Barbados is set to welcome a state-of-the-art indoor facility for badminton and squash by next year, marking a major milestone for both sports on the island.
The $4.5 million project, spearheaded by the National Sports Council (NSC), will be constructed at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St. Michael. This was announced during a groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Wednesday.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith emphasized the government’s commitment to developing local sports, stating that while resources are limited, multi-purpose facilities like this one ensure that multiple disciplines can benefit.
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“We need to have facilities for as many sports as possible. The reality is that government is pouring from a single cup, so we cannot build a facility for every single discipline on the island,” Griffith noted. “What we will try to do is construct multi-purpose facilities where two or three disciplines can share a location. I urge you to take care of this facility, as it will contribute significantly to the development of our athletes.”
President of the Barbados Badminton Association, Kevin Wood, described the development as an exciting moment for the sport, highlighting the benefits of having a dedicated training space.
“When the facility is completed, our national athletes will finally have a dedicated space to train, which will help them reach their full potential. Our para-athletes have also been considered, as the facility is fully accessible, allowing them to participate as well,” Wood said.
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He also noted that schools and clubs would benefit, particularly those without adequate indoor space for badminton. Additionally, he highlighted that the facility would be the first badminton-exclusive venue in the Caribbean, enabling Barbados to host training camps and boost its sports tourism sector.
President of the Barbados Squash Association, Craig Archer, echoed similar sentiments, explaining how the new facility will address the decline in available squash courts on the island.
“This will allow us to install six new courts, effectively doubling the number of squash courts in Barbados. The lack of facilities has limited the growth of squash, so this is a significant step forward. The courts will be designed with movable walls, allowing for flexible use and increased competition opportunities. Over the years, we have produced world-class players, and this facility will help continue that tradition,” Archer said.
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The facility will feature six courts for each sport and will be equipped to host both local and regional tournaments. Additional amenities include changing rooms, bathrooms, office spaces, a small conference area, and a retail space.
With this development, Barbados is poised to strengthen its position in the regional sporting landscape, providing athletes with the infrastructure needed to excel on the international stage.
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