Barbados began the journey towards more sporting glory on Friday with several teams heading off to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The largest contingents heading out were the 12th-ranked Bajan Gems netball team and the cricketers, who will make a historic appearance in the first time Twenty20 competition.
President of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Conde Riley and chief executive officer Dr Roland Toppin were present to see the cricketers off, along with BCA officials Steven Leslie and Wendell Coppin.
Missing from the departure party were all-rounder Deandra Dottin and pacer Shamelia Connell who were already in the United Kingdom.
Co-captain of the netball team Latonia Blackman will create history when she takes to the court against Australia on July 29.
Blackman, who hold records of playing every position on the court for Barbados and has an unmatched 157 caps, will become only the second player to attend all six Commonwealth Games since the inclusion of netball.
Also departing on Friday were the table tennis team, the judo unit, badminton, squash and athletes Kyle Gayle and Miguel Nicholas. (KB)
