Month: January 2023

ROLLE-CURRY ROARS AHEAD FOR DRAGONS: MSUM school 400m record is broken twice in two weeks

ROBYNN Rolle-Curry in action.

ROBYNN Rolle-Curry in action.

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#ALTHOUGH she just started competing in the 400 metres when she joined the Dragons track team at Minnesota State University at Moorhead in Minnesota, Robynn Rolle- Curry has excelled as one of the top contenders in the USTFCCCA.

#Dragons’ team captain Rolle-Curry said she has to lead by example as she went on to break the MSUM school 400m record twice in two weeks.

#Over the weekend at the SDSU D2 Invite in Brookings, North Dakota, Rolle-Curry ran 55.45 seconds for the fifth best time in the NCAA Division II this season.

#The time erased the previous mark of 56.18 that she established at the Mike Thorson Open on January 14. Prior to that, the MSUM stood at 56.70 and was held by Kendra Mooberry.

#Rolle-Curry, who has qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships from March 10-11 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, said she’s thrilled by her progression from the time she enrolled at MSUM up until now.

#“My freshman and sophomore years were not really that good because I was still fresh, but now that I’m in my junior year, I’m more comfortable and confident in the work that I put in and the dedication and the effort that I made to get here.

#“I’ve even trained before the summer before coming into the off season, so I didn’t really expect it, but when I came, I expected that I was capable of doing what I did.”

#Rolle-Curry, a graduate of Kingsway Academy, said it shows that she’s capable of “doing all things through Christ,” – once an athlete puts in the hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything.

#This is just the tip of the iceberg for Rolle-Curry, who has aspirations of being a force to reckon with at the NSIC Indoor Championships in Mankato, Minnesota from February 24-25 and the NCAA Indoor Championships in March before she prepares for the outdoor season that starts on April 1 at the Al Bortke Open in Bismarck, North Dakota.

#“I plan to win at National indoors and outdoors and I hope that I can run at least 52 seconds,” said Rolle-Curry, who also competes in the 200m. “I plan to put God first and just do my best as I trust my training.

#The Dragons will be back in action this weekend as they compete in the UND Open in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday when Rolle- Curry is expected to make her debut this year in the 200m where she’s posted a lifetime best of 24.81.

#Rolle-Curry, 20, competes on the Dragons’ team, coached by Ryan Milner and assisted by Bahamian high jumper Trevor Barry. Other Bahamians on the team are freshman Shavantae Roberts, a female sprinter; senior male sprinter Kendrick Major, freshman male sprinter Elkan Johnson and Grand Bahamians Ty Dawkins and Shaquiel Higgs, both senior male sprinters; and Shyrone Kemp, a senior male high jumper.

#“It’s great to have some people around you who come from where you are from,” said Rolle-Curry of the Bahamian connection at MSU. “It makes me more comfortable because it’s nice to have people from the same background. When you are homesick, they help to pull you along.”

#Rolle-Curry, daughter of Sonovia Campbell and Ryan Rolle-Curry, expressed her gratitude to all of her family members, especially her great-grandfather Franklyn Campbell, and friends for their support.

#“Without their support, I would not be able to accomplish what I’ve done so far,” summed up Rolle-Curry, who is studying business administration.

#Note: At the SDSU D2 Invite over the weekend, Kemp won the triple jump with his best leap at 48-feet, 11-inches. The next highest finisher had a top jump of 43-04.25 with Kemp adding another triple jump win to his already stacked résumé.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/rolle-curry-roars-ahead-dragons-msum-school-400m-r/?news

Pat Strachan backs call for Elisha Obed to be honoured

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#PAT “the Centreville Assassin” Strachan, president of the Bahamas’ Retired Boxers Association Hall of Fame, concurred with Wellington Miller that it’s high time that former World Boxing Council Everette ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson get the proper recognition that he deserves posthumously.

#Strachan, a former cruiserweight champion of the Bahamas, joined Miller, the immediate past president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, who called on the Bahamas Government to at least name the East- West Highway in honour of Elisha Obed.

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Everette ‘Elisha Obed’ Ferguson

#“I think it’s long overdue that we honour Elisha Obed for his accomplishments,” Strachan said. “I think a highway is quite appropriate for him because a lot of people frequent it, and they will be able to recall what he did as a Bahamian professional boxer.”

#Strachan, who fought for a couple of international titles, said Elisha Obed became the first and only Bahamian to win a legitimate world title when he beat Brazil’s Miguel de Oliveira to capture the WBC light middleweight title in 1975. He went on to defend his title twice, relinquishing it in 1976 top Germany’s Eckhard Dagge after he claimed he was thumbed in his eye and had to quit.

#After moving up to the middleweight division, Elisha Obed fought Australian Rocky Mattioli for the world title, but was knocked out in the seventh round. He continued fighting locally before he eventually retired in 1988. A year later, Elisha Obed was placed in the initial Bahamas Hall of Fame in 1989. He died on June 28, 2018 at the age of 66.

#“The country was just two years old, having obtained our Independence from Great Britain in 1975 when Elisha Obed won the title,” Strachan said. “Since then, there has not been anything tangible with his name on it.

#“When you think about all of the other people who have their names on some sporting arena or on some of our streets, you have to wonder why the same could not have been done for Elisha Obed.”

#Not taking anything away from those who have been given such recognition, Strachan said Elisha Obed’s accomplishment was done in a sport that requires some much dedication and commitment to training, sometimes all alone.

#And he said for Elisha Obed to have reached the top of the world during an era when there were just two major divisions, the WBC and the World Boxing Association, is a huge achievement.

#Strachan said it’s a shame that both the ruling Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement have both “dropped the ball” in giving Elisha Obed his “just due” over the years.

#But Strachan said he hopes that this present PLP government, led by Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, who have expressed a keen interest in sport, will do the right thing and finally recognise Elisha Obed during the country’s 50th celebrations of Independence.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/pat-strachan-backs-call-elisha-obed-be-honoured/?news

Small businesses step up to sponsor Carifta Games

SOME of the small business sponsors join in with the LOC of the 50th Golden Jubilee Carifta Games.

SOME of the small business sponsors join in with the LOC of the 50th Golden Jubilee Carifta Games.

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

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CARIFTA chairman Harrison Thompson welcomes small business sponsors, from left, Charles Sawyer of Sawyers Studio; Dary Rahming Jr of Arawak X Stock.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#A GROUP from the stock exchange and small businesses, including Sawyers Studios, Arawak X and Tropical Gyros, stepped forth on Wednesday to pledge their sponsorship of the 50th Carifta Games.

#Also making a special presentation to pledge his support of the games, scheduled for April 7-11 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, was Comedian Jaquay ‘DasQuay’ Adderley.

#Adderley, known for his many acting roles in local commercials and movies, said it’s his goal to inspire more young Bahamians to make their presence felt because he believes that if he can do it, they can do it as well.

#Carifta chairman Harrison Thompson welcomed all of the new partners.

#“In every country, for that country to develop, you need small businesses,” Thompson said. “Small businesses are the engine that drives the economy of any country.

#“So we are so pleased that some of our small businesses in The Bahamas have decided to join hands with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure that we have the best junior games in the world, the Carifta Games right here in The Bahamas.”

#Darcy Rahming, the Chief Executive Officer of Arawak X Stock, said their company is happy to be a part of this sporting event that will change the lives of so many Bahamians.

#“There are very few things that all of us as a people come together for and this is one of those times,” he said. “So, we’re happy to be a part of these celebrations as we hope to make this the best games ever.”

#Rahming, one of the country’s top judokas, said as of next week, they will unveil their social media platforms that persons can access to follow their contributions to the games, whether it’s big or small.

#Tropical Gyro, a local restaurant that provides an array of Bahamian and Greek food, was first introduced to the Bahamas during the initial World Relays in 2015. Since then, Chief Clement Culmer said they became a staple on the market.

#“I was quite disappointed when they cancelled the last World Relays, but when I heard that Carifta was coming here, I reached out to Fern (Hanna) and Lynden (Maycock) and told them that we have to be a part of the games,” Culmer said.

#As a sponsor, Culmer said they will not only be providing a cash donation, but they will also be working with the LOC in feeding some of the patrons during the games. However, he didn’t elaborate on how it will be done as they are still working out the details.

#Sawyers Studios, which was established in 1956 on East Street, was resumed by Charles Sawyer, who decided to re-introduce the popular photography store on Carmichael Road in 1990, in memory of his deceased father and founder, Andrew Sawyer.

#Four years ago when he re-acquired the name, Sawyers Studio, Sawyer said he attached the logo: “The Legacy Continues” as he paid tribute to what his father started.

#“In those days, if you didn’t have a photo with the Sawyer Study gold label at the bottom, you weren’t saying anything,” Sawyer said. “So, it’s something that I had to take on and carried on because my father did a phenomenal job with it.”

#As for track and field, growing up in Lewis Street, Sawyer said he remembered when they used to cordon off their area and hosted their own house sports between the Dukes and Pros. It’s with that backdrop in mind that Sawyer said he was committed to being a part of the Carifta Games – and they will be providing special portraits for all persons interested.

#“Always remember. Whatever you sow, you will reap,” he said. “So, it’s incumbent upon me to sow good seeds and good seeds will come back to you.”

#LOC chairman Lynden Maycock; Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) president Drumeco Archer and North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) president Mike Sands all expressed their gratitude in the small businesses who stepped forth to offer their support of sponsorship of what they are expecting to be the greatest games ever held.

#Pauline Davis-Thompson, the Dame of Carifta, said she too was thrilled to see the small businesses getting involved in the sponsorship of the games because they will help to provide an opportunity for some many of our athletes to experience what she did when she competed for The Bahamas.

#Davis-Thompson was one of six Bahamians, who earned the Austin Sealy award as the Most Outstanding Athlete. She achieved her feat in 1984.

#The others are this year’s honourary “mother” of Carifta, Maryann Higgs- Clarke, who did it in 1978; Lavern Eve, back-to-back winner in 1982 and 1983; Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie in 1995; Anthonique Strachan, back-to-back in 2011 and 2012 and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, the last in 2012.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/small-businesses-step-sponsor-carifta-games/?news

Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association basketball results

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

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#THE following games were played at The Hope Center on University Commons on Tuesday.

#PRIMARY GIRLS

#Freedom Baptist Academy 5 def c. W. Sawyer Primary 2

#Nicolette Forbes of Freedom had three points in the win.

#PRIMARY BOYS

#Genesis Academy 18 def C. W. Sawyer Primary 1

#Caz Bethel of Genesis had seven points in the win.

#Jordan Prince William 11 def Kingsway Academy 8

#Bryson Taylor and Labron Taylor of Jordan had four points each in the win.

#Yorrick Carroll of Kingsway had six points in the loss.

#SENIOR BOYS

#Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy 55 def Greenville Preparatory Academy 26

#Romin St. Rose of Mt. Carmel had 14 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

#Adam Goodman of Greenville had 14 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/bahamas-scholastic-athletic-association-basketball/?news

NM Valentine Cox dominates The Bahamas National Chess Championship

KENDRICK KNOWLES, president of the BCF, presents champion NM Valentino Cox with his huge trophy.

KENDRICK KNOWLES, president of the BCF, presents champion NM Valentino Cox with his huge trophy.

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

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KENDRICK KNOWLES, president of the BCF, presents CM Byron Smith with his prize.

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FM CECIL MONCUR, third place finisher, gets his prize from BCF president Kendrick Knowles.

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KENDRICK KNOWLES, president of the BCF, presents Avian Price with his fourth place prize.

#NM Valentine Cox dominated the 2023 Bahamas National Chess Championship, winning the prestigious event with an impressive 8 out of 9 points.

#The only player to beat NM Cox was FM Cecil Moncur in Round 9. NM Cox won his first Bahamas National Chess Championship 47 years ago in 1975.

#He went on to win the title again in 2002 and 2015 according to The Bahamas Chess Federation’s (BCF) records.

#The 2023 Bahamas National Chess Championship took place over two full weekends kicking off Friday, 13 January and ending on Sunday 22 January.

#This year the tournament, which was sponsored by Colina, was held at the J. Whitney Pinder Building on Collins Avenue.

#The event was an exciting one filled with several shocking defeats. Young Avian Pride beat FM Cecil Moncur in Round 3. Trevor Bridgewater pulled off an upset in Round 9 beating CM Kendrick Knowles.

#The event was also an historic one as it was the first Bahamas chess tournament to be livestreamed. The BCF secured electronic chess boards and chess clocks made by Digital Game Technology (DGT).

#DGT tournament boards are used at Chess Olympiads, World Chess Championships and all major chess tournaments around the world to show the games live as they happen.

#“I would like to thank Colina for their sponsorship of the 2023 Bahamas National Chess Championship. I would also like to applaud all the players for participating in this historic tournament and congratulations to the winners,” exclaimed Curtis Pride, 2ndVice President, the Bahamas Chess Federation.

#“We encourage you all to continue to participate in BCF tournaments this year and support The Bahamas Chess Federation. The Bahamas Chess Federation is committed to giving all chess players in The Bahamas exposure and opportunities to travel regionally and internationally to improve your ratings and gain titles and IM ratings.”

#Kendrick Knowles, president of the BCF, was also pleased with what he saw.

#“I am proud that we were able to secure the DGT digital boards and livestream these games,” Knowles said. “We had persons watching from all over the world including Norway, Jamaica and Switzerland.

#“This is a huge accomplishment and allows us to attract more attention to Bahamian chess tournaments and our players.”

#The 2023 Bahamas National Chess Championships was a FIDE rated tournament; set up as a 9 round Swiss format with Game in 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move.

#Chief Arbiter for the 2023 Championship was International Arbiter (IA), Andre White. Mr. White was assisted by Deputy Chief Arbiter, Angel Pride.

#Here’s a look at the top ten finishers:

#1- NM Valentine Cox – 8 points.

#2 – CM Byron Smith – 7.5 points.

#3 – FM Cecil Moncur – 6.5 points.

#4 – Avian Pride – 5.5 points.

#5 – CM Kendrick Knowles – 4.5 points.

#6 – Kenville Lockhart – 4 points.

#7 – Curtis Pride – 3 points.

#8 – Noah Albury – 2.5 points.

#9 – Trevor Bridgewater – 2 points.

#10 – Shawn Barker – 1.5 points.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/nm-valentine-cox-dominates-bahamas-national-chess-/?news

Bahamas Hope Challenge returns in March

As of Thursday, January 26, 2023

#BAHAMAS Hope Challenge (BHC) returns to Eleuthera from 10 to 12 March for its annual fundraiser with the goal of adding to the more than $4 million it has raised toward fighting cancer in The Bahamas over the past 17 years.

#When it was formed in 2006, BHC set out on a mission to raise hope and resources to help Bahamians in their fight against cancer.

#The organisation enlists ordinary people from all walks of life to make this happen. Each spring, benefactors gather on the beautiful island of Eleuthera to cycle, run, or walk distances of their own choosing. At the same time, they raise funds from friends and family for the cause.

#Eleuthera’s Queen’s Highway, with its rolling elevations and breathtaking vistas to the sea, lends itself perfectly to the event. More than 4,200 participants have traversed the highway as part of BHC to add to the funds raised.

#“Every year, every dollar they raise goes to programmes,” said Susan Larson, BHC’s executive director. “BHC is very proud of this charitable gold standard it has maintained.

#“Participating in the annual Bahamas Hope Challenge is a meaningful way to make travel matter. Participation provides travelers with the opportunity to visit Eleuthera – a stunning destination in its own right – while also offering the opportunity to make a real contribution to The Bahamas, to Bahamians fighting cancer.”

#Larson said more travelers want to make contributions to the places they visit, as pointed out by publications quoting Merrill Lynch wealth managers and Pauline Frommer of Frommer’s Travel Guides. She added that Frommer revealed that many travelers want to leave a destination better off than they met it.

#“There are many ways to do this, but certainly, none is as compelling as helping to save lives,” Larson said.

#Individuals or groups interested in participating in BHC should visit bahamashopechallenge.com and follow the registration process.

#Members of teams do not have to participate in the same way. One or some of them may run while others cycle or walk. There is a fundraising minimum of $500 per person. The minimum also applies to all individuals on teams.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/jan/26/bahamas-hope-challenge-returns-march/?news

Street Legends to honor fallen coach

 Home|Sports|Street Legends to honor fallen coachSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailJanuary 26, 2023 141 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 The Street Legends Organization will stage a memorial basketball tournament for the late Bertram McPhee on Saturday, January 28 at the Shirley Street Basketball Park.

The Street Legends Organization will stage a memorial basketball tournament for the late Bertram McPhee on Saturday, January 28 at the Shirley Street Basketball Park.

McPhee, who was killed in October 2022, is a former coach and contributor to the Street Legends Organization, and the organization is taking this time to honor him. The tournament will run from 3-8 p.m. in the Kemp Road area in the Freetown constituency and it is being dubbed the Bertram McPhee Memorial Basketball Tournament.

Remarks during the opening ceremony will be brought by Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, the member of Parliament for Freetown, former member of Parliament for Freetown and former Minister of Tourism and Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar, and former member of Parliament for Freetown and attorney-at-law and partner with McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes Richard Lightbourn.

Street Legends Founder and President Wilton Russell said McPhee was consistently present at Street Legends tournaments and activities.

“Where you would see me, you would see him. He would be right there, so we thought it would only be fitting to honor him in some way,” said Russell. “He was a special contributor. We are going to give his family a memorial basketball to symbolize the work that he has done for us in bridging the gap. That is the concept that this organization always preach about it, and he was a huge part of that. It’s all about preaching peace and love and Bertram bought into that. We are certainly going to miss him. His death is a hard pill to swallow for us. It leaves a huge void in the organization. All we could do now is recognize and honor him, and celebrate his life.”

McPhee coached the Free Town Wringers team in Street Legends tournaments and was a part of the organization for 12 years.

This Saturday, four age divisions will be contested at the tournament – 8-11, 12-15, 16-19 and open. Interested teams can send an e-mail to the address streetlegends@gmail.com or call the telephone number (242) 376-5712.

https://thenassauguardian.com/street-legends-to-honor-fallen-coach/

Mingoes pick up two wins at DTSP Wolfpack meet

 Home|Sports|Mingoes pick up two wins at DTSP Wolfpack meetSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailJanuary 26, 2023 180 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 University of The Bahamas middle-distance specialist Lhevinne Joseph leads a field of runners in the open men’s 800m at the DTSP Wolfpack’s Neville Wisdom Classic at the Thomas A. Robison National Stadium on Saturday. Joseph won the event in 1:56.16. UB Athletics

The University of the Bahamas (UB) Mingoes track and field squad picked up two wins to go along with other strong finishes at DTSP Wolfpack’s Neville Wisdom Classic at the Thomas A. Robison National Stadium on Saturday.

Kenold Jean won the open men’s 3,000 meters (m) and Lhevinne Joseph won the open men’s 800m event. Jaidyn Brown had a top-three finish in the open men’s high jump.

UB Head Coach Ednal Rolle said he was pleased with the team’s performance in only their second meet of the year.

“It was a great performance from the team,” he said. “I had four Mingoes with season’s best performances, so I’m excited as this is only the second meet of the season. We are steadily improving as I expected and I’m looking for a great season going forward.”

Jean started the Mingoes off with a solid win in the open men’s 3,000m event. Jean won the event in 10:40.74. Nathan Johnson of the Hurry Murray Track and Field Club 

finished second in 10:46.09.

Middle-distance specialist Joseph won the open men’s 800m event in 1:56.16 – a second and a half ahead of his nearest competitor. Kenzie Knowles, of Swift Athletics, finished second in 1:57.66. Jackson Ozias finished fourth for the Mingoes in 2:05.61. Joseph never trailed after the 100m mark in the race.

“I felt really good out there for the first 800m event of the season for me,” said Joseph. “The whole goal of the race was to take the first 400 comfortable and then make the whole race as comfortable as possible. I wanted to get there (to the first 400m) in 57 seconds and then bring it back. This was my third best time of all time and that’s a good time to have in only my second meet of the season. I’m 

hoping to get to a 1:52 by the end of the season.”

Brown finished third in the open high jump, clearing 1.80m (5’ 10-3/4”). Brown easily cleared 1.75m (5’ 9-1/2”) but had two knockdowns at 1.80m before going over on his third attempt. He had three knockdowns at 1.85m (6’ 1”).

Brianique Strachan finished fourth in the open women’s 100m event in a time of 12.53 seconds. Tamara Myers, of Leap of Faith, won the event in 12.16 seconds.

In the open women’s 800m, Lakeicia Lewis finished fourth in 2:35.21 and Fridline Augustin was sixth in 2:40.69.

Dennis Williamson took fifth in the open men’s 200m in 22.84 seconds. Jeremiah Adderley, from DTSP Wolfpack, won the event in 21.89 seconds.

https://thenassauguardian.com/mingoes-pick-up-two-wins-at-dtsp-wolfpack-meet/

Chickcharney Challenge set for Saturday

 Home|Sports|Chickcharney Challenge set for SaturdaySports

Simba FrenchSend an emailJanuary 26, 2023 441 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 The return of the Chichkcharney Challenge is set for this Saturday at Clifton Heritage Park. The elite start of the event is at 6:30 a.m. and a non-elite staggered start gets underway at 6:45 a.m.

The long-awaited return of the Chichkcharney Challenge, dubbed ‘The Return’, happens this Saturday after it was initially postponed from December 3, 2022.

The event, which is an obstacle course race, will be held at Clifton Heritage Park. This will be the seventh edition of the event. It features a three-mile course with 16 obstacles set to test participants’ endurance and strength.

The elite start is at 6.30 a.m. and a non-elite staggered start gets underway at 6.45 a.m.

The race usually features dedicated fitness enthusiasts, but it also appeals to persons who are looking to have fun. It usually attracts about 100 participants. Chickcharney Chirren Chief 

Executive Officer (CEO) Chester Robards is expecting that number to be doubled this weekend.

“People who have done the challenge before know the route and so this year we are changing the location of the starting line so that this time around we will be on the beach. That’s something new and a nice change which will give a really different feel to the event. We are also adding new obstacles that people have not seen before,” said Robards.

They are introducing a new timing system at this Saturday’s event.

“In previous years, there would simply be a clock running and whenever a participant crossed the finish line we would mark their time. We are aiming for greater accuracy this year with an NFC (Near Field Communication) race timing system and we will also be staggering the starts to ensure proper crowd control,” Robards said.

Obstacle course racing is one of the fastest growing segments in endurance sports globally. An official governing body – the International Obstacle Racing Federation (IORF) – was established nearly a decade ago to legitimize efforts to have obstacle course racing become an Olympic sport. Robards said that when that becomes a reality, he hopes to someday see a Chickcharney participant competing in the Olympics.

The event is being held in partnership with Clifton Heritage, with Colina Insurance as the lead sponsor. The cost to participate in the challenge is $70 for adults and $50 for persons under the age of 17. For groups of four or more participants, the cost is $65 per person and groups with participants ages 17 and under, the cost to participate is $45 per person. To register for the Chickcharney Challenge, interested persons are asked to go to the website https://www.chickcharneychirren.com.

The last Chickcharney Challenge was held in Downtown Nassau in July 2019 and was dubbed ‘We Run This City’.

https://thenassauguardian.com/chickcharney-challenge-set-for-saturday/

Hield, Pacers end dreadful losing streak

 Home|Sports|Hield, Pacers end dreadful losing streakSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailJanuary 26, 2023 277 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts as the Pacers took the lead against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. The Pacers defeated the Bulls 116-110. AP

He’s known for his offensive prowess, but Bahamian National Basketball Association (NBA) player Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield came through on the defensive end on Tuesday, recording four steals and three blocked shots in 39 minutes on the floor to help the Indiana Pacers come back from 21 points down to beat the Chicago Bulls, 116-110.

Playing on their home court at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Pacers got a much-needed victory, ending their longest losing streak of the season at seven games. Hield’s blocked shots tied a career-high and both steals and blocks were significantly higher than his season averages of one steal per game and 0.3 blocked shots per game.

The win has the Pacers sporting a 24-25 win/loss record on the season and they sit in ninth in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. As mentioned, the win also snapped a seven-game losing streak for the Pacers.

Pacers starting shooting guard Hield was still productive as his usual self on the offensive side of the ball, finishing with 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting from the field. Four of those five made field goals came from beyond the three-point line. He also had five rebounds and four assists in this matchup.

It was not a pretty beginning for the Pacers as they went down by as many as 21 points in the first half, but it was the 11th time this season they came back from a double-digit deficit. In fact, this was their second time coming back after being down by 20 or more points.

The Bulls got off to a strong start on the offensive side of the ball, jumping out to an 8-0 lead at the start of the game. The Pacers’ T.J. McConnell connected on a layup at the 9:30 mark that stopped that run. Hield’s first made shot of the game, a three-pointer, cut the Bulls’ lead to 18-5 with 7:24 left in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Bulls led 33-21 after leading by as many as 16 points in that quarter.

The Bulls held their largest lead of 21 points at 62-41 on an Ayo Dosunmu made free throw with 1:40 left in the first half. The Bulls completely controlled the first half as the Pacers never led and the Bulls went into the half with a 62-46 lead.

The Pacers played much better in the third quarter as they managed to outscore the Bulls, 34-25. Hield and his team were able to get the deficit down to single digits at the end of the third quarter, 87-80.

The Pacers continued to fight in the final period and got their first lead of the game when McConnell made a layup at the 4:27 mark to give them a 102-100 lead. After the score was tied at 106 with 1:59 left, Hield blocked Zach LaVine’s shot.

After going up 112-110 with 9.2 seconds left, Hield got his fourth and final steal of the night. Aaron Nesmith’s two made free throws put the Pacers up 114-110. Hield calmly sank two insurance free throws with seven seconds remaining in the game.

The Pacers played the back half of a back-to-back against the Orlando Magic last night but the result was unavailable up to press time. Their next chance to step on the court will be against the Milwaukee Bucks on their home court on Friday. That game tips off at 7 p.m.

https://thenassauguardian.com/hield-pacers-end-dreadful-losing-streak/