Government plans to construct two new pavilions during the coming financial year.
This disclosure has come from Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley, who revealed that they would be built at Oxnards/Husbands and Husbands Gardens, St James.
He added that the pavilions at St Martin’s and Bayley’s, St Philip, would also be completed during he new financial year, which starts in April.
Lights are also expected to be installed in several areas across the island.
In a wide-ranging interview recently, Lashley said he had asked the National Sports Council to work very closely with all interested parties to ensure that the Ryan Brathwaite Invitational Meet, which will be a part of this island’s preparation for the Rio Games in Brazil in 2016, comes off.
He pointed out that planning meetings had already started for the athletic event.
“I believe the meet would be a fitting tribute to one of our finest athletes in the person of Ryan, who continues to work hard to achieve excellence,” he said.
“The Government will be supporting this meet and I have assured Ryan of that support.”
The minister noted that in 2012, Government extended financial support to several national associations to help them execute their plans and programmes. He explained, however, that funds were only distributed on the prior submission of audited financial statements from the various bodies.
“Of the 61 national associations, 34 benefited [from Government assistance] in 2003-2004, 36 in 2004-2005, 38 in 2005-2006, 36 in 2006-2007, 40 in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, 35 in 2009-2010, 38 in 2010-2011, and a record 43 benefited in 2011-2012.
“For the financial year 2012-2013, the Government, through the National Sports Council, will provide special grants to a number of associations which will be participating in various regional and international competitions,” he disclosed.
Minister Lashley highlighted some of these groups as the Barbados Cycling Union, Barbados Darts Association, Barbados Amateur Swimming Association, Barbados Volleyball Association and Barbados Netball Association. (BGIS)
