Barbados Olympic Association Appoints Janelle Denny as Director of National Olympic Academy, Continues Legacy of Excellence

The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) has announced the appointment of Janelle Denny as the new director of its National Olympic Academy (NOA), ushering in a new chapter for the institution.

Denny, an educator and sports administrator, succeeds Vaneisha Cadogan, who retired on August 31, 2024, after five years of dedicated service. With a strong background in sports management and a passion for developing young talent, Denny is well-equipped to continue the Academy’s legacy of excellence. Before joining the BOA, she was a Peripatetic Teacher for Physical Education and Sport at the Ministry of Education, Technological & Vocational Training. In addition to her teaching duties, Denny also served as an Education Officer, overseeing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) syllabi and exams.

Denny’s involvement in sports extends across various disciplines, including tennis, basketball, track and field, netball, and badminton, at both school and club levels. She also coached the Barbados national team at the Biennial Caribbean Union of Teachers’ Track and Field Championships. Her commitment to grassroots sports development is evident in her decade-long service on the Executive Committee of the National Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships (NAPSAC), where she held roles such as Chairman and Championship Director.

Denny, who holds a Master of Education in Physical Education, has also contributed her expertise to several physical education and sports-related committees and boards. These include the Olympic Solidarity/Pan American Sports Organization (OS/PASO), as well as the BOA’s Education and Awards and Special Events Commissions. Additionally, she served on the executive of the Barbados Badminton Association for many years and was recently appointed to the Barbados Anti-Doping Appeals Panel.

BOA President Sandra Osborne announced Denny’s appointment and expressed appreciation for Cadogan’s leadership.

“Vaneisha has played a pivotal role in advancing the Academy’s mission. Over the past five years, we have seen an expansion of the Academy’s programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. The baton has now been passed to Janelle Denny, and we look forward to continued growth and success for the NOA. We are optimistic that this important unit within the BOA will reach even greater heights in the years to come,” Osborne remarked.

In response to her appointment, Denny shared her excitement about the opportunity. “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to step into the role of Director at the National Olympic Academy. Building on the strong foundation laid by Mr. David Farmer and Ms. Cadogan, my aim is not only to maintain the high standards that have been set but push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. I am keen to work alongside the talented and dedicated team at the BOA. Together, we will strategise, innovate, and steer the NOA toward new achievements as we seek to be more responsive to the needs of our National Federations, Athletes, and other valued stakeholders,” she said.