• Simba French
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A Bahamian senior men’s national team player is making waves on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball scene as he had a career night with 29 points, helping the University of Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) get an 80-53 win over the Chicago State University Cougars (7-10) on Friday.

AJ Storr and the number 24th nationally ranked Badgers picked up their ninth win of the season, sporting a 9-3 win/loss record. It was their second consecutive victory, ending the calendar year on a positive note

Playing in front of their home crowd at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, the Badgers never trailed in the game. They led wire-to-wire and held the Cougars to just 31.7 percent shooting from the field. The Badgers shot 50 percent in the win, going 28-for-56.

Storr opened the game with a layup and made a three-pointer, helping to put his team up 6-2 with 17:56 left in the first half. He converted an and-one play at the 11:51 mark in the first half to put his team up 18-5.

At the end of the half, the Badgers led by 13 points, 38-25. They held the Cougars to 28.1 percent shooting on just nine made field goals in 32 attempts in the first half.

In the second half, Storr and the Badgers kept the Cougars at arm’s length. Storr connected on a three-point shot with 8:19 left in the second half to give the Badgers a 67-50 lead. The Badgers stretched the lead to 20 points and never looked back. The margin didn’t shrink under 20 points after that.

It has been a good season for Storr as he leads his team in scoring with an average of 15 points per game. He has started in all 12 games for the Badgers this season. He is shooting at a 44.3 percent clip on the season and is averaging 2.8 rebounds per game.

The Badgers return to action on January 2 when they face the Iowa University Hawkeyes on their home court at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, starting at 6 p.m.

Also in action on Friday night was Deyton Albury for the Queens University of Charlotte Royals. They fell to the Clemson University Tigers (10-1), 109-79, on the road at the Littlejohn Coliseum, in Clemson, South Carolina. Albury posted 10 points in the loss, going 4-for-10 from the field. He also had five rebounds in 25 minutes on the floor. He was able to pick up a steal.https://02e9c279bc6128139e137571e58b478b.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

It was a long night for the Royals as they went up against the 18th nationally ranked team. They never led in this game and the only tie came when Albury opened the scoring for his team with a layup at the 19:17 mark of the first half. The Tigers took their first double-digit lead at the 12:24 mark of the first half, going up 21-11.

Albury’s opening basket were his only points of the first half. The Tigers went up 69-36 at the break. The Royals could not find a way to cut into that deficit in the second half. The closest they got was 27 points.

This was Albury’s fifth straight game with at least 10 points. He is averaging 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game and is shooting at a 46.6 percent clip on the season.

The Royals will look to end their three-game losing skid in their next game but they will have their hands full as they take on number 21 nationally ranked Duke University Blue Devils on the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. That game will take place on Saturday and get underway at 2 p.m.

• Simba French
• 3 hrs ago
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For the first time in six years, a swimmer has emerged as The Nassau Guardian’s Junior Female Athlete of the Year, beating a fantastic athlete who captured the hearts of Bahamians everywhere, winning three medals, including two gold, at the 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Saleste Gibson was special herself, swimming in 13 races in total, nine individual, in the 11-12 girls category at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Willemstad, Curaçao. In the individual races, she won seven gold medals, one silver and had one fourth place finish.

Gibson scored a whopping 75 points, swimming away with the high point award in the 11-12 girls division, and helping Team Bahamas win a fifth straight CARIFTA swimming title and seventh in the last eight CARIFTA meets. Gibson was the one being chased for all but two of her seven individual races at CARIFTA, and also dominated in her category at the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s REV National Championships.

Gibson secured 22 points in the voting process for The Nassau Guardian’s Junior Female Athlete of the Year honor, barely getting past track and field star Jamiah Nabbie who finished with 21 points. Swimmer Rhanishka Gibbs collected 18 points for third and basketball player Denika Lightbourne and javelin thrower Kamera Strachan finished tied for fourth with 17 points apiece.

Nabbie was certainly the darling for The Bahamas at the 50th Oaktree CARIFTA Games on her home track.

Nabbie won gold in the under-17 girls 100m, matching a personal best time of 11.67 seconds, and also striking gold in the 200m with a time of 23.67 seconds. She also competed in the long jump and finished fifth with a leap of 5.40m (17’ 8-1/2”). In the under-17 girls 4x100m at CARIFTA, Nabbie teamed up with Shayann Demeritte, Darvinique Dean and Madison Moss, and the quartet won the silver medal in 46.43 seconds.

Nabbie went on to win a gold medal in the under-17 girls 100m at the Speed Capital International Championships in The Bahamas and added a fourth place finish in the 200m.

Like Gibson, Gibbs was strong for The Bahamas at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. She won a gold medal in the 15-17 girls 50m breast, setting a new CARIFTA record in the preliminaries of that event, touching the wall in 32.29 seconds. She went on to post a time of 32.88 seconds.

Gibbs also won gold in the 100m breast in a personal best of 1:14.74, was second in the 50m fly in 28.66 seconds, second in the 200m breast in 2:48.62 and fifth in the 50m free in 27.46 seconds. In the relays she and her teammates won gold in the 400m medley relay and bronze in 200m free relay.

Gibbs, just 17, also performed well at the nationals this year and represented The Bahamas at two major senior meets – the 24th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in San Salvador, El Salvador and the 20th World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

Gibbs is now a freshman for the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas, and is hoping to qualify for Team Bahamas for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, next summer.

Denika Lightbourne, who has started eight of 12 games for the University of Dayton Flyers women’s basketball team, and Kamera Strachan who set a new CARIFTA record of 46.07m (151’ 2”) for the gold medal in the under-17 girls javelin this year, finished tied for fourth in voting for the Nassau Guardian’s Junior Female Athlete of the Year honor.

LEFT: The third ranked Simone Pratt dropped first ranked Sydney Clarke in a three-setter yesterday in the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships to become the 2023 women’s national champion. RIGHT: Baker Newman knocked off Rodney Carey Jr in the men’s singles finals at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships yesterday at the National Tennis Centre. Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff

As of Friday, December 22, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The 2023 Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships saw Simone Pratt and Baker Newman claim the championship hardware for the women’s and men’s divisions respectively.

#Pratt upset the first ranked Sydney Clarke on Thursday in the women’s singles finals.

#Meanwhile, Newman overpowered Rodney Carey Jr to claim his third national victory.

#The finals were spectacular for the women and men’s divisions as both ended in three sets yesterday. The third ranked Pratt had to earn her trophy after Clarke gave it all she had in their championship showdown.

#The 22-year-old notched the set one victory 7-6(5). The newly-crowned women’s national champion recovered despite the windy weather conditions and stole set two 6-3. She solved Clarke’s formula in the final set and dominated her 6-1 to win her second national honours in over a decade.

#“I feel like it was a great match we both came out to play. It was a lot of windy conditions again today. I just had to go out there, face the wind and move my feet. I feel like I played my game and I was able to come out with the win today,” Pratt said.

#She talked about what changed for her mentally in the final set.

#“In the third set I said to myself I have to come out with strong shots, not a lot of mistakes and errors. I just played more aggressively opening up the court and I feel like thats what really gave me the win,” she said.

#For her the victory felt great and she is now going to work on preparing herself to represent The Bahamas at the Billie Jean King Cup tournament next year.

#The battle of the veterans ended with Newman earning bragging rights over Carey Jr yesterday. After winning back to back titles in 2015 and 2016, the 28-year-old secured his third crown in a three-setter. He got off to a slow start against his opponent and fell 2-6. However, something clicked in the second set as he steamrolled Carey Jr 6-0. With his opponent now on the ropes, Newman delivered the final blow to take it 6-1. “Its been a long week this is match number four. It started off a little slow Rodney was playing well at the start. I felt like it took me a little bit to kind of sink in today because it is day four at it but I picked it up from the start of the second set. I didn’t let the first set phase me and I just kept playing and competed,” he said.

#Despite the physical toll endured at this week’s Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, the national champion was very proud of his efforts in the end.

#“It feels great to win I am proud of myself I had a lot of adversity this week. Conditions were tough and I haven’t played that many tournaments lately so I just threw myself into it and I am happy,” he said.

#Elana Mackey, last year’s defending champion, ended her tournament experience in third place after ousting Takaii Adderley in three sets. The match between the two lasted 3.5 hours. Adderley, the 2023 junior national champion, won 7-5 in set one. However, Mackey reeled off consecutive wins 6-3,6-2 to close out her opponent and the 2023 tennis year.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

As of Friday, December 22, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#EXCITEMENT is slowly building for the 2024 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships to be hosted in Nassau, Bahamas March 28 to April 7.

#However, concerns have arisen regarding whether the repairs at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre will be completed on time and how the ongoing renovations affects the athletes’ preparation ahead of the swimming championships.

#Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, declared his confidence in the swim facility’s facelift being concluded in time for The Bahamas’ fifth hosting of the regional competition.

#“I am quite confident in the present contractor that is dealing with the pool. We intend to have a press conference that will deal to the repairs of the pool in January so then you will be updated on where we are at with the pools,

#“I am sure come Easter we will be hosting this event there is no doubt about that, there is no question about that,” Bowleg said.

#With renovations underway at the national facility, the pool is currently inaccessible to swimmers which has relegated the athletes to practicing for the marquee event in 25 metre pools ahead of their potential six-peat at home.

#Algernon Cargill, president of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, echoed the sentiments of the Minister and said Team Bahamas will be ready.

#“We are confident as the Minister said that the facility will be ready in February in time for the athletes to be able to qualify to represent The Bahamas. We have no doubt that the athletes will be ready. They are currently training in 25 metre pools here in Nassau and Grand Bahama. Marvin for example, he won all of those CARIFTA medals last year training in a 25 yard pool at McCallie School,” the president said.

#“While it would be ideal to train in the 50m pool…we know how to improvise and we will certainly improvise ensuring that Team Bahamas is ready for 2024,” he added.

#Team Bahamas had a record showing at the 2023 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Willemstad, Curaçao. The swim team was greeted by the sounds of sweet Junkanoo music at home after hauling in a historic 85 medals which included 37 gold medals, 27 silver medals and 21 bronze medals.

#Marvin Johnson, who recently committed to the University of Florida, played an integral role in The Bahamas’ five peat capturing nine medals at the event. Although the swimmers are unable to practice at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre, Johnson said it is not a major setback.

#“I was born and raised in Freeport, Grand Bahama to train in a pool that is small has not been something new to me. When you speak about swimming in a 50m pool…it is not what makes you a great swimmer. I think something that The Bahamas and the Bahamian people in general really have is we love to fight and we love to race so no matter what length of the pool they put me in or I train in when it comes to race day I am ready to represent The Bahamas to the best of my abilities and it has been working so far,” the top swimmer said.

#Elle TheBerge, who is looking to make her third CARIFTA Aquatics team, said training in the 25m pool is a bit of an adjustment for her.

#“It is a bit of an adjustment for me but our coach is pushing us very hard in the pool making sure that we are ready either way. We are able to work on other things like our turns so it is very helpful for us in that aspect,” she said.

#The government allocated $10 million to facilitate the repairs at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium along with the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre. Renovations began in November and are expected to be done by March according to the Minister.

As of Friday, December 22, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#PARENTING a child athlete is a multifaceted challenge that requires more than just sideline support. As a parent and a sports medicine professional, I’ve experienced and witnessed the hurdles and joys of this journey.

#Here, I’ll share not only the challenges but also practical solutions and real-world examples to guide parents in this rewarding yet demanding role.

#Financial Commitment: Balancing Dreams and Budgets

#The cost of sports can be staggering. However, planning and budgeting can help manage these expenses.

#Seeking out community grants, sponsorships, and second-hand equipment are practical steps to reduce financial strain. For instance, various corporate and civic entities, and even private citizens provide financial assistance for sports registration and equipment, making these expenses more manageable. Like they say “you have not if you ask not.”

#Training and Health Management: Prioritising Well-Being

#The physical demands on young athletes are intense. To manage this, regular rest days and cross-training can prevent overuse injuries. Engaging with healthcare professionals like me for personalised training plans and medical management is essential. Shameless plug incoming: comprehensive programmes like ours at Empire Sports Medicine integrates sport-specific training with medical support and mental conditioning.

#Nutrition: Crafting the Right Fuel

#Nutritional challenges are common but addressing them can be straightforward.

#Consulting a nutritionist or a sports physician like myself can lead to a tailored meal plan. An effective strategy is to involve young athletes in meal planning and preparation, making nutrition education a practical activity. For inspiration, look at how professional youth sports academies incorporate nutrition education into their programs.

#Logistics: Streamlining the Sports Schedule

#Transport logistics can be simplified through carpooling with other parents, which fosters a sense of community. Additionally, selecting local or regional competitions over distant ones can reduce travel demands, although living in the Bahamas this is not always possible. For example, I will have to travel out of the country at least ten times in 2024 for my daughter to compete in her sport of gymnastics. Travel and entry fees add to the high cost of sport parenting as we discussed earlier. Make a schedule and prioritize events that are high quality and are of the greatest benefit to your child’s progression and exposure. Especially if it is a college sport as coaches often scout these events.

#Coaching and Peer Influence: Building Positive Relationships

#A positive coach-athlete relationship is key. Parents should facilitate open communication with coaches and encourage their children to do the same. Peer influence can be harnessed positively by encouraging team-building activities. The success of Norway’s youth sports programs, focusing on enjoyment and personal development, exemplifies this.

#Balancing Academics and Home Responsibilities

#Time management is crucial. Tools like digital planners or apps can help young athletes manage their schedules effectively. Encouraging a routine that balances sports, academics, and home duties is vital, as seen in the practices of student-athletes in successful college sports programs.

#Emotional Well-being: Understanding and Support

#Teen mood swings are normal. Open, non-judgmental communication is key to understanding their emotional world. Discourage mindless use of media and encourage them to spend time online and offline with persons who have similar circumstances, but moreover who are supportive and not destructive. As parents, understand that your child is under immense pressure, even without the pressure to win. Be involved, learn your child’s short so you can empathize with their position. It can be challenging for teens to see that you will love them no matter what. In challenging times, get help. Consider seeking guidance from a psychologist, pastor or counselor…or if you’re fortunate enough, a mentor athlete presently in the sport. Even better if they are Bahamian.

#In Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

#Raising a child athlete is about fostering growth in sports and life. By addressing the challenges with practical solutions and learning from successful examples, we can guide our young athletes towards a fulfilling and balanced sporting journey. Through this article, I hope to provide not just an insight into the challenges of parenting a child athlete but also practical solutions and real-world examples to navigate this path effectively. Remember, the goal is to raise well-rounded individuals who thrive both in and out of the sporting arena.

#• 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.

• onal News

PICTURED, from left to right: Tina Lightbourne, City of Hope (formerly, Cancer Treatment Centers of America), Bahamas Half Title Sponsor; Anastacia Turnquest, BRRC President; Shantell Cox, Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group; Melissa Major, MD Patient Navigation Services; and Michael Cunningham, BRRC Vice President.

As of Friday, December 22, 2023

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#BAHAMAS Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC), is pleased to present part proceeds from their 11th annual Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K Race Series to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services. Each received the amount of $5000.

#Sister Sister Bahamas, started by three compassionate and concerned women, seeks to bring about awareness and care to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Patient Navigation Services’ mandate is helping patients navigate the health system across its many facets toward ensuring appropriate care is being rendered to the patient and support to their family members.

#Since members of the running club have also experienced health challenges, the club found it fitting to partner with various local non-profit organisations to help others who may be facing similar situations. Established in 1990, BRRC is the leading sports club whose concentration is the promotion of distance running in The Bahamas thereby, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

#They prepare interested persons for running marathons (26.2 miles) or a half marathons (13.1 miles) locally and internationally.

#Over the years the club has engaged the local and international running communities through their two annual signature events, Bahamas Half Race series (held in November) and the Midnight Madness 10K Fun Run/Walk (held in June).

#Believing in benevolence, the club and its members have given back significantly to the Bahamian community throughout the past years. Club President Anastasia Turnquest said.

#“It’s through the generous contributions of our sponsors, contributors and race participants that we are able to be a blessing to others.

#“Individually we may not be able to do a whole lot, but when we combine our efforts, we make a tremendous impact.”

#She expressed her gratitude to the corporate entities and individuals who have generously supported their initiatives.

#“We believe exercise is the key to a healthy life. We encourage interested runners to run with us every Saturday,” according to Michael Cunningham, the club’s vice president.

#The club can be contacted at www.bahamasroadmasters.com or c/o: 242.357.7035

Giorgio Baldacci tennis nationals come to a close; spots booked on national teams

• Simba French
• Dec 22, 2023 Updated 1 hr ago
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Simone Pratt won the ladies title at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre on Thursday.

Baker Newman won the men’s title at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre on Thursday.

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After four days of intense competition, seasoned players Baker Newman and Simone Pratt came out on top at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, winning in three sets each at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Newman got the best of Rodney Carey Jr. for the men’s title. On the women’s side, Pratt won against last year’s runner-up Sydney Clarke to lift that title.

“When you lose the first set, you want to change so you could do better. I just started to play a little more loose and free and it worked,” Newman said.

Playing to a third set meant a new can of balls was needed. That means the balls had more bounce to them.

“It is a little tricky starting with new balls and these balls have been giving me a little challenge this week. When they are new, they are bouncier. I was not upset that the first three games were long because the balls got worn out more which helped me out more with my game. I knew Carey was going to come out after losing the second set 6-0 but I was ready,” Newman said.

The two veteran players had some great rallies, putting on a show for the spectators. Newman said he was happy to win the title as he has not been playing much tennis this year.

Like Newman, Pratt had to overcome a first set loss, rallying to win, 6-7(5), 6-3 and 6-1.

“It was a great match. I feel that we both came out playing and it was windy conditions. I just had to go out there and face the wind, but I feel I played my game and was able to come out with the win,” said Pratt.

Pratt committed some unforced errors early in the tiebreaker set as Clarke went up 5-1. Pratt managed to come close to Clarke, winning four of the next five points before Clarke finished it off to win 7-5 in that tiebreaker. Pratt got a 6-3 victory in the second set to tie the match at 1-1. She reached another gear in the third set.

“In the third set, I looked to get a strong start and not make too many mistakes and errors. I played more aggressively, opened up the court and that is what helped me get the win,” she said.

Pratt, who was one of the country’s top junior players during her teenage years, said she was shocked that she won. She last won a national title in 2012.

Newman and Carey secured two of the four available spots on the men’s national team for the 2024 Davis Cup Tournament. Clarke and Pratt secured two of the four available sports on the women’s national team for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Tournament. The location and date of both tournaments will be announced later.

The four qualifiers are looking forward to representing the country at the regional tennis tournaments next year.

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Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC) is pleased to present part proceeds from its 11th annual Bahamas Half Marathon and 10K Race Series to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services.

Each received the amount of $5,000. Sister Sister Bahamas, started by three compassionate and concerned women, seeks to bring about awareness and care to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Patient Navigation Services’ mandate is helping patients navigate the health system across its many facets toward ensuring appropriate care is being rendered to the patient and support to their family members. Since members of the running club have also experienced health challenges, the club found it fitting to partner with various local non-profit organizations to help others who may be facing similar situations.https://aa0f180b7563dd51f6a9ce4a6563743c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Believing in benevolence, the club and its members have given back significantly to the Bahamian community through the years. Club President Anastasia Turnquest said: “It’s through the generous contributions of our sponsors, contributors and race participants that we are able to be a blessing to others. Individually, we may not be able to do a whole lot, but when we combine our efforts, we make a tremendous impact.” She expressed her gratitude to the corporate entities and individuals who have generously supported their initiatives.

Michael Cunningham, the club’s vice president, remarked: “We believe exercise is the key to a healthy life. We encourage interested runners to run with us every Saturday.”

The club can be contacted through the website www.bahamasroadmasters.com or at telephone number (242) 357-7035.

• Simba French
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There is no doubt that the pool at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex needs repairs, particularly heading into a CARIFTA hosting year. Driving past the pool, workers can be seen doing work on the pool and some persons have doubts that the pool will be ready by the start of the 30th CARIFTA Swimming Championships, set for March 28 to April 7, 2024. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg quelled that thought by saying that he is confident that the pool will be ready in time for the championships.

He made the statement at a press conference that was held at his ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday as the championships was officially launched.

The minister said that he will have a press conference in January to provide an update on the progress of the pool.

Echoing the sentiments of the minister was the president of the host federation, the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, Algernon Cargill, who also serves as the vice chairman for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

“We are confident, as the minister said, that the facility will be ready in February, in time for the athletes to be able to qualify to represent The Bahamas. We have no doubt that the athletes will be ready. The athletes are currently training in 25-meter pools in New Providence and Grand Bahama. I do not want to undercut the need to train in a 50-meter pool. We know how to improvise in assuring that Team Bahamas is ready for 2024,” Cargill said.

Some athletes have been competing in meets outside the country to achieve the CARIFTA qualifying times so they can make the 36-member team that is going for a sixth consecutive CARIFTA swimming title and seventh title of the last eight championships. The water polo team will also be competing and has to improvise as they wait for the 50-meter pool to be completed.

Speaking about training in a 25-meter pool was Grand Bahama native and a staple on the CARIFTA team Marvin Johnson.

“… Not to undermine training in a 50-meter pool, but it is not what makes you a great swimmer. The thing that makes The Bahamas’ team and what Bahamians generally have is that we love to fight and race. No matter what length of the pool they put me in or which pool I train in, when it comes to race day, I am ready to represent The Bahamas to the best of my abilities. It has been working so far,” he said.

Johnson’s teammate on the CARIFTA team for the past two years Elle Theberge said that it has been an adjustment for her not being able to utilize the national swim complex for training.

“My coaches push us hard in the pool and make sure that we are ready. They also ensure that we are able to work on other things like our turns, but we have adjusted to using only the 25-meter pool,” Theberge said.

The LOC is looking to raise $1 million to put on the event. Cargill believes that corporate Bahamas will come to the aid of Team Bahamas and help them to host a first-class event.

“Coming to CARIFTA here in Nassau is extremely expensive,” Cargill said. “For example, the contribution coming in from the athletes is fixed so we have a responsibility to put all the athletes coming in into hotels. The average hotel room rate here is probably three times that of any other country. Because there is a fixed amount to contribute to the hotel cost, we have to fund the difference. When we decided to host CARIFTA, a lot of the inherent costs that do not come to the surface, that the public never sees, we have to deal with. We have asked for $1 million which is 50 percent of our budget in terms of organizing these CARIFTA championships.”

Individuals and companies interested in more information on partnership opportunities can contact LOC Sponsorship Chairman Zoe Gibson-Bowleg at e-mail address marketing@bahamasaquatics.com or at telephone number (242) 803-5762.

The meet features the 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17 age groups. This edition has a twist to it, featuring an 18-and-over category for the 50-, 100- and 200-meter races in all the strokes. Those who compete in that age bracket will be competing for medals and not points. It was introduced because the CARIFTA championships will be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships.

The swimming discipline of the meet gets underway on Saturday, March 30 and wraps up on Tuesday April 2. The open water swimming competition will be held on Wednesday April 3 at Goodman’s Bay. Water polo will close out the championships, from Thursday April 4 to Saturday, April 6. There are 24 countries that have been invited to participate.

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There is no doubt that the pool at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex needs repairs, particularly heading into a CARIFTA hosting year. Driving past the pool, workers can be seen doing work on the pool and some persons have doubts that the pool will be ready by the start of the 30th CARIFTA Swimming Championships, set for March 28 to April 7, 2024. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg quelled that thought by saying that he is confident that the pool will be ready in time for the championships.

He made the statement at a press conference that was held at his ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday as the championships was officially launched.

Echoing the sentiments of the minister was the president of the host federation, the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, Algernon Cargill, who also serves as the vice chairman for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

“We are confident, as the minister said, that the facility will be ready in February, in time for the athletes to be able to qualify to represent The Bahamas. We have no doubt that the athletes will be ready. The athletes are currently training in 25-meter pools in New Providence and Grand Bahama. I do not want to undercut the need to train in a 50-meter pool. We know how to improvise in assuring that Team Bahamas is ready for 2024,” Cargill said.

Some athletes have been competing in meets outside the country to achieve the CARIFTA qualifying times so they can make the 36-member team that is going for a sixth consecutive CARIFTA swimming title and seventh title of the last eight championships. The water polo team will also be competing and has to improvise as they wait for the 50-meter pool to be completed.

Speaking about training in a 25-meter pool was Grand Bahama native and a staple on the CARIFTA team Marvin Johnson.

“… Not to undermine training in a 50-meter pool, but it is not what makes you a great swimmer. The thing that makes The Bahamas’ team and what Bahamians generally have is that we love to fight and race. No matter what length of the pool they put me in or which pool I train in, when it comes to race day, I am ready to represent The Bahamas to the best of my abilities. It has been working so far,” he said.

Johnson’s teammate on the CARIFTA team for the past two years Elle Theberge said that it has been an adjustment for her not being able to utilize the national swim complex for training.

“My coaches push us hard in the pool and make sure that we are ready. They also ensure that we are able to work on other things like our turns, but we have adjusted to using only the 25-meter pool,” Theberge said.

The LOC is looking to raise $1 million to put on the event. Cargill believes that corporate Bahamas will come to the aid of Team Bahamas and help them to host a first-class event.

“Coming to CARIFTA here in Nassau is extremely expensive,” Cargill said. “For example, the contribution coming in from the athletes is fixed so we have a responsibility to put all the athletes coming in into hotels. The average hotel room rate here is probably three times that of any other country. Because there is a fixed amount to contribute to the hotel cost, we have to fund the difference. When we decided to host CARIFTA, a lot of the inherent costs that do not come to the surface, that the public never sees, we have to deal with. We have asked for $1 million which is 50 percent of our budget in terms of organizing these CARIFTA championships.”

Individuals and companies interested in more information on partnership opportunities can contact LOC Sponsorship Chairman Zoe Gibson-Bowleg at e-mail address marketing@bahamasaquatics.com or at telephone number (242) 803-5762.

The meet features the 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17 age groups. This edition has a twist to it, featuring an 18-and-over category for the 50-, 100- and 200-meter races in all the strokes. Those who compete in that age bracket will be competing for medals and not points. It was introduced because the CARIFTA championships will be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships.

The swimming discipline of the meet gets underway on Saturday, March 30 and wraps up on Tuesday April 2. The open water swimming competition will be held on Wednesday April 3 at Goodman’s Bay. Water polo will close out the championships, from Thursday April 4 to Saturday, April 6. There are 24 countries that have been invited to participate.