The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) has taken a step toward a greener future with the launch of its first-ever Sustainability Strategy and Policy under the theme “Play Green, Live Clean; It’s in Our Nature.”
The landmark initiative, officially unveiled on June 5 — World Environment Day — aims to embed sustainability into the very fabric of Barbadian sport.
At the heart of the strategy is a five-year vision to position sport as a driver of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainable development. Developed through consultations with athletes, sports leaders, environmental experts, and community stakeholders, the strategy aligns with both the International Olympic Committee’s sustainability commitments and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
BOA President Sandra Osborne described the launch as a defining moment, noting that sport and the natural world are inextricably linked, with many sporting disciplines relying on healthy environments to thrive. “Today marks the formal start of our commitment to use the powerful tool that sport is to raise awareness, inspire action, drive innovation and encourage sustainable behaviour,” she said. “Our athletes are dependent on us to leave them with a better and brighter world in which to compete.”
In tandem with the strategy, the BOA also introduced its new Athlete Sustainability Ambassador Programme, designed to champion environmental awareness through sport. Six ambassadors were named during the ceremony at the Barbados Olympic Centre: Chelsea Tuach (Surfing), Adrian Maynard (Wrestling), Kayla Renwick and Matthew Wright (Triathlon), and swimmers Martyn Forde and Terrence Haynes.
Tuach, speaking passionately about her relationship with the ocean, said, “It’s not only my training ground and competitive arena, but it’s also my sanctuary. Through the many hours I’ve spent riding its waves, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ocean’s vulnerability. I feel I should be the first to put up my hand and be a champion for change and climate action.”
Dr Sasha Sutherland, the BOA’s Sustainability Lead and the architect of the policy, highlighted the practical steps already underway. These include reducing single-use plastics, minimising travel-related emissions through virtual meetings, and incorporating sustainability modules into the BOA’s sports administration training. Notably, she announced that the BOA is the first Caribbean National Olympic Committee to sign on to the global Sports for Nature initiative.
“This strategy will allow us to lend our voice to advocacy, education, and collaborative action,” Dr Sutherland said. “Sports organisations can lead the way in climate and nature action—not just by changing their behaviours, but by inspiring change throughout society.”
The event drew support from several key partners. Director of the Barbados Lottery, Shelly Ann Hee Chung, praised the BOA for “placing Barbados firmly on the regional and global map for sustainable sport,” while Dr Leo Brewster, Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit, underscored the environmental stakes. “Heat, ocean temperature, and rising sea levels affect training and performance. This strategy is not just about elite sport—it’s about every individual, every community.”
To close the day’s proceedings, guests participated in the unveiling of a bottle-shaped recycling bin installed at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex—part of the BOA’s new recycling initiative in partnership with B’s Recycling.
