Olympic Day celebrations held

IT was an overcast and windy Olympic Day at the Garrison Savannah, which saw the Barbados Wrestling Federation finish on top overall of the various challenges held by the Barbados Olympic Association.

A true family event at the Garrison Savannah was what it was advertised as and it did not disappoint as hundreds of persons, young and old alike, representing the National Federations participated in the day’s activities. The overall winner the Barbados Wrestling Federation, with the most points accumulated during the day, took home prize money of $2 500. In second was the Barbados Equestrian Association ($2 000), third place went to the Barbados Boxing Association ($1 500) and in fourth was the Barbados Netball Association ($1 000).

Starting off the day was the O-Smart (Olympic Sprint and Mind Adventurous Racing for Teams) Challenge, which was in the form of a treasure hunt of sorts. The hunt was based on getting to check-points, but also answering trivia based on local Olympic and Garrison Savannah history. The Daredevils, representing the Barbados Netball Association, hunted their way to first place followed by the Badminton Titans of the Barbados Badminton Association and in third was the VRS Cougars, another team hailing from the Netball Association.

Next was the 3K walk and that was won by Dudley Harewood of the Athletics Association of Barbados. Harewood was well ahead of the competition as the only professional walker in the crowd. Mary Fraser, representing the Barbados Boxing Association, came in second and Kemar Tull, walking for the Barbados Badminton Association, placed third. The running of the 5K followed the 3K and the children were given a head start, but it was Oein Josiah of the Barbados Triathlon Federation that crossed the line first. Jaleni Matthews, participating on behalf of the Barbados Orienteering Federation, was second followed by Kashad Holder of the Barbados Boxing Association.

The final event was the Tug-O-War and that was won by the Barbados Rugby Football Union, who defeated the Barbados Table Tennis Association in the finals. In third place was the Barbados Wrestling Association.

There was much more on the day including a showcase of talent by the National Cheerleading Federation, which was made up of children and also a Water Balloon War, which involved all of the federations. (AS)