BRIDGETOWN, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Over the past four decades, China and Barbados have forged an enduring bond of cooperation and friendship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1977.
Sir Garfield Sobers, the esteemed cricketer who earned numerous honors, holds a special place as a "national hero" in the hearts of Barbadians. His extraordinary achievements inspire and resonate in Barbados and across the Caribbean region.
In the parish of St. Michael, Barbados, stands a gymnasium named after Sir Sobers, also known locally as the Wildey Gymnasium. It shows the high respect Barbadians have for this legendary athlete and has become one of the most important multi-purpose activity centers in the island country.
According to Neil Murrell, director of sport at the National Sports Council of Barbados, the gymnasium, which can accommodate nearly 5,000 people and contains a fitness center, was built in 1992 and renovated again in 2017 with Chinese aid.
"The gymnasium's really been a good asset for Barbados," he said. "It has been an international landmark where people come here from (other regions or countries) to view those events."
Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, highly praised the venue. "The facility is a primary sporting complex on the island. We have had a lot of benefits as a result of the relation between the People's Republic of China and Barbados," he said.
"I look forward to many more years of cooperation with China as it relates to sports and culture," Griffith added.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
