island devoted to a sport which doesn’t involve a ball. Of course, motor sport encompasses many disciplines, the Club unique among island organisations in having organised circuit racing as well as stage rallying. Back in the 1970s, the Club was instrumental in the construction of the Bushy Park racetrack in St Philip, which hosted overseas visitors from around the region, the United States and the UK in the mid-1970s, until the global fuel crisis resulted in closure.

In an oft-interrupted time-line, Bushy Park reopened in 1992 for a further couple of years, then again in the late 1990s, starting a period of steady growth, during which regional racing began to flourish again. Williams Industries has sponsored regional or international motor sport events at the venue since 2004, most recently in September 2019; much has changed in that 15year time span, notably the wholesale redevelopment of the venue as a multi-purpose facility within a nine-month period, ahead of its re-opening at the Top Gear Festival in May 2014.

Grass-roots events organised by the Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD) – there’s a one-eighth-mile drag strip the Barbados Karting Association (BKA) and Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI) run throughout the year, but the facility also regularly plays host to overseas visitors: the

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M O T O R S P O R T

Photo: Neil Barnard Above: Kyle Gregg chases down Mark Maloney during the Williams Industries International Race Meet 2019 Right: Rising star Zane Maloney. Photo courtesy Kokoro Performance.

Both photos bottom right: Action from the Williams Industries International Race Meet 2019

inaugural Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy staged early in 2019 and the Radical Caribbean SR3 Cup, a regional evolution of the former Suzuki Challenge Series, attract competitors from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, all countries with their own race tracks.

The multi-discipline Bimma Cup, organised by Friends of Motorsport - the organisation behind the Vaucluse Raceway (VRW) in Barbados – continues to grow; catering for identical rearwheel-drive BMW 318ti Compacts, which offer ear-to-ear grin-inducing fun for the driver, this series does not need the smooth tarmac of a circuit-racing venue, so adds the islands of Antigua and St Vincent & The Grenadines in to the mix, with competitors travelling in both directions to compete in rallycross and rallysprint events on loose-surface venues. The planned Barbados International Rallycross Carnival at VRW was aiming to attract UK competitors to take on the regional regulars in November 2019.

And these days you don’t even have to fly to Barbados to see a Bajan racing, especially if you’re a fan of the British Touring Car Championship. For 10 weekends a year, the BTCC support package includes the F4 British Championship, which was being led by 15-yearold former BKA Champion Zane Maloney at the time of writing. Having finished fourth in the year-end standings of the CIK European Championship and third in the German Karting Championship (DKM) in 2018, he is flying the Broken Trident high in the UK, regular namechecks for Barbados on live TV and in the magazines other ways in which motor sport can add value to the sports-tourism product.

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R U G B Y

COME FOR THE 140 / SPORTING BARBADOS 2020

RUGBY

STAY TO EXPLORE!

BY AMY GOLDING. PHOTOS BY PETER MARSHALL

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R U G B Y

Barbados also competed in Rugby Sevens in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014, and sent male and female youth teams to the Youth Olympic Games Qualifiers in Las Vegas in March 2018.

When

you think of Barbados, Rugby might not be the first thing that springs to mind but every year this tough-tackling sport is growing in leaps and bounds on this little island paradise.

You can enjoy Rugby all year round in Barbados with regular local matches, annual Tournaments and Championships, as well as international Rugby 7s Tournament featuring some of the world’s best Men’s and Women’s Club teams who come to the island just to compete and keep the competition fierce!

As we get ready to host the fifth consecutive Rugby Barbados World 7s (RBW7s) this December at Kensington Oval, the standard of Rugby in Barbados has now been elevated to world-class, especially in the Women’s Elite Division and is well worth making the trip for!

The birthplace of Caribbean Rugby Barbados has deep historical roots with the game of Rugby. It is said that matches on the

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Rugby is arguably the fastest growing sport in the world, and the BRFU’s Get Into Rugby programme is supported by World Rugby and Rugby Americas North.

Rugby Highlights The sport of rugby has been played at the Garrison since the 1900's when the British armed forces stationed in Barbados introduced the sport to the island.

The BRFU became a member of the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1995.

In 2014, Barbados sent a team to the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens Tournament and Las Vegas Sevens.

Matches are played at the historic Garrison Savannah, where the game was first played by the military forces stationed there in the early 1900s Contact: barbadosrugby@olympic.org.bb President: Martin Varga Secretary: Karen Holmes Mailing address: c/o Barbados Olympic Association Garfield Sobers Complex Wildey St Michael FB: @rugbybarbados

R U G B Y

island date all the way back to the 1900s when British troops were stationed here which distinguishes Barbados as the official birthplace of Caribbean Rugby. And, because of these well-documented military ties, the national ‘home of Rugby’ remains at the Garrison Savannah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and key tourist attraction in Barbados, to this very day.

Formed in 1964, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) was one of the founding members of the original Caribbean Rugby Football Union. As the governing body for Rugby in Barbados, it is responsible for organising local and national team fixtures, training sessions, domestic Rugby-related activities, and international tours. Despite being a small island, the BRFU is now also a full member of World Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN), and the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA).

Since its humble beginnings of a single team, Rugby in Barbados has significantly grown to now include four Men’s Club teams and a vibrant School’s Rugby Programme that is in eight Secondary and six Primary schools across the island. Internationally, the Barbados National Senior and U-19 Men’s 15s, the Senior Women’s 7s, and Senior Men’s 7s teams proudly represent Barbados in Rugby. Girls and boys U-17 teams also entertain visiting

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R U G B Y

Barbados for any sporting enthusiast!

Moving into 2020, at the time of publishing, it is also anticipated that the Coburg Saxons from Ontario, Canada will be visiting the island towards the end of February for two matches against our eager local sides. Stay tuned …

World-class 7s at the home of World-class 6s! overseas school sides with 15-a-side, 10-a-side and 7-a-side matches played at the Garrison Savannah from time to time.

Playing in paradise

Rugby on the island continues to have an action-packed calendar of events, with the bulk of the matches being played during the annual local season – officially from September to February. These games are played once a week (generally every Saturday) at the Garrison Savannah and are FREE to watch, with much excitement and socialising also taking place off the field!

For the serious Rugby fan, you can also come along and watch our Rugby 15s and 7s teams going through their paces at their training sessions on various nights of the week and weekend. For the most up-to-date training schedule, please email the BRFU barbadosrugby@olympic.org.bb or visit the BRFU Facebook page @rugbybarbados.

World Rugby’s ‘Get Into Rugby’ (GIR) Programme is another wonderful addition to the rugby scene in Barbados and has an active local membership working on its expansion into our schools. The Programme introduces over 1000 children each year to the sport of Rugby in Barbados and is administered by the recently formed GIR Barbados, which is responsible for the management and administration of this international initiative here on the island. GIR Barbados is headed by Director Kevyn Murrell (VP of the BRFU) and comprises a ‘Youth’ arm that focuses on the development of young players as well as a ‘Schools’ arm focusing on introducing new players to the game.

In another exciting step forward for Rugby in Barbados, our very first Barbadian Rugby player was accepted into a Rugby Scholarship at Arkansas State University in the USA in 2018.

This is a noteworthy achievement for the sport and raises the bar even higher for our up-andcoming local players to reach their full potential. Watch this space!

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2019 – what a year!

Last year saw plenty of Rugby action for Barbados both at home and abroad, with some great results.

In June, Barbados’ Flying Fish Team won the highly-respected London International 7s Tournament (LIT7s) Men’s Open Division in England, with the Team’s Captain awarded the Tournament’s MVP prize.

Early July, the Barbados Men’s 7s Team participated in the Rugby Americas North (RANs) Championships in the Cayman Islands against strong regional competition. The event was also a qualification event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, so Barbados was extremely proud to participate.

Next up, the RANs Championships for Men’s U-19s and Women’s 10s was held at the Bellevue Plantation Polo Fields in none other than beautiful Barbados. Best of all, it was free entry for spectators to come and enjoy the topclass Rugby in a top-class destination!

Barbados was represented in both divisions and as always did their country proud.

At the end of August, our Men’s 7s travelled to the Rugbytown 7s Tournament in Denver USA for more nail-biting competition with our international Rugby peers.

Come December, Barbados played host to the Gavin Clarke Memorial Charity Golf Tournament in the name of Breast Cancer Research and was proudly supported by Rugby Barbados World 7s (RBW7s) Official Tournament Partner JetBlue Vacations, who provided the first prize of 2 roundtrip tickets to any JetBlue destination plus a US$ 1000 JetBlue Vacations Certificate to each player in the winning pairing.

After the Charity Golf Event, the Rugby Barbados World 7s (RBW7s) was again hosted at the 11 000 seater Kensington Oval over 1314 December with rave reviews. As a renowned premier sporting destination, Barbados welcomes a number of overseas teams each year for this highly-anticipated event which is the longest running Club Rugby 7s Tournament in the Caribbean – a definite ‘must-do’ in

Since it’s relocation to Barbados from Trinidad in 2016, the RBW7s Tournament has gone from strength to strength, and this year will be no exception. As the Tournament continues to grow in popularity amongst locals and international visitors alike, event organisers say it will soon rival the likes of the Hong Kong 7s and Dubai 7s, especially in the Women’s Elite Division.

Taking place over two action-packed days at the iconic Kensington Oval, RBW7s proudly boasts an array of supportive partners who each year offer various special deals such as discount car rentals, vacation packages, and island tours to RBW7s teams, fans and spectators to enjoy all that Barbados has to offer once the Rugby action is finished!

Arguably the highlight of Rugby events calendar in Barbados, the Tournament has grown so much that it is now the highest paying Women’s Club Rugby 7s Tournament the world, with the prize money increasing from US $3000 in 2017 to a massive $20 000 in 2019! Last year saw 20 international world-class Club Rugby teams from USA, England, Canada, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, St. Lucia and of course Barbados all competing for the winner’s title and the sterling silver trophies donated by another RBW7s Official Tournament Partner, Hamilton & Inches.

This year, the Tournament will be held again at Kensington Oval on 12-13 December and with a variety of affordable ticketing packages for fans to choose from, it surely won’t disappoint!

Businesses and individuals are invited to partner with RBW7s and take advantage of the extensive local and international coverage that the Tournament receives. There is a range of exciting partnership options – from one-off donations to full packages – that can be tailored to suit.

Interested teams can officially register for the 2020 Tournament from April. For more RBW7s Tournament information and partnership choices, follow @BarbadosSevens on Facebook, or visit www.rugbybarbadosworld7s.com.

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E Q U E S T R I A N

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E Q U E S T R I A N

BEST OF SHOW Equestrian Highlights Barbados participated in three of the Olympic equestrian disciplines—dressage, Eventing and Show jumping.

Dressage at the international games level usually involves three different tests , one of which is a freestyle to music.

Eventing is a triathlon of equestrian disciplines so includes dressage, show jumping and cross country.

Barbados participants in its first Pan Ams in 1999 when Roberta Foster competed in dressage in Canada.

The Barbados Eventing team secured Barbados ‘ first international equestrian medal when it won bronze at the CAC games in 2018 in Colombia.

Congo Road equestrian center, St. Philip Big C Stables, Ch Ch

Whitehall equestrian center, St. Peter Sandy Turf Stables, St. Philip Yorkshire Stables, Ch Ch For further information contact beasecretary@hotmail.com

Opposite: Indy Jones. Photo by Alison Elliot Above left: Bree-Ann Hurdle on Vivaldi. Photo by Alison Elliot.

Above right: Scarlett Farmer

For

a small island, Barbados has a high per capita ratio of equines and there are estimated to be over 1200 horses currently on the island. The majority of these horses are thoroughbreds involved in the horse racing industry and another large segment participate in polo, but there are several competition horses of varying levels that are part of an active equestrian community that is regulated by the International Equestrian Federation (the FEI) and participates in the Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Show Jumping and Three Day Eventing.

Barbados’ local Federation, the Barbados Equestrian Association, organizes many local shows throughout the year at various venues from beginner and novice levels through international level shows such as FEI Jumping World Challenge and Dressage World Challenge. Several international trainers also visit the island on a regular basis to help

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E Q U E S T R I A N

Photo of Roberta Foster from Shannon Brinkman Photo courtesy of BEA

develop the sport and keep standards high.

Additionally, many riders travel overseas to train and compete.

In fact, Barbados has been represented at several International Games in all three disciplines over the past twenty years culminating in many outstanding performances.

Most recently, Elite Equestrian Roberta Foster traveled to Peru to represent Barbados in Dressage at the 2019 Pan American Games.

Barbadians proudly watched as this veteran made it into the Dressage finals and finished in fourteenth place against many top international competitors.

Foster was ironically the first Barbadian equestrian to attend the Pan American Games twenty years earlier in 1999 in Winnipeg, Canada. Over the past twenty years she has competed several times at both the Pan Am and Central American and Caribbean Games and has been accompanied on occasion by other top Dressage athletes such as Gina

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Hunte, Akoele Roachford and Tove McIntyre.

In Three Day Eventing, a sport introduced to the island only a few years ago, Barbados saw its highest international placing to date when the three member team of Monique Archer, Zoe Archer and Laura Smith brought home the Bronze Medal from Colombia at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

In Show Jumping, Emily Kinch has proudly represented Barbados at both the CAC and Pan Am Games level in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Alexa Rodriguez also rode under the Barbados flag in Colombia at the 2018 CAC Games.

There is no doubt that this tradition of international equestrian excellence will continue for Barbados as many Young Riders mark their places in the sport. Bronze Medalist Zoe Archer is training in the UK towards the next CAC Games and Mackenzie Manning and Bree-Anne Hurdle are two emerging international dressage talents with considerable experience who will likely form part of Barbados’ CAC Games Team in 2022.

There are also juniors such as Fifteen-Year Old Indy Jones that definitely stand out in the equestrian field. Jones has traveled to several countries to compete in show jumping including Martinique, Canada and Ireland and she won the FEI Category C Show Jumping Competition in Barbados in 2018 at just fourteen years old.

Scarlett Farmer is another junior making big strides in the international arena. The thirteen year old competes in Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing and qualified to represent Barbados at the prestigious 2019 Children of the Americas Dressage Invitational in the USA where she earned the Silver Medal.

Other juniors that have gained some international experience and have considerable talent include Jodi and Abigail Haloute, Candace and Dominique Jones and one of the few male show jumpers, Dylan Frost.

For more information on the Barbados Equestrian Association’s Events and Shows please email barbadosequestrian@gmail.com

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S Q U A S H

SQUASH RACQUETS

BCQS Barbados Squash Master ’s tournament

BY SHIV PABARY. PHOTOS BY FRANK JORDAN

If

you were to Google ‘what is the healthiest sport?’ you may be surprised to learn the answer at the top of the list: Squash!

The birth of the International BCQS Barbados Masters squash event occurred following a conversation between players after the British Virgin Islands annual squash event in 2008. After a late-night celebration, Sanjay Amin-BCQS Barbados director, proposed a Masters tournament in Barbados. Little did the assembled crowd realise how successful the event would prove in the coming years.

Starting initially with around 30-40 entrants, this year (2019) saw the highest number of participants with over 130 people from more than 12 countries competing in the BCQS Squash Masters at Barbados Squash club. Even the immigration staff at Barbados Airport are used to the banter with the regular influx of international squash players in the third week of May every year!

People often ask how this event has gone from strength to strength in a relatively short space of time attracting players from as far afield as the UK, USA, Norway, Germany and Canada, to name a few of the countries represented. The key is the warmth of the local squash community welcoming the players proving how sport unites people. The event takes place over a week with competitive matches in various age groups ranging from 35 to over 64 yrs of age. The oldest player in the

competition this year was Errol Pilgrim, at a young 79 yrs of age-surely an inspiration and role model proving age is no barrier!

The event features well-known local players (Shawn Simpson/Mark Sealy/Karen Meakins) and also a number of overseas stars e.g.

Richard Chin from the USA. The squash is serious and of a very high standard but this is also matched by a number of fun-filled organised evening events culminating in the highlight of the week : A catamaran tour of the island following the finals on Sunday morning for all the players involving sun, sea, dance and an endless supply of food and drink!

The Masters tournament is now firmly embedded in the diary as an annual international squash event with our family of squash players united by a love of the sport.

The event also generates important funding for the local squash community allowing investment in upcoming youngsters from the island ensuring access to the sport to players from all backgrounds.

I have been visiting Barbados for many years and have played in the event since 2016. We have an increasing presence of players from the UK. Everyone who attends has nothing but praise and amazing memories of the event, ensuring that the first entry in the diary is to book for the event again on their return!

Further information on the event is available at 441014509262961@groups.facebook.com

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H O C K E Y

HOCKEY KICKS PHOTOS BY PETER MARSHALL

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Hockey Highlights

The

sights, the sounds, the rhythm, the colour, the vibe... and of course, the Hockey. This combination of unique Caribbean experiences is what the annual Barbados International Hockey Festival plates and serves in a dish that is both distinctly Bajan flavored with a taste that Hockey players worldwide know and love – camaraderie and good vibes.

In its 34th year, the annual Barbados International Hockey Festival, or ‘The Festival’ as it’s more commonly known, revisited the same formula that won the hearts of players, visitors and participants some 34 years ago and it did not disappoint.

The Festival is one of the oldest modern sporting events of its size in the Caribbean and maintains a tradition of great Hockey and a good time, using a combination of challenging Hockey competition, coupled with fantastic after-Hockey events. It provides the perfect Hockey getaway package for one full week in paradise. The Hockey competition itself is played in four categories – men’s, women’s, mixed and open masters (men and women, 35 and over). It’s difficult to put the week into words, but we’ll give it a go for you to get a literary glimpse of what it’s like to be a part of it.

Opening Day - Sunday

The Festival formally begins with the Assembly of Teams. A colorful gathering of the

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The Hockey Festival was started in 1985 as conceptualized by Mike Owen, Winsmore Humphrey and legendary West Indies cricket commentator Tony Cozier, who was a national player and former president of the Barbados Men's Hockey Association.

The earliest record of Hockey in Barbados dates back to the 1920s.

In 1987, the Festival played host to about 1,000 players in 63 teams from all over the globe. In those days, the parade of teams and matches were held at the iconic Kensington Oval, Barbados’ famous cricket ground.

In its 34 years, the Festival has attracted over 380 teams and clubs from 19 different countries, across 4 continents.

It's truly an international tournament.

In the 1940s, Pickwick Club and the Holborn Boys School played Hockey matches against visiting ships' Hockey teams.

The Festival has welcomed Blackheath Hockey Club, one of the oldest Hockey clubs in England, and in 2019 Ashford Hockey Club touched off their centenary celebrations by having a team in the Festival.

The Barbados Men's Hockey Association was formed in 1958. It merged with the Barbados Women's Hockey Association in the late 80s and formed the Barbados Hockey Federation that we know today.

There's only one dedicated artificial Hockey field on the island. It was first laid in 1996 as a water-based surface, and relaid in 2017 as a sand-dressed surface.

In 1961 Barbados played its first official international series.

You may hear the Festival referred to as the "Banks Festival". Banks Breweries, makers of Banks Beer (Barbados), previously sponsored the Festival for more than 25 years, so the name 'Banks' became synonymous with the tournament. Sometimes people still call it ‘Banks’.

The first visiting team to win the men's competition in the Festival was Grasshappers from the Netherlands in 1993. Since then, only 3 other visiting teams have claimed the men's championship - two from Germany and one from England.

School teams also play in the Festival. The Combermere School, one of the oldest Hockey-playing schools in Barbados, is a regular participating team. Did you know that international superstar Rihanna also went to school there?

H O C K E Y

local and visiting teams that allows the planners and the presidents the opportunity to thank all of the participants and sponsors, before launching what’s arguably the best part of the opening day – the cultural showcase. A Tuk Band and local dancers entertain the sunbathed crowd, while moko jumbies (stilt walkers) tower and dance overhead and green monkeys (acrobatic performers) dazzle with their antics. Of course, a Mother Sally is onhand and will get you in a conga line or, give a wining lesson or two. (Yes, we are still at a Hockey tournament.)

The Assembly is followed-up with an exhibition match, which sees the Festival XI against the select national side of the year, for an hour of quality Hockey entertainment, while the teams ‘refresh’ themselves and prepare for the week ahead. (Want to join the Festival XI? Just ask.)

After the match, comes the Meet & Greet mingle. A chance to meet everyone and make your best plans for the week of fun, sun and Hockey.

Monday – Match Day 1 & Games Night

Monday starts the Hockey competition.

Matches start from as early as 8:00 a.m. sometimes, but they all finish by 6:30 p.m. The newly laid sand-dressed artificial field at the Wildey Hockey Center provides the main playing ground, while the artificial 3G surfaces at the University (Usain Bolt Stadium) and the

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H O C K E Y

Barbados Football Association next door, provide additional playing fields, making for some quality Hockey. DJs are at each venue swinging Soca and Calypso hits from the recently concluded Crop Over season, and of course, bars and food stalls serve up Bajan cuisine and refreshments for any palette. (FYI bring your SPF-everything sunblock).

After Hockey, comes ‘Games Night at the Turf’. The 34th Festival featured a Dominoes Tournament and a 7-call Bingo. It’s odd how these things came together, but come together they did! Teams came together in front of the Turf View Bar and played games for bar tabs and drinks prizes well into the night, all the while mixing and mingling and laughing away the warm and breezy Bajan night.

The 34h edition also introduced team hosts for each after-Hockey event. It was simple idea that was so successful, teams are already asking to host for 2020. As a host, you just come out and put your team’s spin on the event. (Don’t worry, the Festival team does all of the planning, you and your team just come out, do your unique thing and enjoy).

Tuesday – Match Day 2 & Festival Karaoke

Hockey continues on Tuesday and teams now understand the challenge of Hockey all day and partying all night - but they get through it. They love it. We love it.

When the sun sets, Tuesday features the Festival Karaoke at Braddie’s Bar in the popular St. Lawrence Gap. When one of the best liming spots on the island, meets some of the best limers in the world, there’s magic. The players descend on the bar and a few sing for the ultimate prize of Karaoke champion, and a healthy bar tab. (‘Liming’ is the Bajan term for mingling, eating, drinking (rum, of course) and spending time with friends. Having a ‘lime’ is a national pastime, and Festival staple.)

Wednesday – Match Day 3 & Festival Party in the City

Wednesday touches off the final pool day of competition (normally), and sets the stage for the semi-finals on Friday. By now, teams know what it takes to compete in the heat and cool off in the shade.

In semis celebration, the party moves to City Lounge Club in the heart of the city for the Festival Party. Club DJs and baristas mix your favorite mixes all night long at his happening dockside club, with midweek vibes like no other until 3:00 a.m. (Sorry if you have a Thursday match).

Thursday – The Beach Party

Hooray! Because Thursday is Beach Day! While normally there is no Hockey on Thursday, in the 34th edition some matches were scheduled to cover the quantity of games the tournament needed - they were however completed by 3:00 p.m. and all players were able to join the fun in the sand.

Rascals Beach Bar on Brandon’s beach (formerly Weiser’s), played host to the Festival’s Beach Day and from 1:00 p.m. players were entertained with the sand, sea and waves. Of course there was beach volleyball, with prizes and surprises, beach ball (a form of tennis) and of course – food, drinks and those groovy soca and calypso vibes.

Friday – Semi-finals & The Festival Party Cruise

The Hockey gets serious from Friday, as the competitions move into the semi-final stage.

Didn’t make the semis? That’s OK. Teams not making the semis participate in the fast-paced Survival Plate Knockout rounds, for a chance to earn the Survival Plate on finals day.

Arguably the most popular event with the younger crowd is the Festival Party Cruise. The Party Cruise has been a staple now for a few years and is a favorite all-around, not just with Festival goers, but the Bajan public as well. The

34th edition saw the M.C. Buccaneer completely sold out for the event, so make sure and get your tickets for this event early! The island’s best DJs rocked the seas on this night event, which kicked off with a dockside lime, prior to the 4-hour night cruise jamming.

Saturday – The Finals & The Final Whistle Concert

Saturday is the big day - the finals day - the bittersweet day. If your team made it through Friday, then on Saturday you play for the championship of your respective category. The Survival Plate finals are also on Saturday; they get the day going at 9:00 a.m., for the premier finals to start at noon. Masters are up first, followed by mixed, then women’s and finally men’s. The production is on, the crowds are in and everyone watches the finals teams give their last to secure the big trophy, and be recorded for future generations in the Festival Magazine’s honor’s board.

Immediately following the finals, the awards presentations get underway. In addition to the Hockey, we also find out which team won the coveted Mike Owen Spirit of the Festival Award. That award is presented to the team which did the best, both on and off the field, and keep the spirit of the festival alive. Team representatives come forward to receive their championship trophies, a symbol of their tremendous effort over the last week and a dear keepsake of a week spent in Hockey and island bliss.

Goodbyes are difficult; especially when you say it to friends, the sun, the sunsets, the limes and the rum. The Final Whistle Concert helps you say it the Festival way, with live performances and DJs right at the playing venue, that keep you feeling the Festival vibe, until it’s time.

But don’t be too sad, because we do it all over again in 2020 at the 35th Annual Barbados International Hockey Festival, with more vibes, more Hockey and the best time.

See you there!

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F O O T B A L L

KICKING OFF PHOTOS BY PEDRO AGARD

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Football Highlights Barbados’ only living national hero and cricketing Icon Sir Garfield Sobers, had a stint as a Football Goalkeeper representing Barbados before his welldocumented professional cricket career.

He also played basketball in his teenage days.

Title sponsors Banks is an International prize winning Beer and Banks Barbados Breweries, the parent company for Banks Beer has continued to be lead sponsors of the Tournament from its inception 23 years ago.

The BIMFC Organizing Committee consists of Chairman-Melvin ‘Ibo’” Oxley, Vice Chairmen Trevor Thorne and Julian Annel. All three gentlemen have represented Barbados at football in their careers.

Former English Professional and exTorquay United FC and Queens Patk Rangers FC utility player Gregory ‘Lalu’ Goodridge and Barbados Senior Men’s National Team Coach and former Trinidad and Tobago Strike Squad midfield magician - Russelll Latapy both participate annually in the BIMFC.

Barbados is the only Caribbean Island with a Veterans Festival-of-Football Tournament played during the Island’s Annual calypso and cultural celebration known as the Crop-Over Festival.

We hold our prestigious Pre-Tournament Launch at the beautiful south coast Sandals Barbados Resort and Tournament Souvenir T-Shirts are complimentary for all visiting teams.

History was created, as the 2019 Over 40’s and Over40’s Cup Finals were played for the first time under the State-of-the-Art Floodlights and Artificial Grass International size pitch at the Barbados Football Association (B.F.A.) Headquarters, Wildey, St. Michael.

The Empire Club at Bank Hall, St. Michael where BIMFC preliminary matches were played in 2019 is the home of West Indies cricketing legend Sir Charles Griffith, Sir Everton Weekes. Sir Conrad Hunte and Sir Frank Worrell.

Many options for local cuisine, well stocked drinks Bars and a full medical Team is on duty during the Finals.

Players and spectators experienced Live Football commentary on the final day of the BIMFC Finals.

Above: 2019 BIMFC Over 50s Winners Black Rock Masters FC of Barbados

Seven

overseas teams and 29 local ones combined to form the 36 Team League and Knockout Tournament, and by the look of things, they had a whale of a time playing, partying and liming from Friday evening through to Monday night at Carlton Club, Empire Club, Paradise Club, Maxwell Club and contesting all of the finals at the BFA Turf, Wildey.

The BARBADOS INVITATIONAL MASTERS FOOTBALL CLASSIC (BIMFC) Tournament was launched at Sandals Barbados Resort with local and visiting teams from Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Canada and the U.K.; a master stroke as a great time was had by all. Indeed, main Sponsors, Banks (Barbados) Breweries, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and Cooperators General Insurance Ltd. also pledged their unwavering support as a stamp of approval in the first of many editions of the BIMFC. The inaugural BIMFC kicked into action over the Whitsun weekend. The biggest international men's veterans football championship in the Caribbean region was organized by the BIMFC Organizing Committee consisting of the Chairman - Melvin ‘Ibo’ Oxley, Vice Chairmen - Trevor Thorne and Julian Annel.

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Above left: 2019 BIMFC Over 40s Winners La Familia FC of Canada.

Above right: Former Trinidad and Tobago International Russell Latapy-Empire Club and Canadian Sergio Marchant from Toronto Football Club Of Friends.

Right: Tournament action.

Far right: Black Rock Masters FC Over 50s MVP Robert Jones (left) receives award from BIMFC Logistics Officer Roger Mayers.

The tournament was played between Friday June 7th – Monday June 10th, 2019 at five venues :- BFA Turf, Empire Club, Carlton Club, Paradise Club and Maxwell Club.

La Familia Over 40’s team from Canada won their first title with a 5-4 penalty kick victory over Paradise Masters FC of Barbados after a 0-0 full time score-line.

Black Rock Masters FC of Barbados was victorious in the Over 50’s final by defeating the Canadian Club, Toronto Football Club of Friends (TFCOF) 1-0.

Paradise FC Over 40s MVP Albert Brathwaite received his award from FIFA/CONCACAF Vice President/Barbados Football Association & Caribbean Football Union President, Randy Harris.

While Black Rock Masters FC Over 50s MVP Robert Jones received his award from BIMFC Logistics Officer Roger Mayers.

There was another first as live running commentary was provided by Trevor Thorne and Marley Leacock from Commentators Sports Incorporated (CSI) during the 2019 BIMFC Cup Final from the commentary booth at the BFA Wildey Turf.

The use of the spanking new Barbados Football Association first class football facility known as the BFA Turf was another welcome addition. This opportunity gave the football masters a pristine surface to play on and the use of the state-of-the-art floodlights which from all accounts was enjoyed thoroughly by the veterans on the final two days and nights.

The feedback suggests that the new BIMFC Tournament has ticked all of the boxes, and look forward to many more International Masters teams jetting their way to the beautiful Island of Barbados in 2020 to experience friendly combat with football comrades on and off the field of play next year in their very own ‘World Cup’ competition. See you next year for sure! Friday 29th May, 2020 to Monday 1st June, 2020.

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