Hugh Arthur, president of the Barbados Workers' Union, presenting the trophy for the best team on parade to Jacqueline Harper of knockout champions Brydens V8 Splash at the Netball Stadium on Sunday. (Picture by Sherrylyn Clarke.)

by SHERRYLYN A. CLARKE

PROMISING "RICH AND FRUITFUL" DISCUSSIONS, Minister of Sports Anthony Wood extended an invitation to all sporting federations to meet with him and other officials to plot a strategic development plan for sports in Barbados.

That meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow at Sherbourne Conference Centre.

"As part of the Sports Barbados consultation process, I propose to meet with all of the sports organisations which are supported by the National Sports Council (NSC) to discuss with them their requirements for the further development of the sport to take them to a higher level," Wood said during the feature address of the 2006 Barbados Workers Union (BWU) Netball Competition on Sunday evening.

"The Government of Barbados, as part of its national strategic plan following the period 2006 to 2025, has indeed given sports its rightful place in national development. We are hoping that with the efforts of those of you who come to participate at that session would take the opportunity to shape sports."

Wood also extended an invitation to the BWU, noting that early in its development, the body had recognised the importance of sports in national profiling, economic development, social integration, promotion of healthy lifestyle and employee performance, and formed their own sports club back in the 1980s.

Some of the topics up for discussion include funding; coaching and training; sports facilities and infrastructure; equipment; strategic planning and management; corporate governance; physical education, diet, nutrition and physical activity; healthy lifestyles and anti-doping, among others.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur and Wood recently met with officials of the Barbados Cricket Association.

During the address before a gathering of fans at the Netball Stadium for the start of the tournament, Wood also lauded the BWU for continuing to support the tournament which was in its 27th year. He said the NSC would continue coaching programmes at the primary and secondary level to help develop the sport and expressed the wish that the Barbados team would improve its performance and ranking at the 16th World Netball Championships which will be held in Fiji next year.