Minister of Social Care, Christopher Sinckler; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ruth Blackman and Representative from Stansfeld Scott, Gabrielle Dominguez at the launh of the National Senior Games recently.??(Image: C. Pitt/BGIS)
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The National Senior Games is one event which has survived "the surgeon’s scalpel", despite the economic recession which this country is experiencing.
Word of this came from Minister of Social Care, Christopher Sinckler, at the recent launch of the Ninth Annual National Senior Games which comes off at the National Stadium on April 17.
Pointing out its importance to Government and the people of Barbados, he noted that the Annual Senior Games, as it is commonly known, has become a major part of this country’s social calendar, with each year becoming "bigger and better". He stated that this was evident in the rising number of senior participants, moving from 136 athletes in 2008, to 187 last year.
The Minister also pointed out that the number of sporting disciplines had also increased. ??He stated that in addition to the existing netball, basketball, cycling and track & field events, there was now tennis, table tennis, road tennis and archery.
A number of social and health nongovernmental organisations will be present at this year’s Games. The Diabetes Association will conduct blood sugar and cholesterol checks, the Heart Foundation will monitor blood pressure and the HIV/AIDS Commission along with representatives from the Ministry of Social Care’s HIV/AIDS programme will be on hand to perform voluntary counselling and testing, and demonstrate correct condom use.
The National Senior Games was established in 2002, to be an avenue where senior citizens could display their athletic skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere.