Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley (centre) and Member of Parliament, James Paul welcoming home the track and field athletes from the CARIFTA Games in the Cayman Islands. (Image: Michael Cadogan)

Barbados’ new Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley, will soon ask the National Sports Council to review the CARIFTA Games.

According to Mr. Lashley, this assessment would be done in an attempt to help athletes improve their skills and respond to any issues which might have arisen.

He made the comments last night at the Grantley Adams International Airport while lauding and welcoming home the swimmers who competed in the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Jamaica over the weekend.

"One of the things that we need to do is have the review … to see what were the high points, what were the low points and what are the areas that require renewed attention going forward, so that we can do even better…

"Any kind of review of CARIFTA, whether swimming or track, would have to include the views of the parents because they are the ones who have to support the children, finance their progress and certainly I would want to hear from them…," he explained.

Mr. Lashley added that the coaches and the management teams had a lot of experience and ideas which officials could take on board, so as to provide an even better platform on which athletes could compete.

He told the audience the National Sports Policy was now being fine-tuned, while noting that Government was still committed to developing a quality stadium, which would attract international athletes.

The swimmers received 48 medals – 20 gold, 21 silver and seven bronze, while the track and field athletes won 18 medals – three gold, seven silver and eight bronze.

Mr. Lashley also praised the track and field athletes for their exceptional performances. "We look forward to bigger things from you. I believe that you should be aspiring to be at the Olympics in London. There is work to be done, but I believe you have it within you, along with the help of your coaches, the management team, your friends and your parents," he asserted.

The sports Minister pledged Government’s continued support to the athletes and urged them to focus on their training.

saustin@barbados.gov.bb

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