Barbados’ disabled community is getting a major recreational facility.President of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, Katrina Sam announced the “ambitious” project to Rotarians during her historic installation as the first female president of a Rotary club in Barbados on Saturday night.Addressing guests at the annual installation dinner at Sea Breeze Hotel, Sam said when the facility was completed it would be the first of its kind in Barbados.Outlining the plans, she said: “The initial vision is a facility featuring an indoor recreational component which will include a sensory room and a soft-padded room among others. The playground component will be completely accessible and will be built to internationally established standards.”She told the Daily Nation the estimated cost would be about $750 000, and the facility would be located in the Wildey Gymnasium complex, subject to Government approval. Negotiations are already in progress.Sam told Rotarians the club’s “most ambitious” project to be undertaken this year, was selected with over 13 000 disabled people living in Barbados in mind. According to the president, the figure from the last population census indicated there was need for this kind of facility, and she indicated it was intended to create a “barrier-free” recreational facility where children with disabilities could develop essential skills for life.“It is an expansion of the work that we have already undertaken as a club. At this stage of our development it is important that we truly embrace our people of all abilities,” Sam said.Outlining major goals for her presidency, Sam cited enhancement of the club’s functioning and membership levels as well as engagement of members as the other two objectives, along with execution of projects.
