1 week Ago By Barbados Today
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing gymnastics on a full developmental path, with the support of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Barbados Amateur Gymnastics Association (BAGA). This assurance came from Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, following talks with FIG President, Morinari Watanabe, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex over the weekend. The discussions coincided with the staging of the Trident Classic by the Barbados Amateur Gymnastics Association at the Wildey Gymnasium.
Griffith shared that Barbados was pursuing comprehensive technical assistance to boost all aspects of the sport. “We are looking for a full developmental process starting with the coaches because that is required, but it should also include our judges and officials. Ideally, we would welcome a trainer to Barbados for a period to help develop local capacity,” he said.
He added that talent identification and consistent training are critical, and proposed that close to two dozen athletes be earmarked to lead Barbados’ efforts at the regional and international levels. FIG President Watanabe responded positively, pledging to dispatch at least one coach to assist in the development of gymnastics on the island. He also encouraged the region to set clear timelines for achieving Olympic-level participation.
“I believe Barbados can be the hub for gymnastics in the Caribbean, and we will provide the necessary technical support,” Watanabe stated. Minister Griffith echoed this sentiment, affirming that the government was working towards providing a permanent home for gymnastics within a new multi-disciplinary facility. Meanwhile, talks between the government, BAGA, and FIG have opened the door to the introduction of a new discipline – parkour – to the island.
Parkour, a physical sport involving running, jumping, vaulting, and climbing through various environments, was among several topics discussed during Watanabe’s visit. Watanabe highlighted the global growth of gymnastics and emerging innovations, such as the integration of artificial intelligence judges. He noted that these technologies are already in use internationally and have been positively received by athletes.
BAGA President Sheldene Pinder reported that there are currently 167 active gymnasts across eight clubs in Barbados. She made an appeal to both FIG and the Government for essential equipment to support the sport’s growth. “We need beams, vaults, and floor apparatus to ensure gymnastics thrives in Barbados and across the region,” Pinder said.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, reiterated government’s support for the discipline and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the sport reaches its full potential.(BGIS) The post Barbados, FIG collaborate on gymnastics development, plan to introduce Parkour appeared first on Barbados Today..
