The BOA, in collaboration with the National Federations and several corporate sponsors, has issued a ‘call out’ to Barbados to participate in the Olympic Day celebrations to be held at Brandons Beach this Sunday, June 23.

According to Ytannia Wiggins, member of the Olympic Day Planning Committee, the beach will definitely have something for everyone; with a combination of old favourites and some exciting first time activities on show. “We wanted to do something special to mark the 65th anniversary of Olympic Day. The National Federations are fully on board and many of them will be out in force to showcase their sports. In addition, we are pleased to introduce new activities including a rugby demo courtesy of the Barbados Rugby Football Union’s Ladies squad, Tennis Express which will be taking place for the first time ever on the beach, and a Crossfit Corner organised by two of Barbados’ newest Crossfit gyms, Island Fit and CF246. Island Fit will also be providing a special ‘Workout of the Day’ (WOD) under the instruction of Cary Holder.”

Wiggins also thanked the Federations and others involved for their support, and urged the public to come out and see some outstanding local talent. “Members of the public will have an opportunity to see the winning performance from the recently concluded Cheerleading Championships as well as a sneak peek of gymnastic routines from Flip Gym Barbados. Other sports include a fast five netball game as well as three-on-three basketball. The Barbados Equestrian Association will also be there providing horseback rides and speaking to interested persons about becoming an equestrian.”

A key part of the Olympic Day worldwide celebrations is the promotion of Olympism in action, activities that promote six areas: sport for all, women in sport, sport and the environment, education through sport, peace through sport and development through sport. These themes have been incorporated into many of the activities taking place at Brandons and particular emphasis has been placed on inclusiveness and teaching young children important values through sport.

“Olympic Day is a major event on the Olympic calendar and the BOA recognises the significant role that our celebrations can play in teaching everyone, especially the very young, these important values and life lessons,” says Dave Farmer, Director, National Olympic Academy of Barbados, “for this reason, we are especially pleased to once again have Goalball on the beach, a team sport designed specifically for the blind or partially blind. In addition, we have been boosted by the involvement of a team of volunteers from the Barbados Community College Sports Management Programme who will be there on the day speaking with members of the public and raising awareness of Olympic Day and Olympism.”

Other activities planned for the day include kayak rides, Olympic Ring Building in the sand and a hula hoop contest using rings painted in the Olympic colours. Wiggins has also conceptualised an Olympic Day Vintage T-shirt competition with a prize for the person who is wearing the oldest shirt. “Every year, the day’s festivities culminate with the Olympic Day Run where everyone is given a t-shirt and certificate for participating. We wanted to find an innovative way to really thank those individuals that come out faithfully every year to support Olympic Day and we thought that the vintage t-shirt competition would be a great way to do that.”