Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, has congratulated the successful athletes of the recently-concluded National Senior Games for their ???remarkable achievements???.
In his address at the awards presentation ceremony at his Ministry in the Warrens Office Complex, on Wednesday, Mr. Blackett said he was ???honoured??? to present the awards to the athletes, who demonstrated that ???age is just a number???.
He continued: ???Your participation alone has made all of you winners. You have been an inspiration to your families, your peers and indeed all of Barbados, and I hope that you will continue this journey from which long term benefits can be derived, including your physical and mental well-being.???
Mr. Blackett also urged the seniors to continue to be role models. ???The discipline and determination that you show on the sporting stage act as an incentive to our young people, to show them what is possible, even when you have reached your golden years,??? he said.
The Minister stated that going forward, Government planned to focus on having more overseas athletes participate in the local Games, in hopes of attracting more visitors and tourists.
???We will strive to attract more senior athletes and senior sportsmen and women, so that we can further promote our mandate of active ageing. This will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism,??? he disclosed.
Pointing to the athletes??? attendance at the Huntsman World Senior Games, held annually in Utah, United States, in October, Mr. Blackett maintained that their participation not only placed Barbados on the map as a tourist destination in that part of the world, but the athletes have been good ambassadors for the island. He added that the Ministry would continue to help facilitate their attendance.
deidre.gittens@barbados.gov.bb