For the first time in its 21-year history, athletes in the Barbados National Senior Games will not only be competing for personal glory, they will also be carrying the pride of their constituencies.

As the 2025 edition of the Games launched on Saturday with a colourful motorcade through Bridgetown, competitors beamed with excitement at the chance to represent their home communities on the national stage, adding a fresh layer of purpose and rivalry to the long-standing celebration of active ageing.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, said remaining active is key to maintaining good health.

“As you know, Barbados is an ageing society. We believe that if you are active, you live longer and live better and that is what the Senior Games are about,” he told the crowd gathered at Golden Square Freedom Park. “From the very beginning, that was the idea behind the Games.”

Opening with a motorcade that departed from Pelican Village, the convoy which included energetic cheerleaders, athletes, and representatives from participating sporting bodies, made their way through the streets of Bridgetown before arriving at Golden Square Freedom Park.

A standout moment during the 30-minute movement session led by fitness instructor Spinny came when he invited 71-year-old attendee Audrey Archer on stage for the “Follow my Lead” segment. Rising to the occasion, Archer demonstrated that age is truly just a number as she displayed her dance skills to Quan De Artist’s Crop Over tune Waistline.

Members of the National Assistance Board Unity Dancers further energised the atmosphere, skilfully incorporating fans into their line dancing routine and drawing cheers from the crowd. Entertainment was also provided by RPB and TC who maintained the party vibe.

More than 300 participants have registered so far, with athletes expected from Brazil, the United States, Trinidad, and St Lucia.

Coordinator Ytannia Wiggins, told Barbados TODAY, “For the National Senior Games this year, this portion of the year we have dedicated it to track and field events. On May 31, it is going to be the field events, held at Queens College, and that is going to be all throws.”

This will be followed by the road race on June 1 with cycling, walking, running and for the first time the skating community will be participating.  This event will take place at 6 a.m. on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

The marquee event, which will see the athletes hitting the track, will be held on June 9th at the Usain Bolt Complex.

Registration remains open and can be completed online. (STT)

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The GFNC congratulates winners Carona Mitchell, Roselyn Thomas and Roxanne Thomas, and all participants for showing that healthy shopping can be both strategic and fun

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In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Barbados TODAY highlighted women working in various fields – from health to telecoms, from development to politics – as they share their sources of success and triumph over challenges they have encountered. Here is an interview with Rachel DeGale, CEO of BioConnect Medical Centre, about her journey.

When it comes to women’s health, Rachel DeGale is comfortable with the taboo.

After spending nearly two decades in fertility health, Rachel is now the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BioConnect Medical Centre, a game-changing health and wellness facility that focusses on holistic perimenopause and menopause treatments. Dr. Roberta Corona is the other co-founder and Medical Director.

“Any woman that has the privilege of aging is going to go through menopause. Some women are going to sail through it, and some women are going to really struggle, but at the end of the day, you don’t get a medal for slogging it through! You can’t make it to the finish line by not reaching out and getting help.”

To spend a minute with Rachel is to know she is dynamic, passionate and driven to do the best she can for their clients. So perhaps it was no surprise when she shared her own issues with reaching out for help during her ongoing battle with perimenopause.

The 47-year-old credits her turnaround to Dr. Corona’s support and treatment as well as working with the “best team ever.”
How does she think they would describe her as a leader? Firm, but fair.

“I have learned that how I lead apparently is quite unique. I don’t believe as women in leadership… that we have to be boisterous; we don’t have to be ‘little men’. I do believe that we can be authentically who we are as people. I remember my old boss used to say all that time that trust is earned, and she was absolutely correct in that you have to earn your team’s trust. How do you do that? You have their back, from the little details of knowing what’s happening in their life to the big things.”

Rachel believes accelerating action comes from education and awareness about women’s health at all stages and phases. And perhaps that is what allows you to be excited about what’s next.

“When people are talking about menopause they can come with a shroud of negativity, and it doesn’t have to be like that. There are solutions out there.”

This article appeared in the March 8 International Women’s Day Magazine by Barbados Today. View the magazine here.

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Cuba continues to be a trustworthy friend and partner not only of Grenada, not only of the Caribbean but of people the world over

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