As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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Terrence Jones

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#SPRINTER Terrence Jones Jr expressed his thankfulness and gratitude to his teammates and fellow Bahamians that supported him throughout his recent adversity.

#The sprint specialist recently had his three-month suspension, issued by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), rescinded. The punishment was initially handed down to due misconduct in violation of the BAAAs regulations at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Association (NACAC) under-18 and under-23 Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica, last month.

#However, the situation has since been resolved, according to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

#“I spoke to the president this morning and I think they had a meeting with his executives and came to the conclusion that they would find other means and ways to levy any punishment to the athletes for any breach that was made,” Mr Bowleg said.

#He added that all suspensions have been lifted and all athletes are free to partake in any upcoming sporting events.

#Previously, the three-month suspension would have restricted Jones from competing at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, August 19-27.

#Meanwhile, Bahamians rallied in support of the 100 metre national champion and one of the world’s fastest men going into the World Championships with a blistering personal best of 9.91 seconds.

#Following the verdict to overturn the three-month suspension by the BAAA delegates, Jones relayed his word of thanks to everybody involved in a letter.

#“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the BAAA Executive Board, my Bahamian teammates as well as the club and high school coaches that showed their support,” he wrote.

#“This has been a humbling experience but one that made me realize how passionate our country is and how great a people we are,” he continued.

#The Grand Bahamian wrote that he will take his lessons from the situation and through hard work and passion make the country proud.

#Although the debacle appeared to be headed south for their son, Terrence Jones Sr and Tara Martin-Jones also issued a letter of thanks to the public.

#“Due to the support that Terrence Jones Jr and his family have received from each of you, expressed in your very own way, we are indeed grateful. Therefore, we take this opportunity to convey our infinite thanks and gratitude to you,” the Jones wrote.

#Despite a change of heart, the BAAA executives maintain that the matter has been handled internally and there will be possible sanctions to follow in regards to the athletes involved.

#The focus has now shifted to the World Championships which are three weeks away. Jones has qualified to compete in both the 100m and 200m events.

Kai Jones, Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#EUGENE Horton, president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF), along with many Bahamians, have high expectations for the stacked 15-man national team.

#Team Bahamas released the roster featuring National Basketball Association (NBA) professional players Kai Jones, Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and Deandre Ayton this past Monday.

#The team will compete in the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Pre-Olympic Qualifier in Santiago de Estero, Argentina, August 14-20.

#The tournament will determine which teams make a final push to solidify their spots at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, all set for July 26 to August 11.

#Horton and other officials are confident in one of the best teams fielded by The Bahamas.

#“We are expecting to continue the journey we started a few years ago and, with this team being one of the best assembled, we expect to advance,” Horton said.

#Team Bahamas will compete against Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands in Group A.

#The Bahamas will kickoff the basketball action against Cuba on Monday, August 14.

#The number 56 ranked team will face an uphill battle as the Group A teams will all be hungry for a win to join the 19 FIBA Basketball World Cup teams.

#The teams will then compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next year from July 2-7.

#The Bahamas will also field Jaraun ‘Kino’ Burrows, Domnick Bridgewater, Garvin Clarke, Kadeem Coleby, Rashad Davis, Sammy Hunter, Danrad Knowles, Lourawls ‘Tum Tum’ Nairn, Willis Mackey Jr, Franco Miller, Travis Munnings, Kentwan Smith, David Nesbitt, AJ Storr and Mychel Thompson.

#With the talent pool being very vast for the team, the president is optimistic about their chances.

#“I am very happy, we are confident that once we were able to get to this stage, the NBA and other professional players along with the coaching staff would make themselves available, invest their time, and make The Bahamas proud,” Horton said.

#One notable name missing from the roster is Eric Gordon, who was initially included in the list of NBA players to play for The Bahamas but there are some ongoing complications.

#“We are still hopeful that Mr Gordon will be available to represent Team Bahamas.

#“But some administrative details need to be worked out with USA Basketball,” the president added.

#The team will get warmed up at training camp in Puerto Rico from August 3-10 where they will play in two exhibition games against the University of Kansas.

#Afterwards, they will head to Argentina to prepare for Pool A competition.

#The Bahamas will face off against one of the top teams, Argentina, on August 16 followed by Panama on August 17.

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As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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Kent Bazard

#RECENTLY, I have been deeply fascinated by the profound impact of sports nutrition on athlete achievement and overall well-being.

#Even more profound is how much our athletes, coaches and parents take their athletes’ nutrition for granted.

#In this article, we begin our journey into the realm of sports nutrition, highlighting its significance in optimising athletic performance and recovery, while also recognising the vital role parents play in nurturing their young athletes’ nutrition at home.

#Fuelling Success:

#Unveiling the Power of Sports Nutrition

#I have witnessed firsthand the incredible influence that proper nutrition holds in sustaining peak performance for athletes of all levels. Sports nutrition is not merely about counting calories; rather, it involves a strategic approach to meeting individualized dietary needs based on an athlete’s sport, training intensity, body composition, and performance goals. Believe it or not, it all starts in the home.

#While youth athletes may receive expert guidance from coaches, sports medicine professionals and nutritionists, the influence of parents at home is equally essential. Parents serve as the primary support system for their young athletes, ensuring they receive the right nutrition and maintain the right habits to fuel their endeavors. A meticulously scheduled nutrition dense, balanced diet that incorporates the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients is key to nurturing the athletic potential of growing athletes.

#Again, I cannot stress enough the crucial role parents play in fostering a healthy relationship with food and nutrition. Encouraging young athletes to embrace nutritious food choices and avoid fad diets, junk food, or excessive restrictions lays the foundation for a sustainable and successful athletic journey. Very often, our Bahamian youth athletes don’t eat enough for fear of getting “fat”. I always tell them – you must eat like a racehorse, not a bikini model. Taste is 90% psychological – if you feed your child broccoli, they will learn to like broccoli. If you let them eat soda and cheese puffs, they will learn to like soda and cheese puffs.

#Striking the Right Balance:

#The Importance of Macronutrients Macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – form the building blocks of sports nutrition, each playing a unique role in supporting an athlete’s performance and recovery.

1. #Protein: Often hailed as the “muscle-builder,” protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding tissues after intense training sessions. Athletes rely on protein to support muscle growth and recovery, making it a vital component of their diet. Lean sources of protein such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu are ideal for fueling an athlete’s journey towards peak performance.
2. #Fat: Contrary to popular belief, healthy fats are crucial for athletes’ overall well-being. Fats provide a concentrated source of energy, aid in nutrient absorption, and support hormone production. Athletes benefit from incorporating sources of healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, into their diets to sustain energy levels and maintain cardiovascular health.
3. #Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates serve as the primary source of energy for athletes. They are especially vital for endurance activities, replenishing glycogen stores and sustaining performance during training and competition. Athletes should choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to maintain a steady energy supply.

#Empowering Athletes with Nutrition Knowledge

#As a dedicated Sports Medicine Practitioner and Sports Nutrition Specialist, I am passionate about empowering athletes and their parents with nutrition knowledge. At Empire Sports Medicine, we strive to equip parents and athletes with comprehensive sports nutrition education, enabling them to work together in making informed dietary choices that complement young athletes’ training and performance goals. In the coming weeks we will explore more about what to eat pre and post–workout, pre and post competition, in–season and off–season. Our mission is to navigate this intricate world of nutrition, guiding athletes and their parents towards optimal health, success, and longevity in their athletic pursuits. So…cut down on the chicken-in-da-bag.

#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, optimize nutrition and performance.

#Contact Empire Sports Medicine at: 242-364-2001 Kent@empirefitness.fit Dr. Kent L. Bazard B.Sc. M.Sc. (Sports Medicine) NASM-PES, M.B.,B.S. Sports Physician | Sports Performance Coach | Sports Nutrition Specialist Empire Fitness and Sports Performance Empire Sports Medicine

READY TO SERVE: The New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) elected new officers to serve for the next four years this past Tuesday at the Ministry of Education.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#FOLLOWING the New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) annual general meeting and elections, the newly-elected president Ricardo Smith is ready to usher in a new era of basketball.

#Smith, along with the other elected officials, are ready to take on the challenge for the next four years and bring changes to the local night league.

#The president and newly appointed officials plan to offer a cash prize to players, provide them with opportunities for travel and exposure, and boost crowd and media involvement going into next season.

#Smith listed a $10,000 cash prize for the division one champions as the first item on his 10-point plan for the first year of his presidency.

#“We have refocused our efforts on making sure that there is definitely an opportunity for players to see more benefits so that they will be able to see what they are playing for,” Smith said.

#The champions of the 2023-2024 NPBA season will be awarded with the prize money along with championship rings for their efforts on the court.

#Among the other goals for the association will be to allow the teams, particularly the division two clubs, to travel overseas to colleges. Additionally, the division one players will have exposure to professional players.

#The NPBA elected officials also have plans to boost crowd involvement and attendance, starting with their search of new potential venues for the basketball games next season. Despite a slight dip in crowd attendance in the previous season, Smith recognises that new initiatives can be put in place to boost attendance at the gymnasium.

#At the halfway mark of the regular season, the executives will have a committee in charge of planning the All-Star games which will include players being allowed to stay in a hotel during the break.

#“We are gonna bring back All-Star games and we hope to treat our players like All-Stars for at least a weekend in a hotel to have the opportunity to be treated like real superstars and to include all the fanfare and festivities that the NBA does,” the president said.

#In addition to bringing back the All-Star games, they plan to include halftime shows, special prizes and merchandise for supporters.

#“We have to provide incentives for our fans that if they get early tickets they would be able to pay a cheaper price and also we must work on ensuring our teams are up to par and coming on the floor with a plan to execute the game at the highest level,” Smith added.

#The new NPBA president also has plans for the media’s involvement in the upcoming season.

#It is the association’s goal to sit with members of the media and sports representatives to discuss new ways to have them more involved with the progression and promotion of the NPBA league.

#He said they are trying to work with the media houses going forward to get their message out through press releases, photography and post-game interviews which can be directly sent to them.

#“We want to sit down with the media before next season opens to find out what we can do to make it easier for them.

#“There are a number of things that we are going to be doing to get a new marketing/advertising strategy,” he said.

#The president remains optimistic going into the 2023/2024 NPBA season and wants their supporters to give them a second chance in this new era of basketball.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#THE late Deacon Leviticus ‘Uncle Lou’ Adderley will be among 10 individuals and one team to be inducted into Saint John’s University’s J-Club Hall of Honour on Saturday, October 14, as part of Homecoming festivities.

#The dinner and enshrinement ceremony begins with a social at 4:30pm followed by the dinner and programme at 5:15pm in Guild Hall (Old Gym) following the Johnnies’ Homecoming football game against Carleton in Clemens Stadium.

#Registration is $75 per person before October 8 ($100 per person after) and includes dinner and beverages. All proceeds go to the J-Club to support SJU athletics.

#Each member of the Hall of Honour class will be highlighted in the weeks leading up to their induction with stories and videos on gojohnnies.com starting on September 6.

#This year’s class was selected by a vote of the J-Club’s board of directors, who considered nominations which can be made by any club member.

#Founded in 1959, the J-Club is a dues-based booster organisation of former Johnnie student-athletes, parents and fans, and plays a key role in supporting SJU varsity programs, intramurals and club sports.

#Adderley, a graduate of the class of 1955, was considered a rare MIAC individual champion in two sports at SJU.

#Adderley was a three-time conference champion in tennis and won the MIAC wrestling title at 130 pounds as a junior in 1954. He was on track to repeat his championship as a senior in 1955, but he suffered a back injury in his semifinal win and had to medical forfeit the championship match.

#After graduating in 1955, he returned to The Bahamas where he served as a coach and as the director of athletics at Saint Augustine’s College, a secondary school for grades 7-12.

#He will be enshrined in the class that includes Paul Bernabei ‘69 (baseball); Darwin Dumonceaux ‘99:(track and field); Chris Erichsen ‘08 (cross country/indoor/outdoor track-and field); Terry Haws (wrestling) and Tom Kubinski ‘86:(swimming); Matt McGovern ‘01:(golf); Chris Palmer ‘96 (football/baseball);

#Joining them will be the 2003 football team and Fr. Dunstan Tucker ‘25, OSB who will be awarded the J-Club Distinguished Service Award.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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Lorraine LaFleur

Aaron Mackey

Charon McKenzie

Jason Johnson

Kory Ingraham

Ricardo Gibson

Andrew Gibson

#WHEN IFBB women’s physique competitor Lorraine LaFleur decided to open GAINZ for Life Fitness – G4LF, she envisioned it would become one of Nassau’s new fastest-growing fitness studios.

#LaFleur said she founded G4LF to introduce a fun, uplifting environment centred around physical fitness where members can push their limits, create meaningful relationships and have a good time.

#Aiming to become the most extensive health and wellness community in The Bahamas, Gainz for Life Fitness left its imprint on one of the most well-known fitness competitions in the country at the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation Nationals.

#The BBWFF Nationals was staged hon Saturday, July 22, when GALF added three more competitors to the six that contested the evert a year before.

#This year, competitors participated in the men’s physique, men’s bodybuilding, men’s classic bodybuilding, men’s fit model, women’s physique and women’s bikini categories.

#During the competition, LaFleur led by example to win the women’s physique pro category.

#Meanwhile, Jason Johnson was the overall men’s physique winner as they competed in the pro segment held for the time in the nationals.

#Kareem Brancaccio also emerged as the overall fit model winner; Charon McKenzie was second in the novice men’s physique; Ricardo won the novice men’s physique; Aaron Mackey was also second in the open men’s physique; Andrew Gibson was third in the men’s classic physique; Kory Ingraham placed fifth in the men’s physique.

#According to LaFleur, because of the success the club achieved, they anticipate that they will have more participation in 2023.

#Former IFBB junior bikini competitor Allyssa Fox, the daughter of LaFleur, is now the active CEO of Gainz for Life Fitness.

#The young CEO started weight training at 15, competed for the first time at 16 and represented the country at 17 as a member of the BBWFF Nationals Team in 2017 in the Dominican Republic CAC Championships.

#Fox now uses the G4LF Brand to motivate others in the community to focus on pursuing a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. In the future, you can look forward to seeing more local involvement from Gainz for Life Fitness and can visit us on East St South and

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#THE Greg Christie Memorial Softball Tournament is in its third year and organisers are excited to know that the tournament continues to grow and expose our future softball talent.

#Competition commence on Thursday, August 10th. at 5:30 at Emera Park, Queens Highway and ends with the championship on August 13th. at 1 pm.

#Christie was Consultant for Rising Stars and a true Pioneer in the sport of softball locally and internationally. This year we will host seven teams, three in the 12U division, namely, Girls like Diamonds who are the defending 2022 champions, the Abaco Pink Panthers and our very own, Rising Stars.

#In the 16U division, coordinator Yvonne Lockhart said they will see for the first time the Crucian Elite, from St. Croix, US Virgin Island, Sunshine Auto out of New Providence, Abaco Pink Panthers and Rising Stars.

#“Our objective is to continue attracting more international teams that will expose our athletes to a much higher level of competition not often seen at home,” Lockhart said.

#“It is our hope and dreams that our athletes will continue to grow and develop their softball skills some of whom desire to play college softball and in the years to come be in a position to assist in putting the Bahamas back on the WBSC softball chart. We anticipate an exciting competition and encourage the general public to come out and support these athletes.”

LEGENDARY Frank Rutherford, far left, poses with some of the athletes he worked with on Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IT was 31 years ago that Frank Rutherford soared to the Bahamas’ first track and field medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He felt the bronze has propelled the Bahamas to earning a medal in every Olympiad thereafter.

#The historic feat came on August 3 at the Olympic Stadium where Rutherford soared 56-feet, 11 1/2-inches or 17.36 metres to trail the American duo of gold medallist Mike Conley, who did 59-7 1/2 (18.17m) and Charles Simpkins with 57-9 (17.60m).

#“It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Rutherford, who reflected on his feat with his usual trip to Harbour Island. “It was an awesome day for the Bahamas.”

#Although it has rarely been brought up in national conversations, Rutherford said he was pleased to have set the stage for what was to come for so many athletes who followed and competed in every Olympiad.

#“This is something that I honestly live for,” Rutherford said. “I can’t explain in words what the emotions that I went through. I am just pleased that I was able to set the stage for the country.”

#Rutherford, now residing in Houston, Texas with his family where he’s currently working as an assistant at his alma mater at the University of Houston, said he carried the country on his shoulders at the games and he delivered the first Olympic medal.

#“It was so special because there were only a few people in the stands, including Dr Patrick Roberts, BAAA president Mike Sands and Brent Stubbs, the reporter, who covered the event,” Rutherford said.

#“I remember in the press conference with the three medallists present, you asked me what it meant to have won the first medal for the Bahamas. I could only remember the look on your face as you shed some tears because of the momentous accomplishment.”

#The 58-year-old Rutherford, who was 27 years at the time, said he knew he had a legitimate shot at winning the title.

#That was why he was so confident going into the competition. He went on to win the silver medal at the World Cup in Cuba a month later.

#Rutherford, who was also the first Bahamian to win both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the triple jump in the same year in 1987, said he is still disappointed that he has not received the accolades that he deserves for his accomplishments.

#“Before I won the medal, I was promised a gift of land and a house by the then Government of the Bahamas,” he recalled. “After I won it, there was a change in government, but it was never honoured.

#“Today, we’re hearing of athletes getting land, houses and even having streets named after them, but I’ve got nothing to show for my achievement. It’s sad, but I am still happy to have been the pioneer to set the stage for so many others to follow.”

#Rutherford said he will forever be grateful for the opportunity he got to represent the country and to win the medal. He said it’s a part of Bahamian history that came less than a decade after the country gained Independence.

#So as the country celebrates its 50th Golden Jubilee, Rutherford said he’s just appreciative of the fact that he was able to ink his name in the almanacs of Bahamian sports that will last forever.

GRAND EVENT: The organisers, stakeholders and government officials can be seen yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, centre, speaks yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 as BAAA president Drumeco Archer, far right, and Dr Daniel Johnson, look on. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas will host the World Athletics Relays for the fourth time in 2024. The two-day event will get underway on May 4 and wrap up on May 5 as 32 teams will vie for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

#The event will feature five disciplines, including the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres, 4x400m and mixed relays. With this being the fourth time the country has hosted the grand event, there will be 1,600 athletes expected to compete which has huge implications for not only sports but also tourism.

#Senator Randy Rolle, global relations consultant in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, talked about the different opportunities that can arise out of a sporting event of this magnitude.

#“We can maximise our opportunities and capitalise on the benefits this event will bring, hosting the World Relays underguards our efforts and we aim to become the sports mecca of the Caribbean,” he said.

#Rolle added with the amount of athletes expected to compete on Bahamian soil, it gives the opportunity to get into new various markets, including international markets to access new potential travellers including athletes, sports event planners and sports enthusiasts.

#Next year’s World Relays will automatically include the top eight relay teams in each discipline from the World Championships in Budapest August 19-27.

#Additionally, the top 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas will automatically punch their tickets to the Paris Olympic Games.

#Mike Sands, president of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Association (NACAC), explained the other criteria which allows entry in the 2024 World Relays.

#“The host country may also enter one team in each discipline regardless of entry conditions, the remaining team up to 32 will be determined through the top list in the qualification period January 2023 to Sunday April 2024,” Sands said.

#Following three successful hostings of the World Relays in 2014, 2015 and 2017, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Drumeco Archer intend to take a different approach to marketing next year’s event.

#“We have placed these games in your hands. They belong to the Bahamian people, with my deep affections for young people, our team has taken a very deliberate approach in promoting these games into the homes of every resident throughout every island,” Archer said.

#The marketing campaign will target primary, junior and senior schools and billboards will now be intentionally placed in front of public and private schools because the pupils are the future, according to Archer.

#“The World Relays is a world-class event for a world-class country…we are introducing two mascots that will be the face of the World Relays. These mascots will showcase our culture and bring great visibility to our brand,” he said.

#In efforts to bring mascots “Junkaloo” and “Junkasue” to life, there will be a competition hosted for kids 14 years and older from August 7 to Sept 16.

#The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $3,500, second place receives $2,000 and third place will earn $1,000.

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said it is a privilege to see the World Athletics Relays back to the Bahamian shores.

#“This administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country and what events such as this will bring also with its economic boost, so we are looking forward to a great time…the road to paradise begins in The Bahamas,” Bowleg said.