Presenters

Name: Dr. Erica K. Smith
Organization: Business Barbados
 
Dr. Erica K. Smith is an intellectual property (IP) specialist with over 25 years’ experience at the intersection of rights management, business development, and brand strategy. She has advised on IP integration in business planning, valuation, and commercialisation. Her consultancy work includes engagements with the Caribbean Development Bank, WIPO, UWI, CARICOM, and the Inter-American Development Bank. She is currently Director of Intellectual Property at Business Barbados. Academically, she holds undergraduate degrees in Management Studies and Law; a MSc. in International Business, three LLMs (Intellectual Property; Intellectual Property Law and Management; International Sports Law and Management), and a doctorate in Popular Music Studies with her research focused on copyright management in the digital environment. Erica has created courses and taught for the WIPO Academy, the Centre for International Intellectual Property Studies and the EU Patent Office and for the WIPO/University of Sofia Master’s program on IP and Technology Transfer. 




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Name: Dr. Vinu Selvaratnam
Organization: School of Sports Administration, Laurentian University
 
Dr. Vinu Selvaratnam is an Assistant Professor in the School of Sports Administration at Laurentian University. He earned his PhD from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Selvaratnam’s research examines how sport fans and participants adopt emerging technologies, with a particular focus on accessibility, equity, and inclusive innovation. His work explores how technological advancements from mixed-reality devices to AI-enhanced sport platforms can be designed and implemented in ways that reduce barriers, promote equitable participation, and ensure all individuals can benefit from innovation in sport contexts.
 





 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Dr. Nancy Harrington
Organization: School of Kinesiology, Western University
 
Dr. Nancy Harrington is an Adjunct Scholar at Western University and recognized as a Registered International Sport Physical Therapist. She has worked extensively with para athletes, has been a member of the Health Sciences Team for six Paralympic Games. Nancy is a Classifier in the sports of para alpine/para snowboard. Her research interests include the nexus of disability and sport and how sport can be a tool for inclusion, models for participation, development of sustainable para sport pathways, and alternative ways to deliver athlete classification. She was the Lead Researcher of the pilot project that underpins this research and will lead this project.  
 





 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Dr. Sharmella Roopchand-Martin
Organization: Faculty of Sport, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
 
Dr. Sharmella Roopchand-Martin is a physical therapist, academic leader, and regional advocate for inclusive sport and rehabilitation. Her work spans athlete development, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and capacity-building programs for both para and able-bodied athletes. She has coordinated multi-stakeholder projects involving national sports federations, health ministries, and international collaborators. Dr. Roopchand-Martin’s work continues to shape policy, practice, and pedagogy in ways that foster sustainable development through sport. She will be a Co-Principal Investigator for this research project, bringing her experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder disability sport research initiatives to ensure successful project outcomes. 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Name: Dr. Laura Misener
Organization: School of Kinesiology, Western University
 
Dr. Laura Misener is a leading authority on disability sport and social change. Her research demonstrates how sporting events can transform communities and advance social inclusion. Her work has fundamentally shifted how we understand Paralympic legacy—moving beyond traditional economic measures to recognize social outcomes including accessibility improvements, attitudinal change, and community development. She has provided strategic research and policy guidance to disability sport organizations, including the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation, IPC Social Legacy Group, and Ontario Parasport Collective. She will serve as Co-Principal Investigator for this proposed research project 
 

Name: Ms. Marita Marshall
Organization: Physiotherapy & Optimal Performance
Ms. Marita Marshall is a qualified sports physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience in the physiotherapy field. She holds a BSc. in Physical Therapy from the (University of the West Indies) UWI Mona Campus, a Masters in Sports Medicine from the University of Dundee Scotland UK, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Not only does she operate her own private practice Physiotherapy & Optimal Performance, POPS, she is also the co-founder of a wellness company, The Health & Wellness Physios Inc. While her speciality has been sports rehabilitation for some time she also has a keen interest in public health, exercise and education on NCD prevention and women’s sport. She has worked and travelled with many local and international sports teams including the West Indies Women's team and currently works as an independent contractor on the (Women's Tennis Association) WTA tennis tour. Marita is currently the Deputy Chair of (Barbados Football Association) BFA Medical Committee and is working on advocacy projects with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition on NCD Prevention for ultimately a healthier Barbados.


Name: Dr. Chloe Thompson
Organization: Faculty of Sport, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
 
Dr. Chloe Thompson is a physician with clinical experience across cardiology, accident and emergency medicine, and sports medicine. After gaining her MBBS degree, she completed her internship at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, followed by locum roles in neurosurgery and emergency care. Dr. Thompson has two years of focused experience in cardiology, which has allowed her to build a strong foundation in acute care and cardiovascular health. Her Master’s degree in Sports Medicine is further enabling her to build an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to athlete and cardiovascular care. 
 

Name: Mr. Ryan Brathwaite
Organization: Faculty of Sport, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
Mr. Ryan Brathwaite is a seasoned sport leader with over a decade of experience across the Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth arenas. He holds a Master’s in Sport Administration and is pursuing his MPhil/PhD in Sport, blending athlete insight, global experience, and educational leadership. Recently elected President of the Paralympic Association of Barbados, he is a dedicated advocate for athletes with disabilities, bringing energy, expertise, and a clear vision for advancing Para sport in Barbados. He currently serves as Regional Development Manager for the Americas & Caribbean at Commonwealth Sport, working with 21 member countries to strengthen sport development. He has led regional Para sport initiatives such as GAPS (Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain).  
 

Name: Mr. Kenny Kitsingh 
Organization: Faculty of Sport, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
 
Kenny Kitsingh is a distinguished educator with 37 years of service, teaching at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. His extensive experience across these sectors reflects a deep commitment to holistic education. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology and is currently a PhD student at UWI Faculty of Sport, Mona campus, Jamaica. An accomplished author, he wrote a CSEC Physical Education and Sport textbook and workbook. Mr. Kitsingh served six years as a full-time lecturer at UWI St. Augustine where he specialized in the teaching of Physical Education and continues as a part-time lecturer.  
 

 
 

 
Name: Ms. Llori Sharpe 
Organization: Jamaican Cyclist
 
Llori Sharpe is a distinguished Jamaican athlete and entrepreneur, recognized as a national road and time trial cycling champion as well as achieving several historical accomplishments in swimming, triathlon and cycling regionally. Beyond the world of sport, Llori is a first-class honors graduate in Sports Science from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill and a professional chocolate-maker. As a co-owner of Chocollor Chocolate, she manages bean-to-bar production while actively leading community initiatives like the "Ride for Relief" charity event, blending athletic excellence with a commitment to philanthropy and local business.
 


Name: Mr. Marcus Nandu 
Organization: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University
Mr. Marcus Nandu is a program convener and graduate student in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University. His doctoral research examines how physical activity and sport can be used as tools to promote social inclusion and health among university students and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a physical therapy student, he has a strong understanding of health and movement, which is accentuated by his academic training as a qualitative researcher. With seven years of direct involvement in one of Canada’s leading academic institutions for Unified Sports, his unique perspective can help advance adaptive sport. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Name: Ms. Amara Felix‑Toussaint
Organization: University of the West Indies
 
Ms. Amara Felix‑Toussaint is a sport administrator from Trinidad and Tobago with over ten years of experience in sport and youth development. She has held leadership roles within the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), the North Zone Cricket Council, and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). As a leader in traditionally male‑dominated sport environments, she is a strong advocate for mentorship, education, and the professional advancement of women in sport. Ms. Felix‑Toussaint is passionate about the role of sport as a catalyst for social transformation and is committed to strengthening Caribbean sport governance through inclusive leadership and equitable development.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Name: Mr. Elroy Agard
Organization: Gwendoline van Putten Secondary School
 
Mr. Elroy Agard is a certified World Athletics Level 5 Sprints & Hurdles Coach, IAAF Level 1 Lecturer, and former Head Coach of Athletics at The UWI Cave Hill Campus. With over 30 years of experience as a physical educator and national coach, he holds two MSc degrees in Sports Science from UNB (Canada) and UWI. He has taught at multiple institutions including the University of Southern Caribbean and is currently Head of Department at the Gwendoline van Putten Secondary School in St. Eustatius. A strong advocate for LTAD and physical literacy, he believes inclusive sport is key to equitable development.
 

Name: Brother Ato Kenya Rockcliffe 
Organization: Centre for Kinesiology, Sport and Physical Education, University of Trinidad and Tobago
 
Brother Ato Kenya Rockcliffe teaches at the University of Trinidad (UTT) and Tobago’s Centre for Kinesiology, Sport and Physical Education, and is a Director of the Caribbean Sport and Development Agency. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Guyana, a graduate degree from the University of Alberta, and a PhD in Sport Studies from UTT. His work bridges the fields of sport sociology, public health, and decolonial studies, focusing on safeguarding, youth engagement, and social transformation through the lens of sport. Ato’s scholarship examines the moral, philosophical, and developmental aspects of Caribbean sport as a platform for justice and community empowerment. 
 


Name: Mr. Peer Nasseir
Organization: Centre for Kinesiology, Sport and Physical Education, University of Trinidad and Tobago
 
Mr. Peer Nasseir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of the West Indies and a Master’s in Exercise and Sport Science from Smith College. Currently pursuing a PhD in Sport Studies, he has lectured at Mount Holyoke College and Springfield College, and is presently affiliated with the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Certified as a volleyball coach at the University of Leipzig, Peer has served as a Coach at Mount Holyoke and the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Volleyball Team. His scholarly and professional interests centre on advancing the professionalisation of sport in ways that are contextually grounded and sustainable within the Caribbean region. 
 

Name: Mr. Ravi Lutchman
Organization: Centre for Kinesiology, Sport and Physical Education, University of Trinidad and Tobago
 
Mr. Ravi Lutchman is an experienced social development practitioner with advanced academic degrees in Sport Management and Sport for Development. With extensive experience in social and community development, as well as previous employment at the Children's Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and his current role as a faculty member at CKPES, he has a strong interest in exploring sport as a means of positive social transformation. A grassroots football coach, a director at Caribbean Sport and Development Agency, and a member of the TTOC Safe Sport Commission, he aims to improve Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting ecosystem. 
 

Name: Mr. Akeem Rudder
Organization: IncludeU Sports Academy
 
 Akeem Rudder is a pioneering Autism Exercise Specialist, Inclusion and Disability Educator, and the visionary founder of IncludeU Sports Academy the first and only inclusive sports and exercise therapy program of its kind in Barbados and the Caribbean. His life’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, empowerment, and inclusive development for individuals with disabilities.
 
Through IncludeU, Akeem has transformed the lives of over 100 children, youth, and adults with diverse disabilities ranging from Autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome to cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and wheelchair users by using movement and physical literacy as tools for cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
 
Akeem’s advocacy and evidence-based practice have led to national recognition, including the prestigious Barbados National Youth Award for Disability Inclusion. His influence extends regionally, where he has led workshops, trained educators, and collaborated with ministries and organizations in Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and beyond.
 
Akeem currently lectures part-time at the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus), teaching "Coaching Special Populations," and serves as Vice President of the Autism Association of Barbados, where he continues to shape public awareness and inclusive policy. He has partnered with key institutions such as the Ministry of Education, the National Sports Council, and the Barbados Olympic Association to train stakeholders in disability awareness and inclusive practice.
 
Currently pursuing graduate studies in Public Health, Akeem’s research explores the relationship between early movement delays and long-term health in children with autism bridging science, policy, and practice. With a powerful vision for a more inclusive Caribbean, Akeem is working to reshape the narrative of disability by laying the foundation for a future where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive through movement, education, and equal opportunity.
 

 
Name: Dr. Adrian Lorde
Organization: Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
 
Dr. Adrian Lorde is a distinguished Caribbean sports medicine physician with over three decades of leadership in sport, anti-doping, and athlete health. A founding President of the Barbados Sports Medicine Association, he is the Immediate Past President of the Pan American Sports Medicine Federation and Chair of the Barbados National Anti-Doping Commission. Dr. Lorde served as the first Chair of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (1995–2019) and has contributed extensively to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A longtime Director of the Barbados Olympic Association, he has attended six Olympic Games and was Chef de Mission at Rio 2016. He is a Family Physician and Associate Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill.
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Name: Professor George Schaefer
Department Head for the Department of Kinesiology, Auburn University at Montgomery
George Schaefer is a Professor and Department Head for the Department of Kinesiology. Before coming to Auburn Montgomery, he worked within business operations of a minor league baseball team and served in the public schools as a teacher, coach and assistant athletic director. 




 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Name: Professor Cornell Foo
Department of Kinesiology, Auburn University at Montgomery
Cornell Foo is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), and the Program Coordinator for Sport Management. His research interests include discrimination in intercollegiate athletics and professional sports but more specifically, he focuses in on sport migration and the social issues facing foreign intercollegiate athletes traveling to American colleges and universities. Other research interests are in the areas of marketing, governance and policy development, and facilities management.