As of Friday, December 8, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE St Francis and Joseph Shockers had to make room for yet another championship trophy after the girls closed out their series against the Xavier’s Lower School Giants 2-1 in game three of the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships.

#With the stakes high for both teams, the Shockers emerged with a narrow 13-10 victory yesterday at Loyola Hall. The girls joined the boys, who won their title on Wednesday in sweeping fashion, in celebration of the Shockers going two for two in both divisions.

#Nkomo Ferguson, head coach of the Shockers, talked about how it felt to double up the title wins in his first season as the coach.

#“It feels really good again like the first time, today the girls really put their foot down. The first three quarters we dominated but in the last quarter one of our better players fouled out and then we had to regroup which put us in a slump for about three minutes of running time. They were then able to come back and almost tied the game.”

#The Shockers girls’ team were reeling following their first loss of the basketball season at the hands of the Giants on Wednesday. Despite the gut-wrenching loss, the team used the defeat to fuel their fire in game three yesterday.

#The newest champions were the first to jump ahead on the scoreboard to lead 6-3 at the 2:36 mark in the second period. They advanced by another two points and closed out the halftime break 8-3.

#The victors ran out by as much as nine points but the Giants maintained a “never say die” mentality and mounted a major comeback in the fourth quarter. With the scoreboard at 13-4, the Giants poured in two consecutives baskets to draw within five (13-8).

#The team continued to chip away at the lead and got a final chance to tie the score at 13 to force an overtime period.

#However, a last-minute heave from behind the arc by the Giants rimmed out and the Shockers flooded the court to revel in championship glory.

#“Wednesday night was a real reality check for them because they did not lose any games yet and they felt that sting.

#“Today in school they practiced by themselves during lunch time to get ready for the game,” the head coach said.

#Grace Smith was one of the players who took the loss to heart on Wednesday night.

#However, in the win-or-go-home contest, Smith powered her way to a game-high eight points which translated to not only championship Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours but also the league’s MVP award.

#“It feels great. I had to work for this. I was not this good when I was on the team last year in grade four but I trained all through the summer and now I am here.

#“It feels amazing to have three trophies and to celebrate with some of the most important people to me,” the MVP said.

#Among the other trophy earners was Giants head coach Raygail Smith, who claimed the coach’s award.

#Despite coming up short in the final game, her Giants team fought tooth and nail until the final buzzer sounded at the Loyola Hall.

#The 2023 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships wrapped up with the Shockers hoisting both trophies to conclude a successful basketball season.

As of Friday, December 8, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#FOR the tremendous work he has done over the years, veteran women’s basketball coach Terrence “Red Eye” McSweeney was honoured by The Hope Center during their men’s service on Sunday.

#McSweeney, who attended the church service with his family members and some of the female basketball players whom he mentored over the years in his Diamond Basketball development programme, said he was grateful for the gesture.

#“It was a really humbling experience for me on Sunday,” McSweeney stated. Once he accepted the honour, McSweeney said he immediately contacted some of the girls whom he’s still affiliated with to come out.

#He said he was just as thrilled with their support as he was receiving the plaque, which read: The Hope Center honours Terrence ‘Red Eye’ McSweeney for relentless quest in mentoring our youth, Sunday, December 3rd, 2023.

#“I had some surprises from people who came in, especially from Jordan Prince Williams, whom I worked with to win the BAISS senior girls’ title in 2016/2017, the first ever in the history of the school for senior girls,” McSweeney said.

#“That same team in that same year went to Grand Bahama and we won the third annual National High School tournament. So I had girls who came in, not only from the Falcons, but also from St John’s and Queen’s College and Temple Christian.”

#Apostle Dr Carlos Ried, the senior pastor of the Hope, said McSweeney was honoured for his longevity in coaching women’s basketball and for the lives he’s helped to transform.

#“The Hope Center thought it fit to honour him and give him his flowers while he’s still living and for the impact that he has made to the development of the nation’s youth,” Dr Reid stated.

#The recognition is a continued commitment by The Hope Center to honour some of the trailblazers who have worked among the young people in the country.

#McSweeney, a long-time coach, started the Diamond Basketball development programme in 1995. It’s named after his daughter, Tamara McSweeney, nicknamed ‘Diamond.’

#While his daughter alluded to the fact that her father got started coaching when she was in primary school at Temple Christian Academy, McSweeney admitted that ever since, he developed a passion for the sport and has helped countless young women throughout the years.

#Both Tamara McSweeney and Charisma Lightbourne, who were among the first set of girls that McSweeney coached, spoke highly about his commitment and dedication to their development.

#While the programme is currently on a break, McSweeney noted that he intends to resume the practice sessions in January at The Hope Center, thanks to the tremendous support he’s received from Dr Reid.

#Through the programme, McSweeney said he’s proud to note that at least three Bahamian female players are now playing division one collegiate basketball in Rhema Collins at Ole Miss, Tanika Lightbourne at Dayton University in Ohio and Vernique Charlton at the University of Alabama. “There are a lot others, but I mentioned these because they are in their freshman year and are starting for their respective universities, except for Rhema, who is currently being red-shirted because of an injury,” McSweeney said.

#“So when you look at what happened on Saturday and Sunday with the programme, we give God all the honour and praise,” McSweeney stated.

#“In receiving the award from Dr Reid, I continue to serve my strength and method from God, who is the head of my life.”

#McSweeney acknowledged that while he’s not a member of The Hope Center, he has assisted the church through his involvement with his programme on the basketball court.

#“He knows that I was able to continue to mentor and develop the girls and to encourage, challenge, influence and inspire them, not only for basketball in the future, but first and foremost, to be the best in the classroom.

#“I always preach the sermon that once you have knowledge, nobody can take knowledge away from you. As an athlete, you can easily shorten your career or the changes of going forward if you get an injury. But education is a continuous process as long as you live.”

#The Diamond Basketball programme, McSweeney summed up, is geared to ensuring that the girls continue to excel on the court and in the classroom so that they can become better citizens of the Bahamas.

As of Friday, December 8, 2023

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YOUNG, aspiring baseball/softball stars participate in the one day kids’ clinic at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium on Wednesday. Photo: Dante Carrer

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Don’t Blink week of festivities included the successful hosting of a baseball and softball kids clinic held at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium for the first time on Wednesday.

#The one-day clinic saw the collaboration between Don’t Blink and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) Players Way to bring out over 200 participants who learned the fundamentals of both sports from top baseball players.

#Among the Bahamian professional players assisting with the kids’ clinic included shortstop Ryan Reckley. For Reckley, it was his second time helping with the kids and for him it was a joyous moment. “It was great seeing the excitement on the children’s faces. I was just like these kids growing up looking up to players Fox and Isaacs and saying I want to play baseball growing up. Seeing guys playing professionally gives the kids motivation. I saw the excitement on the kids’ faces and it got even bigger. The sport in The Bahamas is getting bigger,” he said.

#One of the next generation of players in attendance at the camp included 16-year-old Davaughn Alexis. He got the opportunity to engage in some fielding, hitting and running bases on Wednesday.

#“I had a lot of fun today. It is great to see Bahamians coming back and doing the camp. The sport is not that famous right now so to have these guys here is awesome,” Alexis said.

#In his fifth appearance at the camp, Will Benson, outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, was impressed with not only the skill level of participants but the progression of the event over the years.

#“It is cool to see how much it has grown from when I first started to do the event. It has gotten better and the skill level of the children has gotten better which was cool to see,” Benson said.

#As for the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby event on Saturday, Team Bahamas is ready to take on Team World at Fort Montagu Beach for the sixth hosting of the baseball showdown. In previous years, team competition was between Team Isaacs and Team Fox, who are tied 2-2 in the event.

#With a potential home turf advantage, Bahamian shortstop and co-founder of the event Lucius Fox said the home team is ready for Saturday’s face off.

#“We have a strong and young team full of talent that are excited to take on the challenge. I have seen these guys workout. Yesterday, I came to the stadium and they were putting in the work. I have seen over social media that they are hitting the gym hard, hitting the cage and going to the field.

#“I am just waiting to see that show up on Saturday. I know that they are super excited and will keep the crown here in The Bahamas,” Fox said.

#Team Bahamas includes Cherif Neymour (Miami Marlins), defending champion BJ Murray (Chicago Cubs), Sebas Walcott (Texas Rangers), D’Shawn Knowles (Los Angeles Angels), Paris Johnson (Los Angeles Dodgers), Toby Simmons (Miami Marlins), Adari Grant (St Louis Cardinals) and Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates).

#Benson said Team World will be in top form on Saturday.

#“I am expecting a lot of home runs, that is for sure. I do not know how the draft process went but looking at that lineup I am expecting for us to win,” he said.

#Team World will feature Benson, James Wood (Washington Nationals), Josh Palacios (Pittsburgh Pirates), Richie Palacios (St Louis Cardinals), Akil Badoo (Detroit Tigers), Lawrence Butler (Oakland Athletics), Nick Gordon (Minnesota Twins), Lewis Brinson (Yomiuri Giants), Brennen Davis (Chicago Cubs), and Termarr Johnson (Pittsburgh Pirates).

As of Friday, December 8, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#Most of us just give up on nutrition during this season but as we approach every Bahamian’s favourite time of year, let’s circle back to our discussions on nutrition and, specifically, why your favourite New Year’s resolution was unsuccessful this year…again.

#Embarking on the journey to shed those stubborn pounds can sometimes feel like navigating a complex maze.

#However fear ye not, for behold I bring you tidings of great nutrition as we unveil the science behind the most common stumbling blocks on the road to weight loss.

#So before we eat that Johnny cake (and guava duff and potato bread and coconut Jimmy), let’s explore these weighty matters and offer guidance to help you triumph over the scale this season.

#Snacking on Sneaky Calories: The Munching Minefield

#Snacking can be a dieter’s labyrinth, filled with hidden calories. Scientific studies, such as those in the Journal of Nutrition, reveal the tendency to underestimate the caloric content of snacks. Those innocent nibbles throughout the day might be adding up more than you think. Our recommendation? Snack smart by opting for nutrient-dense options like fruits and veggies, and keep a watchful eye on portion sizes.

#The Sedentary Saga: Breaking Up with the Couch

#Your couch might be a cozy companion, but it can also be a silent saboteur of weight loss. Research, including studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, underscores the impact of sedentary behaviour on weight gain. Our advice? Break up with your couch at regular intervals. Sneak in a dance party, take a stroll during conference calls, or simply engage in spontaneous bursts of activity. At least stand during commercials. Your metabolism will thank you.

#Liquid Calories: The Sip-and-See Culprit

#Those seemingly innocent and not so innocent beverages might be masking a sugary secret. Scientific literature, including findings in the British Medical Journal, exposes the impact of liquid calories on weight gain. From sodas to egg nogg and specialty coffees, these sippable calories can add up swiftly.

#Our suggestion? Drink wisely by opting for water, herbal teas, or black coffee. Save the sugary sips for special occasions like family dinners and your office Christmas party (just your office party now, not every party you crash this season, ok?).

#Sleep Struggles: The Nighttime Weighty Woes

#Lack of sleep isn’t just a challenge for your energy levels; it’s also a foe to weight loss. Studies in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlight the correlation between insufficient sleep and weight gain.

#Our light-hearted advice? Make your bed a weight-loss haven. Prioritise quality sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Junkanoo will be a challenge of course.

#Get enough rest in the days leading up to the parade, especially if you are participating. Getting sleep afterwards isn’t usually a problem but if it is, be sure to plan your schedule ahead of time.

#Stressful Snacking: The Emotional Eating Rollercoaster

#Stress might have you reaching for that bag of chips, but science suggests there’s a weighty consequence.

#Research in the International Journal of Obesity reveals the link between stress and overeating. Our solution? Find stress-busting activities that don’t involve food. Whether it’s a mindfulness session, a creative outlet, or a brisk walk, discover your non-edible stress allies.

#Conclusion: Navigating Weight Loss This Christmas

#Embarking on the weight loss journey doesn’t have to be a solemn affair. By facing our struggles and understanding the scientific nuances behind them, we can navigate this path with a smile.

#So, embrace the season, heed the science, and let’s turn these common weight loss challenges into mere stepping stones on your journey to a healthier you next year.

#• Dr Kent Bazard is a Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

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The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team went into their Bahamas Football Association’s (BFA) match against the Western Warriors looking for a win and a shot to move up the standings. In a very defensive match, the Mingoes and Warriors had to settle for a 1-1 tie at Roscoe A.L. Davies Soccer Field.

Peter Julmis scored the lone goal for the Mingoes.

In the first half against the Warriors, the Mingoes had several missed opportunities. At about the 28th minute mark, a very close shot on goal seemed to linger around the goal line but was not scored. Mingoes’ captain Marlon Barnes also had a penalty kick outside of the box but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net in the 37the minute. The half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Mingoes’ midfielder Peter Julmis retrieved the ball on a long pass from Junior Kelly in the 46th minute and controlled it deep in the box. Julmis fired a shot through the legs of Warriors’ goalkeeper Tahjae Sharpe for a goal.

“I guess my striker’s instinct just kicked in,” he said. “I saw the pass in the air and I went for it and it was a 50-50. I won the ball and I just wanted to get a shot on target. I got that and luckily it went through the keeper’s legs and I scored a goal.”

The Warriors would answer back with a goal of their own in the 51st minute to tie the match at 1-1.

The Mingoes had a total of three shots on goal for the afternoon compared to 10 shots on goal for the Warriors. Mingoes’ goalie Antonio Beckford had three saves.

Both sides had several opportunities to score but the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

“It was a disappointing result,” said Mingoes’ Head Coach Alex Thompson. “We had our chances to win today but we just didn’t finish well. We had six players coming off of the flu and I believe that played a role in our up and down energy levels today.”

Julmis agreed. “I think the boys know that between us and the Western Warriors, we are the best teams in the league,” he said. “Going against any opponent we look forward to getting all three points for a win. Unfortunately, tonight, we were not able to get all three. It was a great opponent but I guess it was just the boys not coming out to practices – myself included – that caused us. We just need to go back to the training ground, go to practice and follow coach’s plan.”

In the overall standings, a team is awarded three points for a win and one point for a draw.

The Mingoes are scheduled to play Inter FC-17 (1-2-1) at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Roscoe A.L. Davies Field.

• Simba French
• 14 hrs ago
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Several champions were crowned at the 40th J.C Sweeting Table Tennis Tournament that wrapped up on Saturday at L.W. Young Junior High School. It was the final table tennis tournament of the year for The Bahamas Table Tennis Academy.

Champions were crowned in the under-11, under-13, under-15, under-18, open and senior divisions.

competitive tournament as the competition year ended.

“The players came with one goal in mind and that was to win. My favorite division was under-15 because that’s the category where most of the kids are and it was exciting to watch,” Khalfani said.https://de95694526f12e3b198920a8c9f569f9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The under-18 division needed four sets to determine a winner as Mosiah Bain and Samuel Corbin battled. In the end, it was Bain who prevailed, winning 11-9, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-9. Tyreck Pratt won the bronze medal in that division.

Ben Melkman took care of Hastings Johnson in straight sets to lift the open division title. He won 11-2 and 11-2. Finishing third in that category was Africa Smith.

The under-15 division had some stiff competition between Chris Rahming and Max Melkman in the gold medal game. In the end, it was Rahming who came out on top in two sets when he won 11-9 and 11-9. The bronze went to Elliot Jean-Baptiste.

Lior Melkman won the title in the under-11 category, taking down Kobe Saunders in straight sets, 11-6, 11-1 and 11-5. Keyonna Bain walked away with the bronze medal in that division.

Keith Saunders was the senior champion, prevailing over Ephraim Morley. The set scores were 11-7 and 20-18. Clem Foster won the bronze medal in that division.

Khalfani said he was impressed with the level of competition, especially from the junior players.

“The number of participants was great and the skill level has improved tremendously. They have moved to the next level. We have always seen a steady increase in participants,” Khalfani stated.

Khalfani thanked entities like Fidelity Bank, the Bahamas Table Tennis Federation, the Progress of Sports Foundation and many others which sacrificed their time and resources to ensure the sport grows.

Next year, Khalfani is hoping to see bigger tournaments and events as well as the establishment of a league. He is also hoping to have a junior national team established.

Home run hitters set to square off against each other at Don’t Blink 242 event

• Simba French
• 13 hrs ago
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Bahamian professional baseball player Lucius Fox Jr., co-founder of the Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby, speaks during the Futures Showcase in Paradise event at Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium. The derby is set for this Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. at Montagu Bay.

Will Benson, out of the Cincinnati Reds organization, will compete for Team World as they go up against Team Bahamas at the Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby, set for this Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. at Montagu Bay.

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For the sixth time, the Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby returns to The Bahamas, set for this Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. at Montagu Bay. In a unique format, professional baseball players will look to hit home runs into the sea. There is a twist in the rosters this year as co-founders Lucius Fox Jr. and Todd Isaacs Jr. scrapped the draft and translated the event into a Team Bahamas versus Team World competition.

Team Bahamas is led by last year’s winner, the first Bahamian to win the individual title, Bertram ‘BJ’ Murray out of the Chicago Cubs organization. The other players on the team are Cherif Neymour (Miami Marlins), Sebastian Walcott (Texas Rangers), D’Shawn Knowles (Los Angeles Angels), Ryan Reckley (San Francisco Giants), Breyian Dean (Marlins), Kristin Munroe (Angels), Paris Johnson (Los Angeles Dodgers), Toby Simmons (Marlins), Adari Grant (St. Louis Cardinals) and Chavez Young (Pittsburgh Pirates).

Fox is optimistic about Team Bahamas winning the title. He said that they are taking the competition seriously.

“We have a strong and young team that is filled with talent that is excited to take on the challenge. I have seen these guys work out and they are putting in the work. I saw on their social media platforms that they have been hitting the gym, the batting cages and the field. I am waiting to see them show up on Saturday. I know they are excited and will keep the crown here in The Bahamas,” Fox said.

Benson, who is back for a fifth time, said that Team World will take the title.

“We are looking to hit a lot of home runs,” Benson said. “Looking at our lineup, I am expecting us to win. It is a blessing, and it is nice to see how much this has grown. I have been coming here since 2019. I am grateful to experience the growth of baseball here. It is great to see the growth of this event.”

Bo Bichette, shortstop of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Toronto Blue Jays, won the first two editions, Brinson, who last played in the San Francisco Giants organization in 2022, won the third edition of the derby, and Kansas City Royals catcher and outfielder Mervyl ‘MJ’ Melendez won the fourth edition of the derby.

In the team competition, Team Fox and Team Isaacs ended at two victories apiece. This will be the first year of the new format featuring Bahamian players taking on their counterparts from major and minor league baseball in a competition dubbed ‘The Bahamas vs. The World’.

The event is free of charge to the public.

ALL FOR ONE: The Sts Francis & Joseph School Shockers boys are Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools champions. Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, December 7, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Sts Francis and Joseph School Shockers’ boys swept the Xavier’s Lower School Giants 2-0 in the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships to become the 2023 champions yesterday at Loyola Hall.

#The Shockers’ girls will return to the same venue today to try and accomplish the same feat after the Giants evened their best-of-three series 1-1 in game two.

#For the boys, the win not only made them champions but it was the cherry on top of an undefeated regular season and postseason run. Nkomo Ferguson, head coach of the Shockers and recipient of the coach award, was very pleased with the 16-3 dominant victory. “It feels awesome and they played well. The game was a bit sloppy but they cleaned it up at the end. It feels really good to close out the season undefeated,” Ferguson said.

#The Shockers meant business in game two of the best-of-three championship series against the Giants. The team steamrolled the latter for two consecutive quarters and went into the halftime break leading 8-0.

#In the third quarter, the team kept the run going by scoring another two points to make the lead 10-0 at the 1:03 mark.

#The Giants were finally able to get on the scoreboard in this period following a lone made free throw. The latter then scored a layup to change the score to 10-3. However, the Shockers remained unphased and scored back-to-back uncontested layups to seal the deal on a perfect basketball season.

#Emery Sturrup was the team’s leading scorer with 6 points in the closeout game. Overall, he culminated his postseason run with a total of 29 points between the playoffs and championship rounds to earn him the League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and championship MVP trophies.

#Sturrup talked about the experience of winning his first championship with the Shockers. “I feel good and I am excited because I have never won a championship so I am happy for all of us. The game was fun and I learned a lot,” the MVP said.

RUNNERS-UP: The Xavier’s Lower School Giants boys finished the 2023 Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Basketball Championships as the runners up. Photo: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

#Girls

#Although the boys fell to the Shockers, the Giants’ girls rebounded 7-6 in game two to force a win or go home game three today at Loyola Hall. Both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the contest to even the score at 2. The halftime break saw the Giants in charge 4-3. The game came down to which team could knock down their shots at the charity stripe and the Giants answered the call.

#Grace Smith, who finished with 4 points for the Shockers, split a pair of free throws at the line making the score 6-4. Smith was fouled again on a shot attempt and made a free throw while missing another off the iron.

#With the Giants in charge 7-5, the Shockers had a chance to force an extra period of play but Smith was unsuccessful in her final attempts at the foul line.

#Raygail Smith, head coach of the Giants, said a change in the team’s game plan helped them to earn Wednesday’s win.

#“We had to change our game plan from yesterday’s game. We made a couple more defensive plays. We knew we could not double team them so we played a tight man to man defence and it paid off,” she said. “We have to finish the job, we want to win tomorrow,” she added.

#Game three gets underway 3:45pm today at Loyola Hall for the girls division of the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships.

A JOINT EFFORT: Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), extends a token of their appreciation to Don’t Blink to celebrate the partnership between the two to host a successful baseball and softball kids’ clinic at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium on Wednesday.

As of Thursday, December 7, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#DON’T Blink Week got off to a rousing start yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Stadium with a kids baseball and softball skills clinic followed by a celebrity softball game getting this week’s festivities started.

#The kids’ clinic was organised by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) with Don’t Blink and Players Way collaborating to aid in the development of youth in The Bahamas.

#Tony Clark, executive director of the MLBPA, was grateful for the collaboration between Don’t Blink and the MLBPA along with the potential opportunities it can bring.

#“We are grateful for an opportunity to be here, thanks for coming out today and bringing our next generation of ball players. As an organisation our commitment is to the well-being of the game, our player fraternity, that’s the past, present and future and that is why we are excited to be here alongside Todd Isaacs Sr and Jr, Lucius and Don’t Blink. The great work that has been done over the last six years and will continue to be done moving forward,” Clarke said.

#The Don’t Blink Home Run Derby was first started in 2018 by childhood friends Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox. Since its inception nearly six years ago, the baseball extravaganza has grown to astronomical heights which was apparent yesterday when more than 200 kids attended the baseball and softball clinic.

#The MLBPA executive director is hopeful that the partnership between Don’t Blink and Players Way can continue beyond this.

#“We are hopeful in the years to come that we can continue to have a presence in support of Don’t Blink and the programming around it. A lot of that programming that we hope to be involved with both here in The Bahamas and beyond, it is gonna be focused on teaching and development of the game in the next generation. It is also gonna be in support of the coaches and encouraging and equipping them to continue to breathe into the next generation. We are excited about the opportunity to be here and support Dont Blink and the vision that they have had for baseball here in The Bahamas. We are excited about what it is gonna look like, not just today but also tomorrow,” he said.

#Fox and Isaacs, co-founders of the “The Greatest Show on Sand”, both got their starts in Nassau, Bahamas but had to move abroad to pursue their baseball aspirations.

#Now with the chance to bring those opportunities back home, Isaacs talked about the pros of being partnered with Players Way.

#“The benefit of the partnerships that we have this week with the MLBPA, Players Trust, Players Way and also Players Alliance, it just goes to show the strength in unity. Collaboration is the best thing, when you bring several different heads in baseball together it creates possibilities that you didn’t even know existed. Being here today with this kids’ camp, in the beginning we did not know it would grow into something like this. We did not know that it would have grown at this rate being able to bring down the MLPBA to be a part of this event,”

#“It just goes to show in year six what is to come in the future. The future is bright, the future is endless. We just want to continue to push the narrative to just show the world what we have to offer in The Bahamas. We are no different than anyone else in the baseball community and just want to show the kids what is possible. We are starting to change the game, make the game a little bit more exciting, showing the game and our country in a new light,” he said.

#Next up on the schedule of events will be the Don’t Blink/ Minority Baseball Prospects Futures Showcase in Paradise 5pm today at the Andre Rodgers Stadium.

#The Bahamian minority baseball prospects expected to compete are Edwin Darville, Tavano Baker, Alex Eneas, Dave Neely, Lamar Sealy, Tejahri Wilson, Teron Davis, Amari Burrows, Lorenzo Stevenson Jr, Chamont Barry and Aden Taylor.

#“With the showcase that we are hosting tomorrow with the minority baseball prospects it was something that Lucius and I talked about years ago, wanting to do a tournament around the event to provide an opportunity for the kids that are coming behind us, an opportunity that we did not have. Lucius and I both had moved off to high school in the United States where we had to be away from our families just to chase a chance of having the opportunity to being professional baseball players.

#“For us to be here today with these partnerships and now having a showcase in The Bahamas, us as Bahamians not having to travel to the US but the US coming here to the Bahamas and the kids getting to see and experience The Bahamas for the first time.

#“At that age it just continues to set lights off and opens their minds to what is out there in the world.

#“The impact that is gonna have on them is gonna last forever just like it did for us,” Isaacs said.

#The week of festivities will lead up to the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise 1pm December 9 at Fort Montagu Beach.

As of Thursday, December 7, 2023

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#THE Bahamas Professional Golfers Association (BPGA) is gearing up for its 50th Year National Professional Golf Championships for men, women and senior men.

#The Championship will be held at the Ocean Club Golf Course December 14-17 at the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

#The 72-hole showdown is expected to be a display of the best professional golf talent from the Bahamas.

#Coming home to compete for the professional championship for first time will be Bahamian U.S. Touring professionals DeVaughn Robinson from Nassau and Cameron Riley from Freeport, Grand Bahama.

#Heading this group of professional golf talent for the men is current champion and best all-time player in the history of golf in the Bahamas, Greg Maycock from Freeport, Grand Bahama.

#Returning to competitive golf after 25 years is Vernon Lockhart – the most all-around dominant junior, amateur and professional player of the 70s 80s and 90s in The Bahamas

#For the first time in history, the BPGA is introducing the Female Professional Golf Championship Division and heading up the women’s division is the talented junior, amateur and professional golf sensation Raquel Riley from Freeport and Georgette Rolle-Harris, head golf professional at Royal Blue Golf Course, Baha Mar.

#This 50th Year Championship is dedicated to the memory of the late, great 1973 Bahamas Professional Golfers Association National Golf Champion, Donald “Nine” Rolle.

#Additionally, the BPGA will be hosting the Korn Ferry Golf Tour Qualifiers for Exuma and Abaco, one exemption spot for each event.