(Stock Photo)

Everything is in place to ensure the smooth running of the 17th annual National Senior Games when it comes off on Monday, May 21, at the National Stadium in Waterford, St. Michael.

This assurance came from Chairman of the organising committee of the annual event, Mac Fingall, at a recent meeting of participants of this year’s games.

Mr. Fingall, who has been involved with the National Senior Games for the past three years, said that he and his six-member committee had been working “around the clock” to work out any kinks ahead of Monday’s event.

He explained that when his committee initially began operating, he saw a number of areas which he felt could be improved upon and those were the areas which they focused on tightening up on first.

The Chairman dismissed the claim that the ‘fun’ element of the games had disappeared. He explained that what had actually changed was that the competitors had started to get results physically and mentally and were now taking themselves more seriously as athletes.

Mr. Fingall said the inclusion of a trip to Utah to compete at the international level had further motivated the athletes to perform more competitively.

Mr. Fingall revealed that a number of new initiatives would be introduced this year, including the inclusion of what he coined the ‘They say I ain’t got a chance’ race. He said this race was especially for persons who might not fit the usual profile of an athlete, but wanted an opportunity to compete and win a prize.

The Chairman said there would also be more spectator races, including the egg and spoon and other novelty races in which persons could participate and win prizes.

Mr. Fingall encouraged Barbadians to come out on Monday and encourage senior athletes who had heeded the Ministry of Social Care’s advice to remain active even as they age. He revealed that there would be a number of prizes up for grabs for members of the public who opted to participate in any of the spectator events.

The finals of the track and field meet will begin at 8:00 a.m.

paula.harper-grant@barbados.gov.bb

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