Yet another sporting competition is likely to be affected by the unavailability of the National Stadium.
Doubt surrounds the hosting of the XXVI Barbados Cup football competition which is scheduled to be held from April 7 to 12.
Organizer George Lascaris revealed yesterday that up to the close of registration, 72 boys’ teams and two girls’ teams had applied for entry into the tournament.
In a press release, Lascaris said that usually the opening ceremony, finals and presentation ceremony were held at the National Stadium.
The venue was expected to be available at the beginning of March, but with renovations now set to be completed in May, Lascaris said he was finding difficulty in securing an alternative venue.
“While the large number of teams is a usual headache for the organizers who try to keep the tournament to a manageable 60 to 64 teams, the more problematic issue is the availability of suitable grounds,” the press release stated.
“With the closure of the Stadium and the costs of renting Kensington Oval ruling out these venues, the Barbados Cup must now explore suitable alternatives.”
“Additionally, the Banks Brewery field has changed ownership and may not be available. This means that the Under-13 division may have to be cancelled if an alternative venue cannot be found within the next two weeks.”
Lascaris pointed out that other possibilities included reducing the 16 teams which were usually accommodated in the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups, or eliminating the Under-13 and keeping the Under-19 and women’s sections.
The Barbados Cup is the latest sporting event affected by the renovations at the National?Stadium. The Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletic Championships have already been cancelled, while the National Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships have been put on hold. (RB)