Senate Resolution No. 1459

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Akeem Rudder upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Strategic Vision
Award in Sports, Health & Fitness by Young, Gifted,
& Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose dedication to sport, community empowerment,
and inclusive health and fitness initiatives has created opportunities,
inspired others, and advanced equity for all participants in athletic
life; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to honor Akeem
Rudder, senior national hockey player, inclusive sports pioneer, and
founder of the IncludeU Sports Academy, upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Strategic Vision Award in Sports, Health
& Fitness by Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., on
Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2006 by Carl Gray, the Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
recognizing distinguished individuals of color across the Americas, the
Caribbean, and Africa, celebrating "Unsung Heroes and Heroines" whose
leadership, resilience, and service have made a lasting impact across
business, sports, healthcare, culture, and community development; and

WHEREAS, Akeem Rudder is a distinguished senior national hockey team
player for Barbados who has represented his country at all levels of
competition, demonstrating athletic excellence, leadership, and
competitive integrity on the international stage; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his athletic achievements, Akeem Rudder is a
committed advocate for inclusive sport, founding the IncludeU Sports
Academy to expand participation in physical activity and competitive
sport for individuals with special needs and physical disabilities,
using sport as a vehicle for holistic development, physical literacy,
and community belonging; and

WHEREAS, Through IncludeU Sports Academy, Akeem Rudder has created
programs that blend sport science, physical education, and
individualized support, working with teachers, occupational therapists,
and physiotherapists to design long-form, ability-based training that
ensures all participants are supported and empowered; and

WHEREAS, Akeem Rudder's work in inclusive athletics extends through
partnerships with organizations such as the Barbados Down Syndrome
Association, and his contributions to adaptive sport has been recognized
locally, including receipt of the Banyan Award for raising awareness of
health, wellness, and inclusive sport participation; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, Akeem Rudder served as the director of
IncludeU Sports Academy at a public legacy event that brought disability
advocacy groups together to celebrate inclusion through sport,

highlighting the Academy's role in preparing children and adults for
pathways into Special Olympics and Paralympic competition; and

WHEREAS, Through his enduring commitment to equity in sport, his
strategic vision for inclusive physical activity, and his demonstration
of how athletic excellence can intersect with community service, Akeem
Rudder continues to uplift individuals across Barbados and the
Caribbean, expanding access to health, fitness, and sport for all; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Akeem Rudder upon his designation as recipient of the Strategic
Vision Award in Sports, Health & Fitness by Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., and to commend his exemplary contributions
to inclusive sport, community empowerment, and athletic leadership; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Akeem Rudder as an expression of the highest respect and
appreciation of this Legislative Body.