Chairman of the organizing committee, Andre Procope, says the driving force behind the inaugural Barbados Grand Prix is simply to create a high-quality track and field event that locals can enjoy and rally behind.
"We plan to put on something very special for everyone in Barbados. We want to make it a real spectacle and something that Bajans will enjoy," Procope told Barbados Today.
Slated for July 5 at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, the World Athletics-sanctioned meet is expected to bring the island’s top stars back home, as well as to reignite old rivalries and showcase emerging talent in a night of high-stakes competition. A total of 13 events are carded, ranging from sprints and middle-distance races to hurdles, long jump, and shot put for men only in this first edition.
The brainchild of Carifta bronze medalist and former Harrison College standout Aren Spencer, the Barbados Grand Prix has already secured commitments from several top-tier athletes. Olympian Mario Burke and sprinters Julian Forde, Jayden Green, Aragon Straker, Teon Haynes, Amani Mascoll-Beckles, Jaquone Hoyte, Darian Clarke, and Kuron Griffith are among the headline acts for the men’s events.
International names like Trinidad and Tobago’s Commonwealth Games gold medalist Michelle-Lee Ahye will also be on the start line, joined by Barbados’ junior world bronze medalist Kishawna Niles and standouts Khristel Martindale and Alika Harewood.
Procope also outlined the event’s unique structure, where each athlete is allowed to compete in only one individual event — a strategic twist that he believes will elevate the competition.
"The coaches will have to draft strategically. That spreads the prize money around as well. Each team will have two managers and coaches assigned to them, which will add to the level of excitement and competition," he explained.
The meet offers a US$2,000 prize for each event winner, with 60 athletes currently registered and the number expected to grow beyond 100 in the coming weeks. Relay races are also included in the program, with teams earning points toward overall standings.