EASE THE RENTAL COST FOR SPORTS at Wildey Gymnasium.
That is the cry from Paul White, successful organizer of the VolleyBarbados series now in its fourth edition and the Sizzlin’ Sands Beach event which enjoyed its 14th year in 2012.
According to White, he has been handed a bill for $16 000 for using the Gym to host the tournament involving five Canadian University teams as well as double crown local volleyball queens Flow Sentry Brokers Insurance Deacons from December 28, 2013 to January 3, 2014.
“I recognize that using the Gym is a costly enterprise and I cannot fault the management of the Gym since they have been mandated to bring in finances,” said White.
However, White indicated that the five visiting teams were paying a minimum of US$10 000 each to cover accommodation and food while in the island. He added that the cost of transportation and other services meant that over the nine days sports tourism was contributing heavily to the finances of the country.
“While the policy of the Gym is to bring in money, the policymakers have to recognize that sports bodies cannot afford to pay for the use of the Gym at its current rate but organizing tournaments like this with a total of 60 players and 40 officials and family members brings in foreign exchange which we definitely need.
