THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) has officially launched the hosting of the 50th CARIFTA Games to commemorate the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of Independence. Scheduled for the Easter holiday weekend of April 7-10, the region’s most prestigious track and field competition for junior athletes will be hosted here for the ninth time and all indications are that the Bahamas Government and the LOC are planning to make this one of the best ever.

As of Friday, December 2, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AMIDST the backdrop of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) officially launched the hosting of the 50th CARIFTA Games to commemorate the Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of Independence.

#Scheduled for the Easter holiday weekend of April 7-10, the region’s most prestigious track and field competition for junior athletes will be hosted here for the ninth time and all indications are that the Bahamas Government and the LOC are planning to make this one of the best ever.

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said through the title partner of the Oaktree Medical Center and Scotiabank, Aliv and Bahamas Waste, who are their corporate sponsors, plans are underway for the Sports in Paradise mandate that has been the hallmark of their government.

#“CARIFTA Games, the Bahamas welcome you back home,” Bowleg stated.

#The games will have the Oaktree Medical Center as its title sponsor. Having pegged $300,000 into the

#LOC, proprietor Dr Don Deveaux said 2023 will be the Golden Jubilee of the Bahamas and it’s only fitting that they are a part of the major international sporting event to commemorate the occasion.

#“What was once an idea, a dream, a seed in the mind of Sir Austin Sealy and company 50 years ago has built and strengthened relations between the island nations of the Caribbean,” he said. “Through Caricom, the track and field movement has grown exponentially, unearthing talented athletic gems and has created a powerhouse in track and field.

#“As the title partner for this historic 50th edition of CARIFTA, Oaktree Medical Center is proud to assist our Bahamian and Caribbean athletes to ensure that they have the opportunities to grow, compete and win both locally and internationally.”

#Deveaux said with his wife, the chief executive officer, the Oaktree Medical Center is more than just a medical center, but is a community center and their team stands with the LOC, the BAAA, NACAC, the government of the Bahamas and all partners for the future, not just for sports, but for the development of youth and their development. “Come go with us and let’s cross the finish line together,” said Deveaux as he pledged the Oaktree Medical Center’s commitment to making the 50th CARITA Games the best ever held.

#Mike Sands, the president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean – the CARIFTA Games falls under their jurisdiction – speaking in a video presentation from where he was attending the World Athletics’ meeting, said since the games were formed in 1972, there’s been a stage created that allows the country’s most promising athletes to display their gifts and talent to the region before stepping out on the world stage.

#“In these trying times, the CARIFTA Games is a beacon of hope where the world is coming out of the residual and the dramatic effects of the pandemic amongst other world-shattering events,” Sands said.

#“This is a gleam of hope and joy as we come together to celebrate, cheer and encourage our young athletes to push themselves to help develop and improve the world in which they live.”

#LOC chairman Lynden Maycock said his hardworking staff that includes logistics, operations, social functions, finance, technology, competition, venue, marketing, media and vendor teams, have all done an excellent job so far.

#The Blue Marlins Sports Network, according to Maycock, was officially launched as the radio network for the games as did their first live broadcast of the event. He noted that they will be the official radio station for the games, while Aliv will be the television station with the rights to cover the games. “We also want to make mention here that for the first time in the history of the games, we are partnering with a financial platform, Arawak X, that will provide the funding needed for the games.

#Maycock also introduced the LOC’s mascots, the Blue Sharks, while Maryann Higgs, the first Bahamian recipient of the Austin Sealy Award as the Most Outstanding Athlete, was presented as the Mother of the Games and “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis Dame of the games.

#BAAA president Drumeco Archer, still celebrating the announcements by World Athletics that the World Relays will be coming back to the Bahamas for the fourth time in 2024, said the Bahamas will be welcoming the best that the world has to offer.

#“From the BAAA side, we are ready,” Archer said. “If you come to the track every day, our athletes are ready to put on a show for you the Bahamian people.”

#Archer, who will be seeking another four-year term in office when the BAAA goes to the polls for their election of officers on Saturday, commended the Bahamas Olympic movement, the Bahamas government, the LOC and the Bahamian public. “A lot of work has been taking place in a short period of time,” he pointed out. “I will leave it right here and I would say let’s get ready to rumble. Let’s put on your running shoes and let’s get ready for the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/02/50th-carifta-games-set-april-7-10/?news

As of Friday, December 2, 2022

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#After the first day of competition, the Baby Wave took the cannon at the finish line of the first race in the E class. The Bulls Reg won the C class first race, while Ant’s Nest carted off first place in the first B class race.

#Sailing competition will continue at 10am today and Saturday with the preliminary rounds in all classes.

#The final day of competition will take place on Sunday when all of the winners of each class will be decided.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/02/best-best-regatta-sets-sail-montagu/?news

SHOWN, from left to right, are Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, World and Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Prime Minister Philip Davis, sprinter Anthonique Strachan, celebrity artist Jamaal Rolle and World and Olympic champion Steven Gardiner as they became the latest athletes added to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Legends Walk of Fame yesterday. Photos by Eric Rose/BIS

As of Friday, December 2, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WORLD and Olympic champions Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner and their World Relays’ mixed relay gold medal teammate Anthonique Strachan were the latest athletes added to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Legends Walk of Fame.

#The three athletes joined a list of 66 who were previously on the pathway on the Mychal Thompson Boulevard that leads from John F Kennedy Drive into the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium during a ceremony yesterday to relaunch the Wall of Fame.

#The ceremony was a part of the launch of the 50th CARIFTA Games that will take place at the stadium from April 7-10, making it the ninth time that the top regional track and field competition has been staged here.

#Among the dignitaries in attendance were Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Minister of Social Service and Urban Renewal Obie Wilchcome, former Minister of Sports Danny Johnson, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer, Lynden Maycock, the chief executive officer of the Local Organising Committee for CARIFTA and Don Deveaux, the proprietor of the Oaktree Medical Center, the title sponsors for the games.

#The ceremonies also brought together all six women who have won the prestigious Austin Sealy award for the most

#outstanding athlete of the games. They are now all among the list of honorees, whose portraits were beautifully drawn by Bahamian celebrity artist Jamaal Rolle, who got three CARIFTA ambassadors Johnathon Fowlers, Kennedi Knowles and Skinner to Miller-Uibo, Gardiner and Strachan respectively.

#The six Austin Sealy winners in order are Maryann Higgs-Clarke, crowned the “Mother” of the games, who won the title in 1978, Lavern Eve, the first two-time winner in 1982-83, Pauline Davis, now the “Dame” of the games, who won in 1984, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, who did it in 1995, Strachan, another double champion in 2011 and 2012 and Miller-Uibo, the last to achieve the feat in 2013. For Gardiner, Miller-Uibo and Strachan, they were all delighted to be added to the Walk of Fame.

#Having missed the majority of last season because of an injury, Gardiner, the men’s 200 and 400m national record holder, said finally after watching the others make the Walk of Fame, he’s now included.

#“Now that I’m a professional athlete and I hold all of these titles, I’m just happy to see myself amongst all of the legends in our country,” said Gardiner, a native from Moore’s Island who is now training in Florida.

#With the games coming here for the 50th anniversary, Gardiner said it’s exciting for the country and hopefully he will be able to come back and celebrate with the Bahamian people next year.

#As for next year, the trimmed and fit looking Gardiner said his training has been going tough, but he’s looking forward to his return and facing some of the new athletes in the sport as well as his arch-rivals. “I went to see the doctor in July after the World Championships and I’ve been training since October and I haven’t felt a thing,” he said.

#“I think I have a new leg, so come January, you should see me in some indoor meets.”

#Every year, the 27-year-old Gardiner said his goal remains the same and that is to stay healthy, go to the major championship or games and get on the podium, if not as the champion as one of the three medallists.

#As a youngster growing up, Miller-Uibo said she was inspired by Tonique Williams, who had won the Olympics and World Championship titles.

#Having achieved that same goal, Miller-Uibo said she hopes that she can be an inspiration to the next great Bahamian female quarter-miler.

#On the portrait, Miller- Uibo said Rolle always “does a great job and he picked a wonderful photo. I’m happy for it.”

#She was even more thrilled to be able to come home for the launch of CARIFTA and to hear the news of the Bahamas re-gaining the World Relays for 2024, having competed on the last one here in 2017 when she teamed up with Gardiner, Strachan and Michael Mathieu to win the first mixed 4 x 400m relay held at any major international competition.

#“I’m looking forward to it. I think CARIFTA is going to be a smash and so I’m looking forward to it,” said Miller-Uibo, who trains in Florida.

#“I’m also looking forward to the return of the World Relays. I’m just excited that we are having it here in the Bahamas again.”

#After winning just about every title from the CARIFTA to World Indoors to outdoors in the 400m and holding multiple Bahamas national indoor and outdoor records in the 200- 400m, Miller-Uibo said the goal for her next year is to get better, but this time as she drops back down to the 200m. “I just want to have some fun with it,” she stated. “These are my last few years and I just want to go out with a bang. We’re trying some new things. We’re going to drop down to the sprints as well as test out the multis, so we will see how it goes.”

#When asked if she’s going to pursue the heptathlon, the women’s version of the decathlon that her husband Maicel Uibo from Estonia competes in, the 28-year-old Miller-Uibo would only chuckle and say: “We’ll see.”

#Strachan, who had a great comeback year that ended with her running on the women’s 4 x 100m silver medal team at the NACAC Championships in Grand Bahama, said it motivates her to do more because she can now see that she can be able to achieve more things in the country. “I’m very grateful for this and so much more,” said Strachan, who noted that Rolle did an exceptional job capturing her best angle.

#Strachan, who currently trains in Jamaica, said she enjoys being a part of any event being hosted at home and she’s looking forward to coming back to cheer on the future stars as they compete at CARIFTA next year. “To the young athletes trying out for CARIFTA, I just want to say to them, keep going,” she charged.

#“Once they have their minds fixed on this, keep it there. It doesn’t matter what anybody else tells you.

#“Make it your motivation. When the world gives you lemon, you make lemonade.”

#The 29-year-old Strachan, who became the seventh Bahamian to dip under the 11-second barrier in the 100m this year with a time of 10.98, said her goal next year is to get better and hopefully go after the Bahamian national century record of 10.84 that was set by Chandra Sturrup in 2005.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/02/three-more-athletes-added-walk-fame/?news

READY TO FACE THE REGION: Team Bahamas members, shown above, were named ahead of the 4th Caribbean Baseball Cup. The roster and coaching staff for next week’s event was officially revealed at yesterday’s Media Day, hosted at the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

As of Friday, December 2, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Team Bahamas is ready to take on the region at the 4th Caribbean Baseball Cup.

#The roster and coaching staff for next week’s event was officially revealed at yesterday’s Media Day, hosted at the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

#Managed by Geron Sands, the staff will also include assistant head coach Albert Cartwright alongside coaches Dominique Collie, Donovan Cox and Trae Sweeting.

#Sands called it an honour to introduce a new era of Bahamian baseball in the Andre Rodgers Stadium.

#“It’s a pleasure and honour to be leading this team and to be the first to play in the new stadium and represent the country,” Sands said.

#“I’ve been around these guys so long I feel kind of used to it and it feels like we’re just preparing for another game but I’m sure once Sunday comes we’ll be ready. It’s an honour, it’s fulfilling and I’m excited. Practices have been great, training camp has been great, these guys are ready to go.”

#Team Bahamas’ roster includes a cross section of talent across various levels of play including the minor leagues, independent baseball, collegiate baseball and locally.

#The infielders include St Louis Cardinals prospect Adari Grant, New York Mets prospect Warren Saunders, Texas Rangers prospect Keithron Moss, Miami Marlins prospect Cherif Neymour along with Northwestern State’s Daunte Stuart and Kennesaw State’s Jay Knowles.

#The outfielders will be led by Los Angeles Angels prospect D’Shawn Knowles, who recently helped Great Britain qualify for the World Baseball Classic.

#The remainder of the infield includes Ellison Hanna of the Lake Eerie Crushers, Toby Simmons of the Miami Marlins, Kristin Munroe of the Los Angeles Angels, Kashon Conliffe of the San Diego Padres and highly touted international prospect for the class of 2023 – Janero Miller.

#The pitching staff is headlined by Evan Sweeting who last pitched in the San Diego Padres organisation and D’Vaugn Knowles who was last with the New York Yankees organisation.

#Also, Brandon Russell, Robin Haven College, Carvin Dames, Derrinyj Russell, McKell Bethel, Giovante Tomlins, Travvis Ferguson, Kennedy Cooper, and Mateo Ferguson.

#The catchers are Ural Forbes, Yeshua Saint and Diontwon James.

#“We have a mixture. The selection process included countless nights going over stats, checking on health. There are guys that were unavailable because of

#career commitments, they have winter ball to play, they’re on 40 man rosters, some have to go to big league camps, so we had to take all that into consideration.

#“We picked the best guys that were available, healthy and ready to play in this tournament,” Sands said. “It’s going to help boost these guys in their organisations. Anytime you play in international competition teams are going to be interested to see how guys compete so it will help their respective teams that they are ready to go to the next level and hopefully it forces everyone to step their game up.”

#The Bahamas opens competition against the US Virgin Islands on December 4 at 7:30pm, followed by matchups against Curaçao on December 5 at 7pm, Cuba on December 7 at 7pm, and completes round robin play against Cuba on December 8 at 7pm.

#The five participants in the tournament are world No. 9 Cuba, No. 16 Puerto Rico, No. 60 Curaçao, and No. 66 US Virgin Islands. The Bahamas is ranked No.80.

#The tournament will qualify two teams for the Central American and Caribbean Games 2023, scheduled for June 23 to July 8 in El Salvador.

#For many of the players, they see it as an opportunity to reconnect with teammates from their childhood.

#Angels prospect D’Shawn Knowles said: “Some of these guys I haven’t played with since I was 11-12 so it feels great to have an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage in our city, in front of the home crowd.”

#Marlins prospect Neymour added: “It’s a great feeling, especially playing with my brothers. It’s great to just have the opportunity to share the field with them and to have home field advantage and I feel great going into this event.”

#Rangers prospect Moss said while the team is set on winning the event, serving as an inspiration for future generations is equally as important.

#“It’s definitely something special and we’re looking forward to it. We’re doing this for the younger guys coming up behind us so being a part of it is a very special thing,” he said.

#“Baseball is baseball, but it’s better with my guys that I know. That’s the most important thing. I don’t feel the nerves, we just have to play ball, pick each other up, play together and honestly I feel like we can win this thing.”

#One team in the field will be eliminated following round-robin play.

#The number one seed after the first round will play the fourth-place team in the first semifinal. The second and third-place finishers will compete in the other semifinal.

#Curaçao is the defending champion. They defeated Cuba in the final of the third edition.

#Cuba has already qualified for the Central American and Caribbean Games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/dec/02/team-bahamas-named-4th-caribbean-baseball-cup/?news

 Home|Sports|World relays set to return to The BahamasSports

Global relay event approved for The Bahamas for 2024

Sheldon LongleySend an emailDecember 1, 2022 45 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Just last year, president of World Athletics (WA) Lord Sebastian Coe said he is open to the world relays returning to The Bahamas, and as of yesterday, a major step was made in that direction as it was determined at the ultimate level that the global event would come back to these shores.

During a press conference via Zoom at the conclusion of the 229th World Athletics Council in Rome, Italy, Lord Coe said the recommendation of the Bid Evaluation Panel to return the World Relay Championships has been approved for 2024. The Bahamas hosted the first three editions of the event, in 2014, 2015 and again in 2017, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau. After the Government of The Bahamas decided to withdraw its host status, the 2019 event was moved to Yokohama, Japan. The 2021 world relays was held in Chorzów Poland.

“I am delighted to announce that the recommendation to the council for the destination of the 2024 world relays was in essence awarded to and approved for The Bahamas,” said Lord Coe via Zoom yesterday. “With this being a qualifying event, it was determined that The Bahamas presents the best atmosphere for the athletes to qualify in the relays ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Congratulations to The Bahamas.”

An aggressive bid campaign, in which a 10-minute video highlighted the beauty of The Bahamas’ landscape, beaches, water and culture, and past scenes from the world relays, caught the attention of the global leaders of the sport. Lord Coe said he is delighted that the event is returning to The Bahamas.

Making appearances in the video of the World Relays Bahamas Bid Presentation were two-time Olympic Champion in the women’s 400 meters (m) Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Olympic and former World Champion in the men’s 400m Steven Gardiner, and Bahamian track and field legend Pauline Davis-Thompson among others.

In the video, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation I. Chester Cooper said there is a good reason why sports in The Bahamas is referred to as ‘Sports in Paradise’.

“We have a team of citizens and residents who work together to deliver unforgettable experiences. What our team provides could best be described as a paradise for our guests,” he said. “It really starts with the convenient travel to our islands from gateways around the world. The Bahamas sits as a convenient midway point between North and South America, welcoming flights daily from both continents. At the same time, European travelers make their way to us easily with connecting flights daily through the United States and 10 flights per week through London.

“Once in our country, our guests find world-class accommodations, and all selected resorts for the games village are less than seven kilometers from the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. I stand with a team of hospitality professionals who are ready to care for World Athletics with excellence whether it is at the competition venue, at hotels, restaurants or at our airports, we look forward to welcoming the world relays back to where it is better – right here in the islands of The Bahamas.”

The deputy prime minister went on to say that beyond the resorts the guests will have several forms of entertainment and festival options.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said in the presentation that he wholeheartedly agrees that there is no place like home – Nassau, The Bahamas.

“Nassau is the original home of the world relays. It is where thousands of fans experienced the thrill of an all relay event. The world had never seen anything like it, and it was a mega success,” said the minister. “What a legacy it would be to show how World Athletics continues to work with development states to bring opportunities to them. We can show the world that World Athletics provides a leveled playing field for all of its national federations. We believed in the world relays from the very beginning and it is my distinct pleasure to confirm that we still believe. Sports is once again a top priority for the Government of The Bahamas. The world relays has the unflinching support of the Government of The Bahamas and we are committed to exceeding the prior success of this event. We certainly feel that the time is right to bring the world relays back to its favorite destination – The Bahamas.”

Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer said he, as all Bahamians should be, excited upon the return the of world relays to The Bahamas.

“For the first three years of the world relays, the BAAA stood side by side with World Athletics, presenting to the world a new and fascinating aspect of track and field competition. It was ‘Bahamazing’, so I say let’s do it again,” he said. “This event was an inspiration not only to the people of The Bahamas, but it captured the attention of the world. Our team is once again ready to meet all of the challenges of the 2024 edition of the world relays. Volunteers, coaches, athletes and administrators from throughout our country will look forward to welcoming the world to our home. Most importantly, there is a widespread support of Bahamians for the return of the world relays. Throughout The Bahamas, we are collectively saying let’s bring this brand of excitement back to our shores.”

The 2024 World Relay Championships will serve as a qualifying competition for the relay events at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

With the 2023 CARIFTA Games being hosted in The Bahamas as well, and with the return of the Bahamas Games set for the summer of 2023, the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium is set to be a busy venue over the next two years. It remains to be seen how much upgrades will be undertaken and what the final cost will be.

https://thenassauguardian.com/world-relays-set-to-return-to-the-bahamas/

 Home|Sports|Under-15 soccer league back in full swingSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailDecember 1, 2022 83 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) is proud of its under-15 (U15) soccer program, as it returns to play after a two-year hiatus due to the disruption caused by the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coaches and players are excited to see old friends and compete in grass and futsal.

“Our youth league is back in action and we are so glad to see the girls and boys on the field and court playing soccer. After a two-year hiatus, due to the pandemic, we have some catching up to do in terms of competition, but they are up for it,” explained BFA Director of Women’s Football Soraya Toppin-Herbert.

Eydan Hamilton began playing soccer at the age of three. The Leftwing Dynamos FC player reflected on her decade of love for the sport and the joy of being able to play after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s good to be back on the field after a long time of not playing with the girls,” expressed Hamilton. “I know I need to work on my agility and getting back to help my teammates when they need assistance and I need to work on my defending. I like the competition aspect when playing against other people. I also like the company and environment we have when playing soccer with the team.”

The league has 10 teams playing this season and the BFA wishes all of them safety and success on the field and the court. 

https://thenassauguardian.com/under-15-soccer-league-back-in-full-swing/

A recent photo of the new Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

As of Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Although there is still some more cosmetic work to be done, architect and project manager Michael Foster said the newly constructed Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium will be “baseball ready” for the fourth Caribbean Baseball Cup.

#The tournament, featuring four visiting teams against the Bahamas national team, will run from Sunday, December 4 to Sunday, December 11 with the two teams qualifying to represent COCABE in the Central American Games in 2023 in Argentina.

#And according to host Bahamas Baseball Association secretary general Theodore ‘Teddy’ Sweeting, who serves as the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, the Bahamas will be ready to entertain Cuba, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Curacao in the week-long tournament.

#Sweeting revealed that Cuba is expected to arrive in town on Friday out of Cuba via Bahamasair. The other three teams will be coming in town on Saturday at various times.

#“Everything is now set with all of the teams participating,” Sweeting said. “Everything gets kicked off on Sunday. The stadium is baseball ready. It’s ready to go for the tournament. It’s really coming together and it will definitely be the gem of the Caribbean.

#“All of the countries are looking forward to come to the tournament to play in a new facility with a complete artificial turf, which is a very good quality turf for the stadium. So I encourage the Bahamian people to come out and watch some exciting baseball again.”

#The BBA, headed by Sam Rodgers, is expected to officially name Team Bahamas during a press conference at noon on Thursday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.

#All other details surrounding the tournament will be released at that time. This is the first time that the Bahamas will be hosting a major international tournament in baseball and already COCABE has designated the Bahamas and the stadium as the venue for all other international competitions until future notice.

#During a tour of the facilities yesterday, Foster said the field with its artificial turf is complete and the padding for the outfield fence is being placed around, while the batting cages and pitcher’s warm up mound are being completed.

#He also noted that the players will have state-of-the-art locker rooms in which to enjoy.

#However, he stated that the fold back chairs that they ordered for the dugouts have been delayed in shipping from the United States, but they have some folding chairs for the players to use.

#The spectators area and the VIP booths are all set, the lighting system for the stadium lights and the scoreboard are being powered up as they continue to meet all of their deadlines.

#And even though the parking lot is expected to be paved, Foster said the remainder of the cosmetic work will be done after the tournament is done.

#“Even though one week out is pretty close, we have about four or five milestones to achieve, but we are hitting them off every other day,” said Foster, who revealed that some temporary things will be put in place until after the tournament is completed.

#“As far as the facility is concerned, being completed for baseball, we’re good,” he pointed out. “Where we are generally, the concession boxes are also ready and the restrooms are ready to be used.

#“So we are eager to note that the stadium is “baseball ready” for the tournament.

#The tournament is expected to start at 11am on Sunday with Curacao taking on Puerto Rico.

#After the official opening ceremonies at 4pm, the feature game will be played at 7:30pm against the US Virgin Islands.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/30/stadium-baseball-ready/?news

THE PALMDALE Primary Panthers girls, coached by Ashley Oembler (far right), are slated to square off against Garvin Tynes. Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#GARVIN Tynes and Palmdale Primary have booked their tickets to the girls’ softball championship game for the New Providence Public Primary School Sports Association as they wrapped up the preliminary rounds yesterday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#While the two teams are set to square off against each other on Friday, the boys will determine today who will advance to play in their baseball championship that will be played on the same day and venue.

#TG Glover had a chance to knock out either one of the teams in the girls’ division when they played the final game of the elimination process, but they needed to score at least 14 or more runs.

#In the one hour played where they used a system where after you score five runs in one inning, the next team switches on offence, they only completed two innings and ended up with a 10-3 win over Sandilands Primary. And In other games played yesterday, Eva Hilton knocked off TG Glover 7-2, Garvin Tynes nipped Eva Hilton 8-7 and Palmdale got by Carlton E Francis.

#On Monday in games played, Eva Hilton nipped Sandilands 5-4, TG Glover def. Garvin Tynes 4-1, Palmdale def. Carlton E Francis 8-7, Garvin Tynes blanked Sandilands 10-0.

#Association president Latoya Bain-Sturrup said it’s a great start to what they are anticipating to be a great week of softball and baseball.

#“The kids are having fun and they are getting into the development of the sport. That is what it’s all about,” she said. “They are having a lot of fun with the softball, even though some of the teams were disappointed that they didn’t get to the finals.”

#Crystal Eneas, who along with Janice Williams coach Garvin Tynes, said their girls are happy to be in the “big dance” and they are eager to “show their skills” when they face Palmdale, coached by Ashley Oembler. “I think the children did a great job, considering that we are only working on the fundamentals,” she said. “We are at the elementary stage so it’s imperative that we prepare them for junior high school and beyond.”

#Oembler was just as thrilled about the performance of her Palmdale team and is looking forward to the matchup against Garvin Tynes.

#“Our team is doing an exceptional job, as the majority of the girls on the team are learning how to play softball for the first time,” Oembler said.

#“From the time we got started and going into the championship, they have improved tremendously.

#“We hope to execute well and perform to the best of our abilities and come out with the win.

#“We have much more to improve on, but it is a learning experience for all of the girls.”

#As the public relations officer for the NPPPSSA, Eneas said having played soccer already this year, they are looking forward to the completion of softball/ baseball before they head into basketball and eventually track and field.

#“We are just excited to get back to our regular competition,” Eneas said.

#Today, the boys will begin competition in baseball. “These teams are very competitive, so I would advise persons to come on out if they are not working to come out and cheer the kids on,” she stated.

#Also on hand to view the games was Sheniqua Curry, the principal at TG Glover and president of the Primary Principals Association for the past five years, said it’s exciting to see sports being played in the primary schools again.

#“We have been locked down for so long and to see the children now engaged in outdoor sports is just exciting,” Curry said.

#Curry, however, was hoping her TG Glover team, coached by Brad Wood Jr and William McFall, would have scored the 14 runs they needed to get into the finals, but nonetheless, she was pleased with the team’s effort. “It’s been a long time since the kids have been exposed to the fundamentals of the sport, but in the time frame they had to work with them, I think they did a good job,” she said. “I think all of the schools should be commended for getting their kids ready to play in the tournament.”

#John Rolle, one of the top softball/baseball players in the past, was also in attendance to support the tournament, especially TG Glover where his granddaughter is playing on the team. He said this is where it all gets started for the future players to play the game. “On behalf of the parents who are here to support their kids during their working hours, I think it’s great,” he said.

#“I know I miss playing. At my age, I can just sit back and watch my grandkids play. I know I had some great days playing and I hope that they will enjoy it just as much as I did.”

#Chief umpire Martin ‘Pork’ Burrows and a crew of umpires officiated the games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/30/garvin-tynes-and-palmdale-primary-book-their-ticke/?news

As of Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WHO is responsible for the financial fiasco that forced the Bahamas Basketball Federation to leave the women’s national basketball team home, instead of travelling last week to compete in the Centrobasket Tournament.

#The team, having qualified for the tournament when they clinched the bronze medal at the FIBA Caribbean Women’s Basketball Championships in July, was preparing to head to Mexico for the tournament that ran from November 20-27.

#But after exhausting all avenues, the federation decided at the last minute to pull the plug on the trip and just concentrated on the men’s national basketball team that was playing in the FIBA Americas qualifying round for the Word Cup. During a sitting of the House of Assembly, Opposition Leader Michael Pintard blasted Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg for the government’s inability to assist the ladies’ team in getting off to Mexico.

#But during a press conference on Monday to launch the 34th Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament, Bowleg refuted those claims and attempted to set the record straight on where the blame should fall.

#“The government doesn’t have the authority to present any team to represent this country in any sporting discipline,” he said. “For all teams that are presented to represent this country, they are presented by the sporting federation discipline. “Once the federation makes a decision on whether that team could travel or not, the government doesn’t have the authority on whether or not that team should travel. The federation would seek financial assistance from the government. The government would provide the necessary assistance.”

#As the immediate past president of the BBF, who agitated from time to time for more funding to assist their national team programmes, Bowleg said it’s important for the federations to be prudent in their spending of the funds that are allocated to them by the government.

#“I think the decision was made after speaking with the president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation (Eugene Horton) that it was not in their financial decision to send that team to represent the country. “They felt that they had some necessary outstanding bills that came about from the senior men’s team and they wanted to take care of them. All of us know it doesn’t make sense to put yourself in great debt by sending another team when you have some outstanding bills to take care of.”

#Now sitting in the chair as the minister, Bowleg said he understands that it’s not practical for the government to fund all national team trips and so they make their financial contributions to the federations, who in turn make the decision on how they will fund their national teams. “That is why this ministry has a budget, which it allocates funding for the 2022-2023 year. Those allocations also gives us some extra funding that we can give to federations if the need arises,” he revealed. “I think basketball would have exhausted the necessary funding that was allocated to them.”

#Bowleg cracked the joke that the allocation of funding is likened to a parent with 10 children.

#“After I give one, I now have to look out for the next nine,” he quipped.

#“So we do our best to ensure that we fund those associations to the best of our abilities. But I must say, federations have to find corporate sponsors and find means and ways to raise revenue.”

#Bowleg said it is incumbent on all federations – present and future – to devise ways to secure funding and not be out there wondering where their dollars are coming from.

#As an administration, Bowleg assured the federations that his ministry will continue to assist wherever possible.

#But only to the extent that they can while assisting the various sporting bodies with their national programmes.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/30/why-did-womens-national-basketball-team-not-travel/?news

As of Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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WELLINGTON Miller

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#NEWLY minted National Hall of Famer Wellington Miller continues to be recognised for his leadership role, having been re-appointed to serve on two prestigious international sports boards.

#The immediate past president of both the Bahamas Boxing Federation and the Bahamas Olympic Committee has been asked to serve on the Sports Technical committee for the Centro Caribe Sports for the Central American and Caribbean Games and on the Technical Committee for the Panam Sports Executive Board.

#“I’m just happy to know that the Bahamas’ name is being placed out in the technical world of sports and we have a qualified Bahamian who can sit on these two boards and help to make the decisions to run the technical side of sports,” Miller said. It’s not Miller’s first rodeo with any of the organizations, having served on the coordination committee for the Panam Sports when the 2015 games was held in Toronto, Canada as they organized the games before they turned it over to the technical committee, while he served on the Cento Caribe Sports for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Peru in 2019.

#“I wasn’t surprised when I got the letter informing me of being a part of the Panam Games Committee,” Miller said. “I was informed from the last one that I would be retained for this one, so I expected it.

#“But I was surprised when I got the other invite from the Centro Caribe Sports. I think they were pleased with the work that I did and so they invited me to come back and serve again. I’m very pleased, not just for myself, but for the Bahamas because this will only benefit other Bahamians to be a part of the organizing of these major international games.”

#Miller, ordained as a Deacon at New Covenant Baptist Church in May, was inducted into the Hall of Fame as an administrator during the National Sports month in November after he was invested with the Companion Order of Merit on National Hero’s Day in October.

#The Andros native and a retired Immigration Officer said this bolds well for the Bahamas and eventually it sets the pace to have a Bahamian invited to serve on the Technical Committee for the Olympic Games.

#The Pan American Games, held similar to the Olympic Games every four years, features all 412 nations of the Americas. It also serves as a qualifier for the Olympics. First hosted in 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 19th edition of the Pan Am Games is set for Santiago, Chile from October 20 to November 5, 2023 with 39 different sporting competitions being staged.

#The CAAC Games, which is also a multi-sport regional competition every four years, was first held in 1926 in Mexico City, Mexico. The 254th edition of the games is set for June 23-July 8, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador with 37 nations participating in 43 sports. It also serves as qualifier for the Pan Am Games.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/nov/30/miller-receives-two-international-appointments/?news