Simba FrenchSend an emailJune 16, 2022 213 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The final swim meet hosted by a local club this season is in the books and all the attention is now turned to the highly anticipated Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s National Swimming Championships set for July. Closing out the club-hosted meets this season was Mako Aquatics Club, hosting their second annual Oaktree Medical invitational at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex this past Saturday.

Swimmers were in action as they looked to improve on their season’s best and personal best times or try meet the qualifying standards for the nationals. Head Coach of Mako Aquatics Travano McPhee said he was pleased that other clubs supported the meet.

“The meet was successful. It was an excellent turnout by local swimmers,” said McPhee. “A lot of the younger swimmers who were given a last opportunity to qualify for nationals were able to do so.”

An outstanding swim came from Mako’s Isabella Munroe in the 8-and-under girls division. Munroe has been swimming strong all season, carting off high-point awards in the meets she swam in. At this meet, she scored 61 points, swimming in seven events. The eight-year-old won the 50 meters (m) and 200m freestyle races, the 50m butterfly, the 50m breaststroke and the 200m individual medley (IM). Her only second place finish of the meet came in the 50m backstroke event.

Blue Waves Swim Club’s duo Cailyn Dean and Kirsten Rolle were second and third, respectively, in the race for the 8-and-under girls title. Dean scored 43 points and her teammate Rolle finished with 37 points.

Tia Seymour from the Mantas Swim and Water Polo Club was the high-point winner in the 10-and-over girls category. She won all seven of her races, scoring 63 points. The 10-year-old won the 50m, 100m, and 200m free events, the 50m and 100m fly, the 50m breast and the 50m back.

Taylen Nicolls, who swims for Mako, was second with 41 points. Close behind her was the Mantas Swim and Water Polo Club’s Paityn Burrows with 32.50 points.

Amassing first place finishes in all his races was the Blue Waves’ Christon Joseph. The 10-year-old won all seven of his races to cart off the 9-10 boys division title, tallying 63 points. He won the 50m, 100m and 200m free, the 50m fly, the 100m breast, the 200m IM and the 100m back.

Mako’s Keiron Lloyd was second after scoring 47 points. Lloyd’s teammate Zander Lightbourne was third with 40 points.

Joseph’s teammate Dijon Simmons powered his way to a first-place finish the high-point award in the 11-12 boys category. He scored 54 points. On his tail, finishing in second place, was Mako’s Maxwell Daniels who scored 49 points. Trace Russell, who also swims for Mako, was third with 44 points.

Simmons, who swam in his first CARIFTA Championships this year, won all six of his races. The 12-year-old won the 50m free, the 50m back, the 50m breast, the 400m IM, and the 50 and 100m fly events.

It was a stiff race for the senior boys title between Mako teammates Erald Thompson III and Tristin Ferguson. In the end, Thompson edged Ferguson by three points to win the 15-and-over boys category high-point award with 48 points. Ferguson was second with 45 points. There was a tie for third as Mako swimmers Cherkadin Wells and Andrew Walcott both scored 36 points.

Thompson, who is back home from Howard University in Washington DC, swam in six races and won four of them. He won the 50m and 200m free, the 50m back and the 200m IM.

It was a battle for the top spot in the 15-and-over girls category. The host club’s Devin Cuffy-Bethel won one of her seven races and still managed to win the high-point award with 48 points. The win came in the 50m breast event. She had three second-place finishes and three third-place finishes.

Jamilah Hepburn, who swims with Mako, scored 38 points to finish second. Lyford Cay’s Delaney Mizell and Mako’s Rachel Lundy were tied for third with 36 points apiece.

Other sponsors of the meet were Evolve Functional Fitness, McDonald’s, Yes! It’s Switcharific and The Swim Shop.

https://thenassauguardian.com/mako-closes-out-local-swim-meets-attention-shifts-to-nationals/

Simba FrenchSend an emailJune 16, 2022 301 5 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – The Bahamas’ senior national men’s soccer team just completed its first window of the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League competition on Monday with a 4-0 loss to Nicaragua in Managua, Nicaragua. The 14-man squad held its own against a nation that call ‘fútbol’ its second sport after baseball.

Among those 14 Bahamian players were teenagers Vance Wheaton, Jordin Wilson, Kenaz Swain and Michael Massey who played with a lot of heart against squads that have veteran and professional players. There was also the element of the Nicaraguan fans who were loud in support of their team. Wheaton played goalkeeper for the entire game and could not get his center backs, Lesly St. Fleur and Evelt Julmis, to hear him most of the time, due to the loudness of the fans in the Nicaragua National Football Stadium.

Wilson is the youngest of the four players at age 16. He has played in all four games in the first window and played the full 90 minutes on Monday. He said he was happy for the opportunity to represent his country at the senior level at such a young age.

“It’s a good feeling,” Wilson said. “It’s an honor and good experience and it’s a good lesson going forward. If you’re playing with these guys young, then, when you’re older, you should be flying, so it’s looking good. I was pushing … getting that experience to help prepare me for the next level and bonding with other people. It’s been a great experience.”

The midfieder’s first game was against St. Vincent and the Grenadines when The Bahamas won 1-0 at home at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. He came on as a substitute in the 86th minute of the game.

“I was quite excited and nervous at the same time because you turn around and you see all your family and friends and everyone. When I got on the field, it all just came to me, so I knew I had a role to play and help the team win,” Wilson said.

The former Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) student-athlete, who now attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, says playing for The Bahamas is bigger than playing for IMG. He plays in competitive games for IMG but for The Bahamas, he is up against professional players at a higher level. 

Wheaton was on the team as a third string goalkeeper. He missed the first two games because the number one keeper on the team Julio Jemison was the primary player in goal for The Bahamas. Jemison got injured in the third game at home in a 2-0 loss to Nicaragua last week Friday. Oliver Townend replaced Jemison in goal. For the away game against Nicaragua on Monday, Wheaton got the start because Townend did not travel.

“I wasn’t expecting to get many minutes,” Wheaton said. “I was the only keeper going on the field. The pressure was on, but I tried to relieve some of that pressure because I’m not the only one on the field – we’re a team. We do everything as a unit and Monday night was going to be the most important night of my life as it had the potential to be a crucial decider for offers to schools for university and so on. It may even lead to hopefully a professional path.”

Wheaton handled the pressure well and made some good saves in the game. He had to face two penalty shots that went in but it was not a bad showing for the 17-year-old who started goalkeeping in November 2020 on a trial basis. He said he is grateful to Avery Kemp who coaches the goalkeepers on the national team. Kemp was working with Wheaton from November 2020.

“It’s an honor to wear the colors of my country and to play for the national team,” said Wheaton. “It was my dream to play for this team and to play in an environment like that of Nicaragua. I played a few minutes against St. Maarten back in March and that feeling was just so incredible. I knew that I was going to have to experience that feeling again. I did it for the entire 90 minutes and I embraced it.”

Wheaton’s teammate at LCIS and Renegades Football Club, Michael Massey, brought the energy on Monday night in the midfield. He was fearless going after the ball from players bigger and stronger than him. That was not the first game that he played in during the first window of the CONCACAF Nations League. Massey’s debut was when he came on in the 80th minute as substitute player against Trinidad and Tobago in Trinidad. He remembered the commentator, former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, saying that he, Swain, Wheaton and Wilson are indicative of the bright future for The Bahamas in soccer.

“It’s an absolute honor to be given the opportunity to represent your country that you’ve grown up and adored. I loved every second of living there despite my family coming from Europe and moving to The Bahamas. I call it home, so it’s an absolute honor,” Massey said.

Massey returned to The Bahamas and played for the country for the first time on Friday against Nicaragua. He came on as a substitute and embraced the opportunity to play in front of the Bahamian supporters.

“I think being given the chance to play for 400,000 people back home is something that only a very small percentage of the country will get to do. It’s an incredible feeling and to experience it with a lot of my close friends as well that I’ve grown up playing football with, is something else,” said Massey.

Both he and Wheaton are entering grade 12 at LCIS.

Swain attends Kingsway Academy and is entering grade 12. He played for the first time on the senior men’s team during this window. He made his debut against Trinidad and Tobago, coming off the bench. Swain said he learned a lot about the game since training and playing for the men’s team.

“It gave me exposure and advanced my game. It got me new tactics and new ways to move the ball with purpose and intent. Being on the team taught me how to take care of my body, go to sleep and how to have better conversations. It was good to surround myself with a bunch of guys who went off and played soccer. I have improved my game,” he said.

The right back embraces the opportunity to play for his country. Playing at home on Friday against Nicaragua gave him some confidence and eased his nerves, he said.

“I was less nervous playing away than at home,” Swain said. “Playing in front of the home fans with your family and friends supporting you is a great feeling, but it was a bit nervous. Overall, it was a better feeling at home.”

The next window for the CONCACAF Nations League is in March 2023. Up first will be a home game against Trinidad and Tobago, then there will be an away fixture against St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The quartet looks forward to being named to the team once again and representing The Bahamas for a sport they love to play.

https://thenassauguardian.com/teenagers-soak-up-chance-to-represent-the-bahamas/

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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REGATTA lovers enjoy maypole plaiting.

THE AWARD presentation for best overall skipper in memory of the late Anvil Bishop Taylor presented by his wife and family.

#AFTER a two-year hiatus because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, thousands returned to the beautiful shores of Exuma over the Labour Day weekend to experience the camaraderie and excitement of the long-awaited Barraterre regatta and homecoming festival, which ran from June 3-6.

#The Barraterre regatta and festival has always been a staple on the country’s cultural calendar.

#The highly anticipated event attracts many locals as well as international visitors.

#Every year, the residents of Barraterre use this opportunity to showcase their many talents – whether it’s song, dance, cooking and – of course – sloop sailing.

#This year’s 37th regatta and homecoming festival featured three days of sailing with Class ‘C’ sloops, and many skippers from throughout The Bahamas competed for cash prizes and trophies. Some of the sailing sloops that took part in the regatta were also built on the island.

#Onshore activities throughout the day included games such as hoopla, quadrille dancing, plaiting of the maypole, succulent Bahamian dishes, and native crafts on display.

#Music was a major component of the regatta, and at night a variety of Bahamian entertainers such as D-Mac, Baludy & Nishe L.S. were showcased at the site.

#The festival also featured rake and scrape music, maypole plaiting and a talent show. “This year’s Homecoming & Regatta festival was awesome,” said Annie Lloyd, Barraterre homecoming and festival president. “The committee had a small window for preparation, and despite the many challenges, we did it. “Next year, 2023, we are looking forward to a bigger and better festival weekend as we anticipate a larger crowd and eventful weekend.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/barraterre-celebrates-37th-annual-regatta-homecomi/?news

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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#THE Bahamas Basketball Federation announces its 2022 junior boys’ and junior girls’ coaching staffs.

#The BBF recently announced its basketball coaching staff selected to support the teams representing The Bahamas this summer in international play.

#“As a federation we are extremely proud of the hard work and commitment of our coaching staff who sacrifice their time and lend their expertise to support our various teams,” said Eugene Horton, president

#“We believe that the game of basketball connects people and builds community while changing the lives of talented men and women who deserve exposure on international courts,” said Horton.

#The BBF proudly announces its 2022 junior programme’s coaching staff:

#Centrobasket U15

#Men’s Championship

#Gurabo, Puerto Rico

#June 18-22

#Centrobasket U15 Junior

#Boys National Team

#Head Coach –

#Quentin Hall

#Assistant Coaches –

#Kevin Clarke & Denykco

#Bowles

#Team Manager – Delva

#Francis

#Team Doctor – George

#Burrows

#Director of Basketball

#Operations – Latoya

#Silver

#Head of Delegation –

#Stephen Brown

#Centrobasket U15

#Women’s Championship

#Gurabo, Puerto Rico

#June 26-30, 2022

#Centrobasket U15 Junior

#Girls National Team

#Head Coach –

#Varel Davis

#Assistant Coaches –

#Anton Francis & Shakira

#Farrington

#Team Manager –

#Taronya Wildgoose

#Athletic Trainers –

#Sasha Johnson

#Director of Basketball

#Operations & Head of

#Delegation –

#Latoya Silver

#• The first international game will be held in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, June 18-22, with the under-15 junior boys’ team.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/bahamas-basketball-federation-names-its-coaching-s/?news

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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OAKTREE Medical Center came on board as the title sponsor while Fidelity Bank joined as a gold sponsor for the upcoming BAAA National Championships, June 24-26 at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#CORPORATE citizens have stepped forward to support the BAAAs and its athletes as they prepare for the landmark event on the local track and field calendar.

#Oaktree Medical Center came on board as the title sponsor while Fidelity Bank joined as a gold sponsor for the upcoming BAAA National Championships, June 24-26 at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

#Dr Don Diego Deveaux, director at Oaktree, said his organisation’s $25,000 pledge signifies its commitment to youth development.

#“Our motto is caring, compassion, complete and the complete aspect stands out to me because we are a community and when I see these events being hosted, we just try to figure out how we can be involved.

#“It’s good to get from the community, but we have to figure out how we can give

#back and it’s the spirit of giving back that drives everything we do. I think if we can band together as a community, no matter which race, colour, creed, political party – it does not matter, we can show that we are one Bahamas,” he said. “When I look back at the number of Olympic champions from this small nation, I personally think that we have the best talent pool in the world and it is with that conviction that it is about giving the youth the opportunity to get there and we want to be supportive of everything. Think of us as a mini Youth, Sports and Culture, willing to help as best as possible and I encourage my fellow corporate citizens to do the same. We are one Bahamas, and if you cannot do it for us, who are you going to do it for?”

#Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank chief executive, said the successful staging of the national championships is a return toward the level of competition and rivalry that can bring the best out of our athletes.

#“Rivalries are always entertaining in The Bahamas. We know we have it in junkanoo, but even before we get to that, it starts in our schools and it starts in our athletic programmes. We often hear the negativity around the youth but we don’t often emphasize the positive elements,” he said.

#“When we go back to those days of coming out to our high school championships, and then to the BAAAs, watching our talent evolve, then watching us as 400,000 people surprisingly have won the Olympics and World Championships time and time again on a per capita basis and if we can be a part of that I think that is important. Whenever there is an opportunity to support and sponsor, we are going to be committed to youth development, ensuring that those elements that are good for us as a country, are those elements we are behind.”

#The first two days of competition will feature traditional events from junior and senior elite athletes while the final day will feature a relay carnival.

#“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the greatest show on earth next weekend,” said BAAA President Drumeco Archer.

#“For the first time in our history, we have included the youth component in our National Championship programme, giving recognition to our growing stars who will one day become the face of a new sporting generation. After three years of not having a Primary School National Track and Field Championships, we recognise that it was imperative that the federation provided a replacement to ensure the succession of our programmes.”

#With a plethora of international events on the horizon for Bahamian athletes at both levels, Archer said the upcoming nationals can be seen as the catalyst for the future growth of the national programme.

#“It is a collaborative effort, a nation-wide talent search and athlete development programme for both our short term planning – with the CARIFTA Games in mind, along with the long term sustainable goals of our federation,” he said.

#“It is so often said of our senior athletes that they always look forward to the support of the Bahamian fans and once again we have the opportunity to see some of the best athletes in the world, who are Bahamian, live and in living colour at our nationals.”

#Just over 300 athletes have registered for the event thus far with the deadline set for 9pm on June 17.

#Laura Charlton, special projects manager in the BAAA, said the public at large can expect the country’s best athletes to compete next weekend.

#“This is the national championships and they are all excited to compete at home in front of their Bahamian crowd,” she said.

#“One of the policies of the federation is that in order to be considered for a national team you must compete at the national championships, unless there are some unforeseen circumstances, but it is expected that everyone will be here and they will put on a good show.”

#Charlton added that the sponsorship from both organisations sets the tone for other members of corporate Bahamas to come forward as the Bahamas prepares for a series of competitions at the junior and senior levels.

#“We have not had any major sponsorship in years so, on the heels of COVID this is an awesome gesture on behalf of our sponsors,” she said.

#“This is an exciting time for us in track and field, we can now start to rebuild and improve our corporate partnerships to allow us to put on the best shows for our athletes as well as to help to prepare our athletes for competitions we have throughout the year. It is not a cheap venture to send these teams off, we always have to ensure our athletes have the best opportunity in terms of travel and accommodations so partnerships like these help us to do that.”

#In addition to giving athletes a chance to qualify for international events in the relays, Sunday’s carnival will offer moments of levity with corporate partners and civic organisations expected to compete.

#“This gives our teams an opportunity to qualify when we have all of our athletes together in one place,” she said.

#“We have also opened it up to our civic organisations, fraternities, sororities, corporate Bahamas, other sports clubs, you can all put your teams together and compete.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/corporate-sponsors-step-support-baaa-nationals/?news

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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MIKE Strachan

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#HEADED into his second season with the Indianapolis Colts, Mike Strachan said his mindset is to continue his progression up the organisation’s depth chart.

#The Colts recently completed mandatory minicamp and three sessions of offseason OTAs.

#“My mindset is to take over. I want to be the person that they look to and rely on, I want to be there for my team, I want to be able to play a bigger role this year and I feel like I can do that,” Strachan said during his time at the Bahamas All-Pro Celebrity Weekend.

#“With Matt Ryan and the new additions I feel like this team is on the road to greatness and we can get to a championship.”

#The Colts will look to get Ryan – the team’s new 15-year-veteran quarterback – used to the fold.

#“He’s someone we all look up to, it’s like having another coach,” Strachan said of the addition of the former league MVP to the locker. “It’s crazy because he’s a great leader, he knows the game inside and out and he teaches us. He’s been a certified veteran for years in the NFL so he’s somebody that I listen to and look up to.”

#Colts head coach Frank Reich expressed similar sentiments from the first week of the offseason programme in April: “[Ryan] just has a fresh perspective and when we talked about the parts of the offene, I’m excited for how he’s going to help those young receivers. Every quarterback is an extended wide receiver coach. They have to be. They work with the receivers, their impact on the receivers is felt and I just think Matt has a particularly good perspective and a good way about him the way he’s going to connect with those young receivers to help them take the next step.”

#Strachan, a seventh-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, began the season with appearances in the first two games of the regular season but played sparingly for the remainder of the campaign.

#In week one of the regular season, he finished with two catches for 26 yards in the Colts’ 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

#Strachan was on the field for 18 snaps and was targeted three times – a higher rate than any other receiver in the lineup.

#“Since the first day we hit the field and we had to show them what we can do. I caught the first pass and I said ‘ok, I’m ready for this.’ It was smooth, I looked good doing it, so that was a big moment,” he said.

#“When I caught the first pass in the first game that was a big moment for me.”

#Despite the challenges in his rookie campaign, he still considered it a season of milestones with the opportunity to represent the country. “Just being in the locker room everyday with a bunch of different guys from different backgrounds, different salaries, look at a guy like Matt Ryan – $150 million – that’s your friend now,” Strachan said.

#“So it’s things like that that motivates me, seeing those guys, looking up to them and being able to work with them is touching.”

#The highlight of his debut campaign in the NFL was a 27-17 week four win over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

#Strachan played sparingly in his Colts’ first win of the season but said the experience of having his family in attendance was a “blessing.”

#The Colts finished the season 9-8 and just missed the playoffs. Strachan totalled 10 receptions for 130 yards in three preseason games.

#Overall, he had a Pro Football Focus grade of 73.0 this preseason, he was targeted 16 times, had six receiving first downs, no dropped passes, four contested catches, and was part of three explosive pass plays.

#In his preseason debut, Strachan finished with three receptions for 57 yards in the Colts’ 21-18 win over Carolina Panthers.

#In his second appearance, Strachan finished with two catches for 12 yards in the Colts’ 12-10 win over the Vikings, and 5 receptions for 61 yards in the Colts’ 27-17 win over the Detroit Lions.

#The former University of Charleston wide receiver and Grand Bahama native was selected by the Colts with the first pick of the seventh round (229th overall).

#He became the 3rd Bahamian born player to be drafted into the NFL following Ed Smith in 1973 (Denver Broncos – Round 13, pick 319) and Devard Darling in 2004 (Baltimore Ravens – Round 3, pick 82).

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/colts-mike-strachan-looks-ahead-second-season/?news

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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BJ Murray

#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#BJ Murray Jr continues his progression in the Chicago Cubs organisation.

#The 22-year-old infielder was assigned to the club’s High-A affiliate, the South Bend Cubs, and saw immediate action on the field with the club.

#Murray finished with a run and stolen base in the Cubs’ 5-4 loss to the Quad City River Bandits’ on June 14, the first in a six-game series.

#The Cubs are currently third in the Midwest League’s East Division at 30-28.

#Murray began his 2022 season at the Low-A level with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

#Through 39 games with the club, he hit .305, slugged .461 with a .902 OPS, 39 hits, including three home runs, 11 doubles, 31 runs scored and 25 RBI.

#Murray overcame a slow start in his first season at the Low-A level.

#But he became one of the club’s offensive leaders across all categories at the time of his new assignment.

#He produced 11 multi-hit games, highlighted by a season high 3-4 night with five RBI in his club’s 24-6 win over the Winston- Salem Red Sox.

#He previously earned Player of the Game honours when he finished 2-3 with a home run, double, an RBI and three runs scored in the Pelicans’ 9-1 win over the Columbia Fireflies, on April 30.

#Murray began his day with a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning.

#He also doubled in the fourth inning.

#He concluded May and began June with a six-game stretch against the Delmarva Shoebirds where he hit .529 and scored seven runs with two RBI.

#It also included four multi-hit games.

#Murray was selected by the Cubs out of Florida Atlantic University with the 22nd pick in the 15th round, no. 454 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft. He spent his first season of professional baseball in the Arizona Complex League.

#Through 16 ACL games, he hit .286, slugging .482 with a .826 OPS, 16 hits, including two home runs, three doubles, a triple, 12 runs scored an eight RBI.

#Keep up the good work.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/bj-murray-assigned-chicago-cubs-high-affiliate/?news

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm looks on during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 3-1. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

As of Thursday, June 16, 2022

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr’s power-hitting display ranks among the top at his position in all of Major League Baseball and continues to solidify his case for a National League All-Star bid.

#Chisholm Jr hit his 13th home-run of the season in the Marlins’ 11-9 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday night.

#Headed into last night’s slate, his home run total tops the leaderboard for all second basemen in the MLB, just ahead of the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and the New York Yankees’ Gleyber Torres – tied with 12.

#He also leads the group with a .547 slugging percentage, four triples and is tied with Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox with 41 RBI. Chisholm Jr ranks second behind Altuve with an .848 OPS.

#Chisholm Jr is a leading candidate to earn a spot on the National League roster for the 2022 All-Star Game. Voting for the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game is now underway. Ballots can be cast on MLB.com and cast your ballot, up to five times a day every 24 hours. The first phase of the voting runs through June 30 at 2pm.

#Then, there will be two finalists announced at each position (six outfielders) and the vote totals reset for the final days of voting July 5-8.

#Stay tuned and place your vote.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/16/chisholm-jr-solidifies-his-case-national-league-al/?news

As of Friday, June 17, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SINCE their formation out of the Max D Baseball Academy in 2017, the International Elite Baseball Academy has been growing by leaps and bounds as they continue to provide opportunities for many young men to experience their dream of playing college or professional baseball.

#Headed by Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright, I-Elite was recognised for their efforts by the Deshaun Watson Foundation. Watson made the substantial financial contrition to I-Elite when he brought the Brown’s offensive line here last month for a three-day mini-camp to train and bond together.

#Tshombe Johnson, the business development and fundraising coordinator for I-Elite, said a college friend of his working with Watson, the Browns’ quarterback, was interested in giving back to the Bahamian community and they agreed to support I-Elite and one of the local soccer programmes.

#“When they came here to do their team bonding, Deshaun decided that he would find a way to give back to the community and it was suggested to Deshaun to try to help us because we are working on getting so many young players started with their future in the sport,” Johnson said.

#Johnson said the generous donation, which he declined to reveal, came at the opportune time as I-Elite continues to open so many doors for the players to excel to the next level. He noted that Watson indicated that his foundation will continue to support I-Elite in the future.

#“He told us that he wanted to assist in anyway with the growth of the programme,” Johnson said. “We’re at a spot right now where we are growing and anything we can garner th3e support to get to the next level, we welcome them to assist us.”

#Watson, who played college football at Clemson where he led the team to a national championship in 2015, was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. On March 18, 2022, Watson and the Texans’ 2024 sixth-round draft pick were traded to Cleveland in exchange for the Browns’ first-round draft picks in 2022, 2023, and 2024. As part of the trade, Watson signed a new, fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns, making it the largest contract and most guaranteed money in NFL history.

#When Watson came to town, Sands said they were delighted to share their programme with him and he agreed to assist them.

#“We are really happy to know that there are people out there who are watching us and seeing what we are doing and want to help us and our country to continue to develop the kids,” Sands said. “We are happy for the donation that we received from Deshaun Watson. This will definitely us in our development.”

#I-Elite emerged out of Max D in 2017, but Sands said the concept of working with the young baseball players was developed from 2012 when Max D was formed. Now there are two separate entities in the country.

#Sands said I-Elite’s aim was to get more Bahamian young men fulfilling their dreams of becoming collegiate or professional baseball players. A year ago, he said they introduced softball for girls where they seek to assist the young girls in securing athletic scholarships as well.

#“We want to assist these young boys and girls in developing that mindset where they can achieve their goal and eventually return home and make their contributions to our society,” Sands said..

#Since their formation, Sands said they have been able to assist more than 15 players with signing professional contracts, including Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm of the Miami Marlins and Lucius Fox of the Washington Marlins. They have also secured more than 10 scholarships for players in college.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/17/i-elite-gets-international-support/?news

As of Friday, June 17, 2022

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#THE Bahamas Bassai Karate-Dojo (BBKD) is scheduled to host its first Bahamas Karate Championship at 10am on Saturday, June 25 at the Anatol Rodgers High School Gymnasium.

#Under the Society of Shotokan Stylist, the event will be opened to all styles of martial arts and will be a part of the National Championships circuit, sanctioned by the Bahamas Martial Arts Federation.

#Tickets are priced at $3 for children 5-12 years old and $5 for adults ages 13-and-over. Doors open at 9:30am.

#The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, headed by Minister Mario Bowleg, is expected to be represented.

#Unfortunately, Bowleg is not expected to be available as he is scheduled to be in Florida for the Bahamian Heritage Night for Miami Marlins Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm.

#BBKD, according to sensei Dr Shawn Smith, is a karate school that caters to predominantly inner-city kids, some of which are residents of homes for boys.

#“We teach karate using the methods of physical exercise and flexibility drills, we teach students how to release negative energy with positive affirmations of oneself, to only speak that which is edifying and uplifting, targeting physical frustrations on punching bags and not another person,” Smith said. “The BBKD is actively involved in the holistic makeup of our students, homework must be completed in order to participate in class, and this is done by constant communication with parents/ guardians and teachers. It is our goal to produce productive, well-mannered citizens of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/jun/17/bahamas-bassai-karate-dojo-host-its-first-champion/?news