Commonwealth Sport to kick off regional engagement with board meeting in Barbados,

The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport will be heading to Barbados next week, continuing its effort to host major meetings across different parts of the Commonwealth rather than in one fixed location.

A Commonwealth Sport press release said the Barbados stop is part of the organization’s plan to take its Board “on the road,” giving members a chance to connect more closely with countries, partners, and local sporting communities. While formal meetings are on the agenda, the visit will also include discussions with government officials and a cultural experience, ending with a showcase of Road Tennis, the island’s well-known indigenous sport.

Once the Barbados meetings wrap up, president of the group, Donald Rukare will lead a smaller group to Antigua and Barbuda.

There, they are expected to meet with senior government leaders and representatives from Commonwealth Games Associations. The visit is aimed at helping prepare for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026, which is set for November.

Dr Rukare highlighted why these traveling meetings matter, saying: “Taking our Board meetings on the road is an essential part of who we are as a truly global sports organization. It allows us to connect directly with our members, understand local contexts and challenges, and build the relationships that are vital to delivering meaningful impact through sport.

“By meeting in Barbados, we are not only advancing our strategic work, but also strengthening our partnership with the Caribbean region. Celebrating cultural and indigenous sports, such as Road Tennis, is a vital part of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, recognizing the unique sporting traditions that bring communities together and define our shared identity.”

Sandra Osborne, who also serves as Vice-President of Commonwealth Sport, said Barbados is proud to host the meeting. She noted: “It is a great honour for Barbados to host the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board and to welcome colleagues from across the Commonwealth to our island.

“This visit is an opportunity to showcase not only our strong sporting culture, but also the richness of our heritage, which reflects the creativity, resilience and community spirit that defines our nation.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone, sharing a bit of what makes Barbados special, and giving them a real sense of how important sport is to everyday life here.”