THE CHAMPIONS: The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Floaters championship team celebrate after defeating The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Interceptors to capture The Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s 2023 men’s championship title.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Floaters found themselves in familiar territory after defeating The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Interceptors in dominating fashion to capture The Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association’s 2023 men’s championship at the Blue Hill Playing Field over the weekend.

#After not fielding a championship team since the 2014 campaign, the team jubilantly uncorked sparkling champagne bottles on the field, with teammates high-fiving and hugging each other. It took longer than anticipated, but the passing of the torch to the younger players has been a tremendous success.

#The RBDF team won the best-of-seven series by a final score of 28-5, defeating their law enforcement counterparts in five games. They jumped out to a commanding 23-0 lead before the men from the Correctional Service could score their first run.

#Aaron Wood, Martin Conliffe and Perez Burrows all went deep for the Floaters, along with a grand slam by Garfield Bethel. Godwin Taylor was tagged with the loss for BDOCS.

#Dwayne Mackey, who during his early career was a vacuum at shortstop, pitched an outstanding game.

#He noted that the team was inspired to win it all after dedicating the season to former player Keith “Slimy” Moss, who is currently facing medical challenges.

#A perennial slugger on numerous championship teams with the Floaters, Moss’ presence in the dugout during the series proved to be a motivational factor.

#“We wanted to win this one for him (Moss), which made this season a special one,” said Mackey, who also serves as the team manager.

#“We had nine young players who all came together for one common goal, and our game plan was to put up lots of runs to let Correctional Services know who the better team is.

#“I applaud their effort, but we were not about to make this final game a close one, as with the previous games.”

#Establishing its supremacy as a dynasty, the RBDF Floaters have now won 30 out of a possible 42 BGDSA championships contested since the league’s inauguration in 1979, which includes a streak of 17 consecutive championships won from 1992 to 2008.

#Games were not played in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Windsor rowing team with their coaches.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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Silver medal girls coxed four team with assistant coach Kali Brown and head coach Rob Gibson.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@treibunemedia.net

#DIRECTOR of rowing and head coach Rob Gibson said he was very impressed with the Windsor School Albany’s 10-member team that captured a pair of silver medals at the Brenderson Chase Regatta in Sarasota, Florida, over the weekend.

#Isaiah Ellis, a 16-year-old 12th grader, led the way for the team with his silver medal performance in the men’s under-17 singles 1x, while Priya Alexander (14), Alessandra Callender (15), Emman Reynolds (15), Brooklyn Louis (15) and Emma Johnston (13) teamed up for the other silver in the women’s under-17 Coxed Four 4+.

#“The performances of the team exceeded our expectations,” said Gibson, who was assisted by Kali Brown.

#“We arrived late on Friday evening due to maintenance repairs of our aircraft. “By the time we got to Tampa and drove to Sarasota, the course was closed, so we couldn’t go for a practice run. So the team did well. They raced in multiple events. It was a wonderful weekend and the team represented Windsor School and the Bahamas with integrity and pride.”

#If they had gotten there in time to practice, Gibson said he’s convinced that both Ellis and the girls’ team would have had a better chance to win the gold.

#The other members of the Windsor team were Jake Young, 17, Andre Forbes, 17, Sandor Bianchi, 16 and Malcolm Menzies, 15.

#Ellis, competing out of a field of 29 competitors, said when he decided to attend a rowing summer camp three years ago as a student at St John’s College, it changed his life because he was so impressive that he earned a scholarship at Windsor School. He noted that he’s seen a dramatic improvement in his performances as he earned his third consecutive silver medal overseas.

#His previous performances came in Virginia and Texas. “My single race was amazing. Being able to do a 5k on such a wonderful course was amazing,” Ellis said.

#“I was very pleased with the way I performed.”

#Despite his latest performance, Ellis felt that if he can improve on his weight and get his oar off the water, he would be more fluent in the future.

#As for the Windsor School rowing team, Ellis said they couldn’t ask for a better coach than Gibson, who has enabled them to develop a family-oriented atmosphere with their team-mates, which both attribute to their success.

#“This is just a great environment to be around,” he stated. “I’m just glad to be a part of the team.”

#Gibson, a three-time Canadian Olympian who has been working with Windsor Academy for the past three years, said the progress of the programme at Windsor School has been moving steadily in the right direction. “We have a lot of interest here at the school in competing on the rowing team,” he said. “We have 10 members on our senior team and we have 11 members who have been trying out for our club team, which trains once or twice a week after school.

#“The top team trains up to seven times a week right now and the other team just trains once or twice a week. It’s a good number, but we look forward to expanding the team as we look forward to purchasing more equipment.”

#While he calls it both a challenging and a rewarding experience for him personally, Gibson said the future is very bright for rowing, both at the school and in the Bahamas as well.

#“I think the young athletes that I have seen here are exceptionally resilient and every time we get an opportunity to go out and perform, they always rise to the occasion, so I’m a very proud coach.”

#Gibson said at the end of this semester, Windsor School will hold a 2,000 metre rowing test on Thursday, December 7 at the school where the members will be drilled on their physical fitness and their potential of the sport.

#“It’s the main source of information that the college coaches use to recruit potential rowing members for athletic scholarships,” Gibson said.

#As they begin the new school year, Gibson said they will look at taking the team to another Florida regatta in January or February. There are a number of other regattas that the Windsor School intends to participate in as the school year continues.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@treibunemedia.net

#WHILE her focus will be on her career as a professional bodybuilder, Lorraine LaFleur is leaving the day-to-day operation of her Gainz for Life Fitness Center in the capable hands of her talented young daughter Allyssa Fox.

#Lafleur, founder of Gainz for Life Fitness, just recently captured her second pro card when she represented The Bahamas as one of the national professional bodybuilders at the 2023 Orlando Joe Weider’s Amateur Olympia – taking home the overall women’s physique title and her 2nd IFBB Professional League Pro Card.

#Now that she’s back home, LaFleur said she plans to focus on educating the members of Gainz for Life Fitness on the importance of mental and physical wellness and encouraging more individuals to participate in bodybuilding.

#She intends to take a more hands-on approach with the community that has developed within her gym with Fox taking over the overall management of the Gainz for Life Fitness brand as the chief executive officer.

#After living in Canada for five years and earning her bachelor’s degree in finance, Fox recently returned to Nassau to take over the company.

#Having competed alongside her mom at ages 16 and 17, Fox also believes that a healthy, balanced lifestyle is crucial for an individual to maintain their mental and physical wellness. “Therefore, Gainz for Life Fitness aims to provide a safe, respectful space where individuals can focus on improving their health, achieving their goals and fostering relationships with the people around them,” she said.

#“We hope to have a positive impact on everyone who joins the G4LF community and eventually branch out to collaborate with other health centric organisations in the community.”

#Additionally, LaFleur and Fox will be working on bringing in their first line of clothing and fitness accessories shortly, so that members can represent the G4LFFAM when they’re out. “Our members are amazing and quirky,” they said. “We love the mix of personalities within the G4LF community, and am grateful to receive an opportunity to serve them.

#In the future, we hope that the Gainz for Life Fitness brand will inspire those who they connect with to connect with and learn themselves. So, that we can embody our motto: Mind. Body. Focus on you.”

#Gainz for Life is located in the Danmar Plaza south of the East Street and Solider Road junction. At present, they cater to about 500 members that frequent the training facilities from 5am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 3pm on Sundays and holidays.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#THE TMT Giants and the Mekaddish Millionaires pulled off the New Providence Basketball Association’s double header at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

#The Giants prevailed with a 65-47 rout over the University of the Bahamas Mingoes in the men’s division one feature contest, while the Millionaires held off the Heatwaves 88-83 in the division II opener.

#Giants 65,

#Mingoes 47

#Ujamaa Johnson led four players in double figures for TMT with 12 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists in their victory.

#Arlington Brown had 11 points, 20 rebounds and a pair of assists, Donovan Dean also had 11 points with four rebounds and Christophe Johnson helped out with 10 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two block shots.

#In a losing effort for UB, Theodore Grant had 16 points, six steals, five rebounds and three assists, Glenderson Black had eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and as many steals and both Timothy Grant and Erquantae Edgecombe had six points and six and five rebounds respectively.

#Millionaires 88,

#Heatwaves 83

#Javon Adderley led Mekaddish and three other players in double figures with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists.

#Travjuan Alleyne had 15 points and 16 rebounds, Ronie Pierre had 15 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals and Chad-Vasughn James had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

#Both Clayton Miller Jr and Evens Joseph had eight points each. Joseph also had six rebounds.

#Johnacy Augustin had 24 points with six assists, four rebounds and two steals to pace the losers. Rhameeko Butler added 19 points with five rebounds and four steals, Dimario Markland had 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals and Joshua Forbes had 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

#Tonight’s schedule

#7:30pm – Rythm Rebels

#vs Produce Express

#Rockets (DII)

#8:30pm – Discount

#Liquors Rockets vs

#Sunlight Cottage

#Stampers (D1)

#Saturday

#7:30pm – Your Essential Store vs Island Development Construction Rebels (DII)

#8:30pm – Island Development Rebels vs Commonwealth Banks Giants (D1)

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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KIX Academy’s under-9 and under-12 boys’ teams are scheduled to travel to Plantation, Florida, today for the 37th annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic.

#KIX Academy is heading to Plantation, Florida, today for the 37th annual Plantation Thanksgiving Classic.

#The under-9 and under-12 boys teams, entering their 4th year, eagerly anticipate the challenge in the tournament’s bronze division. Today, the u9s face off against Weston FC u9 Blue at 2:30pm, while the u12s take on Cape City FC at 3:45pm. On Saturday, matchups include the u9s against West Pines United 2015 Elite and Greater Boca YSA 2015-2016 Pre-Academy, and the u12s against Greater Boca YSA 2012 Pre-Academy and Miami Stars Soccer 2012.

#With the potential for semifinals and finals on Sunday, head coach Jared Higgs emphasizes developmental goals in this first international outing. “This trip will really tell us where we are at and where we need to improve.”

#Highlighting the significance of exposure, Higgs said: “The most important thing is the exposure. We want the players to have the best opportunities even at a young age.”

#Despite facing local Bahamian u11 club teams before the tournament, the focus remains on improvement. Acknowledging the support from parents and sponsors like Doctors Hospital, Mexicaba, and Bahamas Wholesale Agencies, coach Higgs expresses gratitude. “Sponsors are crucial because they relieve a huge burden from the parents and the programme itself,” he says. “We believe in Bahamian excellence at Kix Academy, and are extremely grateful for the sponsors who see the vision and support us in reaching our goals.”

Exuma Sailing Club hosted the 2023 Bahamas Junior Sunfish Nationals in beautiful Elizabeth Harbour, George Town, Exuma, for the first time and the event welcomed 10 sailors of the Bahamas National Sailing School from Nassau and 14 of its own local sailors from Exuma.

As of Friday, November 24, 2023

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#THE 2023 Bahamas Junior Sunfish Nationals took place this past weekend in beautiful Elizabeth Harbour in George Town, Great Exuma.

#The host club, The Exuma Sailing Club, hosted the event for the first time and welcomed 10 sailors of the Bahamas National Sailing School from Nassau and 14 of its own local sailors from Exuma.

#The weather conditions provided some big challenges for the smaller, younger and newer sailors to overcome with winds up over 20 knots for the majority of the races.

#However the seasoned, veteran junior sailors from Nassau embraced the chance to test their skills in the typical conditions for November in Exuma – big winds and tight chop straight from the eastern end of Elizabeth Harbour.

#When the competition came to an end it was two of the most familiar names in Bahamas Junior Sailing for the last few years at the top of the podium. Craig Ferguson was crowned the 2023 Bahamas Junior Sunfish Champion, defending his title from 2022 in Nassau. Trading wins back and forth with him during the entire regatta and finishing one point behind was Joshua Weech, also of the Bahamas National Sailing School.

#Third overall from the Exuma Sailing Club was Joss Knowles. Drawing on his years of experience sailing in similar conditions in Elizabeth Harbour, Knowles kept the pressure on Ferguson and Weech throughout the competition.

#Finishing in fourth was Norman Carthwright from the Bahamas National Sailing School and in 5th was Tanaj Manos of the Exuma Sailing Club.

#Other sailors recognised were Christina Manos of The Exuma Sailing Club for the rookie sailor of the regatta.

#Also, Jaron Francis of the Bahamas National Sailing School for the “Class Act” sportsmanship award and Kianno Hutchinson of The Exuma Sailing Club for the “GRIT” award, given to the sailor that shows the most tenacity and never quit attitude throughout the whole event.

#Coach Dallas Knowles, of The Exuma Sailing Club, praised the efforts of the Nassau sailors and Bahamas National Sailing School. “It’s always great to have sailors visit us and enjoy sailing in one of the most beautiful places in The Bahamas. We know the efforts it takes to bring teams of sailors and boats to off-island regattas, so hats off to Pedro Rahming from the BNSS as well as Jimmie and Lori Lowe for their amazing efforts to help make this regatta happen.

#“We look forward to hosting this and similar events here for years to come.

#“We enjoy the competition against higher level sailors, especially having two of the best here in Craig and Joshua, it helps show us how much farther we need to go as a club to compete. “On the whole, we are very happy with the sailing and sportsmanship shown by all the athletes this past weekend and of course we are so proud of our Exuma Sailing Club sailors for being good hosts and competing hard for the whole weekend.”

#Most known for hosting the National Family Island Regatta every year in April, Exuma has now also hosted two national sailing events, Opti Nationals in 2020 and now Sunfish Nationals this year.

• Simba French
• 13 hrs ago
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The Bahamas senior men’s national soccer team have one more game remaining, and they are on the brink of being relegated to League C in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Nations League.

The Bahamas currently sits at the bottom of League B, Group D in fourth position with one point. Mathematically, there is still hope for The Bahamas, as the team has one more game remaining.

That remaining game is against Guyana, which has already won the group with 15 points after a 5-0 win/loss record. A new date has not been set yet. The two teams were set to play each other last weekend, but that game was postponed on Saturday and Sunday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It was postponed on Saturday due to adverse weather, and on Sunday due to local officials suspending public and private activities because of the effects of the adverse weather on Saturday.

Jean said whenever that game takes place, his team just needs to be ready to go out there and play.

“It does not matter if these players play professional or no. At the end of the day, it is 11 players against 11 players on the field, and we must go out there and do our job to the best of our ability,” Jean said.

The Bahamas will have to win by two goals to overtake third place Antigua and Barbuda, with four points and a 1-4-1 win/loss/draw record. The Bahamas has a 0-4-1 record. One of the team leaders and vocal players on the team, Marcel Joseph, said the team must seize this opportunity.

“After hearing the score for the Guyana-Antigua and Barbuda game, it is a bit of a relief,” Joseph said. “We don’t know when that game will be played, but if given the opportunity with one more game, knowing that we have something to play for now is more motivation. We must rally the boys and let them know that we are alive, and it is still possible. We have to go out and fight for good results.”

The last matchup saw The Bahamas falling 6-1 to Puerto Rico on Tuesday in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Joseph scored the lone goal for The Bahamas. Puerto Rico finished second in the group with a 4-2 record and with 12 points to remain in the League B.

• Nov 24, 2023 Updated 11 hrs ago
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The Bahamas Professional Golf Tour’s (BPGT) Hillshire Farms Classic by Asa H. Pritchard is set to get underway on Sunday, November 26, at Baha Mar resort’s Royal Blue Golf Course. Tee-off time is set for 2 p.m.

Founder of the tour, Riccardo Davis, is happy to have Hillshire Farms on board.

It was an exciting start to the BPGT season, when Davis secured the victory at the BPGT Classic in September after some drama on hole 18 ensued between him and David Harris.

Nolan Johnson won the amateur division in the Classic, while Christopher Callendar won the junior division. All three division champions will be back in the Hillshire Farms Classic to defend their title.

Playing at the Royal Blue Golf Course, Davis and Harris finished their round tied at two-over par 74 and needed a playoff to break the tie. After they were tied at the end of the first round of playoff, Davis’ short game helped him to hold off a fierce Harris to start the season off with a bang, as he made a birdie on that second playoff hole. Harris had to settle for second.

As mentioned earlier, golfers of all skill levels can participate whether they are a professional, amateur or junior, as they will each have their own category to compete in. There are great prizes in each division and golfers are encouraged to come out and give support to the professionals and those striving to reach the professional level, as they hone their skills to excel professionally.

Sponsors include Bahamas Waste, Breezes Resorts, Royal Blue Golf Club, R & E Imports & Sales, Sun Tee, Signature Events and Wild Flowers.

Anyone wishing to support the tour can do so by contacting the tour at bahamasprofessionalolftour@gmail.com.

Hield drilled his most three-pointers in a game without a miss

• Sheldon Longley
• Nov 23, 2023
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Bahamian Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield got his first start of the season on Tuesday, and it paid dividends as he exploded, having one of his best performances as a professional shooting-wise.

Hield had his most three-pointers in a game without a miss in his eight-year career, finishing 6-for-6 from downtown to help the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) number one offensive team, Indiana Pacers, take down the Atlanta Hawks, 157-152, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday.

The Pacers were led by their Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate Tyrese Haliburton, pouring in a side-high 37 points and adding 16 assists. He was 11-for-18 from the field, including 9-for-15 from deep. In total, the Pacers drilled 22 three-pointers, tied for the second most in franchise history – a feat they accomplished five times. The franchise record is 23, done against the Brooklyn Nets last year.

The Bahamian was on fire all night, particularly in the fourth quarter when he scored 13 of his season-high 24 points. He had the go-ahead bucket in the final minute of the game, drilling a three-point shot from the left wing to give the Pacers a 155-152 lead with 52.1 seconds remaining. Hield had the last eight points of the game for the Pacers including two three-point shots. His previous trey before the go-ahead basket gave the Pacers a 152-150 lead with 1:20 remaining.

Saddiq Bey made a layup to tie the game 12 second later but Hield put the Pacers ahead for good with his trey inside the final minute of the game.

He certainly made a case for major minutes, once healthy, for the rest of the season.

Pacers’ Head Coach Rick Carlisle decided to make the move, his first performance-based lineup change for the season. Aaron Nesmith joined Hield in the starting lineup and second-year wing Bennedict Mathurin and forward Obi Toppin were relegated to the bench for the first time this season.

All four players were productive in the new roles, each scoring in double figures. Nesmith was in foul trouble but had a strong second half on the defensive end and scored 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Mathurin seemed more comfortable in the sixth man role he was in for so much of last season as he scored 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Toppin added 21 points on 9-for-16 shooting.

Trae Young led the Hawks with 38 points and eight assists. Dejounte Murray scored 28 and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 26 on 10-for-15 shooting.

The win for the Pacers clinched a spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals, becoming the first team to do so. They have an unblemished 3-0 win/loss record in East Group A with one game left in group play. The quarterfinals will be held December 4-5.

The 309 combined points by the two teams on Tuesday matched the 16th highest-scoring game in NBA history, and it was the highest this season.

It was only the sixth time in NBA history, including the playoffs, that a team scored at least 152 points in a non-overtime game and lost. Teams are 92-6 in such games.

Atlanta led by 20 in the second quarter, but the Pacers came all the way back and tied it at 107 when Haliburton hit a three-pointer with just under four minutes remaining in the third. Haliburton scored 26 points in the period, and Indiana led 119-114 entering the fourth.

The Pacers shot 60.6 percent from the floor and 48.9 percent from three-point range while the Hawks shot 59.4 percent overall and 48.4 percent from deep.

The Pacers hosted the Toronto Raptors at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, last night, but the result of that game was unavailable up to press time.

Overall, the Pacers have an 8-5 record (prior to last night), sitting in sixth in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.

For the season, Hield is averaging 12.3 points on 43.8 percent shooting from the field. He is shooting 40.6 percent from three-point land. He is averaging his fewest points and minutes per game since his rookie season in the NBA.

• Nov 23, 2023
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The Bahamas Chess Federation’s (BCF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of officers is set for Sunday November 26, at 3 p.m. at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Building on Thompson Boulevard.

Contesting the president’s spot are Valentine Cox and Curtis Pride Sr. and running for first vice president are Beverley Turnquest and Hatchelah Robinson.

There are no candidates for the second vice president spot. Elton Joseph and Erica Seymour will contest the treasurer’s position and Angel Pride will run for the position of secretary. The nomination period has closed

Prior to voting, candidates will be afforded up to 10 minutes each to outline their respective agendas and priorities for the upcoming term.

For verification purposes, voters are asked to bring at least one form of a government-issued identification.

Andre White served as the chairman of the BCF Elections Committee and he said he looks forward to everyone’s attendance and participation in the elections.