NEWLY certified officials celebrate the successful completion of the CEA 2022 Education Tour. L-R: Cathy Ramsingh-Pierre, D’Yanndria Saunders-Curry, Carrie Saidi, Erika Adderley, Kimberly Johnson and Dr. Amanda Pinder. Clinicians CEA President Heidi Mello and Colleen Hoffman in foreground.

As of Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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AN HISTORIC MOMENT: The first riders from The Bahamas to participate in the CEA Mini Jumping Challenge prepare to receive their awards from Judge Colleen Hoffman. L-R: Hannah D’Aguilar, Ella Saidi, Katerina Coello, Isabella Coello, Storm D’Arville.

#EQUESTRIAN sport achieved another milestone this weekend as The Bahamas became the third country after Jamaica and Barbados to obtain certification of competition officials from the Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA), while also holding the inaugural Bahamas leg of the CEA Mini Jumping Challenge.

#Overseeing the event were Heidi Mello, president of the CEA, and Colleen Hoffman, president of the Ground Jury at Spruce Meadows, the largest show jumping venue in North America.

#Both Mello and Hoffman are Level 3 FEI officials. The CEA Officials Education Tour was an initiative conceived by Mello, who became the new president of the CEA earlier this year, as part of an effort to upgrade the education of regional equestrian officials to international competition standards.

#Equestrian Bahamas President Cathy Ramsingh- Pierre said the federation jumped at the opportunity to participate and learn from such esteemed professionals. “As our sport grows, we aspire to hold higher levels of competition here in the country. However even regional-level competitions require certain levels of official certification, and like many other Caribbean countries we do not have these. Competent officiating is the bedrock of any sport, and equestrian is no different in that respect.”

#Six senior members of the federation successfully participated in a rigorous 4-day certification exercise to become CEA-Certified Candidate Jumper Stewards and Candidate Jumper Judges. The course encompassed theoretical and practical elements and a written exam.

#On Saturday, the practical day of the clinic, young riders had an opportunity to participate and learn alongside the adults about various procedures, such as horse inspections, that take place at International competitions. Then on Sunday came the big day – the inaugural Bahamas leg of the Caribbean Equestrian Association Mini Jumping Challenge.

#The Mini Jumping Challenge (MJC) is one of several competitions contested by the eight member nations of the CEA – Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

#Fifteen riders took part in the competition, which featured three different classes according to fence height.

#Results were tallied for individuals in each class, and for The Bahamas as a team, and will then be ranked against riders from other CEA member islands. The MJC is run in each CEA member country over the course of the calendar year, after which overall results from the region are tallied and awards distributed.

#CEA president Mello had strong words of encouragement for all involved, saying, “As President of the Caribbean Equestrian Association, I have seen many firsts for Equestrian Bahamas. This is their first year as members of the CEA…their first time competing in the CEA Mini Jumping Challenge…and [their] first officials to be regionally credentialed. Equestrian Bahamas has a great future in both international and national equestrian sport. I wish them every success to obtain their reachable goals.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/02/reaching-milestone-equestrian-sport/?news

As of Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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#THE University of The Bahamas women’s volleyball team just could not sustain a push against The Panthers in New Providence Volleyball Association action and fell to them in three sets – 25-20, 25-13 and 25-21.

#The Mingoes started the first set off slow as The Panthers riddled off nine straight points to start the match. The Mingoes eventually broke serve and started to mount a comeback but the Panthers were just too strong for them and pulled out with the 25-20 set win. In the second set, The Mingoes were trying to keep it close but The Panthers again jumped out quickly to go up 17-9. Despite a strong service game in the set, The Mingoes lost 25-13.

#The third set, The Mingoes were just about to hit their stride. The Mingoes started slow and stayed close at 16-11 and 19-14 but The Panthers held off another late surge to win the set 25-21.

#Jada Coakley scored seven points (four kills) and Shanyhah Bowe scored five points (four kills) for The Mingoes in the loss.

#Head Coach Raymond Wilson said he’s seeing the improvement in the team across games. “We have to learn to capitalise on the free ball more though,” he said. “The area that we really need to work on is that we have a characteristic that we allow a team to six and nine points and then playing from behind. When you are playing against experienced teams you cannot give them a head start of nine points.”

#Wilson added that the team has the capabilities but just needs to pull it all together.

#“I feel that our team knows how to play and can play at this level,” he said.

#“But we have to learn how to side out quicker but all in all this was a better match and I see some good things and good promise.

#“We just need to stay more consistent in playing our game.”

#The Mingoes now have an 0-2 record and are scheduled to play The Johnson Spikers 7:30pm tonight at The D.W. Davis Gymnasium.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/02/panthers-top-ub-mingoes-3-sets/?news

COCABE EXECUTIVES DECIDE TO USE NEW ANDRE RODGERS BASEBALL STADIUM AS ITS MAIN BASE TO ORGANISE FUTURE TOURNAMENTS

SHOWN, from left to right, are Trae Sweeting, Avard Hart, Sam Rodgers, Geron Sands, Albert Cartwright and Teddy Sweeting.

As of Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#With the completion of the new Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, the Bahamas Baseball Federation will not only get to host the fourth annual Caribbean Baseball Cup next month, but will become the base for any and all future COCABE baseball tournaments.

#The BBA, headed by Sam Rodgers, will host the Caribbean Baseball Cup December 4-11 with teams coming in from the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Cuba, defending champion Curacao and Haiti. Yesterday, the BBA announced its management team for Team Bahamas.

#Geron Sands, a former national team player who helped the Bahamas to defeat Cuba 2-1 at the World University Games in 2006 and who serves as the co-founder of I-Elite Baseball, will serve as the head coach and third base coach. Albert Cartwright, a former minor league baseball player, co-founder of I-Elite and the first base coach for Team Great Britain, will be the bench coach.

#Dominique Collie, a former NAIA College standout and former minor league player with the Diamondbacks, will be the first base coach.

#Trae Sweeting, former division one college standout, former national team player who helped the Bahamas to defeat Chinese Tapia at the World Games in Canada and co-founder of LDK – Learn Develop Kaizen – will be the outfield coach.

#Donovan Cox, a former national team player and head coach of the Bahamas College team that participated in the Charles Johnson Collegiate Summer League, will be the bull pen coach. Avard Hart, a former national team player, will serve as the team’s general manager.

#BBA secretary general Teddy Sweeting, who is the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the members of Team Bahamas will be announced in the next few days.

#But he noted that they are excited about the progress being made towards the completion of the stadium heading into the tournament.

#“I think December will be a very exciting month for baseball,” Sweeting said. “We are hosting the Caribbean Baseball Cup in the first time in the history of this country we will be hosting a qualifier for the CAC Games. So we are looking forward to that.

#“It’s an exciting time for us. We finally realise how critical it is for us to come together with everybody on board. We’re heading into the direction that we should have been in about two years ago. We are on the right track and we have a lot of things to do.”

#Addressed to BBA president Sam Rodgers, who also serves as the vice president of COCABE, the letter signed by George R. de Lira and secretary general Manuel Fries, reads as follows: “After a sporting greeting of affection and respect, we write this communication thanking the organising committee of the 4th Caribbean Baseball Cup for the hospitality given to the COCABE executives from September 28 to October 3.

#“COCABE through this letter wants to inform you that the board of executives of COCABE has made the decision to choose the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium as its main base to organise future COCABE baseball tournaments on the island of Nassau, Bahamas.

#“We thank the BBA for their willingness to share the office at Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium with COCABE.

#“COCABE will have its main office in the same stadium together with the BBA.

#“With nothing more to add, we say goodbye with a sports greeting.”

#Sweeting said the completion of the stadium is coming in the right time.

#“We can now see the relevance for the purpose for the completion of the stadium,” he said. “We have already agreed to the hosting of an 18 youth qualifier in October 2023, so that is our next item on the drawing board. “So we’re really excited because baseball is heading in the right direction and we’re moving very quickly. Right after that, we will have the home run derby and so we will have a full month of activities for baseball in December.” The stadium, which has been under construction for the past few years, is expected to be completed by the end of November.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/02/stadium-chosen-main-base/?news

Sports

A number of local and foreign pro players expected to take part

Sheldon LongleySend an emailNovember 1, 2022 302 6 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

After a one-year tryout at Atlantis Beach, adjacent to the Atlantis Resort, the Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby is back to its home base, set for December 17 at Montagu Beach.

The event, which is growing exponentially in popularity and exposure, to the tune of over eight million viewers online, will once again feature local professionals, minor and major league hitters, going up against each other for the title of Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby Champion. Organizers Lucius Fox and Todd Isaacs Jr., both Bahamian professional baseball players, are excited about this year’s event.

In the team competition, Team Fox will be aiming to tie Team Isaacs at two victories apiece. Team Isaacs won last year.

In the individual competition, Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette prevailed the first two years it was held at Montagu Beach. Lewis Brinson, formerly of the Miami Marlins and most recently the San Francisco Giants, won the third version of the event, and Mervyl ‘MJ’ Melendez of the Kansas City Royals came out on top last year.

This year, a vast majority of the 25-plus Bahamian professionals, including Fox and Isaacs, are expected to take part. Fox, Isaacs and Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins were all a part of the first class of young Bahamians, under the current wave of youth baseball talent, to sign professional contracts in 2015. Since then, over 20 young Bahamians have signed pro baseball contracts with Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations.

“A lot of foreigners coming here and taking the crown back with them and that’s not right,” said Fox during the official launch of the event yesterday. “Hopefully, a Bahamian could take it this year. If I don’t get it, hopefully a Bahamian could keep the trophy here in The Bahamas.”

The event, now in its fifth year, will once again encompass a lead-up to the main event, inclusive of a celebrity softball game on Wednesday December 14 and a kids clinic the following morning. The softball game is set for 7 p.m. on the Atlantis grounds that Wednesday. On Thursday, the kids clinic will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The main event, the 5th Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby, will commence at noon on Saturday December 17 at Montagu Beach.

 Set to take part this year are a number of Bahamian professional players as well as foreign professionals in the minor and major league system in the United States. Melendez will be back to defend his title and he will be joined by Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves, Paul ‘CJ’ Abrams of the Washington Nationals and Dominic Smith of the New York Mets, among others.

Bahamian Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins will highlight the local talent, and Fox and Isaacs will also compete.

“This event was actually inspired from the CARIFTA Games,” said Fox. “Todd and I saw the excitement from the CARIFTA Games and we sat down and discussed how we could bring this same excitement to local baseball. We’ve played all in the United States where there are American fans supporting us, but there is nothing like getting it from your own. This is still in the infancy stages, but we feel like we are on our way to making this event one of the best baseball events in the world, and I’m just so proud that it’s here in The Bahamas on Bahamian soil. We intend to take this event to new heights. I’m excited to see the beach packed with Bahamians and overall just baseball enthusiasts. It’s going to be another fun event. We just can’t want to give the Bahamian people a treat. With COVID and everything else that’s going on, a treat is definitely what is needed right now. We just want it to keep getting bigger and better and to put on a show for the Bahamian people. That’s our goal.”

Both Fox and Isaacs are in their eight years of professional baseball. Fox received a call-up to the majors last season and is anticipating greater success in 2023.

“Sports teaches you how to persevere through any incident you would face in life. Baseball taught us that it’s not how you start that determines your outcome, but how you power through to the end,” said Isaacs. 

“Speaking to the young men in the country, we just try to show them how sports keeps you focussed on a goal of becoming a better person. It shows you how to be humble and how to put others before yourself. That is what makes this event such a success. Lucius and I saw an avenue where we could put our young professionals in the spotlight and have them perform in front of their own people, and also to find a way where we could bring awareness to the sport of baseball here in The Bahamas.”

A number of baseball hall of famers and future legends are rumored to be a part of the contingent coming to The Bahamas for the popular baseball event. Also, representatives from the Players Alliance organization, former major leaguers CC Sabathia and Curtis Granderson, will be in The Bahamas for the staging of the derby.

“The Players Alliance is a community driven event and it is centered around getting the kids off the streets and into something positive. The future is bright here in The Bahamas through sports. I’m just grateful to be one of the athletes who can come home and make a difference,” said Fox.

Chairman of the local organizing committee of the event Lynden Maycock said a gospel event on the Sunday following the derby will climax the weekend of activities.

“With everything that is happening in our country today, we need as much prayers as possible. The organizers were very receptive to the idea and so on the Sunday following the home run derby, when all of the guys would have completed their partying from the night before, we have this event happening under the theme ‘Victory belongs to Jesus’,” said Maycock. “We saw it all coming together with a former minor league player from the New York Mets organization, turned gospel artist, in Todd Dulaney, playing a major part in this event. We know what’s happening here today is no accident, so we are looking forward to this event on Sunday December 18 – a moment of worship and prayer for the nation.”

Consultant in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Harrison Thompson said Fox and Isaacs have their full support in the staging of the derby.

“This event is a 

testament of the work and commitment of Todd and Lucius. They are bringing this fantastic event to The Bahamas and that is what sports tourism is all about,” he said. “Everyone wants to come to The Bahamas and we welcome them to our shores. Visitors want to experience our culture, our people and our beautiful scenery. There’s no other place in the world like The Bahamas. We want to commend these young men for this venture and we look forward to it expanding even more in the future to the point where it is the most popular baseball event in the world. You have our full support and we will assist in any way that we can. Keep pressing forward.”

Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Atlantis Ted Adderley said they are happy to be part of the event, once again showing support for young Bahamian talent.

“I cannot say more about the contribution that Todd and Lucius are making,” said Adderley. “When you speak to them, you feel what they are trying to accomplish and you have to embrace it. This event is about to take off. It’s still in its infancy stages in terms of growth and you could feel it expanding and really taking off. We are so proud of what these young men are doing and we wholeheartedly support this event. These young men are on to something amazing and we’re so happy to be a part of it.”

Public Relations and Communication Coordinator at Cable Bahamas Shazell Rolle the event will be broadcasted live in REV TV.

“We have been a part of this event from its inception and we are so pleased to be a part of it for another year,” she said. “There are a lot of international people talking about it and that alone shows how much this event has grown. It’s now into year five and we look forward to continuing to be a part of this event. At REV, we are the home of sports and we want to make sure that everyone captures the excitement of the home run derby so it will be live on Channel 212 and also available on the REVGO Play app. By showing support for Bahamian talent, and sponsoring events like this, at REV, it definitely shows that it’s you and us together.”

As mentioned, the home run derby is into its fifth year. A foreigner has won the top individual award at each of the first four. Organizers are hopeful that a Bahamian can be crowned Don’t Blink 242 Home Run Derby Champion for 2022.

 Home|Sports|Captain Henry Curry II Fun Run/Walk set for next week SaturdaySports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailNovember 2, 2022 143 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Under the banner of the 23rd Bahamas Company of the Boys’ Brigade, the Captain Henry W. Curry II Fun Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 6 a.m., starting and ending at St. Barnabas Parish.

The event will be held in honor of the Rt. Rev. Gilbert A. Thompson, retired suffragan bishop, and part proceeds will be in aid of the brigade’s educational fund.

The route will travel north on Baillou Hill Road to Bay Street, east on Bay Street to Market Street, south on Market Street to Fr. Calnan Road, and west on Fr. Calnan Road back to St. Barnabas Parish. The cost of the event is $25 for adults and $12 for children 12 years and under.

Interested persons can register at St. Barnabas Church or online at the website www.tinyurl.com/captainhenryfunrun. Interested persons can also contact Marcel Major at (242) 804-8595 or Captain Henry Curry at (242) 455-7224 to register. The deadline for applications and online registration is Wednesday, November 9.

“Bishop Thompson has served his country and the Anglican Diocese with distinction. His years of service stems back to 1961 when he became a deacon at St. Barnabas Parish,” said the Rector of St. Barnabas Anglican Church Fr. Roderick Bain through a letter. “Along with many other posts he has held, both within the diocese and in the public arena, he served as Rector of St. Barnabas from 1968-2000 and Suffragan Bishop of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands from 2000-2005. St. Anne’s Parish was his last call to service, serving from 2012-2018, propelling him into a life in which he is currently enjoying retirement.”

The 23rd Bahamas Company of the Boys’ Brigade was commissioned on November 1, 1970, with Captain Henry Curry II installed as its first and only captain.

Former members of the Boys’ Brigade, an international organization, have made significant contributions in the development of The Bahamas and have also made their mark in most professions in the country.

The parish that has the most participants signed up for the fun run/walk will receive a trophy.

 Home|Sports|COCABE to set up base in The BahamasSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailNovember 2, 2022 200 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Baseball in The Bahamas is set to continue its current surge with a couple of major international events planned for the coming months.

Additionally, through the support of the Bahamas Baseball Association (BBA) and the government of The Bahamas, the Baseball Confederation of the Caribbean (COCABE) is setting up a base here in the country, looking to plan and facilitate COCABE activities and also to organize future baseball tournaments. Following a site visit about a month ago, the COCABE executive team decided that The Bahamas would be the best option to establish its base.

“We thank the BBA for their willingness to share the office at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium with COCABE,” said COCABE Secretary General Manuel Frias through a letter to the BBA.

BBA President Sam Rodgers, who also serves as a vice president on the COCABE executive board, said with the regional body setting up a base in The Bahamas, that could only do wonders for the future of Bahamian baseball.

As for the tournaments, the 4th Caribbean Baseball Cup is set for December 4-11, representing the first time in Bahamian history that the hosting of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games main qualifier will be held here in The Bahamas, and an 18-and-under (18U) qualifier for a major international tournament is planned for October 2023.

Both of those tournaments, along with the establishment of the COCABE base, are contingent on the completion of the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium which is now more than six years into construction and more than four years past the initial date of completion.

Due to delays and overruns, storage, and the rising costs of material and labor, the cost of construction more than doubled, growing to more than $60 million, according to the latest budget allocations as pronounced in the House of Assembly.

BBA officials are confident that the stadium will be completed in time for the 4th Caribbean Baseball Cup this December.

The countries confirmed to take part in the Caribbean Baseball Cup are host country The Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Curacao and the defending champions Cuba.

Team Bahamas Head Coach and third Base Coach is Geron Sands, a former national team player who played on The Bahamas’ team that defeated Cuba, 2-1, at the World University Games in 2006. Sands is also the Co-founder and President of the I-Elite Sports Academy.

The Bench Coach for Team Bahamas is former minor leaguer Albert Cartwright, also Co-founder of the I-Elite Sports Academy.

The First Base Coach for Team Bahamas is former minor leaguer Dominique Collie Jr., also a former collegiate standout in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II with the Webber International University Warriors.

The Outfield Coach for Team Bahamas is Theodore ‘Trae’ Sweeting Jr., a former collegiate standout in the NCAA Division I with the Georgia State University Panthers.

The Bullpen Coach for Team Bahamas is Donavan Cox, a former national team player for The Bahamas, and the Team General Manager is Avard Hart, another former national team player for The Bahamas.

 Home|Sports|$300,000 for CARIFTASports

Oaktree Medical comes on board as the title sponsor of the CARIFTA Games

Sheldon LongleySend an emailNovember 2, 2022 255 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

With the 50th staging of the CARIFTA Games about 150 days out, the first meaningful step in the event returning to The Bahamas took place yesterday morning with the introduction of the title sponsor.

Since opening its doors for business, Oaktree Medical Center, under the ownership of the husband and wife team of Dr. Don and Kristi Deveaux, has been a huge proponent of sports and the development of the youth in The Bahamas. Now, they are coming on board as the title sponsor of the 50th CARIFTA Games, set for the Easter holiday weekend, April 8-10, 2023, at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau.

The junior regional championships, which will

coincide with the country’s 50th anniversary of independence and the 50th anniversary of CARICOM (Caribbean Community), is arguably the most celebrated and festive annual sports event in the region.

As the title sponsor, Oaktree Medical has donated $300,000 toward the operational cost of the event. According to Mike Sands, the Bahamian president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), as far as he remembers, it is the most significant contribution by a medical institution toward the staging of the CARIFTA Games in the 49-year history of the event. It is also a tenth of the $3 million total budget for athletics for the 2022-2023 season, inclusive of capital works and infrastructure.

NACAC, which governs athletics in 36 countries in the region, is the owner of the annual CARIFTA Games.

“The biggest challenge for any sports event is always sponsorship,” said Sands. “This is very historic. It is the first time, to my memory, that a medical institution would have come on board in such a significant way. It is all about healthy living and healthy lifestyles in our sport, and the fact that a medical institution has come on board to be the title sponsor really enforces that. I am pleased to see this initiative. We are very grateful for that. I am satisfied that this edition of the CARIFTA Games will be the best version ever. I just want to take this opportunity to invite the corporate community to come on board and enjoy this ride because it is going to be a very exciting ride.”

To justify the investment, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2023 CARIFTA Games Lynden Maycock said, for the first time in the hosing of the event in The Bahamas, there will be financial statements posted on the games website leading up to April 2023. He said the postings will begin at the end of this month and they are moving full steam ahead in the planning stages.

Medical Director at Oaktree Dr. Don Deveaux said it is an honor for them to give back to the youth and assist in the overall development of young people in the country.

“This seems to be a large amount of money, but saving our youth is priceless,” he said. “My wife and I stand here as strong advocates of sports and youth development, and the CARIFTA Games, for us, embodies the spirit of unity, strength and teamwork. None of us can boast that we have crossed the finish line on our own. We stand on the shoulders of so many who have selflessly given of themselves to make The Bahamas world-class.

“At Oaktree Medical, we believe not only in caring and compassionate care, but most importantly, in investing in human capital and investing in the human soul. That, for us, is a top investment. Sports has the transformative power to change lives, so why not start with the youth. If we don’t pour into them, how can we build the future.”

His message is one that is supported by all of the speakers during the launch of the 2023 CARIFTA Games yesterday.

Drumeco Archer, who is seeking a second consecutive term as the president of the Bahamas Association of Athletics Associations (BAAA), and who, too, should be congratulated for reigning over the local athletics body at a time when it would have received its largest investment toward the CARIFTA Games by a medical partner, said he is ecstatic and looks forward to rest of Corporate Bahamas coming on board.

“Track and field is a sport that is rich with culture and heritage and it is a sport in which we attract grassroots children everyday,” said Archer. “We are so grateful to corporate partners like Oaktree Medical who ensure that the lifeline of this country survives. Sports is all about a leveled playing field which never denies anyone who is talented. The ambition of our federation is not only that we produce good athletes, but that we also produce good citizens. This is the start. To Dr. Deveaux and the staff of Oaktree Medical, on behalf of the BAAA, we are indebted to you for giving the assurance that this CARIFTA Games will be like no other. This should be an inspiration to all corporate citizens to give more and to do more during this time of need.”

Sports Consultant in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Harrison Thompson said that if there is ever a time when we as a country need corporate citizens to come on board and support our athletes, the time is now.

“On behalf of the minister, and by extension the government of The Bahamas, we want to say congratulations and we look forward to The Bahamas bringing home gold. This is our golden anniversary and we are looking for gold – nothing less. To our friends in the Caribbean, we invite you to our shores, but you will be defeated. Congratulations again,” he said.

Senior Director of Media for the LOC of the 2023 CARIFTA Games, herself a former World and Olympic Champion, Tonique Williams, said it is at CARIFTA where she got her athletic start. She commended Dr. Don and Kristi Deveaux and Oaktree Medical for stepping up to the plate yesterday.

“This is a business that has a heart for people, and a heart for the youth. I am really touched by this and I congratulate Oaktree Medical as our title sponsor,” she said.

Dr. Don Deveaux said the donation represents a sacrifice for them, but it is one that they are glad to make toward the development of the youth of the nation through the CARIFTA Games.

“Many of the nation’s top athletes once participated in the CARIFTA Games. This event is about exposure for our young athletes, competing against their Caribbean brothers and sisters and it gives them wings to soar, showing them that they could be top athletes representing the 242 (area code for The Bahamas),” said Dr. Deveaux. “Many people see the success but not the sacrifices that go on behind the scenes. Success requires faith, dedication and hard work. We believe that through God, through tangible efforts, we could begin to heal this nation through life-altering events like the CARIFTA Games.

“At Oaktree, we are more than a medical center, we are a community center. The Bahamas has struck gold as the host country for the 50th CARIFTA Games, and as the title sponsor, Oaktree Medical is elated to work with the organizing committee and the government of The Bahamas to help this event succeed. We are excited and ready for this event to come together. Together we are limitless. Come with us. Let’s cross the finish line together.”

The Bahamas finished second behind Jamaica at the 2022 CARIFTA Games in Kingston, Jamaica, ending the three-day meet with four gold, six silver and seven bronze for a total of 17 medals. Jamaica won its 36th straight CARIFTA track and field championship with a record 45 gold medals, 29 silver and 18 bronze for a record total of 92 medals.

The Bahamas is set to host CARIFTA track and field for a record ninth time in 2023. The country hosted the junior regional athletics competition in 1976, 1978, 1981, 1984, 1992, 2002, 2013 and 2018.

The last time The Bahamas hosted, it finished second to Jamaica with 35 total medals – six gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze.

The 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games is set for the Easter holiday weekend in 2023 – April 8-10 – at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

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Yvonne McDonaldInboxbahamasinformationservices2 <bahamasinformationservices2@gmail.com> UnsubscribeOct 24, 2022, 4:23 PM (4 days ago)toFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFrom: Bahamas Information ServicesOctober 24, 2022 NASSAU, The Bahamas — A reception was held at Balmoral Club, October 19, to pay tribute to this year’s honoured Youth Leaders during this ‘Youth Month’ of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.  Youth leaders honoured are Ms. Anita Doherty (deceased) and Mr. W. Leslie McDonald and Mrs. Yvonne McDonald — who spent lifetimes giving time and talent to the building up of the young people of the nation through education, sporting activity, community work.  Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg brought remarks.  Pictured are Mr. and Mrs. McDonald.  Mr. Leslie McDonald, founder of Legends Marching Band of Freeport, Grand Bahama, sought to “exchange guns for an instrument in the hands of our youth.”  And Mrs. Yvonne McDonald in 2009 was installed as Commandant of the Grand Bahama Council of The Girls Brigade.  Anita Doherty was a notable educator with a “spirit of volunteerism” that could be seen in longstanding committed involvement in activity to benefit the community.   (BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)

As of Tuesday, October 25, 2022

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RADSHAD DAVIS

WILLIS Mackey Jr

AARON Levarity

DOMINICK BRIDGEWATER

TRAVIS MUNNINGS

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#RADSHAD Davis had another season high, Willis Mackey Jr and Aaron Levarity finally took the court together, and Dominick Bridgewater continues his production to highlight performances from Bahamian players in various pro basketball leagues throughout France.

#In the French Nationale Masculine 1 League, Davis finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds – both season highs – in an 86-73 win for Vendee Challans Basket over Bereck.

#After their third consecutive win, Challans is 4-2 on the season.

#In his first year with the club, Davis is now the team’s leading scorer at 12.8 points per game and second in rebounding at 5.5 boards per game. His previous high was 16 points and six rebounds in an 81-77 win over Tarbes Lourdes.

#Mackey, Levarity and Lyon suffered an 84-62 loss to Rouen.

#Mackey posted a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds – both team highs.

#He made both attempts from beyond the arc and posted two blocks.

#Levarity made his season debut with five points and two rebounds off the bench. Lyon dropped to 2-4 on the season.

#Mackey is averaging 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season after he came over as a medical transfer.

#He spent last season with another NM1 club, Mulhouse Basket Agglomeration.

#Levarity is in his third pro season after spending his previous two seasons with the Svendborg Rabbits of the Basketligaen in Denmark.

#He signed with Lyon in August. The NM1 is the professional level third-tier division in France. The two top teams from each season of the competition are promoted to the LNB Pro B, which is the French second division.

#In the Nationale Masculine 2 League, Domnick Bridgewater and US Avignon Pontet Basket improved to 82-72 win over Marseillais Stadium UC.

#Bridgewater was one of three players in double figures with 15 points and eight assists.

#He made his debut with 23 points and nine assists in an 88-83 loss to La Ravoire Challes on October 9.

#This marks the third season for the 22-year-old guard in France’s NM2 League.

#Originally a member of the FOS-Sur-Mer Byers of the Pro B League, the team placed Bridgewater on loan to Sapela Basket 13 for a late 2020 playoff run and again for the following season.

#Travis Munnings is in the French ProB League with his Boulazac Basket Dordogne basketball club.

#He finished with seven points and seven rebounds in an 87-73 loss to Chalon/ Salor as the team fell to 1-1 on the season.

#Munnings has averaged 10.6 points, four rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in the preseason Leaders Cup.

#Munnings previously played in France when he made his pro debut with La Rochelle Stade Rochelais of France’s NM1 League.

#He averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his brief stint with the club.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/25/pro-basketball-players-take-spotlight-france/?news

As of Thursday, October 27, 2022

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JONQUEL JONES

#JONQUEL Jones was expected to make her FIBA Euro League debut with CBK Mersin Yanisehir Belediyesi but the club suspects foul play led to their newly signed star and several other players missing yesterday’s game with an undisclosed illness.

#Just hours before tipoff against Perfumerias Avenida in Euroleague Group B play, Mersin released a statement on social media disclosing what they deemed the “shady circumstances” surrounding the sudden illness of several players.

#“Our players Jonquel Jones, Gamze Takmez, Özge Yavas Özısık, Temi Fagbenie, Goksen Fitik and our conditioner Hiltima Taser, developed medical complaints such as nasuea, fatigue, and vomiting, which are possibly linked to the meals served in the hotel and started to affect the entire team as the game hour approached in Spain,” the team statement read.

#“We arrived in Salamanca two days ago on Monday to get accustomed to the weather conditions and for mental preparation. It is a well-known fact by our supporters that our sole focus is to play the finals in Euro League Women with such an ambitious team. We strongly condemn this shady circumstance and call for our federation to take the necessary action to shed light on the matter.”

#Without Jones and the other players in the lineup, Mersin lost 83-66 to Perfumerias Avenida.

#On October 23, Jones ended her brief offseason when she joined Mersin in Turkey’s Herbalife Nutrition Women’s Basketball Super League. She made her debut with 26 points and 13 rebounds in her club’s 73-70 win over Emlak.

#Jones highlighted a season of high-priced acquisitions that vaulted Mersin to no.3 in the FIBA Euro League power rankings. “The decision to acquire the services of Briann January looks smart as her hard-nosed veteran play was a foundation for Sopron’s historic title win last season. But the big news is that they will surely be frontrunners to make it to Final Four with Jonquel Jones and Chelsea Gray both agreeing moves to the club. Those two are absolute elite at every level and immediately make Mersin serious silverware contenders if the chemistry is good and they can play together consistently at both ends of the floor.”

#Club president Serdar Çevirgen said the club is excited about the possibility of adding a player of Jones’ calibre.

#“We are proud to add a world star like 5-time WNBA ‘All-Star’ Jonquel Jones to our squad,” he said. “We hope our transfer will be beneficial for our club and our city.”

#Euro League Group B play will continue for Mersin when they host Sopron Basket of Hungary on November 2.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/oct/27/jones-cbk-mersin-players-miss-euroleague-game-illn/?news