After 25 sports in 27 days, the BOA Independence Games officially came to a close last night at BOA Headquarters in Wildey. The Most Valuable Players (MVPs) for each participating sport were also presented with individual awards, and the symbolic Olympic flame was extinguished to signify the end of the Games.
In his welcoming address, Chairman of the Organising Committee Lt. Colonial Trevor Browne acknowledged all of the participating sports and highlighted the calibre of the Independence Games activities over the period November 16 to December 11. “We have been very pleased with the tremendous response we have received from this initiative of the 50th Anniversary Independence Games. I also continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm, the effort, and the commitment of our athletes, and this is why we recognise our MVPs tonight for their unwavering dedication to their respective sports. We hope to be able to execute another full Independence Games next year to once again showcase all levels of sport in Barbados,” he said.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, The Hon. Stephen Lashley also noted the Independence Games’ potential for putting a spotlight on local sports and to assist in the development of Barbados’ sporting facilities and athletes to the highest of standards. “These Games have thrown the national spotlight on the full spectrum of our sporting disciplines and allowed our athletes to really demonstrate just what it is they have to offer. I congratulate the Organising Committee and the BOA for its determination and planning in ensuring these Games were a fine success. You can be assured the Government of Barbados will continue to support the development of all sports in Barbados,” he said.
In his closing remarks and vote of thanks, BOA President Steve Stoute extended his thanks to all of the National Federations, and to all who made the Independence Games possible. “This has been a triumphant spectacle of sport, befitting our 50th Anniversary of Independence milestone. It has been a real celebration of Bajan sport and Bajan sportspersons, a very significant and historic event,” he said as he declared the Games officially closed.
Male MVP for Weightlifting, Romario Forde, did the honors of extinguishing the flame and concluding the BOA Independence Games for 2016.
The BOA says thank you to all who came out to support this important initiative to celebrate our nation’s 50th Year of Independence and the development of all sport in Barbados!