Imho this is about Mercedes brand management not Lewis Hamilton.
” It’s not all over yet…Mercedes state intention to appeal ”
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mercedes-intention-to-appeal-abu-dhabi/
In North America they call it Analytics esp.in Baseball
https://inculture.microsoft.com/sports/england-wales-cricket-board/
Keep sports promises
JUDGING BY THE recent pronouncements of Minister of Sports Dwight Sutherland, things should be rosier for sports in 2022 and beyond.
However, the proverbial proof will be in the pudding, so it is hoped that the promises will be kept once the resources are available to do so.
I don’t mean to sound pessimistic, but in the past sports have been promised plenty but little has been delivered based on what was set out.
Both political administrations have been guilty in this regard.
It might happen just because the general perception of sports in Barbados is that it can wait because it is seen as largely recreational.
That’s part of our culture, but we can’t continue to raise the expectations of this sector only to disappoint them.
After all, sports play a significant role in nation building and have always had a role to play economically but have fallen well short of that possibility because there has been very little will to make it a reality. For instance, the authorities go on and on about the benefits of sports tourism, but has this matter been pursued with the vigour that has been espoused?
The procrastination at all levels in relation to sports development is glaring largely because we don’t have a true sporting culture. Our reaction to the discipline is knee-jer, based on the sporadic successes we have on the international stage.
It should dawn on those in the right positions to make a difference that if much more is done it is possible that our gifted sportsmen and women can be more successful.
Still, I know that when money is tight, it is likely that the budget for sports would be among the first to be cut. Were it not for the vigilance of the media and public outcry, the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme may have become a skeleton of what we know it to be.
The state, though, isn’t alone in viewing sports with tunnel vision.
Even the same media houses might take the same approach if they are forced to make financial adjustments.
I have experienced it first-hand during my 44 years in the field.
However, I still believe it’s never too late for a shower of rain, and, on that basis, I remain the eternal optimist.
It is in this context that Sutherland should be given the benefit of any doubt in moving sports to a much better place.
Realistically, for him to succeed, his vision must be shared by his Cabinet colleagues, particularly the Minister of Finance. I also think he will need other forms of support from various arteries, including our private sector, foreign countries and even fairy godfathers who understand the holistic values of providing a solid foundation for our youth to stand on.
To begin with, a strategic national sports policy is required if we are to be sure where we are going.
I believe consultations with those who represent the interests of athletes or even direct talks with the athletes would be the path to follow as policy will affect them.
I recognise there is already a major push for road tennis and this is the right thing to do as it is our indigenous sport and has the uniqueness to become an international brand. The recent exposure in Dubai supports this notion.
There can be a bigger outreach to football as it’s the top participatory sport, and some form of professionalism should be considered.
We have blueprints of the model it can take through tournaments like the BESS, LIME Pelican Classic and the David Thompson Constituency Councils Memorial.
It can go further with a national tournament in partnership with the Barbados Football Association and
its international associates.
What about an annual international draughts tournament?
We have enough local quality to justify such an investment.
Surfing and other water sports should be in the brew and I know leading windsurfer and beach culture entrepreneur Brian Talma would welcome any initiative to create a facility in Silver Sands to encompass the talents of those with a passion for them.
We are sorely in need of an international track to attract world stars, and does the relaying of the Ryan Brathwaite Track at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex mean that corrective work or an entire upgrade of the National Stadium is out of the equation for the time being?
I am sure that each association or individual will build a case that suits their agenda, but in everything there are priorities.
Once again, though, I would like to press the case for boxing in this regard. I would also like the services, skills and experience of former Commonwealth Games featherweight champion Tyrone Downes, who also fought for the world title in 1985, along with other world contenders like Christopher “Shaka” Henry and Shawn Terry Cox to be utilised in an official, paid capacity.
They would enhance the wonderful work being done by Gary Bowen in the schools’, BDF and national programmes.
It’s over to you, Minister Sutherland. I believe you can get the job done.
Andi Thornhill is an experienced award-winning freelance sports journalist.
Source: Nation
Deandra Dottin marvellous unbeaten 150
https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/01/29/dottins-century-blitz-spoilt-by-rain/
Barbados cricket
American gold.
Condolences to family and friends.
https://barbadoscricket.org/former-maple-captain-chetwyn-burnham-dies-at-76/
CHETWYN CAME UP TO KOLIJ FOR A LEVELS FROM CP AROUND 63, ALONG WITH WINSTON COX, THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE CENTRAL BANK, ALONG WITH A VERY LONG CHAP WHO USED TO WORK AT BWA.
THESE WERE ALL VERY NICE AND PLEASANT LADS FROM CP AND THE NORTH AND HANTS-LAND
RIP CHETWYN
Test Cricket 2022
Real Test cricket batsmanshio.
” Defiant hundreds from captain Kraigg Brathwaite and his deputy Jermaine Blackwood carried West Indies to 288 for four, replying to England’s first innings total of 507 for nine declared, in the seccond Test on Friday here.”
https://www.nationnews.com/2022/03/18/brathwaite-blackwood-hundreds-blunt-england/
The Chair husband of the BTMI
Good stuff,
” Shirley Clarke is a Barbadian cricketer. He played in twelve first-class and five List A matches for Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges from 1999 to 2008. He is a Level 3 coach and coached his son Kyle Mayers.”
Real Test Cricket
Joshua Da Silva 100 not out.
West Indies lead by 93 runs. All out for 297
England 39 for 4
Kyle Mayers 3 wickets for 5 runs
Day 3 – England lead by 10 runs.
England 103 for 8
Victory for West Indies!
Universe Boss.
Surfer girl
SShadae Worrell’s promising track and field career has taken off and is set to land in the United States.hadae Worrell’s promising track and field career has taken off and is set to land in the United States.
https://barbadosunderground.net/sports-local-international-corner/
GOLD
Seven GOLD medals jn swimming.
https://www.nationnews.com/2022/04/18/simmons-leads-gold-medal-haul-pool/
Mercedes drivers cautiously optimistic on Miami GP upgrades, as Hamilton praises ‘Super Bowl’-like build-up
Lets see how hey do in Qualifying.
“Sainz backs himself after FP2 crash as Leclerc admits ’surprise’ at Mercedes’ Miami pace”
Barbados’ ‘Motorsport Island’ concept
https://www.nationnews.com/2022/05/07/btmi-mounts-display-miami-speed-week/
West Indies squad for ODI series against Netherlands and Pakistan:
Nicholas Pooran (C), Shai Hope (VC), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, and Hayden Walsh Jr.
I’ve heard the cricket enthusiasts saying this is a weak team.
If CWI is concentrating on grooming a ODI squad for the future, and in time for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, then, giving the youngsters an opportunity to perform at the international level is the way forward, rather than selecting the ‘old and tried’ cricketers, hoping to win ‘NOW.’
Jason Holder is being rested to manage his ‘work load.’
Is this ‘the end of the line’ for Darren Bravo?
I see you still care. Me, I take it as it comes. No expectations whatsoever.
@ Hants
Former Australian cricketer, Andrew Symonds died in a car accident on Saturday, May 14.
Came here to read a tribute to David Holford but alas
There are many better equipped to write about Holford but cricket fans of a certain age will remember his game saving innings at Lords in 1966 in partnership with Gary Sobers
Hail and farewell
May he RIP
Sada Williams is world class
@Hants
I was waiting on your report, but you are silent.
https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/06/14/tridents-extend-losing-streak-in-nations-league/
Andrew Wiggins mother is Bajan.
Kyle Mayers making his Dad proud.
140 not out. Rain delay 2nd Test, Gros Islet.
Kemar Roach take 3 wickets so far.He now has taken 252 test wickets. Well done.
@Hants
Soccer is also a sports…
Surprise that Mr Barbados never talks about soccer. A practitioner of “if you cannot say anything good, then say nothing”
https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/07/01/bteditorial-barbados-football-is-still-missing-the-goal/
“On return there were renewed calls for the sacking of coach Russell Latapy from pundits and former national players, but shockingly the defeated players made a public stand by declaring they would quit if Latapy was sacked.”
If you were the coach of a losing team and the players threatened to quit if you were fired would you be please?
I wouldn’t. Having a bunch of losers giving strong support is not a vote of confidence. In the last ten games the goals are 450 against us to 1 for us.
Fire the coach, let the losers quit and start with a new team.
https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/07/01/bteditorial-barbados-football-is-still-missing-the-goal/
I like the opening paragraph “Local football players and fans certainly had an entertaining month of June.”
I watched every game and l was not entertained. Let me correct that. I tried to watch every game but fled when I started to feel depressed.
From BT
“We wonder what will become of the local players who threatened to quit if Latapy was sacked.
Will Latapy repay the blind loyalty of those players and others by taking them to the A-League with him or will they remain and rally with the new coach when appointed?”
I can answer that for you. NO.
Barbados has never been a dominant force in football.
1, 2, 3 and 6
Back with a bang.
Congratulations to Sara Williams
——-
Sada wins bronze at Worlds in a new national record
https://www.nationnews.com/2022/07/22/sada-digs-deep-win-bronze-worlds/
Sada was impressive in this event. Look like a genuine contender for anything from gold to bronze.
Great role model for Bajan aspiring atheletes.
Andre Degrasse has Bajan roots.
Oh Canada.
@Hants
That run came just after Damian Warner ( who also has Bajan roots) went down after leading in the decathlon……….
The Jamaican girls are leading the Aussies in the netball. Barbados has had a decent Commonwealth games. No doubt most of them would have developed their talent outside of the island.
LATEST NEWS 25 -25
This could be live-streamed
https://barbadostoday.bb/2022/08/09/road-tennis-heading-to-an-exciting-climax/
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