Category: TRACK

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the 50th CARIFTA Games only 15 days away, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg is urging Bahamians not to wait until the last minute to purchase their tickets for the event.

#The CARIFTA Games are expected to be held on Easter weekend April 7-10. With the games almost two weeks away, Bowleg said 6,000 to 7,000 of the CARIFTA tickets have already been sold with more than 20% of ticket sales coming from Jamaicans.

#Bowleg had this message for Bahamians ahead of the country’s 50th CARIFTA Games.

#“If we Bahamians don’t get to the ticket booth and start purchasing then we gone see more green, yellow and black in the stands than the aquamarine, gold and black so we want the Bahamians to understand that they must come out and that the young people need their support in order to have that extra push,” Bowleg said.

#Before the Easter weekend CARIFTA Games, the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), in conjunction with the MOYSC, is set to host the CARIFTA Trials and High School National Track and Field Championships as a mock version of April’s games. The event will take place March 25-27.

#Bowleg said 500 athletes will be competing in this weekend’s trials and everything that is set to happen at the CARIFTA Games will be done at this weekend’s event.

#“We are encouraging all parents, fans, and families to come out and support your kids because at the end of the day we are gonna have athletes from all over the Family Islands, including New Providence and Grand Bahama that are gonna be vying for their spot in the CARIFTA Games,” he said.

#Minister Bowleg added that the competition will be keen and the public does not want to miss the preview of some of the CARIFTA athletes.

#Although repairs to the Thomas A. Robinson stadium were underway ahead of the 50th CARIFTA Games, they are expected to be done in time for April’s track and field event.

#Persons that are interested can purchase tickets for the 50th CARIFTA Games online at https:// www.carifta50.com/ticketspurchase or can purchase via the box office located at the Eastern Grand entrance of the TAR stadium.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/22/minister-dont-wait-until-last-minute-buy-carifta-t/?news

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

Dr Wentia Ford-Diagne remembers her late father

As of Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Dr Wentia Ford-Diagne

THE late baseball legend Wenty Ford.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#In an effort to help keep the legacy of her late father alive, former versatile athlete Dr Wentia Ford-Diagne has established the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation with a “50-50 Dream Big” initiative.

#The public charity, non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the support and development of the youth though the fundamental skills of sporting disciplines, leadership and community development, was formed last September, but is expected to commence with its first set of participants this September to June 2024 with the inner-city kids in Centreville.

#“We know that there are many inner-city kids, whose parents can’t afford to pay for them to go to the private camps,” she said. “The goal is to launch the programme to commemorate 50 years since my family first started playing Major League baseball.

#“So I’ve created an after-school programme where the kids can come at least two times a week to learn the fundamentals of the sport of baseball and two days where they can get the tutoring from some of the teachers in the programme.”

#Ford-Diagne said they are opening the programme up to the first 50 youngsters, but one of the criteria for enrolment in the programme is a minimum of a 2.5 overall grade point average and a minimum of 2.0 GPA in a subject. It’s geared towards youngsters between the ages of five and 12.

#Ford, who also played cricket, signed with the Braves in 1966 as an undrafted free agent and was promoted to the Major Leagues in September 1973 after his eighth season in Atlanta’s farm system, having won 17 of 24 decisions with an earned run average of 2.46 with the Braves’ two top minor league affiliates.

#In his Major League debut on September 10, 1973, Ford started against the San Francisco Giants at Atlanta-Fulton County against future baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Manchal. Ford pitched a complete game in a 10-4 triumph, surrendering five hits (four of them singles) and six bases on balls (walks), with three strikeouts.

#Ford, the only Bahamian to pitch in Major League Baseball for the Atlanta Braves, was killed in a car accident on July 8, 1980.

#His daughter, Ford-Diagne – a former multiple sporting star for the Kingsway Academy Saints – left the Bahamas in 1995 to pursue her studies at Norfolk State University before she went on to Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School.

#She is now residing in Edinburg, Texas where she is a physician assistant partnering with her husband Dr Thiendella Diagne at Dr Diagne Premier Ob Gyn Practice with emphasis on women’s health and infertility and is the mother of one daughter, Mareme Evangeline.

#Ford-Diagne was too young to remember the exploits of her father. But while in town in 2022 to participate, her uncle Mario Ford’s annual baseball camp on Windsor Park opposite their homestead, she said the genesis of her starting the Sports Foundation in honour of her father.

#“I feel like I am doing exactly what he would have been doing if he was still alive,” she said. “He always had a keen interest in helping the youth in the inner-city and so I think I am only carrying out his mandate to help as many young people as I could.

#“He wanted to make sure that they had everything they need so that they could get the opportunity to compete just like the other kids whose parents have the funding to ensure that they can get the private tutoring.”

#The following are the objectives

#of the camp:

#Teach the basic fundamentals and discipline of the game of baseball (or any sport).
#Teach the physical basic and develop the skills of baseball.
#To provide mentorship to both young boys and girls.
#To provide tutoring.
#Develop leadership skills to build.
#To develop and provide an after-school programme to aid in academic growth and tutoring assistance.
#All members to participate in community service.
#Long-term – to provide or support other Sport Foundation(s) including sponsorship for other kids.

#While she has the foundation up and running, Ford-Diagne revealed that there are 10 positions available for a board of directors to assist her. But she noted that she has an advisory board that includes veteran journalist Fred Sturrup and former track star Addis Huyler, who has been assisting with the branding of the foundation. For more details, persons can email info@wentyfordsportsfoundation. com or contact Ford-Diagne at WhatsApp 956-780-6100.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/22/dr-wentia-ford-diagne-remembers-her-late-father/?news

March 24, 2023February 4, 2024

Gardiner pleased with his comeback

WORLD and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner said he is looking forward to getting back on top of the men’s standings in the 400 metres.

As of Wednesday, March 22, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#BACK in action after sitting out the past season with an injury, World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner said he’s excited about his progress and looking forward to getting back on top of the men’s standings in the 400 metres.

#The 27-year-old multiple Bahamian national record holder from Abaco opened his season with a pair of quality performances indoors in February before he won his outdoor season opener on Friday in Puerto Rico, all three in the 300m.

#“At the beginning of the year, it started out rocky. I had to go to Germany in January for a checkup and I got the green light to compete,” said Gardiner in an interview with The Tribune.

#“I did my first indoor meet in South Carolina and then we went back to Gainesville (Florida) for my second competition. That’s where we ran really well. Then we went to Puerto Rico and I had a great start for outdoors. I almost PR (personal best).”

#Last year in his 300m opener before he went down with a UTE Tendon Inflammation injury that prevented him from defending his 400m title at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Gardiner clocked his lifetime best and national record of 31.52 and over the weekend, he came close with his winning time of 31.59.

#“I think coming off the injury, we are in a great place where we need to be this year,” said Gardiner of his performance so far. “I feel good. Training has been going very well.

#“I’m excited about training and the times are right there.”

#With this being dubbed his “return to competition,” Gardiner said he’s looking forward to going to Budapest, Hungary in August and getting back on top of the podium in the men’s 400m.

#“I think it will take around 43 to win it, but whatever time is the winning time, that is what I want to be able to do,” projected Gardiner, whose national 400m record is listed at 43.48.

#Not having competed in a while, Gardiner said he has to concentrate on his start with his long-time coach Gary Evans in their training camp in Florida. But he said they have been making the necessary adjustments to get him ready.

#“I just want to run the perfect race,” said Gardiner, who has been training under Evans’ supervision since 2016. “He’s been a real help in getting me to where I need to be. He’s my coach and he’s been helping me to get everything together.”

#With each passing race as he makes his return to the international circuit, Gardiner said he’s seen the tremendous support poured in from the Bahamian public on social media. “I want to thank them for supporting me,” he stressed. “I want to continue to make them feel proud and to put the Bahamas back on the international stage and make more history for the Bahamas.”

#Gardiner, however, said he misses not having his close friend and fellow Bahamian star Shaunae Miller-Uibo competing. She’s taken some time off to have her baby with her husband, Maicel Uibo.

#“As my good friend, I just want her to have a healthy pregnancy and enjoy her time off because I know she really needs it, having gone back-to-back competitions for so long,” Gardiner stated.

#“I just want her to take her time and when she returns, we will link up and we can continue what we started before she took her break for motherhood.”

#Having competed on both silver and bronze medal winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 400m relay teams for the Bahamas at the 2014 CARIFTA Games in Fort-de-France, Martinique, Gardiner also sent his personal endorsement to the athletes who will be trying out this weekend for this year’s CARIFTA Games, scheduled for the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium over the Easter holiday weekend.

#“Always put your best foot forward. Most people can’t do it, so for those who make it, just do your best,” Gardiner stated.

#“You are competing at home with your family and friends there, so just go out there and do what you have to do and have fun.

#“Don’t put any pressure on yourself. The pressure should be in your training. You just need to be prepared to enjoy the games. Plus, this is our 50th year of Independence, so this is the icing on the cake. Just enjoy the experience of competing in CARIFTA and at home in your backyard.”

#Gardiner is looking forward to competing in his next meet in Florida, but while he will be running both the 200 and 400m, he said he might just surprise everybody and run in a 100m race.

#“The last time I did the 100m was in 2020 when COVID-19 started,” Gardiner said. “I ran a PB, so I will see if I can beat that.”

#But at the World Championships, Gardiner said his focus will be on the 400m where he was unbeaten in 23 consecutive races dating back to the 2017 World Championships when he won the silver medal behind world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa.

#If the opportunity presents itself, he said he could make himself available to run on the men’s 4 x 400m relay team.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/22/gardiner-pleased-his-comeback/?news

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

Nassau Gymnastics seeks funding for better facilities and exposure

As of Thursday, March 23, 2023

SHOWN, from left to right, are Nassau Gymnastics’ Daelyn Jones, Anai Ingraham, Peyton Pickstock and Mikelle Cartwright on their return home as medallists after competing in the Florida Crown.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#NASSAU Gymnastics seeks financial support and equipment for young gymnasts after their Gasparilla Classics and Florida Crown performances.

#With gymnasts practicing every evening at the Nassau Gymnastics facility in the Oakes Field Shopping Center, team coaches and parents are advocating for more funding for the sport in the country.

#At the Gasparilla Classics, the young gymnasts shined in the competition. Kayla Culmer came 12th all around in her age group. With all possible scores being out of 10, Culmer notched 8.90 in the 6th vault, 7.10 in the 12 bars, 8.325 in the 10th beam, and 9.60 in the 5th floor.

#She was joined by A’Niyah Williams who placed 8th all around. In the 5th vault, she notched 8.95, 9.25 in the 6th bars, 8.40 in the 8th beam, and 9.125 in the 11th floor.

#Despite the young ladies shining at the Gasparilla Classics, Samantha Cartwright, a parent of one of the gymnasts, talked about how the Nassau Gymnastics programme needs to be improved.

#Cartwright said persons that wish to donate can do so towards equipment which is very costly and includes beam equipment, bar equipment, springboards and gym upkeep so that the young gymnasts can have the equipment necessary to ensure that they represent The Bahamas in the way that they should.

#She added that despite the gymnasts using old equipment, she is still proud of them for performing well and making The Bahamas look good.

#Head coach Trevor Ramsey talked about the need for a better gym facility for the gymnasts.

#“The facilities here on the island are very much below par. Florida is one of the strongest gymnastic regions and most of the kids we compete with come from state-of-the-art gym facilities and they are all over Florida,” Ramsey said.

#Ramsey added that although the kids from Florida have better equipment and facilities, the Bahamian gymnasts are still able to go to Florida and be on par with them but, if they had better facilities, things would be better.

#While at the Florida Crown Gymnastics competition, the Bahamian gymnasts performed well once again.

#Mikala Cartwright placed 2nd all around in the competition. In the 2nd Vault 9.35, 5th Bars 9.00, 1st Beam champion 9.60, and 5th floor 9.625.

#Tiana Nixon placed 6th all around. In the 8th vault 8.925, 8.725 in 8th bars, 9.275 in the 4th beam, and 9.575 7th floor.

#Additionally, Taylor Robinson placed 5th all around.

#Team coach Rashad Cunningham talked about how important it is for gymnasts to have exposure in the country. “One of the biggest competitions I would have done would have been the junior Olympic festival which was held in Mexico and I am the first Bahamian male that was born here that made it that far and while being there no one knew,” Cunningham said.

#Cunningham added that sports in the country is focused on track, swimming, basketball, and baseball which makes gymnastics the forgotten sport a lot of times but if we wanted the Shaunae Millers and Steven Gardiners we need to have some funding to help these kids as well because gymnastics is very expensive.

#The Nassau Gymnastics gymnasts will look towards being in their next competition in the next three weeks.

#For persons that wish to donate to Nassau Gymnastics, they can reach out at 242-525-7279 or email at nassaunastics@yahoo.com

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/23/nassau-gymnastics-seeks-funding-better-facilities-/?news

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

Men’s soccer showdown tomorrow

SHOWN, from left to right, are men’s national soccer team player Omari Bain, Bruce Swan, BFA technical director, Adam Miller, sports officer, Kevin Davies, assistant coach, and men’s national team player Nicolas Lopez.

As of Thursday, March 23, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA) will host the CONCACAF Nations League match between the Bahamas men’s national soccer team and Trinidad & Tobago at 4pm this Friday.

#The two men’s soccer teams will face off tomorrow evening at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The matchup between the senior men’s team is anticipated to be an exciting one as Bahamians are urged to come out and support their national team.

#Kevin Davies, assistant coach of the men’s soccer team, talked about what Bahamians can expect from Friday’s showdown.

#“The Bahamian public can expect a group of young men who have been working hard, they are ready to put everything on the line for this game [and] they are excited. The guys are hungry and they want to prove that they can play with the big boys in the region,” Davies said.

#He added that the Bahamas’ players have been adequately prepared and are ready to go in Friday’s big competition.

#Ahead of Friday’s matchup, the Bahamas men’s national soccer team has been preparing for this soccer game for the last four to five months.

#Additionally, a camp was held over the Christmas holidays to accommodate the players who are abroad at school.

#The senior men’s soccer team is focused and in their final stages of training as they prepare to matchup against Trinidad and Tobago.

#Omari Bain, a member of the men’s national soccer team, talked about what his experience and preparation has been like since joining the team in February.

#Bain said he has been very happy with the way the team is preparing ahead of the matchup against Trinidad and Tobago. He said the preparation has not only been physical but also mental and it has been a good experience so far. He added that he has no doubt in his mind in terms of the willingness of the men’s team or their technical ability.

#The Bahamas national men’s soccer team will consist of goalkeepers Ian Lowe, Michael Butler and Vance Wheaton. The forwards are Jordin Wilson, Wood Julmis and Nahum Johnson. The team’s defenders will include Troy Pinder, Lesley St. Fleur, Miguel Thompson, Phieron WIlson, Quinton Carey, Roen Davis, Elijah Mitchell and Ian Harris.

#Additionally, the midfielders are Michael Massey, Deron Ferguson, Omari Bain, Christopher Rahming, Reuben Edgecombe, William Bayles, Marcel Joseph and Nicolas Lopez.

#Lopez, who was in attendance at yesterday’s press conference, was also excited for the upcoming soccer match as he was injured during the last faceoff.

#“It’s been great to be back in The Bahamas and obviously train with the team. I had my first training with the team yesterday since coming back. Training so far has been good and I am looking forward to the meet coming up.”

#Despite not being able to practice as much as his other teammates, Lopez remains confident that Team Bahamas will shine at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Friday.

#Persons who are interested in purchasing tickets for Friday’s event can go to bahamasfa.net to purchase digitally. Meanwhile, for physical ticket purchases, fans can go to the NSA office at the Western Grandstand of the stadium where tickets will be sold until the day of the match.

#Tickets for this remarkable event will include the VIP Section for $25, General Admission (Adults) $15, and kids under 12 are $7. The BFA along with coaches and players are excited for this Friday’s soccer game against Trinidad and Tobago and it is hoped that Bahamians will come out and support this event.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/23/mens-soccer-showdown-tomorrow/?news

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

Fun run/walk on final morning of CARIFTA

As of Thursday, March 23, 2023

FOSTER DORSETT, BAAA first vice president, and the Dame of CARIFTA, Pauline Davis at the press conference to announce the Let’s Move Bahamas Fun Run/walk.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) has officially launched the “Let’s Move Bahamas” fun run/walk.

#The unique event is scheduled for Easter weekend at 6am on the final morning of April’s 50th CARIFTA Games.

#With the event taking place on the highly anticipated CARIFTA weekend, event organisers are asking that former CARIFTA participants join the “Let’s Move Bahamas” event on Arawak Cay.

#During a press conference held yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, special events coordinator Damarius Cash encouraged former CARIFTA members to come out and support the event.

#“We are asking you to come out and show yourself, make yourself known to the BAAA and we are gonna highlight you at this event so we want all to come out and support,” Cash said.

#With 4,000 plus Bahamian athletes competing in the CARIFTA Games from 1972 to 2023, according to BAAA president Drumeco Archer, officials are expecting a great turnout on the final morning of the CARIFTA Games.

#For former CARIFTA participants and others that are interested in registering for the fun run/walk event, the process is simple. The first step of the registration process requires potential registrants to send an email to info@bahamastrackandfield.org.

#After sending an email the individual will receive a registration link where they will have to fill out a registration form for the event.

#The fun run/walk event is free in efforts to target and honour former CARIFTA athletes on the final morning of this year’s 50th CARIFTA Games.

#Persons who are unable to register online will have another opportunity at 5:30am on the morning of the event at Arawak Cay.

#Registrants for the “Let’s Move Bahamas” event can look forward to a free t-shirt, and the first thousand participants to cross the finish line will receive a medal.

#Also, as participants pass the finish line they will receive a raffle ticket for them to participate in.

#Mike Sands, president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC), talked about what the public can expect from this year’s “Let’s Move Bahamas” fun run/walk event.

#“I think it’s something that I am encouraging all Bahamians to let us unite as one Bahamas and let us join in,” Sands said.

#He added that there are a number of persons who have already expressed their interest in joining the fun run/walk event up to this point.

#The CARIFTA Games will be held April 7-10 at the Thomas A Robinson stadium.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/23/fun-runwalk-final-morning-carifta/

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

Temple Christian High School celebrates growth of its athletics programme

TEMPLE Christian Suns High School track and field team.

As of Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Kenya Culmer

PERRY Cunningham

#SCHOOL pride is still at an all time high at Temple Christian High School following their historic third-place finish at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.

#The achievement is a remarkable one that reflects positively on the school and its athletics programme.

#“Finishing third in the BAISS championships is no small feat, and it is something that should be celebrated and recognised by the entire school community,” said high school principal Perry R. Cunningham.

#“This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare and compete at the highest level.

#“Our high school’s achievement sets a new standard of excellence for future athletic teams to strive for. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and commitment, anything is possible. The school community is proud of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have brought honour to the institution.”

#Reflecting on the journey to this point, he said:

#“The team faced several challenges leading up to the BAISS track and field championships, including COVID-19, injuries, lack of equipment and staff, limited financial support and balancing academic work with athletic training.

#However, they were able to overcome these obstacles through hard work, dedication and the support of their coaches, parents, staff and community.”

PROUD members of the TC Suns track and field team.

#Looking to the future, the principal added, “To maintain and build on this success, the school’s athletics programme has several goals, including identifying new talents, improving facilities, implementing a physical conditioning programme, inviting accomplished athletes to motivate student-athletes, implementing a mentorship programme, participating in more competitions, increasing athletic scholarship awards, and gaining more parental support.”

#Coach Kenya Culmer is the head of physical education and head of the track and field programme at Temple Christian High School. She has been with the school for six years and has a background in track and field as a former athlete.

#She attended Temple Christian Elementary and was introduced to the high jump by coach Demeritte. After high school, she was awarded a full track scholarship at Southern Illinois University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business management.

#In 2012, Culmer made history as the first Bahamian woman to jump over 6 feet, becoming the national high jump record holder. She originally came to Temple Christian to help out on a short-term basis, but six years later, she is still with the school, making a significant impact on its athletics programme.

#Coach Culmer credits the team’s success to a rigorous six-month training programme that focused on endurance, strength and technical aspects of each event. “Our students and coaches sacrificed much time into the preparation for the B.A.I.S.S. competition. We took the time to test each athlete and identify their strengths, which allowed us to put them into events where they could excel. The athletes themselves deserve much of the credit for their consistency and dedication, leaving everything on the track and field in each event.”

#She added: “The athletes handled the pressure exceptionally well, with not one expressing fear of competing against larger, more dominant schools. We taught them how to be confident and most importantly to believe that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.”

SHOWN, left to right, are TCS coaching team Marvin Darville, Kenya Culmer and Kevin Armbrister.

#Culmer leads a team alongside coaches Marvin Darville and Kevin Armbrister. An experienced coach, Armbrister was instrumental in the development of C.H Reeves’ track and field programme for over 20 years, a high school who were dominant in the government school track and field sector for many years.

#Darville has been head coach of the SunBlazers track and field club for 19 years, specialising in the sprints and hurdling events.

#Culmer credited this experience in this area as a strong factor to the Suns’ success in the hurdles events at the BAISS event.

#She continued, “As a team, we were able to achieve this success through strong collaboration between the coaches and athletes. In addition, we were fortunate to have the support of dedicated parents and volunteer coaches, all of whom worked together to make this achievement possible. As we always say, ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork.’”

#Cunningham added: “By recognising and celebrating these achievements, we can inspire and motivate future generations of athletes to strive for greatness and continue to build a strong athletics programme at Temple Christian High School. “This historic achievement shows that with the right resources, support, and guidance, even a relatively small student population can achieve great things.

#“It is a reminder that hard work, dedication and teamwork are the keys to success, and that anything is possible when we set our minds to it.

#“This achievement is a testament to our school’s commitment to excellence and the development of well-rounded students.

#“This accomplishment is not only a victory for the athletics programme but for the entire school community, and it should serve as inspiration for all students to strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives,” said Cunningham.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/22/temple-christian-high-school-celebrates-growth-its/?news

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023

NP Sports Council seeks funding and support ahead of the Bahamas Games

As of Monday, March 20, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE New Providence Sports Council is seeking funding urgently as sports associations make preparations for the sixth edition of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games.

#WIth the games being only four months after a 21-year hiatus, sports officials are beginning to have some concerns with the lack of funding so far as the country looks to host the multi-sport event.

#According to members of the different sports associations at a press conference on Saturday, they have not received any funding as yet despite the draft for the Bahamas Games expected to be held in early April.

#James Price, president of the New Providence Basketball Association, talked about some of the financial concerns the council has discussed up to this point.

#“We are faced with too much situations over the Bahamas Games, we have players they are overseas, they want to know if you are gonna pay for them to come in [if] you have accommodations for them to stay we need to know where these funds are supposed to come from,” Price said.

#Price added that he does not see where the NPBA can fund the tickets for athletes when they are costing between $1,200 to $1,500. He also had concerns over ordering uniforms for July’s games because if they are ordered too late they won’t arrive in time for the New Providence sports teams.

#The president of the NPBA was not the only one who had concerns about funding for his sport.

#Sam Rodgers Sr, president of the Bahamas Baseball Association, said the association was looking at bringing in top baseball athletes but first they would need to import baseballs from Puerto Rico which will take 7-8 weeks. However, they have not received any funds as yet to do so.

#“Funds really should have been dished out a few months ago, it’s very important right now for us to make sure, if the Bahamas Games will go on funds have to be issued in short order in order for us to be ready and prepared,” Rodgers Sr added.

#Shirley Mireault, of the cycling association, said they put in their budget on time due to requests from the islands to help in preparing their local athletes for cycling as well as providing them with helmets but to no avail because they have not received funding up to this point either.

#Among the urgent needs for funding to proceed with preparations for the games, the New Providence Sports Council is seeking accommodations, transportation, and that the New Providence sports team receive the same rights and privileges as athletes from the other islands.

#At February’s conclave held by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the financial committee had not yet decided whether or not the New Providence Sports Council team would be allowed to live in the Games Village. The committee said that they would make a decision on the living accommodations for the New Providence teams by the next conclave.

#The different sports associations in The Bahamas are hoping to receive funding for the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games soon as the games are expected to commence July 7-15.

#The games will include softball, basketball, track and field, lawn tennis, swimming, soccer, volleyball, beach volleyball, bodybuilding and powerlifting, boxing, cycling, baseball, youth Olympic sailing, regatta sailing and golf.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/np-sports-council-seeks-funding-and-support-ahead-/?news

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023

Sand Dollar High Flyers even the series 1-1

As of Monday, March 20, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER a tough loss to the Leno Regulators last week Thursday, the Sand Dollar Imports High Flyers evened the series 1-1 in a 86-63 blowout win.

#The High Flyers were locked in from the game’s opening tip as they jumped out to a seven-point lead early on and never looked back. At the end of the second quarter, the High Flyers wrapped up the first half with the score 42-28.

#The Sand Dollar lead only got bigger in the second half as the team’s leading scorer Enrico Bethel splashed five three-pointers on the night while shooting a perfect 5/5 from the field.

#Bethel talked about how it felt to come out and tie the series 1-1.

#“It was a must win so I have mixed feelings, we have to win one more so I cannot really be emotional right now,” Bethel said.

#Despite his reluctance to celebrate prematurely, Bethel added that in game three they have to win it all by playing together, and playing good defence.

#He was not the only High Flyer that made great impacts in the game.

#Dave Davis and Van Hutchinson both came out the night’s matchup with double doubles. Davis scored 16 points to go with 15 boards and Hutchinson poured in 15 points to pair with 16 rebounds in the game. The two combined for half (31) of the team’s 62-rebound total.

#The High Flyers dominated the Regulators in the paint 48 to 32. They also had 17 points off turnovers compared to the 11 from the other team. The team also got out and ran as they were able to notch 14 quick points on the fast break. Meanwhile, the Regulators only had eight in the night’s matchup.

#During the game, the High Flyers were up by as much as 25 points in efforts to fight another night in the NPBA playoffs.

#Donnie Culmer, head coach of the Sand Dollar Imports High Flyers, talked about what helped his team to come out with a win.

#“We have been here before, we are battle tested and the first game our shots didn’t drop and we didn’t execute but the guys are more focused now,” Culmer said.

#Although Culmer did not reveal the specific game plan of his team, he said his team executed their game plan perfectly on the night and will look to come out and do the same thing today.

#The Leno Regulators will look to make things difficult for their opponents as the two face off 8:30pm tonight at the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium in a win-or-go-home game.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/sand-dollar-high-flyers-even-series-1-1/?news

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023

Cyclists use time trials to get in gear for Bahamas Games

COMPETITORS and officials at the completion of the Grand Bahama Time Trials on Saturday.

As of Monday, March 20, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#GRAND Bahama — In preparing their team for the Bahamas Games in July, the Grand Bahama Cycling Association hosted its time trials on Saturday.

#Veteran Leebert Gibbs emerged as the fastest finisher of the 12-mile event, while Sylvia Bateman was the top female competitor and triathlete Launy Duncombe clinched the crown as the junior champion, albeit, he was the lone competitor in that category.

#Gibbs, the eighth competitor out on the course, accumulated the fastest time of eight minutes and 46 seconds to out-duel the field of 12.

#He noted that it was good to get the competition from the other competitors as they start to prepare for the Bahamas Games with the view of dethroning New Providence.

#“Today, I didn’t have the opportunity to use my time trials gear, but I was still able to hold my pace, averaging about 26 miles per hour,” Bateman said.

#“Coming back, I tried to tune it down a bit and I caught a couple people before I got to the finish line.”

#Bateman, the fifth competitor on the course, did 29.34 for second place overall. She noted that she’s even more encouraged when she lines up to compete against the guys because her aim is to beat them.

#“It was easy going into the wind, but when we turned around, it was a struggle, but I just wanted to get to the end,” Bateman said.

#“I had to push myself because I have a speed that I don’t want to go below and so I just kept pushing.”

#And Duncombe, coming off his victory in the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on March 5, led the field out and came back in with the fourth fastest time of 30:46, just ahead of Bahamas Cycling Federation’s vice president Kenton Roker, who was third in 29:46.

#“I felt my performance was decent, but not my best,” said the 16-year-old Duncombe.

#“Normally when I ride my time trials, it’s more smooth and I pace myself so that I can come back strong. So it wasn’t my best performance, but I’m glad I kept my pace and was able to still finish off strong.”

#The other competitors in order of finish were Curtis Fowler in fifth in 31:35; Celia Dubey, sixth in 32:00; Volvique ‘5-0’ Moreau, seventh in 33:56; Ricardo Bishop, eighth in 34:20; Smonia ‘Nono’ Moreau, ninth in 34:32; Michel Laroda, 10th in 37:10 and Heather Burey, 11th in 38:02. Rnadu Cooper didn’t complete the course.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2023/mar/20/cyclists-use-time-trials-get-gear-bahamas-games/?news