Stars come out

Twenty-five of the island’s illustrious sportspersons of the past and present were named and honoured in the first batch of national icons, when the National Sports Council hosted the inaugural Evening with the Stars. With the black tie event held at the Barbados Hilton on Saturday evening under the patronage of the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, the island’s lone living national hero headlined the cast of names instrumental in placing Barbados on the international sporting arena.

 

Delivering the welcome remarks, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth Stephen Lashley stated that with the face of sport changing across the world, a new attitude needed to be adopted at home if the island intended to compete amongst the best. “Sport in Barbados can no longer be seen as just a past time. Around the world the opportunities afforded by sport are being highlighted and many in this room can attest to the fact that many avenues have been opened to them as a result of their involvement in their respective sport. High performance has brought much acclaim and the spin-off careers have kept most going when the performance years were over. As a result, many of our young people are now recognising that sport can be a viable career choice if they put in the hard work and remain dedicated to the task.”

 

Going on to explain that the icons would have come from a wide cross section of backgrounds with their involvement in sports oftentimes making a pivotal difference in the paths their lives have taken, 

 

Minister Lashley highlighted the importance of sport as a tool for social transformation. “One cannot only speak to the economics of sport, which has caused it to be seen as a legitimate economic sector and therefore ascend the national development agenda, but must be cognizant of its contribution to social development. As a tool for promoting peace, fostering social cohesion and building social and human capital; sport presents creative ways to character- and team-building; to the development of leadership; and the encouragement of positive values and positive attitudes.” he said.

 

With the event also serving as a launch for a trust fund to support sportspersons after their careers have ended, Lashley noted that he had the idea for the initiative some four years ago but was only just able to see it to fruition. Stating that this was only the beginning and that there was an intention to make it an annual or biannual event, Lashley explained that the exploits of the icons would not go unnoticed. “We know that the glitz and glamour does not last for all. We also know that there are some who after making their contribution are not often remembered. We also know that there are those who if the resources were available would be making an even more meaningful contribution. Therefore, tonight’s event goes beyond the recognition of exploits, it also recognizes the need for tangible support in many areas if some of our Icons are to survive and if those with talent are to realise their true potential. So tonight’s event marks the launch of a Trust Fund for our sports men and women; especially those who find themselves in need after many years of giving to their country. This fund will be managed under special guidelines and should not be seen as duplicating the current funding facility provided by the National Sports Council and Barbados Olympic Association for athletes in preparation and attendance to sporting meets. Its primary focus will be that of assistance after their illustrious sporting careers have ended.” he said.

 

There was a noted absence of any icons from the sports of football, volleyball, netball and basketball, however, it was stated that it was a difficult task to select names for inaugural event and Lashley assured those on-hand that it was not the last event of its kind. Of note, was the fact that the likes of 2016 Olympians Akela Jones and Darian King and three-time Special Olympics Gold Medalist Tyson Browne, young budding athletic greats were named among the icons of sports. (MP)

 

Icons of Sports

 

Sir Garfield Sobers OCC

Sir Wes Hall HBM, JP

Sir Everton Weekes KCMG, CGM

Sir Austin Sealy SCM

Gordon Greenidge

Desmond Haynes

Patrick Husbands BSS

Ambassador Obadele Thompson

Darian King

Roger Skeete

Jim Wedderburn

Joel Garner

Brian Talma BSS

Leah Stancil nee Martindale

Akela Jones

Andrea Blackett

Ryan Brathwaite

Darcy Beckles

Philip Als

Randall Valdez

Freida Nicholls

Ronald King

Tyson Browne

Julian White

Kim Holder