Seniors’ day of fun

The 600 metres walking race was a popular event. (Picture by Wendell Callender.)

By Wendell Callender | Tue, January 24, 2012 - 11:48 AM

On Errol Barrow Day, we entered the compound of Harrison College, the alma mater of the Right Excellent Errol Barrow as proclaimed by the plaque on the monument that sits about 100 metres from the Roebuck Street, The City, entrance.

As we looked to the north of the monument bearing other names of Prime Ministers and Premiers who attended the prestigious institution, we saw a hive of activity on the large playing field to the east of the Transport Board and the Weymouth sports facility.

We were told that the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) was holding an event there. We soon discovered that while the group comprised many retired people and was headed by Eddie Bushell, it was the Barbados Masters and Seniors Athletic Club which is now in its third year.

Omowale Stewart, well known artist, calypsonian who performed as Musical, and athlete of some note, was spotted among the gathering. He was identified as meet director. He told us that this was the club’s second sports fun day.

It had all the hallmarks of a fun day. A calm, relaxed atmosphere was evident as members clearly enjoyed the camaraderie that prevailed. Even though there was a competitive element to the activities, any rivalry was tempered with goodwill.

The events focused on endurance, dexterity, and strength but all comprised elements of fun. These included walking races, cricket ball-throwing, lime and spoon race, skipping, squatting, and big dress race. The teams entered were drawn from groups referring to themselves as Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond and Ruby.

Among those we saw at the event was Rector of the Christ Church Parish Church, Canon Austin Carrington, who was in very good spirits. This spirit seemed to have infected the group for not a hint of acrimony could be observed.

Appropriately, Canon Carrington concluded the day’s proceedings with prayer, thanking the Divine for a great day.

Some of the folks at the event had distinguished themselves over the years in various athletic events even from school days. A few of them informed us that they had participated in senior games overseas with some distinction.

Among those was the eager June Benjamin, who was the most senior of the group. She told us that she had recently participated in the National Senior Games in Texas and had received gold medals in the 200 and 400 metres. Alvira Thomas, who seemed many years her junior, stated that she had also competed in those games and had won gold medals in javelin, discus, and shot putt.

We also met Pearl Yearwood, who admitted to being a keen athlete in the sprints (100 and 200 metres) from schooldays at Modern High School.

She had even won an athletic scholarship to a university in the United States.

Jack Martinale did not claim athletic prowess but noted that volunteers were also needed and so he was always happy to be a volunteer. He told us he was a volunteer at the senior games in Texas.

At the end of the day, Bushell told us: “We had a fabulous time. There was major participation and it was a fun day and we did have fun. We are looking forward to doing this again next year.”

Fun day on Errol Barrow Day! Indeed it was!