The Special Olympics Barbados Annual National Games are under way and are off to a fast start. Athletes from 5 years to adult sharpened their performances in the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Preliminary Meet at the Carlton Cricket Ground in Black Rock. The athletes participated, in different divisions, in races ranging from 25 to 400 metres and the softball throw. Those who qualified, in the day filled with competition, will meet again at Carlton on March 22nd for the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Finals.  The Finals had originally been set for March 8th. Because of scheduling difficulties, the date was moved to March 22nd.

But well before the athletes return to the track, they will be turning their attention to bocce and aquatics.  The Special Olympics Barbados National Games Bocce Tournament takes place Sunday, March 10th at the Hockey Astroturf in Wildey.  Bocce is a bowling game of Roman origin, and Special Olympics Barbados athletes have consistently won medals in international competition.  The bocce tournament also allows the public to join in the fun and competition by taking part in Unified Sports.  In Unified Sports, players who do not have intellectual challenges compete alongside Special Olympics athletes.

The following day, on Monday, March 11th, the athletes take to the water in the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Aquatics Meet.  The event, to be held at the Aquatic Center in Wildey, features competition in a variety of events.  It promises to be a day full of activity, and Barbados is invited to join in the fun by attending the Aquatic Meet and all Special Olympics National Games activities.  All events are free, and the public is welcome to cheer from the stands to bring encouragement to the athletes.

The Special Olympics Barbados National Games are held each year in conjunction with “March – the Month of the Disabled”. Still ahead on the calendar are two more major competitions, the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Football Tournament and the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Cricket Tournament. The football event kicks off on May 10, with cricket following in October.

Event: Special Olympics Barbados National Games Bocce Tournament
Date: March 10, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Hockey Astroturf, Wildey
 
Event: Special Olympics Barbados National Games Aquatics Meet
Date March 11, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Aquatic Centre, Wildey
 
Event: Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track & Field Finals
Date: March 22, 2013
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Carlton Cricket Grounds, Black Rock