Barbados is set to make sporting history this month as national delegations prepare to compete concurrently across two major multi-sport arenas on two different continents under a single rallying cry, “One Island. Two Stages. We are Team Barbados”.
Working in its dual role as the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) and Commonwealth Sport Barbados, the organisation today finalised its summer rosters at a press briefing held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, following a joint team meeting. The announcement locked in the last group of competitors heading to the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (July 24 – August 8), while rallying national support for the contingent bound for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland (July 23 – August 2).
This third and final set of athletes completes a massive CAC Games delegation of 60 officials and 141 athletes who will compete in 24 sports. The final sports to be revealed are Athletics, Netball, Rowing, Squash, Surfing, Swimming, Table Tennis and Taekwondo, accounting for 50 athletes, including Olympian Akela Jones, Junior Pan Am Silver medalist Maya Rollins, CAC Gold medallist Chelsea Tuach, Commonwealth Youth Games Bronze medallist Heidi Stoute, and table tennis player Mark-Anthony Dowell.
The briefing also featured the highly anticipated reveal of the athletes chosen to lead the delegations into their respective opening ceremonies. Hockey players Ayanna Wilson and Marlon Danielhave been named flag-bearers for the CAC Games, while gymnast Erin Pinder will carry the national colours at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In a historic addition to this line-up, Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan, the delegation’s sole parathlete, has been named the official Commonwealth Games baton bearer, reflecting the organisation’s deep commitment to inclusivity, sportsmanship, and diversity on the world stage.
Cameron Burke, Vice President of the BOA and Commonwealth Sport Barbados, spoke to the immense pride and logistical coordination required to coordinate these double-duty games.
“To have Barbados represented on two distinct global sports stages simultaneously is an achievement that showcases the depth of our local talent,” Burke said. “Managing these concurrent operations has required extensive coordination behind the scenes, but our administrative, medical, and coaching staff have worked hand-in-hand to ensure every single competitor has the resources and security needed to compete at their absolute best.”
Burke also remarked on the significance of the delegations’ flag bearers.
“Being chosen to carry the national flag or bear the Commonwealth baton is a career-defining honour. These athletes represent the very pinnacle of Barbadian dedication and character. We are particularly proud to have our sole parathlete carry the baton for the Commonwealth Games, highlighting that Team Barbados is defined by resilience, unity, and excellence across all disciplines.”
To steer these parallel campaigns, the BOA has activated two distinct, high-level leadership teams. Shelley-Ann Griffith will serve as Chef de Mission for the Glasgow Games, while Dr. Adrian Lorde will guide the Santo Domingo delegation. Barbadians at home and abroad are encouraged to support both delegations as Team Barbados takes the world stage later this month.
The final set of athletes for the CAC Games is as follows:
Athletics
- Jahleel Armstrong
- Kelia Bentham
- Desean Boyce
- Adeyah Brewster
- Asia Foster
- Kyle Gayle
- Kuron Griffith
- Reco Griffith
- Jaquone Hoyte
- Akela Jones
- Amari Knight
- Justin Maynard
- Jemuel Miller
- Kishawna Niles
- Maya Rollins
- Micah Shepherd
- Aren Spencer
- Aragorn Straker
Netball
- Faye Agard
- Azaria Alleyne
- Salisha Auguste
- Shonette Azore Bruce
- Damisha Croney
- Trishan Deane
- Trinity Gibson
- Brianna Holder
- Kijana Johnson
- Stephian Shepherd
- Jada Smith
- Akeena Stoute
Rowing
- Kyle Spenard
Skateboarding
- Tarryn Alleyne
Squash
- Darien Benn
- Meagan Best
- Khamal Cumberbatch
- Amanda Haywood
- Margot Prow
- Shawn Simpson
Surfing
- Jacob Burke
- Lewis St. John
- Chelsea Tuach
Swimming
- Jake Chee-A-Tow
- Kaija Eastmond
- Amani Millar
- Heidi Stoute
- Danielle Treasure
Table Tennis
- Mark-Anthony Dowell
- Ramario Gill
- Tyrese Knight
- Anthonette Riley
- Tre Riley
Taekwondo
- Chioke Holder