The newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), Seibert Straughn, wants to see more overseas colleges and universities using Barbados as a training base during the winter months.
Additionally, he believes there will be a need to upgrade some of the sporting facilities to attract more international teams, especially since Government is moving to scale-up its sports-tourism initiatives.
Mr. Straughn’s appointment, as well as that of the new chairman of Gymnasium Limited, Hadley Haynes, took effect on June 1.
The NSC chairman said he would continue "the good work" already started by his predecessor, Henry Inniss, and promised that new initiatives would be forthcoming. "I am looking forward to the challenge and working with the other directors, management and staff of the NSC and the several sporting organisations, so we can continue on a path to further improve our sporting talent in our country," he stated.
A former Olympian, Mr. Straughn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and he heads the Physical Education Department of the Christ Church Foundation School.
Meanwhile, there are several new faces on the Gymnasium Board, which is now headed by Chartered Accountant with over 20 years post qualification experience, Hadley Haynes.?? He is also?? the Caribbean Finance Manager at Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited.
The new chair is "eagerly looking forward to making a contribution to the Gymnasium and Barbados".
Additionally, the new deputy chair and directors of the Gymnasium are Monique Taitt, Michael Forde, Romel Sobers, Lillian Rose, Andre Craig and Dr. Akhentoolove Corbin. Those appointments took effect on June 10.??saustin@barbados.gov.bb