Stands Back in Action

After a four year hiatus, spectators will be back in the stands of the National Stadium at the start of the Powerade Barbados Secondary School Athletic Championship(BSSAC) meet. The removal of the roof and pylons of the stands of the National Stadium has created a “bleachers” arrangement which will now give more fans the opportunity to come out and enjoy the performances from the nation’s top athletes.

Principal Robert Cumberbatch, under whose portfolio BSSAC Security falls, is quite happy with the return to the stands. “It is and arrangement that is tried and tested.” he says. Noting that he and his team have connected with the Royal Barbados Police Force and ensures that all support systems are in place with regards to the safety of all patrons.

Acknowledging the concerns of some members of the public, Cumberbatch assures that the stands are “safe and secure”. In an abundance of caution the top three tiers of each stand however will not be in use and will be cordoned off from access from spectators with extra security in place to ensure this is enforced.

Assistant Meet Director of BSSAC, Andrew Brathwaite, is also pleased about the return to the stands. The close proximity of the spectators to the arena was always an area of concern. Brathwaite encourages supporters to “bring your hats, bring your umbrellas and come out and have some fun in the sun.”

The action starts 9:00 am on Tuesday the 12th of March with the Frank Blackman Zone. There are thirteen schools in this zone, including reigning champions The St. Michael School, Queen’s College, Ellerslie School, Frederick Smith Secondary, Springer Memorial and St. Leonard’s Boys to name a few. With a measured return of the drums and the stands back in use, patrons can look forward to enjoying the Interschool Sports atmosphere we all know and love.