Barbados to Build $4.5M Indoor Squash and Badminton Facility
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — Barbados is set to construct a new $4.5 million indoor sports facility dedicated to squash and badminton,marking a meaningful boost for both sports on the island. The project, located at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St. Michael, is expected to be completed next year.
New Facility to Double Squash Courts, Enhance Badminton Training
The advancement promises to address long-standing facility challenges for squash and provide badminton athletes with a dedicated training space. The facility will house six courts for each sport.
Squash Officials Laud Expansion
According to Craig Archer, President of the Barbados Squash Association, the new center will double the number of squash courts on the island. “This will enable us to install six new courts,effectively doubling the stock of squash courts on the island…one of the things that has limited the growth of the sport is the steady reduction in the number of facilities,” Archer stated.
Badminton to Gain First dedicated Caribbean Facility
Kevin Wood, Archer’s Badminton counterpart, highlighted the broader impact, noting this will be the first badminton-onyl facility in the caribbean. “When the facility is completed, it will give us the chance for our national athletes to benefit from a dedicated facility to the sport…Our para-athletes have not been left out as the facility is fully accessible, and it allows them to be involved in the sport as well,” Wood explained.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development
Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, emphasized the government’s commitment to sports development through strategic investments in multi-purpose facilities. “We need to have facilities for as many of our disciplines as possible…As much as possible, what we would try to do is build multi-purpose facilities so we will have two or three disciplines at a particular location,” Griffith said.
Complex Details: Courts, Amenities, and Tournament Capacity
The indoor complex will feature six courts for both squash and badminton, alongside changing rooms, bathrooms, office spaces, a small conference area, and a retail space. The facility will also be equipped to host local and regional tournaments, boosting sports tourism.
Q: How will the new facility benefit both professional and amateur athletes in Barbados?
Barbados Indoor Squash and Badminton Facility: Your FAQs Answered
Q&A
Q: What’s happening in Barbados sports?
A: Barbados is building a new $4.5 million indoor sports facility specifically for squash and badminton.
Q: Where will this facility be located?
A: At the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St. Michael.
Q: When is the facility expected to be finished?
A: Next year.
Q: What sports will be featured in the facility?
A: Squash and badminton.
Q: How many courts will the facility have?
A: Six courts for each sport, doubling the squash court availability on the island.
Q: What’s the impact on badminton?
A: It will be the first dedicated badminton facility in the Caribbean, and fully accessible for para-athletes.
Q: what amenities will the facility offer?
A: Changing rooms,bathrooms,office spaces,a small conference area,and a retail space.
Q: Will the facility host tournaments?
A: Yes, it will be equipped to host local and regional tournaments, potentially boosting sports tourism.
Q: why is this facility vital?
A: It addresses facility limitations, provides dedicated training space, and supports the growth of squash and badminton in Barbados.
Q: What’s the government’s role?
A: The government is committed to sports growth through strategic investments in multi-purpose facilities.
Trivia: Did you know that squash and badminton are both racquet sports, but they differ in court size, equipment, and gameplay style? Squash is played in a smaller, enclosed court, while badminton uses a net and a larger playing area.
This new facility promises exciting opportunities for athletes and sports fans alike. Stay tuned for more updates!
