Barbados’ rising sports stars are gaining more than just physical strength and technique; they are developing the confidence and clarity to speak on the international stage.
As part of the ongoing Youth Project Podium programme, the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) Inc.’s, educational arm, the National Olympic Academy, is currently hosting a three-part workshop series entitled ‘Communication in Sport’. These workshops are designed to equip the young athletes with the tools to navigate media interactions and strengthen their public speaking skills – key components of their development as ambassadors for their sport.
The series complements the holistic framework of Youth Project Podium, which is being staged by the BOA in partnership with the Amarone Charitable Trust, Panam Sports, and the Barbados Sports Medicine Association. The 12-month programme targets athletes between the ages of 16 and 23 from disciplines including athletics, judo, tennis, and wrestling. The inaugural cohort comprises 19 young talents selected to benefit from the programme’s comprehensive support system, which comprises physicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, podiatrists, mental skills coaches, as well as strength and conditioning coaches.
The first session, held on February 22, 2025, laid the groundwork with an introduction to media interaction. Athletes were introduced to interview etiquette, news conferences, and the fundamentals of effective communication with the media. The session also created a space for participants to share personal feedback and highlight specific areas where they felt they needed support.
The second session, conducted on April 5, 2025, took a more hands-on approach to learning. Athletes engaged directly with experienced media professionals, including broadcast journalist Ann-Marie Burke, print journalist Andre Springer and videographer Rondell French. These industry experts guided athletes through real-time interview scenarios and offered practical advice on how to handle the pressures of speaking to the media and staying composed under scrutiny.
“These practical sessions are vital. Our aim is not only to prepare these athletes to perform well in their sport but also to represent themselves and their country confidently and responsibly in the media space,” noted the workshop series’ lead facilitator, Marsha Boyce.
The third and final session of the Communication in Sport series will place greater emphasis on public speaking and presentation techniques. Athletes will explore how to connect with various audiences—whether in front of a camera, at a press conference, or on a podium—with clarity, poise, and purpose. This session is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025.