Seven of Barbados’ top senior athletes, including 2009 world champion Pearl Yearwood, head off to Cleveland, Ohio this morning in a bid to capture more glory at the International Senior Games.
The meet which will run from Saturday until the next Wednesday is higher ranked than the Huntsman Senior Games where Barbados’ seniors have dominated over the years.
Running under the banner of the Barbados Seniors and Masters Athletic Club (BAMSAC), Yearwood, along with siblings Dennis and Erma Thornhill, Mary Moseley, Mark Norville, Beverley Walters and “baby” of the group, Alvenia Thomas will be gunning to improve on the 10 medals which they earned in California in 2011.
BAMSAC will field representation from the 50 to 69 age groups with Norville already in Ohio as the older groups will be in action first. Newcomer Thomas will compete in the javelin, discus and the shot put.
According to spokesperson Walters, the games are higher ranked than Huntsman with qualifications from that meet being used to gain entry to the International Games.
After winning a world title in 2009, Yearwood is back with plans of showing that success was no fluke. The athletes train three times a week at the 3Ws Oval.
“We love it!” they shouted in unison when asked why they drove their bodies to such limits for no financial reward.
“We love the camaraderie, the competition and this activity proves healthy for us,” added Walters.
The cost of the trip is $25 000. (KB)
