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| The Special Olympians, their relatives and well wishers celebrate on their arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport. (C. Pitt/BGIS) |
Within a few days, the Ministry of Sports is expected to announce plans to celebrate the outstanding feat of the seven athletes who recently represented the country at the Special Olympics World Summer Games, in Athens, Greece.
Minister of Sports, Stephen Lashley, said it was only fitting for Government to reward the athletes who each received a medal. "I wish to congratulate all of them on their incredible performances at the games. We had seven athletes who received seven medals and that accomplishment is unheard of, their efforts are to be commended.??
"Those athletes exemplified tremendous skill at the games in Greece and every Barbadian should be proud of their achievements. This augurs well for the further development of athletics in Barbados," Mr. Lashley stressed.
He noted that the National Sports Council had supported Special Olympics over the years and promised the assistance would continue.
The Minister also saluted the organisers, Special Olympics Barbados, the coaches, parents and all involved for ensuring that the local contingent participated in the games.
Pointing out that 2011 was "an especially good year for Barbadian athletes", with the CARIFTA swimmers and athletes bagging 30 gold, 22 silver and 23 bronze medals, he urged all the athletes to continue to work hard and be confident that they will reap success.
Mr. Lashley said: "With dedication and commitment, just imagine what our up-and-coming athletes could achieve at the London Olympics next year!"
Approximately 7,000 persons from 170 countries participated in the World Summer Games, which were held from June 25 to July 4.
Barbados was represented by five officials and seven sportspersons. The athletes were Rashad King (table tennis) and Nikita Maycock (100 m run) who received gold; Marwyn Lorde (100 m run) who won a silver medal and Laura Sobers and Justin Edwards (bocce) and Korey Kellman (400 m run) and Natalie Daniel (100 m run) who?? received bronze medals.