Home|Sports|Newton re-elected as president of COTECC Sub Region 3Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 26, 2023 26 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

President of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) Perry Newton has been re-elected as president for the COTECC (Confederation of Tennis of Central American and the Caribbean) Sub Region 3 for the 2023-2025 period in Cancun, Mexico.

Newton made history in 2021 when he was first elected to serve as president of the subregion which includes Bermuda, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. He rejoins a nine-member board tasked with leading and serving the region in tennis development over the ensuing years.

Persio Maldonado was also re-elected, serving as COTECC president and will lead the board over the next two years.

During the COTECC Annual General Meeting (AGM), the BLTA received an award for excellence in tennis development in The Bahamas. The Bahamas was the only English-speaking country to receive such a prestigious award. Two other nations, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, also received this noteworthy accolade.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and COTECC reviewed the nominees and The Bahamas was awarded for excellence in events and participation. The key work by the BLTA noted were the hosting of the international Junkanoo Bowl at the BLTA’s National Tennis Centre (NTC), national tournaments throughout the islands, NTC programs and a junior tennis initiative with the “Play Tennis” kids. The Bahamas also participated in six regional events 

organizing and managing eight teams in 2023.

Other honorable mention initiatives were the training courses organized by the BLTA including the ‘Play Tennis’ course for coaches and officiating course for officials, the NTC’s pursuit for ITF recognition and its active participation in the ITF Academy. President Newton expressed his appreciation on receiving the award on behalf of the BLTA.

“There are many who have contributed to the BLTA’s achievement, including those who have gone before to lay a firm foundation. A primary focus during the last three years was to build on the tennis pillars of coaching, junior development and officiating to ensure tennis sustainability,” he said.

President Newton thanked the ITF for the recognition and support over the years, stating that their guidance has been invaluable.

“Thanks to the coaches who have been newly trained and those existing coaches who constantly retool, to the players both young and old who are committed in honing their craft, to the BLTA officials, executives and administrators and the NTC Directors who have served unselfishly, this award is for each and every one of you who volunteer and serve with professionalism and grace,” he said. “My administration has worked very hard to ensure that there are opportunities for all and that there is development at all levels and throughout the islands. It is good that this work has been acknowledged by our international governing body.

“We are encouraged when newly trained officials serve at our national tournaments, new tournaments are hosted in Abaco by the Abaco Tennis Association and there is increased junior participation from Eleuthera (the Eleuthera Tennis Association), Grand Bahama (the Grand Bahama Tennis Association), Abaco, Nassau and throughout The Bahamas. We are further motivated with the increase in certified coaches and more adults and children playing across the entire Bahamas. I thank God who has made our way prosperous and guides our pathway. This award only spurs us on to continue the work and to develop and grow the sport. To God be the glory for great things He hath done.”

ITF President David Haggerty was on hand to present President Newton with the award of excellence along with John Goede, the ITF Development Officer for the Caribbean.

The officers and members of the BLTA congratulates President Newton on his reelection to the board as the president for the COTECC Sub Region 3.

“We know you will represent and serve your country and the region well. We also congratulate the BLTA on receiving such a prestigious global award; this is the first time The Bahamas has received such an accolade. Continue to break barriers, make Bahamian tennis history and set new levels as you strive for excellence with God’s grace,” a statement read.

Newton will serve for the next two years, from 2023-2025.

PLAY ACTION: The Bahamas women’s national soccer team lost 6-1 to Grenada last night in their opening game of the Concacaf Gold Cup at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Photo: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, September 21, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas’ senior women’s national football team went down 6-1 to Grenada in game one of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women’s Road to Gold Cup.

#Team Bahamas got their feet wet for the first time in three decades on home soil at the Thomas A Robinson stadium last night against the away team, who returned to the international level for their second consecutive year.

#The home team’s relatively young club applied strong defensive pressure in the first half but the experience of Grenada trumped them in the second period, leading to their first loss of the competition.

#Ricqea Bain, head coach of the senior women’s national team, talked about the way they played in their first time back on the soccer scene after 30 years.

#“We started the game a little nervous. This is our first international match as a senior team, we began the knock the ball around, [and] knock the nerves off. Unfortunately, the other team was able to secure the match but we were able to score our first international goal,” she said.

#The head coach added that despite the loss the team made some strides in executing passes through the midfield, finishing a goal and are looking not only to score more goals in Grenada but also work on development.

#Team Grenada has been preparing for their second appearance in the Concacaf competition since February and they showcased their experience in the opening game.

#The now 1-0 team was the first to strike in the initial half. Within the first 12 minutes of game one, Grenada’s Nia Thompson launched the ball to the back of the net to connect on her first of two goals in the game.

#Shortly before the culmination of the first half, Demitra Mcclure of Team Bahamas retaliated at the 44:00 segment of the game. She got the step on her defender and darted the ball past Grenada’s goalkeeper Keoana Salandy to follow up a goal scored by Grenada’s forward Roneisha Frank. Mcclure scored the lone goal for the home team and made the score 2-1 going into the break.

#Jake Rennie, head coach of Grenada, talked about the difference in gameplay between the two teams in the first and second half.

#“I think we could have done much better but then again it is our first game in a long time. It was okay we were able to come out 2-1 in the first half and the second half was much better, we changed the pace of the game, moved the ball around a little, got chances we scored and took it away from The Bahamas,” Rennie said.

#Although the coach was happy with the win he felt his team came out a bit flat to start the game, but they picked it up in the second half.

#In the second half, the visiting Group C team scored the majority of their goals toward the tail end of the game.

#Thompson collected her second goal of the game at the 74:00 juncture to push the Grenada lead to 3-1. A mere two minutes later, Brianna Capron was issued a red card for a hard foul to a Grenada player at the 76:00 mark.

#The away team remained unphased and midfielder Malia Ramdhanny got in on the scoring action three minutes later and advanced the score to 4-1. With the clock winding down, Team Bahamas’ chances to score dwindled while Grenada kept the momentum going.

#Game one wrapped up with the latter earning two more goals from midfielder Ronniellia Bubb and forward Abigail Williams in the game’s final moments.

#Despite the tough opening game loss, Team Bahamas will have the chance to redeem themselves in their away match against Grenada 4pm this Sunday, September 24.

#The senior women’s team is playing out of League C and Group C along with Grenada and the US Virgin Islands.

#The group’s winner will advance to play the victor of Group B to determine which lone team will advance to the Gold Cup.

The Bahamas Football Association representative smake a presentation of soccer equipment ot primary school teachers.

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#LATOYA Sturrup has been returned as the president of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association.

#During the elections held on Friday at Claridge Primary where she’s a physical education teacher, Sturrup went in unopposed to serve for the next two years with a board that includes some returning members and new officers.

#And she feels the board will help to push their sporting programme further.

#Elected as the vice president is Naaman Lightbourne of Cleveland Eneas, Shekera Munroe of Ridgeland as secretary, assisted by Michaela Capron of Sadie Curtis, Denise Miller of Carlton E Francis as treasurer assisted by Vanessa Swaby of Sybil Strachan, Francheshka McBridge of Sadie Curtis as public relations of cer, Theodore Neely Gerald Cash as chaplin, assisted by Mariska Thompson of Cleveland Eneas and Vashon Armbrister of Sandilands Primary as sergeant-at-arms.

#Sturrup and her previous administrative team came in just before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

#They had completed basketball but in March all sporting in the country came to a halt.

#During the rest of their tenure, the executives spent time providing breakfast and food items to the community.

#Now that all sporting activities are back in swing, Sturrup said they are getting ready to get back to work as they resume their sporting competition, which should start in October with soccer as they once again collaborate with the Bahamas Football Association.

#“It took a team effort to get us to do the things that we did,” said Sturrup, as she praised those members of the executive team who didn’t seek another term.

#“All the things we did, we did together as a team.”

#With the new executive board, Sturrup said there are a number of physical education teachers who have been teaching for less than ve years, who have stepped forward to get their feet wet in administration.

#“I think we are really going to do more things than what we did the last two years,” she pointed out. “We were in the community giving breakfast and clothing, but what we want to do this year is more clean up campaigns. We just did a clean up campaign last week in the Golden Isles constituency. We worked with the Coastal Clean Up Sturrup said the Campaign. We partnered NPPPSSA will continue to with Blue Lagoon. We did make its present felt as one that last week Saturday on Coral Harbour Beach.”

#Sturrup said the NPPPSSA will continue to make its presence felt as one of the more vibrant sporting bodies in the country.

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

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#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER playing to a draw in the rst half, the Bahamas women’s national soccer team watched as Grenada managed to pull away in the second half for a 4-1 victory to complete a two-game sweep in their home-and-away match in the Concacaf Road to Gold Cup.

#Grenada, coming off a 6-1 win over the Bahamas on Wednesday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, pulled off the clincher yesterday at the Kirani James National Stadium in Grenada behind the hat trick from Nia Thompson.

#Thompson booted in her first goal in the 11th minute before Janeka Edley got the equaliser for the Bahamas in the 42nd minute. Tied at the half, Melonia Fullerton got the insurance goal in the 47th minute before Thompson delighted the home crowd with her final two goals in the 55th and 72nd minutes to seal the deal.

#With just about four months to prepare Team Bahamas, head coach Ricqea Bain said the losses are all a part of their growing process.

#“We were able to secure a tie in the first half. We came out strong and we were able to leave the half at 1-1,” said Bain after the game. “We were able to cut down the scoring deficit a bit.”

#Looking at the performances of the two games played, the first for the Bahamas women’s national team at the international level in about three decades, Bain said she liked what she saw and is confident that there’s a bright future for Team Bahamas.

#“We’re a young team. We had some downfalls and we had some great moments that we can build on. We just need to continue to build as a team.”

#From their performances, Bain said the turn for success is not too far away.

#“We know that with hard work and dedication, we can compete and we will be able to secure a win soon,” she stated.

#As the team prepares to come home and go back to the drawing board, Bain said they will take a few days off before they start preparing for their next match against the US Virgin Islands in St Croix on October 29.

#Team Bahamas is lined up in League C and Group C with just two other teams, Grenada and US Virgin Islands. While Grenada was successful in their two matches against Team Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands have their work cut out, facing both Grenada and Team Bahamas.

#Only the top team in each group will advance in the Gold Cup round of competition.

#“We have a short amount of time once again before we play again, but we look to go there and hopefully secure our first win,” Bain stated. “We just have to continue pushing and put in the work to get ready for that match.”

#The difficulty for Bain and the coaching staff assembled by the Bahamas Football Association is not sure who will be available as the collegiates could be playing in their conference and national championships at the same time in the United States.

#“We will reach out to everyone and see who is available, but we won’t know until we get closer to the match because of the commitments to school for some of our players,” Bain said.

#“But we are confident that we will be able to field a team that will be very competitive with the goal of winning our first match.”

#The tram is due to leave Grenada today en route to the US where players heading to school will make their way to their various destinations, while everybody else will return home.

#“We want to thank everyone for their support,” Bain said. “We want them to continue to support us as we grow and continue our journey.”

The late Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

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#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#KNOWN as the consummate public relations officer who eventually excelled to the top of World Athletics as the first Bahamian councilman, Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson was remembered for his tireless efforts to promote the sport of track and field locally and internationally.

#In a shocking development on the national scale, Finlayson passed away on Friday, 15 days after the death of his wife Dawn and one day before she was funeralised. The Finlaysons – Alpheus, 76, and Dawn, 71, were like a true love story as they were almost inseparable.

#Called the “Insurance Man,” who enjoyed a long employment with Imperial Life Assurance, advancing to the industry’s prestigious Million Dollar Round Table in 1982 and four other consecutive times, making him a Life Member, Finlayson also served at one time as vice president of the Life Underwriters Association of The Bahamas.

#Ali Culmer, a Hall of Fame softball coach who spent about 40 years working with Alpheus Finlayson, said they crossed paths as youngsters growing up in the Valley and they both went to Eastern Junior High School, even though he’s older by about four years with his 80th birthday coming up in November.

#“We always played together growing up, but of course he ventured into track and field and I went into softball,” said Culmer, known as the skipper of the Colina Crows, one of the most dominant women’s softball teams in the New Providence Softball Association.

#“We were friends for many years and we were always friends. He was somebody to look up to and he was admired and loved by everybody around him. I never really saw Hawk get mad. He might have been, but he never expressed it. He also had a smile and some words of encouragement for everyone he came in contact with.”

#Through their work ethic after a merger between Imperial Life and Colina Insurance, Culmer said he, Finlayson, Bernard Hanna and the late Bruce Hanna were placed on the Wall of Fame inside Colina in 2005 for 30 years of dedicated service to the company.

#Bernard Hanna, another close collegiate at Imperial Life, was unavailable for comments.

#In a tribute, his younger brother, “Master Motivator” Spence Finlayson referred to Hawk as a big brother in every sense of the word.

#“He was a caring, passionate big brother, a real true big brother in every sense of the word, who looked out for me every step of the way,” said Spence Finlayson, who relayed some of those sentiments at the funeral service of Dawn Finlayson at St George’s Anglican Church on Saturday.

#“I’ve been blessed as the last child to have big brothers and a sister who looked after me, checking up on me periodically to see how I was doing. They would call on the lil brother just to see if I was doing alright. And they led by example.”

#He didn’t get the opportunity to go off to college like everybody else because he chose to stay home to take care of his mother, who had suffered a stroke while their father passed away one year after he graduated from St Augustine’s College.

#“When you look after your parents, especially your mother, God will always look after you and he blessed me with a gift that keeps on giving right up to this day,” said Spence Finlayson, who now hosts a popular weekly morning show on ZNS Radio and television.

#As a prolific writer coming out of SAC in 1966 where he was the co-editor of the “Beacon” year book with Kin Wah Ng, Hawk went on to scribe his own weekly columns on “Track World” from 1980 to 1986 in The Tribune and producing his “Best Seller”, “From Vancouver to Athens: Finlayson Fifty Years of Bahamian International Track & Field Competition”.

#Additionally, his voice was echoed over the airwaves through his television show on ZNS called “Track World with Alpheus Finlayson” that eventually moved to Guardian Radio 96.9 FM since 2013 as he recalled the performances he watched from attending every IAAF World Championships, from Helsinki in 1983 to London in 2017 before the name was changed to World Athletics.

#Nicknamed “Hawk” for the manner in which he glided through the air as he competed in the triple jump, Alpheus Finlayson broke many barriers, serving as co-captain of the St John’s University track team, president of the Pioneer’s Sporting Club, and of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association from 1989 to 1997.

#He was elected vice president of the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation as well as vice president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Area Athletic Association.

#It was during Finlayson’s administration of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association in 1992 that the first Bahamian Olympic medalintrackand eldwas won, and in 1995 and 1997 the rst three World Cham- pionship medals were won.

#Spence Finlayson said many of Hawk’s accomplishments inspired him to be the man that he is today.

#“All of the brothers triple jump and it was because of him,” said Spence Finlayson, who followed in his big brother’s footsteps at St Augustine’s College, while his deceased brothers Roosevelt competed for Government High and Iowa State University and Joey at St John’s College.

#“He was doing so many things from way back. I joined the Pioneers Sporting Track Club when he was president and he would take us to track meets in the US.

#He came up with a novel idea of raising funds with a run-a-thon instead of a walk-a-thon.

#“We went foreign where he rented cars out of Miami and drove us to Tennessee and Atlanta to compete 30-50 years ago.”

#North American, Central American and Caribbean president Mike Sands, who was encouraged to get into the administration of track and field after his competitive days, firstly as the athletes’ representative, said Hawk Finlayson was considered his mentor as he moved into the public relations office and then the presidency of the BAAA.

#“It’s a very, very sad day for track and field, not just in the Bahamas, but globally. Alpheus was a fixture. He was not just Alpheus. He was known as Mr Track and Field worldwide,” Sands pointed out.

#“He was known throughout the entire world for his passion, his dedication, his commitment and his love or the sport.

#“He will be sorely missed. On my behalf, I relied on him. It was because of him that I am still involved in the sport. He was my friend, my confidante, my mentor, so I relied very heavily on him, to be guided by him, along with the late Dr Bernard Nottage. So it’s a very sad moment for me and the sport in general.”

#As a pioneer and visionary leader, Hawk Finlayson agitated for the athletes’ subvention (from the Bahamas government) and he agitated for the continued progress of the sport as he moved track and field to another level.

#“He had a vision where he wanted the sport and the athletes to go and I think he was able to achieve some of those goals,” said Sands of Hawk Finlayson, who gave his life to the sport and should have some type of monument erected in his memory.

#Under the leadership of Dr Nottage and through the assistance of Hawk Finlayson and Sands, the National High School Track and Field gave birth in the 1980s and is now one of the premier sporting events hosted by the BAAA outside of the National Championships.

#Current BAAA president Drumeco Archer said Hawk Finlayson was not just a name, he was a global icon and a household name.

#“His unwavering dedication to the world of sports knew no bounds. He was a walking encyclopedia of statistics, effortlessly recalling details that left the rest of us in awe,” he said. “His knowledge of the sport was unmatched, and he had an unparalleled ability to remember even the smallest of details, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

#“Hawk’s departure is a poignant reminder that the archive of his brilliant mind is now gone, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of sports history. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the sporting world, he was a brother to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine warmth and unwavering support for others made him a true family man, extending his love and kindness to the far reaches of the globe.”

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was saddened by the news of the passing of Hawk Finlayson, a sporting icon and giant.

#“When it comes to sporting legends, Hawk, as he was affectionately called, name was like a guiding star. His passion for sports, especially track and field, was shared in many arenas – locally and internationally,” Bowleg said. “The depth of his knowledge, his constant encouragement and passion for sports will be missed.”

#Bowleg expressed his gratitude on behalf of a grateful nation, extending condolences to the Finlayson family, especially on the passing of his wife as well, to the friends and many loved ones and to the track and field families, both near and far.

#On a personal note, I travelled with Hawk Finlayson and historian Stanley Mitchell to a number of international track and field competitions and it was always a pleasure to see how respected he was among his peers from around the world.

#There was hardly a conversation had inside the Main Press Center, or MPC as we called our office away from the Bahamas, that some reference wasn’t made to or about Hawk Finlayson when it came down to the work that he did behind the scenes.

#Known as a “Valley Boy,” who also attended Eastern Junior High School, Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson, nee Rolle, produced one daughter, Alexis Hanna, three granddaughters, Shandia Finlayson, Ebony Howell and Selah Hanna, two grandsons Nassir and Sadiq Hanna, and two great-granddaughters, Kiyah Major and Eva Howell.

Terrion Kemp and Ivanique Kemp

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

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#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation will return from the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, with one professional card and a number of medals of all three colours.

#In his second appearance in the championships over the weekend at the Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino, Terrion Kemp led the way by snatching the gold in the men’s physique where he earned his pro card, while he also captured a gold in the men’s junior physique.

#Former 100 metre hurdler Ivanique Kemp, who competed in the CAC Championships in athletics, made her debut on stage with a gold in the women’s wellness. Derica Thompson came out with the bronze and Andrecka Dames was fourth.

#Also, Briceston Anderson picked up a pair of silver in the men’s fitness and physique, both Judah Forbes and Ricardo Gibson were fifth in the men’s physique and assistant coach Jason Johnson, as a pro competitor, displayed his strength in the men’s fitness challenge where he placed fifth.

#On Sunday as the championship came to a close, the bodybuilding competition took place with veteran Stephen Robinson strutting to fourth in the men’s middleweight category after he got fifth in the men’s masters over 50 category.

#As the championships came to a close, Grand Bahamian Orick Nesbitt also finished fourth in the men’s heavyweight to add to his sixth place earlier in the day in the men’s masters under 50 category heavyweight.

#Team Bahamas finished with a pro card, four gold, three silver, two bronze and eight additional top six medal finishes in their tally of 17 in total for seventh place overall with 125 points. Costa Rica took the team title with 238, followed by Aruba with 194 and Mexico in third with 155.

#For Terrion Kemp, it was a different road to get to the championships as he didn’t compete in the federation’s nationals where the team was selected based on their performances. Instead, he paid for his trip and it certainly worked out well in his favour.

#“You might think you are too young or you are not ready. In my head, I was that way too,” said the 22-year-old Kemp.

#“Just do it. You can only do it and see the results and then work on it from there. I won the juniors, the men’s physique and I got my pro card. I can’t ask for (anything) more.”

#As a relatively newcomer to the sport, Kemp commended those persons who assisted him in getting to the championships in Aruba as a part of Team Bahamas. “It was tough me going to the gym in the morning, going to work and going to the gym in the evenings. It was tough mentally,” said Kemp, who works at Baha Mar.

#“But it was worth it for sure.”

#It was a surreal moment for Kemp as he heard the national anthem played as he was awarded his hard- ware during the ceremony.

#The 32-year-old Ivanique Kemp, a three-time Bahamas national 100m hurdles champion in 2010, 2012 and 2016 who also ran on the Bahamas women’s 4 x 200m relay team at the NACAC Championships in Irapuato, Mexico, got her gold in the women’s wellness category.

#“Overall it was a beautiful experience. I had a lot of fun,” said Kemp, who is employed at Ports Inter- national. “This was not my rst CAC event, but my first for bodybuilding. These beautiful ladies were awesome. The judges were pretty straight. They let you know what you need to work on moving forward.”

#The team, managed by Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean, is scheduled to return home on Tuesday on different flights at 11.45am and 3.20pm. Federation president Joel Stubbs is also in Aruba with the team, heading the delegation that participated in the congress and judges’ seminar.

Alpheus Finlayson

As of Saturday, September 23, 2023

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#Veteran sports advocate, broadcaster and former BAAA president Alpheus Finlayson has died, aged 76, just weeks after the death of his wife, Dawn.

#Born in Nassau in 1947, he studied alongside school colleagues such as Leslie Miller and Malcolm Adderley. Finlayson ran track and field and went on to attend St Augustine’s College where he continued to nurture his pasion for running – taking up the nickname Hawk when he had to put a name on his running shirt as a young man, a name he would be known by throughout his life.

#As an advocate for running, he served as co-captain of the St John’s University Track Team, President of the Pioneer’s Sporting Club, and of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association from 1989 to 1997. He was also elected Vice President of the Central American Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation as well as Vice President of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Area Athletic Associations.

#In 1992, he was president of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association (BAAA) when triple jumper Frank Rutherford won bronze in the Barcelona Olympics, the first track and field medal for The Bahamas.

#Alpheus also presided over the organisation in 1995 and 1997 when the first three World Championship medals were won.

#Alpheus made history when he became the first Bahamian elected to the 27-member Council of the IAAF, the World governing body of track & field. He is a National Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

#His book From Vancouver to Athens: Finlayson Fifty Years of Bahamian International Track & Field Competition is a best-seller. Alpheus has also authored weekly columns on “Track World” from 1980 to 1986 in The Tribune. He produced a television show on ZNS called Track World with Alpheus Finlayson and has written international newsletters with the same name. He also hosted the weekly radio show Track World with Alpheus Finlayson on Guardian Radio 96.9 FM.

#He also worked as a financial services representative for Colina Insurance.

#A host of tributes have been paid online by those who knew him, worked with him, or were part of his church community at St George’s Anglican Church.

#His wife, Dawn, died recently and her funeral was due to take place on Saturday morning at 10am.

 Home|Sports|‘Hawk’ Finlayson passes awaySports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 110 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Noted track and field historian Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson has passed, succumbing at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) at the age of 76 on Friday.

Finlayson, a former president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) and former council member of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, will go down as one of the more respected persons in the history of track and field in The Bahamas.

In addition to his administrative duties, he is a former athlete and coach, author and talk show host, bringing The Bahamas and the world closer to track and field.

His passing comes just two weeks after the passing of his wife Dawn, and a day before her burial.

Finlayson was one of the longest-serving presidents of the BAAA, serving from 1989 to 1997. He served during a time when The Bahamas won its first Olympic medal in track and field – bronze from Frank Rutherford in the men’s triple jump in 1992; and first world outdoor championships medal – bronze in the women’s 100 meters (m) from Savatheda Fynes in 1995.

He is also a former vice president of the North, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC). Current NACAC President Mike Sands said it’s because of Finlayson’s breakthrough in sports administration why he was able to ascend to greater heights regionally and globally.

“Hawk was able to show that we have great administrators, sitting on the IAAF Council, now World Athletics. That is no small feat when one considers the extensive campaigning that would have done, moving all over the world. There are 200-plus countries under World Athletics, and whereas he might now have been able to visit all of them, he traveled to quite a number of them and that is what made him so successful. He is well known and well loved. He had that personal touch and that was the strength,” said Sands.

Finlayson made history, becoming the first Bahamian to be elected to the IAAF Council, and is the only Bahamian to attend every world outdoor championships from 1983 in Helsinki, Finland, to 2017 in London, England.

“I’m really saddened by this loss, and many others are saddened, not just locally but regionally and globally as well,” said Sands. “Hawk singularly put The Bahamas on the world stage from a sports administrative perspective. He is the first Bahamian to sit on the council of World Athletics, and so he carried the flag around the world with pride and his trademark hat. You knew him by his trademark hat. He wore it everywhere. He is well loved and well respected by the track and field community worldwide. He will be truly missed. Personally, as a friend and from a perspective of being an advisor and mentor to myself, I cherish the many years we shared together. I appreciate the sound advice he gave me. It’s a great personal loss for me and for many others as well and I extend deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

BAAA President Drumeco Archer also offered words of condolence over the weekend.

“The loss of such an iconic figure in the world of sports and a beloved family man is an irreplaceable void in our hearts and the global community,” said Archer. “Hawk Finlayson was not just a name, he was a global icon and a household name. His unwavering dedication to the world of sports knew no bounds. He was a walking encyclopedia of statistics, effortlessly recalling details that left the rest of us in awe. His knowledge of the sport was unmatched, and he had an unparalleled ability to remember even the smallest of details, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

“His departure is a poignant reminder that the archive of his brilliant mind is now gone, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of sports history. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the sporting world, he was a brother to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine warmth and unwavering support for others made him a true family man, extending his love and kindness to the far reaches of the globe.

“The world knew Hawk Finlayson as a man of his word. When he said he supported you, he meant it wholeheartedly. His support was not just a casual gesture; it was a testament to his character, reflecting his commitment to uplifting others in the pursuit of their dreams.”

As a writer, Finlayson’s prized possession was his book ‘From Vancouver to Athens – 50 Years of Bahamian International Track and Field Competition’.

For 10 years, from 2013 to 2023, he hosted his own radio show ‘Track World with Alpheus Finlayson’ on Guardian Radio 96.9FM – the only weekly radio show dedicated solely to track and field in The Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

“Beyond his contributions to the sports world, Hawk was a prolific writer and talk show host, sharing his wisdom and insights with audiences around the world. His words resonated deeply with all who had the privilege of listening to him, leaving a lasting impact that will be cherished for generations to come,” said Archer.

“In this time of immense sorrow, we can find solace in knowing that Hawk Finlayson’s love of family was indeed a true love story. As we mourn the loss of Hawk Finlayson, may you find strength in the love and support of family and friends who share in your grief. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives he touched, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts.”

For his work in athletics, Finlayson was inducted into The Bahamas’ National Sports Hall of Fame.

Finlayson is survived by his daughter Alexis, son-in-law Khalil, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The Nassau Guardian offers deepest condolences to the family and friends of Finlayson.

 Home|Sports|Jones, Liberty drop opening game to the SunSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 28 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones and the New York Liberty have pretty much handled Jones’ old team, the Connecticut Sun, all year, but they got a rude awakening yesterday.

The playoffs is a different kettle of fish, and the Sun is the team that made all the plays when they needed to yesterday while the regular season record-setting Liberty folded. The Liberty, which won a franchise record 32 games in the regular season, couldn’t handle the pressure yesterday. They fell convincingly, 78-63, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, dropping the opening game of their Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) best-of-five semifinal series.

With the win, the Sun have certainly pulled off one of the most shocking results of the playoffs thus far, particularly after dropping all four of their regular season games to Jones and the Liberty. The Liberty are the second seeded team in the playoffs while the Sun are third.

Jones had a respectable game with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, but as a team, the Liberty struggled offensively, particularly in the fourth quarter. They also couldn’t put a lid on DeWanna Bonner when they needed to.

The Sun played suffocating defense when they needed to as the Liberty shot just 3-for-22 from the floor in the fourth quarter, scoring just eight points. In the second half, the Liberty were a woeful 8-for-37 from the field. Credit must be given to the Sun’s defense which held the Liberty to a season-low 63 points.

Bonner led the way with 20 points for the Sun, and added seven rebounds and three assists. Rebecca Allen, who was traded from the Liberty to the Sun as part of the Jones’ deal, shot 7-for-9 from the floor, including going 4-for-6 from distance. She had 18 points and seven rebounds. Tiffany Hayes and Natisha Hiedeman dropped in 12 points apiece for the Sun.

Breanna Stewart had 19 points for the Liberty, but shot just 7-for-25 from the field and was 0-for-8 from deep. Jones dropped in 14 on 5-for-8 shooting and Sabrina Ionescu added 12 on 4-for-14 shooting, all four coming from three-point land.

Jones 14 points and 11 rebounds was the 15th time that she’s had a double-double this season but the first time the Liberty lost in one of those efforts.

The Liberty trailed 25-21 after the first quarter but surged ahead 40-37 at the half. The Sun scored the first nine points of the third quarter and never looked back. They went on a 16-2 scoring run to open the third and led 65-55 at the end of three. Bonner scored the first five points of the fourth to put the Sun up 70-55. They were ahead by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter, coasting to the easy win.

The two teams will play each other in Brooklyn again on Tuesday, before the series shifts to Uncasville, Connecticut.

The Sun are aiming to get back to the finals for a second straight year. They lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games last year.

After her much proclaimed trade to the Liberty in the offseason, Jones is trying to lead her new team to their first WNBA Finals appearance since the early 2000s. Neither team has won a WNBA title.

 Home|Sports|The Bahamas wins nine medals, including four gold, at CACsSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 25, 2023 346 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas proved once again that it has a mighty sports presence in the region, winning nine medals at the Golden Anniversary 50th International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness’ (IFBB) Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, over the weekend.

The championships wrapped up at the Aruba Marriott Resort on Sunday, with The Bahamas winning nine total medals – four gold, three silver and two bronze. There were eight additional top six finishers.

Terrion Kemp secured a pro card in men’s overall physique, and won three of the four gold medals for The Bahamas.

In the overall points standings, The Bahamas’ 10-member team finished seventh with 125 total points. Costa Rica won with 238 points, host nation Aruba was second with 194 total points and Mexico rounded out the top three nations with 155 total points.

Kemp won three gold medals for the country, taking the top spots in junior men’s physique, open men’s physique and overall men’s physique. Another Kemp, Ivanique Kemp, won the other gold medal for The Bahamas, finishing first in women’s wellness Class D.

Briceton Anderson won two silver medals for The Bahamas, finishing second in men’s fitness and men’s physique Class B. Dorcas Cox won a silver medal in women’s body fitness masters (figure). She was also fifth in open women’s body fitness.

Judah Forbes won a bronze medal in men’s physique Class D and Denica Thompson brought home the other bronze medal for the country, finishing third in women’s wellness Class B.

In men’s bodybuilding, National Champion Godfrey Robinson finished fourth in the middleweight division and Orick Nesbitt was fourth in the heavyweight division. Robinson also had a fifth place in the masters category (over 50). Nesbitt was sixth in that same category.

Andrecka Dames finished fifth in women’s wellness Class B and Ricardo Gibson was fifth in men’s physique Class C. Jason Johnson finished fifth in the men’s fitness challenge.

A total of 150 athletes from 21 countries took part in the four-day event over the weekend in Aruba.

The Bahamas did not compete at the CAC Championships in Bridgetown, Barbados, last year. In 2021, an eight-member team from The Bahamas returned home from the CAC Championships with eight medals – two gold, three silver and three bronze.