Alumni of the National Session for Young Participants (NSYP)—a programme dedicated to developing young leaders in sport—reunited for an evening of connection, collaboration, and inspiration at the NSYP Alumni Mix & Mingle Cocktail Forum held on Saturday, November 2nd, 2025.
Hosted at Featherbed Lane in St. John, home of the Barbados Ninja Throwdown, the event brought together approximately 35 participants to reconnect, build new professional relationships, and celebrate the programme’s continued impact on youth leadership development in Barbados.
Two insightful panel discussions anchored the evening’s programme. The Networking Panel, featuring Ayanna Morgan, Kierrie Beckles, and Taahir Bulbulia, emphasised the importance of actively engaging with peers and leaders to create meaningful opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, the Coaching Evolution Panel, with Ramon Armstrong, Althea Belgrave, and Jamal Grosvenor, highlighted the growing need for adaptability in coaching—embracing modern methods and continuous learning to better support athletes.
An Alumni Spotlight segment featured a success story from within the NSYP community: Tremayne Griffith, who represented Barbados at the 65th International Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors (YOA) in Ancient Olympia, Greece. Griffith, who delivered the featured address, reflected on the powerful impact of NSYP, describing it as much more than a weekend of activities. He shared how the programme challenged participants to see sport as a driver of change and inspired them to embrace their role in shaping its future.
Speaking about his transformative experience at the 65th International Session for YOA, Griffith noted that standing among more than 200 young leaders from around the world reinforced a powerful realisation: “The same energy, passion, and leadership I saw on the international stage already exists right here in Barbados. We are not behind—we are ready.”
Therefore, he urged fellow alumni to recognise that leadership is not defined by age, status, or title, but by action. He further encouraged them to continue pushing boundaries, forming partnerships, and leading initiatives within their communities.
“NSYP does not end when the sessions are over—it is something you carry with you. You do not have to wait until you are older, richer, or more recognised to lead. You already are a leader and a changemaker.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Barbados Olympic Association, the National Olympic Academy of Barbados, and Olympic Solidarity for their continued investment in developing young leaders through sport.
The evening closed with music and networking, leaving attendees energised about future collaborations and reaffirming the strength of the growing NSYP alumni community.