In a vibrant celebration of health and wellness, Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness, alongside the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Commission, honored the winners of the National Sneaker Day campaign on September 26. The initiative, designed to encourage Barbadians to embrace more active lifestyles, was hailed as a resounding success, blending playful participation with a serious call for healthier living. The campaign garnered 117 social media entries, with 111 meeting the official criteria, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for wellness across the nation. At a prize-giving ceremony held at the Frank Walcott Building, individuals and organizations were recognized for their creative and impactful contributions. Suleiman Bulbulia, Chair of the NCD Commission, praised the campaign’s success, emphasizing the urgent need to address the NCD crisis in Barbados. “Eighty percent or more of our deaths are attributed to NCDs—diabetes, hypertension, cancer—and now mental health has been added to that list,” he stated. Bulbulia stressed that most NCDs are preventable through better lifestyle choices, particularly increased physical activity. Among the winners were Jamal Maynard of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union for Most Creative Post, Sagicor Life Inc. for Most Liked Post, Salena Small as Individual Winner, and Ignatius Byer Primary School as Group Winner. Bulbulia highlighted the importance of instilling healthy habits early, noting the inclusion of a school among the awardees. Dr. Kimberly Phillips, Senior Medical Officer of Health, commended participants and underscored the necessity of collective action to combat sedentary lifestyles. “We want to make movement fun again,” she said, urging Barbadians to see physical activity as an enjoyable part of daily life. Prizes included gym memberships, tickets to the Atlantis Submarine experience, and a group trip for 40 Ignatius Byer Primary pupils to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Dr. Phillips concluded with a call for unity: “If we are going to reverse the current situation, we have to do it together. Barbados, let us continue to participate and support each other.”