CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

 

Hello there Badminton fans... it's been a while but we are back in business.  The preparations over the last month for the 2013 CAREBACO Championships which were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico  last week were hectic but now that the dust has settled let me take this opportunity to congratulate the players who participated in this year's tournament.

 

 

Despite not being able to secure a medal in the team tournament, our junior team did their upmost best.  Special mention must be given to Amanda Haywood who played 2 divisions above her age level to facilitate this opportunity for our team. 

 

Many of our juniors players made their debuts and some were able to raise to the occasion.  I am sure with their first regional tournament now under their belts, we all look forward to bigger and better things to come.

 

Lastly, to our seniors ladies, kudos to you.  You fought hard to get to battle for a medal position.  Be proud of your efforts.

 

Thank you to all those persons who assisted and supported the players in their preparations and for the duration of the competition.  We are happy to have everyone safely back home.

 

CAREBACO 2014 will be just around the corner.

So let's start the preparations now.

 

 

2013 RESULTS 

 

TEAM  TOURNAMENT  JUNIORS

 

1st  Puerto Rico

2nd Suriname

3rd Dominican Republic

4th Guyana

5th Barbados

6th Trinidad and Tobago

INDIVIDUALS JUNIORS

 

 

UNDER 11 BOYS SINGLES

Keenan Scantlebury 3rd

Dominick Scantlebury 3rd

 

UNDER 11 GIRLS SINGLES

Mc kenzie Howard 3rd

UNDER 11 BOYS DOUBLES

Keenan /Dominick Scantlebury 3rd

UNDER 11 GIRLS DOUBLES

Mc kenzie Howard /Kayla Miller 2nd Silver

 

 UNDER 11 MIXED DOUBLES

Keenan Scantlebury /Mc kenzie Howard 2nd

Dominick Scantlebury /Kayla Miller 3rd

 

UNDER 13 DOYS DOUBLES 

Shomari Smith/Aren Cupples 3rd

 

UNDER 15 BOYS SINGLES 

Shae Martin 3rd

 

UNDER 15 GIRLS SINGLES 

Amanda Haywood 3rd

UNDER 15 GIRLS DOUBLES

Amanda Haywood /Priayna Ramdanni Guyana 2nd

 

UNDER 15 MIXED DOUBLES 

Shae Martin/Amanda Haywood 3rd

 

OPEN WOMENS DOUBLES SENIORS

Shari Watson/Mariama Eastmond 3rd

Tamesha Williams/Monyata Riviera 3rd

TOTAL MEDAL COUNT

SILVER    3

BRONZE  19  

THANK U!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED ITEMS & ASSISTED WITH OUR FUNDRAISING CAKE SAKE ON TUESDAY @ THE BCC.

NANJING YA OPPORTUNITY

Deadline for submission to BBA: AUGUST 30TH, 2013

THANK YOU BWF!!!

2013 Wang Lo Jai BWF World Championships

ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG!!

Ok so, I have finally come back from the dead trying to get back into the swing of things after that 12hr difference trying to follow the 2013 Wang Lo Jai BWF World Championships held in China.  Here in Barbados I had to be up at 1:00a.m. to view live streaming coverage to take in all of each day's action.  It was not easy but it was definitely worth it.  I had so much fun commenting on our Facebook Group page about the semis-finals and finals matches and even got a new friend from Indonesia in the process.  The best thing - obviously, the badminton.

I think we should feel blessed and proud with our sport of choice as our elite players whom would have competed in China last week were truly inspiring.  Some amazing badminton was played during the competition  Congratulations to the winners, other medalists and participants.  They should feel proud of their efforts.  Thank you to all as well!

Kudos to the BWF, the organizing committee and all those who made the event possible.  Special thanks to those providing the live streaming as I would not have been able to watch if not provided.  There is nothing like watching a sporting event live.  The only thing that would have made it better would have been to be there.  I am already thinking about the next Worlds.

It would take me however to speak about each match that I saw so I won't.  On the day of the finals the mixed doubles, women's singles and men's singles matches stood out most in my mind.  In the mixed, the Indonesians held their nerve to come back from the brink of defeat to triumph.  Intanon displayed poise and a level of maturity despite her age to defeat Li on her way to becoming the youngest World champion and the first ever from her country Thailand.

Ratchanok Intanon

Mixed Champions: Ahmad/Natsir

As far as for the dream final, it did not disappoint.  I know I am somewhat biased being a Lin Dan fan but I think he demonstrated why he is considered the best badminton player currently or ever.  In truth both he and Lee Chong Wei played well but for me Dan always takes his game to another level when needed.  For Dan, it's his 5th title and therefore kudos to him.  It was sad that Chong Wei had to retire hurt just before the end but we can only wish him well and for a speedy recovery.

Lin Dan: 5-Time World Champion

  Photo Credit(BWF FB page): BadmintoPhoto

FINAL RESULTS

WD: Wang/Yu (China) def. Eom/Jang (S. Korea) 21-14 18-21 21-8

WS: Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) def. Li Xuerui (China) 22-20 18-21 21-14

MX: Natsir/Ahmad (Indonesia) def. Xu/Ma (China) 21-13 16-21 22-20 

MD: Ahsan/Setiawan (Indonesia) def. Boe/Mogensen (Denmark) 21-13 23-21

MS: Lin Dan (China) wins title.... retired Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia)  16-21 21-13 20-17

 

UNTIL THE NEXT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!

 

STAY UPDATED

Remember you can use the tournament software to get live or summarized scores.  Click below for the live scoreboard...

Live Scores

OR

Click below to go to the Tournament Software website and click on BWF World Championships 2013 for all the daily results.....

Tournament Software 

WORLDS HAS BEGUN.... JOIN IN ON THE ACTION!!

Click below & try one of the three links provided..  

BadmintonWorldChampionships2014Edition 

CELEBRATION TIME!!!

Hi all,

Front Row: Dionne (3rd from the right side) sitting with fellow officials

I was on a break having left the island.  I had asked others on the team to update the blog but I suppose they didn't have the time.  It's Crop-Over in Barbados and today is Kadooment Day.  To all who are jumping on the roads, enjoy yourselves but stay safe.

During the short break some interesting things happened.  Unfortunately, the world body was left with a incident between two players, which I believe they will handle appropriately.  

The good news, congratulations goes out our Vice-president, Dionne Haynes who has now become PanAm Accredited Referee when she passed her assessment with others in the PanAm region recently.

 

Special congratulations to our President, Kevin Wood and his wife, Sabrina on the birth of the daughter.  The entire badminton family welcomes the new addition.

FYI

The Youth Olympic Games ( YOG) will be held from August 16th-28th, 2014 in Nanjing, China.  The International Olympic Committee will be hosting the Young Ambassadors (YA) Programme.  The ambassadors's main role is to encourage the YOG athletes to participate in the learning experiences held during the Games.

The BBA will have the opportunity to nominate one person between the ages of 18 and 25 to be considered.  You are required to submit an essay of no less than 500 words stating why you believe you should become the Youth Olympic Ambassador for Barbados 2014.

The Barbados Olympic Association has stated that the deadline for the selected nominee and the nominee's essay must reach the BOA's Secretariat on or before midnight on September 15th, 2013.

If you are interested you should contact our Secretary, Mervyn Gordon for more details.  Be reminded that your essay should be submitted as soon as possible in order for the Association to decide who will be the nominee.

I will inform you of a deadline date for that submission to the BBA but remember time flies fast so don't procrastinate......... get the additional information from the Secretary and get the essay started so you will be ahead of the process when the BBA decides on the deadline. 

IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.... GIVE YOURSELF THE CHANCE!!

ARE YOU READY???

WHO WILL SHINE?

BBA SALUTES WORLD YOUTH ATHLETES

 

TIA-ADANA BELLE CAPTURES THE SILVER MEDAL IN THE 400M HURDLES!

The Barbados Badminton Association extends congratulations to the Tia-Adana Belle and Mario Burke, who represented Barbados in the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships held in the Donetsk, Ukraine.

One may think it strange that we chose to salute track & field athletes on our site, but, for the entire championship, and especially today, the entire nation joins together in celebration of the achievement of the young Belle.

We are a small island, but we have big talent, and we must see ourselves as one sporting family and support all our athletes regardless of the sporting discipline when then represent the nation with pride and distinction.

Tia-Adana Belle won silver in the 400m hurdles with a new personal best time of 58.42.  Helene Swanepoel of South Africa won gold and we extend congratulations to her and her nation as well.  After establishing a new PB within the semi-final, Tia was able to return today and lower that mark within her first competition on the world stage.

Tia-Adana Belle

Like Belle, Mario Burke also known as "Super Mario", was also able to qualify for his 1st final on the world stage in the 100m.  He too was able to set a new PB of 10.49 in the semi-final and almost matched that effort running 10.51 in the final.  Congrats to China's Youxue Mo who won the gold!

Although Mario was out of the medals placing 5th, we applaud his effort and wish him well as it was later reported that he had a slight injury.  We are proud of their efforts as to be ranked 2nd and 5th respectively at youth level in the world, in their respective events, is a significant achievement.

We can only hope that the Barbadian sporting youth are truly inspired!

Click Below for Video

WYC 2013 Girls 400mh Final - Lane 6

WYC 2013 Boys 100m Final - Lane 3

BOA'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Barbados Olympic Association was held last night in the Flamboyant Room at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference Centre.  The Secretary, Mr. Mervyn Gordon and the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Janelle Denny were the two delegates who represented the Barbados Badminton Association.

From left to right: Janelle Denny(PRO), Steve Stoute (President of the BOA) and Mervyn Gordon (Secretary) after the conclusion of the AGM

 Picture by Kenmore Bynoe

One major announcement was that the BOA's indoor facility was scheduled to be started later this year and it was stated that the completion would be in the middle of 2014.  If indeed this becomes a reality, we can only hope that Badminton will be able to benefit significantly.

Another key issue raised was that the hosting of the Caribbean Games could only be facilitated within 2017 as the earliest possible time due to the number of tournaments already scheduled in the various calender years, with Bahamas as a possible host city. 

However, one of the member federations questioned if the BOA would consider hosting the Games, in light of the fact that Barbados would be celebrating its 50th Anniversary as an independent nation, and we should start considering how we could celebrate the achievement as a sporting nation.

The core sports identified were track & field and swimming along with 5 other sports to be decided upon by the host nation.  Let's hope badminton could be one of the five. 

It was also highlighted that some associations were delinquent in signing up for the BOA's Insurance plan for athletes, which in turn seemed to inconvenience the associations which already submitted their list of names. We hope this matter can be resolved quickly as athletes and officials who travel should have adequate coverage.

Finally, the Olympic Association distributed their strategic plan to all the members present and informed them that each member association would be called in to a meeting separately,  to discuss the strategic plan with the BOA.

Afterwards, the members enjoyed some light refreshments with the Board members.

CHANTAL WEAKENS & OUR VOICES ARE HEARD!

So it's Thusday now and Chantal has weakened to a tropical wave as of last night.  It poses no major threat right now and let's just hope it stays that way.  Chantal however, put a slight dent into my badminton week because on Tuesday I didn't attend club after it had passed thinking many people might not go.. WRONG, which they did and plus, I was thinking I'll just go on Thursday, WRONG AGAIN; because club was cancelled for tonight.

BBA President, Kevin Wood

Anyway, life goes on, but, I just wanted to let everyone know our President, Kevin Wood was on the VOB 92.9 radio station on "Another View" early Tuesday morning.  It was a recorded piece which he spoke about the challenges facing us within Barbados.

Sorry I didn't let you all know, but, I didn't even know (well the airing, not the interview as I had set that up for him), and as I found out yesterday, neither did he.  I think because of all the preparations for the storm, we did not anticipate it would be aired the morning that Chantal would have made landfall.

One of the major things he focused on was the lack of a dedicated home for the sport.  Over the years we had tried and tried and tried, and it is hoped we will eventually have access to a facility exclusively for the sport or a shared facility which is much more accessible than our current Wildey Gymnasium.

The availability of the gymnasium and the rental fees at the Barbados Community College have continued to hamper scheduling of tournaments and training for our national players, but despite this, we try to make the best out of this situation because of the love of the sport.

Kudos to our players and coaches over the many years!!

CHANTAL KEEPS MOVING

First of all, I am thanking God for the limited disruption to our lives and no serious incidents during Tropical Storm Chantal.   All across the island people gave different accounts of what they experienced.

For me, all I can say is that I was up until around 2am watching a movie.  No rain had fallen as yet but outside went from being still, to very windy and back to being still again.  Sleep was calling and when I finally feel asleep, it would apppear that's when the rain started.  I however woke up to a gentle rainfall and then it completely stopped.

I got some breakfast and was simply waiting for the All Clear, like most Barbadians and took the opportunity to listen to the radio to stay informed.  Then all of a sudden, the wind and rain came again but this time the rain came thundering down.  The wind was howling and all I could say is "well well well!!!"

Chantal's projected path

At the same time on the radio, people called in from different parts of the island and started reporting the same sudden shift in weather conditions.  Eventually, it stopped once again and by 12 noon the All Clear was announced.

Even though the storm has passed Barbados, we must be mindful that it is still on the move within our Caribbean waters and chances are, it will strengthen into a hurricane.  

I am hearing it is heading for Hispaniola and a warning is now in effect for Puerto Rico as well.  The picture shows the path, but not the cloud cover and as the system becomes more organized, it could get bigger.

I can only hope and pray for limited damage if any, and no loss of life for whomever might in the path of the storm.

TROPICAL STORM CHANTAL

CHANTAL IS ON THE MOVE!!

Tropical Storm Chantal's projected path

Hey everyone, like me it must have been somewhat of an uneasy feeling when the MET office issued the news about Tropical Storm Chantal.  Yes , it's the hurricane season, however, at the same time the news of a tropical wave, storm or hurricane is never news that one should be comfortable hearing.

We have the attitude in Barbados sometimes, "oh that will just pass" and yes it will, but the question is, how?  Let's hope it will not do too much damage, if any at all, but, do your part and BE PREPARED.  This season is supposed to be a busy one.  It's no joke.

To our Caribbean brothers and sisters and all others who may be in the path of Chantal, we wish for all of you to get prepared as well.  

The reality is these storms can change for the worst in the blink of an eye.   

Stay safe!

The storm as it develops & approaches the Caribbean

HELLO HELLO!!

HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY EVERYONE!!!

LIVE ON "SPORTS EXPRESS"

CHAMPS REPRESENT!

Shawn Greene

Earlier today, Mariama Eastmond and Bradley Pilgrim, who were recently crowned the women's and men's singles champions respectively of the Caribbean Alliance Insurance National Senior Championships were interviewed by Shawn Greene of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

The champions were slightly nervous at the start of the show as neither had ever done live radio before, but, I assured them to relax as Shawn would not bite them.  I also suggested a visualization technique but I won't speak about that in this forum.

Before the start of the show

 After all but one of the cricket updates were given, it was time to start.  For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to tune in, they gave a great account of themselves and the sport.  

Both spoke to what happened in the matches against their respective opponents, how they prepared for the competition, the obstacles which they would have experienced, training regimens, preparation for future tournaments and many other things.

I wished I could just say (please click link below) so that you could hear the interview but alas, I have to admit, I became distracted at  the beginning and forgot to record it on my phone.  Oops!  I think it may have been when I was rubbing Mari's back and telling her to relax.... hmmmmm.

In any case, both did a great job and they should be proud.  More to come in the future for all those willing to step outside of their comfort zone.  Doing an interview can be intimidating, but, it is a necessary aspect of a sportsperson's life and especially, when you are the champion.

Thank you both for agreeing to the interview, even though you may have been skeptical at first.. right Brad?? (not that I am calling any names).  So spread the word and let everyone else know it's not as painful as you thought...

Oh and of course, THANK YOU SHAWN!

Great Job!!!!!!

LIVE ON "SPORTS EXPRESS"

TUNE IN!!!

Hi all, listen out for the women's singles champion, Mariama Eastmond and new men's singles champion, Bradley Pilgrim of the 2013 Caribbean Alliance Insurance National Senior Badminton Championships, during the tea-time interval on "Sports Express" with host Shawn Greene later today on 94.7FM Radio between 3:00 and 3:30p.m.

CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE NATIONAL SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIPS - A TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

Here's an article in the MIDWEEK NATION newspaper...

YOUTH SEIZING THE DAY

 

CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE NATIONAL SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE FINALS

Three nights of fast paced action had come and gone and now it was the finals.  I am sure everyone was somewhat anxious but 6:30p.m. came rather quickly... 

The officials looked sharp and the players looked sharper.  Woodvine even brought out the wireless headphone for the umpires.  Classy touch....Everything was in place. 

It was time to play....

Here are the reports focusing on the men's and women's singles winners and other results in the Nation and Advocate newspapers respectively

Pilgrim crowned Badminton King - Nation 

Eastmond Takes Two - The Barbados Advocate 

SUMMARIZED SCORES

Bradley Pilgrim (New Men's Singles Champion) as he serves to Andre Padmore

Women’s Doubles Final

Mariama Eastmond/Shari Hope def. Tamisha Williams/Monyata Riviera

20-22, 21-17, 21-11

Mens’ Doubles Final

Dakiel Thorpe/Bradley Pilgrim def. Kevin Wood/Andre Padmore

21-13, 21-15

Women’s Singles Final

Mariama Eastmond def. Shari Hope

22-20, 21-15

Men’s Singles Final

Bradley Pilgrim def. Andre Padmore

21-19, 22-20

Mixed Doubles Final

Sabrina Scott/Kevin Wood def. Mariama Eastmond/Dakiel Thorpe

15-21, 21-17, 21-15

Mixed Doubles Champions 2013, Sabrina Scott & Kevin Wood

 WELL DONE & CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!!

2014 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.........

 

WHO WOULD IT BE????

Ladies & Gentlemen.... Love all, PLAY!

Video made by our very own Shem Scantlebury (click link below)... Thank you Shem!!

Who will Reign as Champion???

 

SCHEDULE OF FINALS MATCHES

MATCH #1

WOMENS' DOUBLES
Tamisha Williams/Monyata Riviera vs. Mariama Eastmond/Shari Hope

Defending Champion: Eastmond/Hope

-----

MATCH #2

MENS' DOUBLES
Bradley Pilgrim/Dakiel Thorpe vs. Andre Padmore/Kevin Wood

Defending Champion: Pilgrim/Thorpe

------

MATCH #3

 WOMEN'S SINGLES
Mariama Eastmond vs. Shari Hope

Defending Champion: Mariama Eastmond

------

MATCH #4

MEN'S SINGLES
Andre Padmore vs. Bradley Pilgrim

Defending Champion: Andre Padmore

------

MATCH #5

MIXED DOUBLES

Mariama Eastmond/Dakiel Thorpe vs. Sabrina Scott/Kevin Wood

Defending Champion: Eliminated