Barbados Olympic Association Inc. took the opportunity of the observance of Commonwealth Day Monday, March 12 to officially announced Barbados’ flagbearer for the XXI Commonwealth Games being held in Gold Coast Australia from April 4 -15. The honour has been bestowed on junior squash champion, Meagan Best.

Best is the local U17 and U19 Girls Champion, Caribbean Women’s Champion, and the U.S. Squash Open U17 Girls Champion. She is the first Caribbean national to win a U.S. squash title. The event was held on the grounds of the Barbados Defense Force with the pomp and pageantry of a military procession. In attendance were athletes and officials of the 11 sports being represented at the games, directors of the BOA, ambassadors and high commissioners of Commonwealth countries, government officials and members of the local Royal Commonwealth Society. The guest of honour was Dame Sandra Mason, Governor General of Barbados and patron of the BOA.

In her welcome address President of the BOA, Sandra Osbourne told guests that it was fitting to recognise the outstanding athletes who had qualified for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the officials that were accompanying them on Commonwealth Day.

“Building on the 2017 theme, “A Peace-Building Commonwealth” this year’s Commonwealth theme, “Towards a Common Future” explores how the Commonwealth can address global challenges, and working to make a better future for all its citizens through the sub-themes
sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness. This theme is in keeping with the three core values of the Commonwealth Games Federation; Humanity, Equality and Destiny,” said Osbourne.

The ceremony which culminated with a cocktail reception was punctuated by messages from the Australian High Commissioner, Chairperson of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Minister of Sport, Barbados. The ceremonial military Zouave Band performed the national anthem and fanfares.