Friday, September 11, 2015

Brent Stubbs

#By BRENT STUBBS 

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IT’S not how you start, nor how you get there. Most importantly, it’s how you finish.

#• The Finish Line, a weekly column, seeks to comment on the state of affairs in the local sports scene, highlighting the highs and the lows, the thrills and the spills and the successes and failures.

#THE WEEK

#THAT WAS

#It’s unusual to start this column off this way, but it was an unusual occurrence this week as we mourn the loss of two sporting legends.

#On Sunday at St Agnes Anglican Church on Baillou Hill Road, members of the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations said their farewell to Bernard Livingstone ‘Winkie’ Bostwick, who has been credited with having the longest tenure in office as an executive.

#Whether you liked him or not, Bostwick carried out his role as secretary of the BAAA for 30 years and as the assistant secretary of the BOC for just about that same amount of time with distinction.

#On Monday morning, the shocking news came of the death of the Rev Enoch Backford, the last surviving member of the first team to win an international medal in track and field for the Bahamas. Backford, 77, would later go on to serve as president of the BAAA and a vice president of the BOA.

#It’s a humbling feeling when anyone dies, but it hits home harder when you have to reflect on the life of those persons who have made invaluable contributions to society. Both Bostwick and Backford have done just that, not just in the athletic arena, but in religion as well.

#During his eulogy, the Venerable Archdeacon Ranfurly Brown highlighted the fact that Bostwick was just as dedicated to St Agnes Church just as he was to athletics. Backford’s commitment is documented, but he also left his footprints in the sand of time, having last served as pastor of Mt Carey Union Baptist Church, Fox Hill, where national coach Frank ‘Pancho’ Rahming has been a long-time parishioner and choir director.

#Although they were both no longer serving as executives, they will be missed for the contribution that they made.

#And I liked what Brown said in his message that it’s time for those persons who have performed at the national level be given the accolades they so rightfully deserve by having their portraits placed at the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Bostwick and Backford are definitely two of those candidates.

#It’s not a bad idea to erect a memorial wall where those deceased persons, who served with distinction like Bostwick and Backford, could be remembered. It’s a good way to express our gratitude and appreciation to the men and women who have performed exceptionally during their sojourn on earth.

#While I offer my own personal condolences and that of The Tribune Sports Department to their families, I would also like to say: May their souls rest in peace.

#Who Gets The Money?

#In the ‘Incentive Grants to Elite Athletes,’ the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is expected to award some $50,000 to three athletes for advancing to the final at the 15th IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China, last month. However, two other athletes are not expected to get anything because they finished outside of the top eight spots in their respective events.

#For the record, Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands made the final of the men’s triple jump, which took 12 competitors. Trevor Barry made the final of the men’s high jump, which also carried the top 12 competitors. Unfortunately, they both came in 10th place, outside of the top eight that went on to compete for the medal.

#But at least you can’t take away the fact that they were listed as finalists.

#It should be noted, however, that the IAAF, in its incentive payout to the athletes, only the top eight athletes earned a cheque that ranged from $60,000 for first place to $4,000 for eighth place. There was no cash offered to those athletes who finished from ninth to 12th place, regardless of the field events where 12 athletes competed.

#In the field events, athletes compete for eight spots to contest for a medal.

#So that might be the premise that the ministry has agreed to only award Shaunae Miller $20,000 for her silver medal in the women’s 400 metres, Jeffery Gibson $15,000 for his bronze in the men’s 400m hurdles and Donald Thomas $5,000 for finishing sixth in the men’s high jump. Under the arrangement, the gold medallist earns $30,000.

#An explanation was given by Timothy Munnings, director of sports, and even though it didn’t sit well with Sands, it’s documented in the sports policy and can only be changed on the recommendation of the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson.

#It will be interesting to see if Johnson makes any adjustment to the policy to award the two athletes.

#The Week Ahead

#The New Providence Softball Association has gotten its final round of the regular season underway in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex and now with no team left undefeated, it’s going to come down to an interesting showdown for the playoffs and the championships. The keenly contested games are being played every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights, starting at 7pm.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Rev Enoch Backford II

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ONE day after the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations and the Bahamas Olympic Committee laid to rest one of its longest serving members, Bernard Livingstone ‘Winkie’ Bostwick, the two bodies are mourning the death of Rev Enoch Backford II, the last surviving member of the first team to win a medal for the Bahamas in international track and field competition.

#Backford, a former educator and minister of religion, was an elite sprinter who eventually became an executive in both the BAAA and BOC. He passed away yesterday morning, aged 77. He was the last surviving member of the men’s 4 x 100 metre relay team that competed at the 1957 West Indies Federation Games in Jamaica, winning the first international medal for the Bahamas with their bronze. The team included Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant, Oscar Francis and Thomas A Robinson, all three pre-deceased Backford in 2012.

#Backford took over as Sir Arlington Butler as president of the BAAA and after Butler became president of the BOA, Backford joined him as a vice president. Backford passed the reigns on to the late Winston ‘Gus’ Cooper.

#When contacted, Butler was in shock of Backford’s passing.

#“My association with him came from his school days. He was an outstanding athlete who was very keen about sports,” Butler said. “His father wasn’t interested in sports. His father was a preacher and he was never really interested in sports, so Enoch came with his baseball uniform underneath his suit. He was defiant because he loved sports.

#“He and Tommy (Robinson), (Oscar) Francis and Tom (Grant) won the first medal for the Bahamas. They helped to set the stage for track and field because after they won the first medal, the Bahamas went on to win numerous medals at both the Olympic level and the World Championship level.”

#As a politician, Butler said he gave up the reigns of the BAAA presidency to Backford, who was more neutral in the sport. But at the time, Butler decided that he would stay on as the BOA president and Backford came on board as one of the vice presidents. Together, they served for a number of years.

#During the days that he competed on the local scene, Backford had one of his most memorable days at the Empire Day Sports Meet at the Western Fort (Clifford Park) in 1955.

#“That’s when Tommy beat the crew including (former champion) Leonard “Skeeter” Dames for the first time. I’ll always remember also that I was anchoring the relay for the Southern Athletic Club and Rinky (Irrington Isaacs) ran me down. I’ve never forgotten that,” he was quoted as saying in a recent interview.

#“What people didn’t know then was that I suffered from an asthmatic condition. That’s why I always had my quick start, nevertheless, there were good days and bad days in running the full distance, but I never said anything. Crawford always said if you were not ready then don’t go in the race so I never complained.”

#On Friday, November 22, Backford was one of 21 persons inducted into the National Sports Hall of Fame, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Also included in the class was Bostwick, who was laid to rest on Sunday.

#Rev Backford is survived by daughters Enique Farrington, Jarrisa, Endrenise and Eldira Backford; son Juan Mario Backford; adopted son Angelo Smith; grandchildren Trenique and Tre Farrington, Kaitlyn and Kaiden Babb; and sisters Lilymae Lockhart, Naomi Smith and Ruth Turner.

Monday, December 3, 2012

#by RENALDO DORSETT

#Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Final respects were paid to one of the Bahamas’ greatest sporting legends over the weekend as scores turned out to honor the memory of “The Bird.”

#Tom Wilfredo Grant, 71, was laid to rest Saturday morning at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Boyd Road.

#Family remembered the sporting icon for his personal contributions as a family patriarch.

#His wife Hannah reminisced of their early years and his job as a father.

#“We met during my participation in volleyball, basketball and track and field, and fell in love. You were truly a father in every way. You loved them. I often thank you for your care, nuture and suspension which helped me to further my career, knowing full well the children would be taken care of,” she said, “History will judge the accomplishments of Thomas Wilfredo Grant as a man, father, but more as an athlete. He played almost every sport you can name. Thomas you fought a great fight the part 11 years. Take your rest Tom, you’ve earned it.”

#The national icon, who played a number of sports in track and field, basketball, softball, volleyball, cricket and rugby and made an invaluable contribution as an coach, official and administrator, left behind two daughters and five sons, two adopted daughters and adopted sons, who have all made strides to carry on his legacy.

#He was the first Bahamian recruiter for a major institute – St Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the first Bahamian to become an international certified volleyball referee.

#Tom Jr. said he used the moments as bonding opportunities as he learned the game of volleyball from his father.

#“We bonded throughout the years growing together as father and son, you took me to all your volleyball practices and games as a coach and a volleyball referee, I being your assistant. coach and we officiating volleyball games together were the highlight of our relationship,” he said, “I think the proudest moment for me was when I. decided to follow in your footsteps to become a volleyball referee. We were the only father and son duo to officiate. volleyball games together. We talked, laughed, argued and spent a lot of time together.”I am and will always be proud of all your success and achievements during your sporting career. I am proud to be called your son and to carry your name.”

#For over 50 years he served as ä champion sprinter and the coach of champion sprinters, as the country’s first internationally certified volleyball official and as the head coach of the national team that won this country’s. first game in international volleyball; or a valuable member of the 4 X 100 Relay Team that earned this country its first international track and field Medal (1957), or as Coach Steve “Bulla” Pinder’s flamboyant basketball scoring machine with the championship Pinder’s Barber Shop Club.

#On October 21, 2006, Grant was honoured by the Government of the Bahamas when Prime Minister Christie declared it as Thomas “The Bird” Grant Day.

#Christie highlighted the list of dignitaries on hand to pay their respects to Grant at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park in Yellow Elder last week.

#A number of people showed up to pay tribute to Grant during a memorial service on Wednesday night.

#Among those in attendance were Dr Norman Gay, Timothy Munnings, director of sports, Mike Sands, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, members of the Bahamas Volleyball Federation and other sporting bodies.

#He was interned at Lakeview Cemetary.

Friday, November 30, 2012

#PRIME Minister Perry Christie highlighted the list of dignitaries on hand to pay their respects to the late Tom Grant at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park in Yellow Elder.

#A number of people showed up to pay tribute to Grant during a memorial service on Wednesday night.

#Among those in attendance were Dr Norman Gay, Timothy Munnings, director of sports, Mike Sands, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, members of the Bahamas Volleyball Federation and other sporting bodies.

#Grant, 71, will be laid to rest on Saturday following his 9:45am funeral service at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church. He will be buried at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

#Grant is survived by his wife Hannah and seven children.

November 17, 2012

The Nassau Guardian0

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The news of the sudden passing of versatile athlete, coach, mentor and instructor Tom Berutti “The Bird” Grant Sr. spreaded quickly throughout the country yesterday.

The first international volleyball official, Grant, died early Friday morning in hospital. He was 71. Grant slipped into a diabetic coma shortly after he was admitted to hospital on Monday.

His son, Trevor Grant, said his father was weak and tired of battling. He thanked all for their well wishes and the many condolences that poured in from students, athletes and friends.

“After years of living with diabetes, I think he was just tired of battling and that fight came to an end this morning (Friday),” said Trevor.

“My father was a disciplinarian, a nation builder, who helped to mold a lot of the persons who you see running the country. Cynthia “Mother” Pratt was one of his proteges. He represented the country in every different sport from as far as track and field, softball, volleyball and basketball.

“One thing he enjoyed most was giving back and that was shown as an athlete and administrator. He held numerous positions in various federations and sporting reigns. I think his most exciting memory was when he ran with the Olympic torch. This was the first time the torch came to The Bahamas and he held and ran.”

Not only was Tom Grant one of the top sprinters in the country, but he is remembered for his outstanding performance in a basketball game. He scored 47 points for Pinder’s Barber Shop, which dominated the Priory Recreational League in the early 1960s.

Tom Grant was also a member of the St. Bernard’s Sporting Club and a part of the historic relay team that won the first international medal in track and field for The Bahamas, in 1957.

“I spoke to him last week because I was dealing with some business for him,” Trevor Grant went on to say.

“We actually spoke everyday. But whenever we spoke, we always cracked jokes. There was always something to crack a joke about. He was amusing, always finding something to humor me about or I humor him. Anytime something went down in sports, especially high school sports he would call and ask me if I heard about it and [about] my thoughts.

“Me and him had a very good relationship, as far as father son is concerned. He was one of the persons who led the charge and I followed. Basically everything that he has done, I followed in his footsteps. As a former president of the GSSSA and one of the leading coaches in the country, I too helped to mold men into being good citizens of The Bahamas and that was his motto.”

Tom Grant Sr. is survived by his seven children, two girls and five boys, all of whom have played on national teams in the past. He was a leader in the community. His funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Church, on Boyd Road.

• Guardian Sports would like to send heartfelt condolences to the Grant family. Tom Grant Sr. was instrumental in the development of sports in the country as an administrator and athlete. It was a joy covering him and we thank him for his many contributions to the sporting world.

November 20, 2012

The Nassau Guardian

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This country called the Commonwealth of The Bahamas produced many noteworthy nation builders. Across the board though, Thomas ‘The Bird’ Grant was comparable to the best of them in contributing to his native land becoming a better and more progressive place for children to grow up in. Tom died last Thursday at the age of 72.

Yes, he was a sportsman for all seasons. That itself is a story that qualified him for iconic status. There was much more though, to this young Bahamian lad who emerged out of the belly of the inner city (over-the-hill) to craft many young boys and girls into noted adults, able to carry on with the same passion he possessed, in advancing Bahamian society.

None who knew Tom well would say he placed much emphasis on diplomacy. No, Tom was a straight talker. He readily acknowledged the “shooting from the hips” aspect of his character. He called it like it was (in his view) and he was quick with it. While others waited to frame their words, Tom, like the old gunslingers, let loose quickly to get the first word out in a debate/argument. It was a competitive touch that carried him throughout life. He never lost the strong spirit of expressing himself despite the change of his physicality from that of a champion to moving around with an effort.

The last conversation I had with him went very much like many others. As often was the case with Tom, he declared then waited for a response. We were in front of the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex a few months ago. Tom was there for the annual summer program for students, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

“Man, we need to get

together to write my book. You know me, and you have a lot of material you wrote about me. With what I have, we can make it happen,” said Tom on that fateful day, the last time we were to speak to each other on this side of eternity.

The opportunity never came again for us to further that objective but perhaps one day, before my time comes, with Tom close by in spirit, I will be able to put his life together in book form. The book would have highs and lows, but much more of the former. On the athletic side, there are just a few Bahamians who I would put in the argument regarding versatility, along with Tom. He was a standout in track, basketball, rugby and volleyball.

In my view, in the country’s history, only Tommy Robinson, Kevin Johnson, Mike Sands and Andrew Tynes had more natural talent for the 200 meters than Tom. They were not as stylish however. Bahamians have seen Debbie Ferguson come around that turn to home, adorned with dark shades, blazing for the tape in the 200 meters.

That’s the kind of flair Tom had. He patterned himself after the Italian great Livio Berruti who was known for his dark glasses and white socks. Berruti won the Olympic gold medal for the 200 meters in 1960 and immediately became the hero of the young Bahamian Tom Grant. Tom was on that Bahamian sprint relay team in 1957 that won the breakthrough bronze medal at the West Indies Federation Games in Kingston, Jamaica. At home he was track’s glamour sprinter.

With his career in sprinting at its peak, he got into basketball and exhibited the same kind of flamboyance. He was one of the pure shooters and on the many occasions that he scored, he would turn and glide down court with arms outstretched like an eagle. That’s why we called him ‘The Bird’, a nickname that will last eternally, because that is the image that sticks most in the minds of many of us who knew him really well.

In volleyball, as a player and administrator, he revolutionized the sport and paved the way for the glorious era that was headed by Dr. Norman Gay.  In rugby, he was conscious always about his legs, but whenever he got loose with the ball, it was over. No one could catch him. As an athlete, Tom was truly superb.

Then, there was Tom Grant, the educator. He schooled many athletes in the skills of their respective sport, but most importantly, about “making it through life” as he would emphasize.

“The sport will be there for a time only, as an athlete. They might stick around to help others, but they have to know how to get through life because there is so much more, other than sports,” he once said.

So, Tom qualified himself at Miami Dade North and St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, to mentor his charges in sports and academically. He did quite well. He became a double positive for the youngsters under his wings. He helped them during the early development period and then ensured that they got scholarships to further their education. Tom was the pioneer Bahamian large-scale recruiter of athletes for institutions abroad.

In fact, only one other can compare with his record. That person of course, is Cynthia ‘Mother’ Moxey-Pratt, who (herself) was recruited by Tom. That’s the great example that personified the life and times of Thomas ‘The Bird’ Grant. Not only was he a champion but he made many others and caused even more to reach the point of deserving to be so honored.

May your soul forever rest in peace my friend! A nation will forever be indebted to you.

• To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.