Pan American Judo Cup 2014 Barbados Opening Ceremony

Minister of Youth, Family and Sports, Hon. Stephen Lashley officially opened the Pan American Judo Cup held at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium this past weekend. Minister Lashley commended the Barbados Judo Association for staging one of the most highly competitive tournaments.

The minister delivered his speech in front of a small audience during the opening ceremony which included a number of dignitaries including president of the Barbados Judo Association, Hoskins Caddle and Secretary General of the Barbados Olympic Association Inc., Erskine Simmons.

Lashley said Government would try its best to continue to provide top class facilities for athletes and hinted at plans to refurbish the facilities at the Gymnasium.

After delivering his feature address the minister made a presentation to president of the Pan American Judo Confederation, Paulo Wanderley who encouraged Barbadian athletes to emulate the likes of former Barbadian Olympic bronze medalist, Obadele Thompson in achieving Olympic glory for their country.