On Saturday, July 11, young people, medical  students, and members of the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, added  their voices to a global activation against Big Soda’s ongoing sponsorship of the world’s  most-watched sporting event. With approximately 42% of Barbadian children overweight  or obese, youth advocates say the stakes of sugary drink marketing are not abstract — they are visible in clinics, classrooms, and communities across the island.

As part of the activation, youth advocates from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados’  Childhood Obesity Prevention Programme hosted a symbolic 5-a-side futsal match at The Oasis  Football Turf. The event introduced participants and spectators to the Kick Big Soda Out  campaign while amplifying ongoing advocacy efforts to restrict unhealthy food and beverage  marketing in school environments. As of July 13th 2026, 706 399 individuals have signed on to  support the campaign globally, while 104 organizations are also supporting the campaign.

Players pre-match with coordinated jerseys displaying the side effects of over-consumption of sugary drinks. (PR)