The Nassau GuardianSend an emailFebruary 23, 2023 106 2 minute read
The 50th CARIFTA Games are just six weeks away and anticipation for the event continues to grow.
Last Thursday, Pauline Davis, dubbed the Dame of the 50th CARIFTA Games, commenced her roadshow, visiting as many of the schools within New Providence as possible, and stirring up support for the young athletes as they prepare for the upcoming event, scheduled for April 8-10, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Davis encouraged the students to pursue a career in athletics, which had opened many doors for her and gave her something positive to focus her gifts and life on.
In preparation of the upcoming 50th CARIFTA Games, the CARIFTA Trials is set for March 25-27, at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium.
Davis began her school visits with her alma mater, Government High School (GHS). At GHS, she inspired the young students and athletes to remember their pride and legacy as a school and as Bahamians.
Davis shared her story about the triumphant race that propelled her to recognition. In 1984, she won the Austin Sealy Award for most outstanding athlete, and helped The Bahamas to win CARIFTA that year with her final leg of the under-20 girls 4×400 meters (m) relay.
Davis encouraged the students to remember that this year, they are chasing “gold” at the 50th CARIFTA Games.
“Remember that our 242 pride runs deep,” she said.
According to Davis, the 50th CARIFTA Games Local Organizing Committee (LOC) looks forward to each school participating in the cheer competition, in which the details will be released shortly, and is headed by event partner DasQuay of DasQuay Entertainment. It will be an opportunity for each school to show their support for their fellow athletes and Bahamians as they carry the pride of a nation on their backs on the track.
Davis’ most recent school visit was to C.I. Gibson Senior High School where she continued to encourage the students to remember to support their fellow students and athletes. One athlete she highlighted and thanked for his dedication as a young man was Johnathon Rodgers – bronze medalist for The Bahamas for 2022 CARIFTA Games.
“I am happy and grateful that you decided to pick up a pair of cleats instead of a knife or gun and do something positive,” she said.
Davis’ school visits, on the ‘Road to CARIFTA’, will continue with her stopping at several schools on New Providence, encouraging athletes and young persons to do their best.
“Whether you are on the track or in the stands cheering your fellow Bahamians this CARIFTA, come gold with us,” she said.
Tickets for CARIFTA are now available for purchase online at www.carifta50.com or at the box office for CARIFTA at the Western Grandstand entrance of the Thomas. A. Robinson National Stadium.
For more information, interested persons can visit www.carifta50.com or follow CARIFTA on its social media pages – @carifta2023 or on Facebook.