The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) officially launched its 70th anniversary
celebrations on Sunday, June 15, with a thanksgiving service at the Church of Christ the King in
Rock Dundo, St. Michael. The service marked the start of a week of activities commemorating
the BOA’s recognition in 1955 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the official
National Olympic Committee of Barbados.
In attendance was Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of
Barbados and Patron of the BOA, alongside members of the BOA Executive Board, staff,
representatives from national sports federations and athletes.
During the service, BOA President Sandra Osborne delivered remarks highlighting the
Association’s longstanding commitment to sport, national development, and the values of
Olympism. She noted that although the BOA was established in 1955, it became fully active in
1962 and has participated in every Summer Olympic Games since then, except for the 1980
Games, which were boycotted by 66 countries. A standout moment came at the 2000 Sydney
Olympics, where Ambassador Obadele Thompson earned a bronze medal in the 100-metre
final. She added that the BOA has also led teams that have successfully competed at every Pan
American Games, Central American and Caribbean Games, and Commonwealth Games, as well
as youth or beach editions of those Games.
“As we celebrate 70 years, it is fitting that we remind ourselves that Olympism is a philosophy
of life, exalting and combining, in a balanced whole, the qualities of body, will and mind. It
blends Sport with culture and education and seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of
effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for
internationally recognised human rights and universal ethical principles within the remit of the
Olympic Movement,” Osborne said.
She continued, “So, our work is all about placing Sport at the service of the harmonious
development of all people, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the
preservation of human dignity and our environment, while striving to live by our values of
excellence, friendship and respect, always upholding fair play, safe sport and clean sport.”
Sustainability focus
As part of its forward-looking vision, the BOA recently launched a new Sustainability Strategy
and Policy, recognising that sport has a role to play in securing a sustainable future for
generations to come. She noted that the environmental changes brought about through
climate change, depletion of natural resources, rising temperatures, and the effects of poor air
and water quality pose significant threats to sport itself.
Osborne stressed the significance of this move, adding, “The relationship between Sport and
Nature is symbiotic. Our land, our beaches and our water are the playgrounds of our athletes,
providing the environment for their training and competition,” she said. “So, we have proudly
joined with other like-minded international and local partners to use the powerful tool that
Sport is to raise awareness, inspire action, drive innovation, and encourage sustainable
behaviour, engaging in preservation activities leading to a behaviour change aimed at
contributing to greater climate resilience. After all, our athletes are depending on us to leave
them with a better and brighter world in which to compete.”
In a gesture of gratitude, President Osborne also expressed appreciation to the Church of Christ
the King and Rector, Reverend Davidson Bowen, for hosting the BOA and presented a donation
to the church on behalf of the association.
Anniversary celebrations
The week of celebration continues with two major public activities – an open day at the
Barbados Olympic Centre on Tuesday, June 17, the official anniversary date, featuring
interactive displays, museum tours and a showcase of the BOA’s work in sport development
and on Saturday, June 21 the BOA will celebrate Olympic Day Celebration at the Garrison
Savannah under the theme ‘Let’s Move Together’. Barbadians are encouraged to come out and
participate in an evening of movement and fun, promoting fitness, unity, and the Olympic spirit.