Some members of the York Region District School Board, Ontario, Canada, are presently in Barbados to gain a first-hand experience of Barbados’ indigenous sport, road tennis.
Following the partnership launch between Barbados and the York Region District School Board virtually, in April, a team arrived on the island on Wednesday, to learn more about road tennis and what is needed to implement the teaching of the sport in York District schools.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charley Browne, along with other Ministry officials, today met with Megan Glanfield from the York Region District School Board to discuss how the Ministry could assist in promoting and implementing a road tennis sports programme.
During the meeting held in the Ministry’s conference room at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael, Mr. Browne pointed out that the Ministry is keen on presenting the sport throughout the world, and has been introducing the sport gradually over the years, most recently in Africa, Asia and European countries.
Ms. Glanfield indicated that in addition to introducing the sport, the plan is also to share the culture and history of Barbados with students.
Sports Development Consultant, Jamal Smith, has already taken Ms. Glanfield and the delegation from York on tours to different road tennis venues.
So far, they have met with a racket maker; viewed an exhibition game at Belfield hard courts, Black Rock, St. Michael, between Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith and Aaron Barker; toured the Bush Hall facility, and visited the National Sports Council, where they were taught a few drills.
Before the delegation leaves next week, plans are in place to show how a road tennis court is made, which involves the painting dimensions, and the sanding and slicking process.
They will also meet with the Barbados Road Tennis Association; view a presentation on the rules of the game and the different formats of road tennis competitions; watch the semi-finals and finals of the primary schools’ competition at the Wildey Gymnasium, and visit other road tennis courts across the island.