Dr Kent Bazard

#PARENTING a child athlete is a multifaceted challenge that requires more than just sideline support. As a parent and a sports medicine professional, I’ve experienced and witnessed the hurdles and joys of this journey.

#Here, I’ll share not only the challenges but also practical solutions and real-world examples to guide parents in this rewarding yet demanding role.

#Financial Commitment: Balancing Dreams and Budgets

#The cost of sports can be staggering. However, planning and budgeting can help manage these expenses.

#Seeking out community grants, sponsorships, and second-hand equipment are practical steps to reduce financial strain. For instance, various corporate and civic entities, and even private citizens provide financial assistance for sports registration and equipment, making these expenses more manageable. Like they say “you have not if you ask not.”

#Training and Health Management: Prioritising Well-Being

#The physical demands on young athletes are intense. To manage this, regular rest days and cross-training can prevent overuse injuries. Engaging with healthcare professionals like me for personalised training plans and medical management is essential. Shameless plug incoming: comprehensive programmes like ours at Empire Sports Medicine integrates sport-specific training with medical support and mental conditioning.

#Nutrition: Crafting the Right Fuel

#Nutritional challenges are common but addressing them can be straightforward.

#Consulting a nutritionist or a sports physician like myself can lead to a tailored meal plan. An effective strategy is to involve young athletes in meal planning and preparation, making nutrition education a practical activity. For inspiration, look at how professional youth sports academies incorporate nutrition education into their programs.

#Logistics: Streamlining the Sports Schedule

#Transport logistics can be simplified through carpooling with other parents, which fosters a sense of community. Additionally, selecting local or regional competitions over distant ones can reduce travel demands, although living in the Bahamas this is not always possible. For example, I will have to travel out of the country at least ten times in 2024 for my daughter to compete in her sport of gymnastics. Travel and entry fees add to the high cost of sport parenting as we discussed earlier. Make a schedule and prioritize events that are high quality and are of the greatest benefit to your child’s progression and exposure. Especially if it is a college sport as coaches often scout these events.

#Coaching and Peer Influence: Building Positive Relationships

#A positive coach-athlete relationship is key. Parents should facilitate open communication with coaches and encourage their children to do the same. Peer influence can be harnessed positively by encouraging team-building activities. The success of Norway’s youth sports programs, focusing on enjoyment and personal development, exemplifies this.

#Balancing Academics and Home Responsibilities

#Time management is crucial. Tools like digital planners or apps can help young athletes manage their schedules effectively. Encouraging a routine that balances sports, academics, and home duties is vital, as seen in the practices of student-athletes in successful college sports programs.

#Emotional Well-being: Understanding and Support

#Teen mood swings are normal. Open, non-judgmental communication is key to understanding their emotional world. Discourage mindless use of media and encourage them to spend time online and offline with persons who have similar circumstances, but moreover who are supportive and not destructive. As parents, understand that your child is under immense pressure, even without the pressure to win. Be involved, learn your child’s short so you can empathize with their position. It can be challenging for teens to see that you will love them no matter what. In challenging times, get help. Consider seeking guidance from a psychologist, pastor or counselor…or if you’re fortunate enough, a mentor athlete presently in the sport. Even better if they are Bahamian.

#In Conclusion: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

#Raising a child athlete is about fostering growth in sports and life. By addressing the challenges with practical solutions and learning from successful examples, we can guide our young athletes towards a fulfilling and balanced sporting journey. Through this article, I hope to provide not just an insight into the challenges of parenting a child athlete but also practical solutions and real-world examples to navigate this path effectively. Remember, the goal is to raise well-rounded individuals who thrive both in and out of the sporting arena.

#• Dr Kent Bazard is a Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine. Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

December 22, 2023December 22, 2023

Roadmasters Running Club presents $5,000 to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, Md Patient Navigation Services

onal News

PICTURED, from left to right: Tina Lightbourne, City of Hope (formerly, Cancer Treatment Centers of America), Bahamas Half Title Sponsor; Anastacia Turnquest, BRRC President; Shantell Cox, Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group; Melissa Major, MD Patient Navigation Services; and Michael Cunningham, BRRC Vice President.

As of Friday, December 22, 2023

#BAHAMAS Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC), is pleased to present part proceeds from their 11th annual Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K Race Series to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services. Each received the amount of $5000.

#Sister Sister Bahamas, started by three compassionate and concerned women, seeks to bring about awareness and care to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Patient Navigation Services’ mandate is helping patients navigate the health system across its many facets toward ensuring appropriate care is being rendered to the patient and support to their family members.

#Since members of the running club have also experienced health challenges, the club found it fitting to partner with various local non-profit organisations to help others who may be facing similar situations. Established in 1990, BRRC is the leading sports club whose concentration is the promotion of distance running in The Bahamas thereby, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

#They prepare interested persons for running marathons (26.2 miles) or a half marathons (13.1 miles) locally and internationally.

#Over the years the club has engaged the local and international running communities through their two annual signature events, Bahamas Half Race series (held in November) and the Midnight Madness 10K Fun Run/Walk (held in June).

#Believing in benevolence, the club and its members have given back significantly to the Bahamian community throughout the past years. Club President Anastasia Turnquest said.

#“It’s through the generous contributions of our sponsors, contributors and race participants that we are able to be a blessing to others.

#“Individually we may not be able to do a whole lot, but when we combine our efforts, we make a tremendous impact.”

#She expressed her gratitude to the corporate entities and individuals who have generously supported their initiatives.

#“We believe exercise is the key to a healthy life. We encourage interested runners to run with us every Saturday,” according to Michael Cunningham, the club’s vice president.

#The club can be contacted at www.bahamasroadmasters.com or c/o: 242.357.7035

December 22, 2023December 22, 2023

Newman, Pratt win national titles

Giorgio Baldacci tennis nationals come to a close; spots booked on national teams

Simba French
Dec 22, 2023 Updated 1 hr ago
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Simone Pratt won the ladies title at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre on Thursday.

Baker Newman won the men’s title at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre on Thursday.

After four days of intense competition, seasoned players Baker Newman and Simone Pratt came out on top at the Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships, winning in three sets each at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Newman got the best of Rodney Carey Jr. for the men’s title. On the women’s side, Pratt won against last year’s runner-up Sydney Clarke to lift that title.

“When you lose the first set, you want to change so you could do better. I just started to play a little more loose and free and it worked,” Newman said.

Playing to a third set meant a new can of balls was needed. That means the balls had more bounce to them.

“It is a little tricky starting with new balls and these balls have been giving me a little challenge this week. When they are new, they are bouncier. I was not upset that the first three games were long because the balls got worn out more which helped me out more with my game. I knew Carey was going to come out after losing the second set 6-0 but I was ready,” Newman said.

The two veteran players had some great rallies, putting on a show for the spectators. Newman said he was happy to win the title as he has not been playing much tennis this year.

Like Newman, Pratt had to overcome a first set loss, rallying to win, 6-7(5), 6-3 and 6-1.

“It was a great match. I feel that we both came out playing and it was windy conditions. I just had to go out there and face the wind, but I feel I played my game and was able to come out with the win,” said Pratt.

Pratt committed some unforced errors early in the tiebreaker set as Clarke went up 5-1. Pratt managed to come close to Clarke, winning four of the next five points before Clarke finished it off to win 7-5 in that tiebreaker. Pratt got a 6-3 victory in the second set to tie the match at 1-1. She reached another gear in the third set.

“In the third set, I looked to get a strong start and not make too many mistakes and errors. I played more aggressively, opened up the court and that is what helped me get the win,” she said.

Pratt, who was one of the country’s top junior players during her teenage years, said she was shocked that she won. She last won a national title in 2012.

Newman and Carey secured two of the four available spots on the men’s national team for the 2024 Davis Cup Tournament. Clarke and Pratt secured two of the four available sports on the women’s national team for the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Tournament. The location and date of both tournaments will be announced later.

The four qualifiers are looking forward to representing the country at the regional tennis tournaments next year.

December 22, 2023February 4, 2024

Roadmasters presents proceeds from Bahamas Half

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The Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club presented part proceeds from its 11th annual Bahamas Half Marathon and 10K Race Series to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services.

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Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC) is pleased to present part proceeds from its 11th annual Bahamas Half Marathon and 10K Race Series to Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services.

Each received the amount of $5,000. Sister Sister Bahamas, started by three compassionate and concerned women, seeks to bring about awareness and care to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Patient Navigation Services’ mandate is helping patients navigate the health system across its many facets toward ensuring appropriate care is being rendered to the patient and support to their family members. Since members of the running club have also experienced health challenges, the club found it fitting to partner with various local non-profit organizations to help others who may be facing similar situations.https://aa0f180b7563dd51f6a9ce4a6563743c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Believing in benevolence, the club and its members have given back significantly to the Bahamian community through the years. Club President Anastasia Turnquest said: “It’s through the generous contributions of our sponsors, contributors and race participants that we are able to be a blessing to others. Individually, we may not be able to do a whole lot, but when we combine our efforts, we make a tremendous impact.” She expressed her gratitude to the corporate entities and individuals who have generously supported their initiatives.

Michael Cunningham, the club’s vice president, remarked: “We believe exercise is the key to a healthy life. We encourage interested runners to run with us every Saturday.”

The club can be contacted through the website www.bahamasroadmasters.com or at telephone number (242) 357-7035.

December 22, 2023December 22, 2023

Bowleg confident that pool will be ready for CARIFTA

Simba French
5 hrs ago
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There is no doubt that the pool at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex needs repairs, particularly heading into a CARIFTA hosting year. Driving past the pool, workers can be seen doing work on the pool and some persons have doubts that the pool will be ready by the start of the 30th CARIFTA Swimming Championships, set for March 28 to April 7, 2024. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg quelled that thought by saying that he is confident that the pool will be ready in time for the championships.

He made the statement at a press conference that was held at his ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday as the championships was officially launched.

The minister said that he will have a press conference in January to provide an update on the progress of the pool.

Echoing the sentiments of the minister was the president of the host federation, the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, Algernon Cargill, who also serves as the vice chairman for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

“We are confident, as the minister said, that the facility will be ready in February, in time for the athletes to be able to qualify to represent The Bahamas. We have no doubt that the athletes will be ready. The athletes are currently training in 25-meter pools in New Providence and Grand Bahama. I do not want to undercut the need to train in a 50-meter pool. We know how to improvise in assuring that Team Bahamas is ready for 2024,” Cargill said.

Some athletes have been competing in meets outside the country to achieve the CARIFTA qualifying times so they can make the 36-member team that is going for a sixth consecutive CARIFTA swimming title and seventh title of the last eight championships. The water polo team will also be competing and has to improvise as they wait for the 50-meter pool to be completed.

Speaking about training in a 25-meter pool was Grand Bahama native and a staple on the CARIFTA team Marvin Johnson.

“… Not to undermine training in a 50-meter pool, but it is not what makes you a great swimmer. The thing that makes The Bahamas’ team and what Bahamians generally have is that we love to fight and race. No matter what length of the pool they put me in or which pool I train in, when it comes to race day, I am ready to represent The Bahamas to the best of my abilities. It has been working so far,” he said.

Johnson’s teammate on the CARIFTA team for the past two years Elle Theberge said that it has been an adjustment for her not being able to utilize the national swim complex for training.

“My coaches push us hard in the pool and make sure that we are ready. They also ensure that we are able to work on other things like our turns, but we have adjusted to using only the 25-meter pool,” Theberge said.

The LOC is looking to raise $1 million to put on the event. Cargill believes that corporate Bahamas will come to the aid of Team Bahamas and help them to host a first-class event.

“Coming to CARIFTA here in Nassau is extremely expensive,” Cargill said. “For example, the contribution coming in from the athletes is fixed so we have a responsibility to put all the athletes coming in into hotels. The average hotel room rate here is probably three times that of any other country. Because there is a fixed amount to contribute to the hotel cost, we have to fund the difference. When we decided to host CARIFTA, a lot of the inherent costs that do not come to the surface, that the public never sees, we have to deal with. We have asked for $1 million which is 50 percent of our budget in terms of organizing these CARIFTA championships.”

Individuals and companies interested in more information on partnership opportunities can contact LOC Sponsorship Chairman Zoe Gibson-Bowleg at e-mail address marketing@bahamasaquatics.com or at telephone number (242) 803-5762.

The meet features the 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17 age groups. This edition has a twist to it, featuring an 18-and-over category for the 50-, 100- and 200-meter races in all the strokes. Those who compete in that age bracket will be competing for medals and not points. It was introduced because the CARIFTA championships will be a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the World Aquatics Swimming Championships.

The swimming discipline of the meet gets underway on Saturday, March 30 and wraps up on Tuesday April 2. The open water swimming competition will be held on Wednesday April 3 at Goodman’s Bay. Water polo will close out the championships, from Thursday April 4 to Saturday, April 6. There are 24 countries that have been invited to participate.

December 22, 2023February 4, 2024

Bowleg confident that pool will be ready for CARIFTA

Simba French
5 hrs ago
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He made the statement at a press conference that was held at his ministry’s headquarters on Wednesday as the championships was officially launched.

Speaking about training in a 25-meter pool was Grand Bahama native and a staple on the CARIFTA team Marvin Johnson.

Johnson’s teammate on the CARIFTA team for the past two years Elle Theberge said that it has been an adjustment for her not being able to utilize the national swim complex for training.

The LOC is looking to raise $1 million to put on the event. Cargill believes that corporate Bahamas will come to the aid of Team Bahamas and help them to host a first-class event.

December 21, 2023February 4, 2024

CARIFTA countdown

The 2024 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships is all set for March 28 to April 7, 2024 at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre.

As of Thursday, December 21, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The countdown is now officially on for the 2024 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships slated to be held right here on home soil at the Betty Kelly-Kenning Aquatic Centre March 28 to April 7.

#The event was launched yesterday during a press conference held at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture as preparations are now being made to have a good hosting next year.

#With plans now in motion for next year’s swimming showdown, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) along with the Bahamas Aquatics Federation are making an appeal to corporate Bahamas and citizens to aid them in raising $1 million as they look to win their sixth consecutive title on home turf.

#Algernon Cargill, president of The Bahamas Aquatics Federation, spoke on the continued success of Team Bahamas on their journey to potentially winning another championship. “It is no secret that we are the only federation in The Bahamas to win five consecutive CARIFTA titles and winning any of these titles was not easy. We have convincingly won seven of the last eight CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. We are the only country that can boast of this outstanding CARIFTA swimming record and Team Bahamas will continue this legacy in 2024.

#“Winning our sixth title at home will not be easy and we will certainly need the support of Bahamians, particularly corporate Bahamas, to support the marketing efforts of the Local Organising Committee. “Our goal is to raise $1 million and while this has never been done before by aquatics, we believe that it is indeed possible. We ask corporate Bahamas and every Bahamian citizen to support Team Bahamas by contributing any amount to this fundraising goal,” Cargill said. The Bahamas will host the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships for a fifth time. Over the years, the nation has proven itself to be a dominant force on the waters. Team Bahamas claimed its first win at the event in 2007. Seven years later, the country earned a win in Savaneta, Aruba and won again the following year. After Martinique emerged victorious in 2016, Team Bahamas reeled off five straight wins with the most recent one secured in Curaçao. This time around they picked up a record number of medals with 85 in total including 37 gold medals, 27 silver medals and 21 bronze medals.

#Marvin Johnson, who racked up nine medals in Curaçao, will be competing in his final year at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships and wants Bahamians to come out and support.

#“This year will be my last CARIFTA Games and I am fortunate to be at home in The Bahamas. It means a lot to me not only to represent The Bahamas but to also to swim in front of my family and friends who have never seen me do it before,

#“I know swimming is not the most popular sport and we do not get as much recognition as we deserve but being on the team for the past five consecutive championships I can tell you we are full of heart and we love to represent The Bahamas. I do encourage you all to come out and support once the day has come. I promise you it won’t be a show that you would want to miss,” he said.

#According to Cargill, at next year’s hosting of the swimming championships senior athletes will have a unique opportunity to use the event as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as well as the 2024 World Aquatics Championships.

#“What is exciting about these CARIFTA games unlike any other CARIFTA games is that The Bahamas has introduced an 18 and over category for events 50m,100m and 200m in distance. This is going to give our senior athletes particularly an opportunity to compete along with the CARIFTA athletes at the 2024 championships here in Nassau,” he said.

#The division will be open to all CARIFTA swimmers and will only be contested for medals not points.

#Among those optimistic about the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships returning to home soil is Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

#“It is my great pleasure to declare that The Bahamas has been chosen as the host country for the upcoming CARIFTA Swimming Championships in the coming year. To us this is not just a memorable occasion, it is a testament to our commitment to youth, excellence, sportsmanship and the undeniable passion we have for sports in our country,

#“As we prepare to host this exhilarating competition we do so with the intention of defending our title with pride, determination, and the undeniable spirit that characterizes The Bahamas…As we dive into the preparations for the CARIFTA Swimming Championship let us embrace the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and friendly competition. Let us come together as a community to support our swimmers, showcase the warmth and hospitality of The Bahamas and create lasting memories for all participants and spectators alike,” the Minister said.

#Individuals interested in making the road to a six-peat at home more seamless can reach out to Jurelle Munnings, chief executive officer of the LOC, or Lynne Fraino, head of marketing and public relations, at 803-5762 or via email at CARIFTAXXX@BahamasAquatics.com

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023

Tennis players advance to the finals

As of Thursday, December 21, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#FOUR players advanced to the 2023 Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships yesterday at the National Tennis Centre (NTC), in addition to qualifying to represent The Bahamas at the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup tournaments.

#Sydney Clarke, the top seed in women’s singles along with third seed Simone Pratt will go head-to-head in the finals today to be crowned the 2023 national champion in the women’s division.

#Additionally, next year both ladies will play on the national team at the Billie Jean King Cup tournament.

#Veteran tennis players Rodney Carey Jr and Baker Newman are due for a chess match on the tennis court today as the tournament’s more seasoned players meet in the finals.

#The duo will represent Team Bahamas at the Davis Cup tournament.

#The battle of the veterans is all set for today after Newman knocked off Howard University’s Michael Major Jr in the semifinals. The former, who was motivated after being sidelined due to illness last year, utilised his experience to drop Major Jr in straight sets.

#He ran away with set one 6-2 and followed it up with a score of 6-3 to solidify a spot in the final round.

#After being away from the sport briefly, he was happy to qualify for the national team to represent the country and make it to the final stage.

#“It is always good to win, I am happy to join the team. It is always good to play against a teammate to push each other and have fun. For me personally it is nice, last time I lost in the semifinals so it feels good to be back in the finals,” he said.

#Despite competing in a tough quarterfinals match against Donte Armbrister on Tuesday, the experienced tennis player said he came out ready for his match against Major Jr. “I woke up a little sore but I had a good warm up, took a hot shower, got ready to play and I think I was a little more ready to start than MJ was today. The wind definitely played a factor, it was tough conditions. I think I just was tougher out there and with the third opponent being the wind you just kind of had to use it to your advantage,” he said.

#Carey Jr upset the defending champion Denali Nottage to make it back to his first Giorgio Baldacci finals since 2014, which he won. The victory was especially sweet for the former national champion as he was able to avenge last year’s loss to the same opponent in the semifinals. He bested the Freeport native 6-2, 7-6(3).

#“I knew it was gonna be a good match because I lost to Denali last year so I was expecting a tough match whereas last year I wasn’t really aware of how well he was playing so I might have underestimated him. This year I knew he was gonna come tough so I was ready for it. I think I came a lot more prepared because I wanted to give it my best shot to make the team,” he said.

#With his latest goal now accomplished, he talked about how it felt to get it done and secure a spot in today’s finals.

#“This feels good, that is what we are here for to try and represent the country. It is always an honour for me to be able to come out and make the team so I just wanna come out tomorrow and give it my best shot,” he said.

#The highly-anticipated match between the 22-year-old Clarke and Takaii Adderley, who hoisted two trophies at the AID Junior Tennis National Championships, ended with the older athlete earning the win in consecutive sets. She blanked Adderley in set one 6-0. In the following set, the junior player regained her footing but it wasn’t enough to stop Clarke who won 6-4 to close it out.

#Clarke, who attends the University of Alabama, enjoyed battling it out against a younger opponent.

#“It was really great. It’s always great to play against the younger players so I can see where I am at as well. Overall, it was a great match between both of us. My opponent played very well. I think she had a slow start but once she got into it and got used to the weather things started to get interesting. I felt it came down to who would be mentally tough to stick it out at the end,” she said.

#The multiple time national team member shared how it felt to once again have the opportunity to represent The Bahamas at the Billie Jean King Cup tournament.

#“It is always a great feeling, I am always excited to represent my country any chance I get. I feel honoured every single time and grateful because a lot of people are vying for the spot so I feel very blessed to have this opportunity once again,” she said.

#As for her finals matchup against the third seed, she is looking to come out aggressive, place more spin on the ball if the weather is windy and remain true to herself until the end result.

#Pratt got to work against the former national champion Elana Mackey, quashing her hopes of repeating at the end of year tournament. Mackey pushed her to the brink in set one but ultimately the third ranked athlete prevailed 7-5 to take it. She followed it up by a 6-3 win to make her second finals appearance since 2012.

#She talked about what it took to dethrone the reigning champion on Wednesday.

#“It was a little difficult to adjust because it was really windy so I had to move my feet a lot. It was up and down and I literally had to play ugly. I tried to be a little bit more aggressive, open up the court a little bit more and tried to go for my shots,” the finalist said.

#Ahead of today’s big match versus Clarke, Pratt is ready to go.

#“I am pleased and happy with the result hopefully tomorrow I can play a little bit better. My mindset is to take it one point at a time, try to relax and play my game,” she added.

#Due to the Island Luck food giveaway expected to bring traffic congestion near the NTC early this morning, matches will begin at 11:30am.

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023

I-BAP collaborates with Electric City Bombers to host Christmas camp

As of Thursday, December 21, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#WITH 2023 now winding down, I-BAP (Bahamas Athletic Pride) in collaboration with New York’s Electric City Bombers intends to host a pop-up Christmas camp this Saturday at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#The one-day event will be spearheaded by featured coach Brandon Barcomb, who leads a Top 10 United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) programme.

#Dachye Stubbs, director of softball for the International Elite (I-Elite) Sports Academy, shared what led to this collaboration between the two organisations for this weekend.

#“Both organisations’ goals are similar. We want to give all athletes that we come across the opportunity to grow and develop no matter the skill level or social class. It so happens that the sports we coach can award the kids the opportunity to get free education.

#“Additionally, we understood the value of travel ball. Most kids here do not have the opportunity to travel abroad to play for long periods of time so we look forward to some of our girls having an additional level of exposure and playing in some more tournaments abroad,” Stubbs said.

#With the softball season scheduled to start in January, registered participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills ahead of next month’s competition.

#Athletes within the 8-16 age group will be afforded an opportunity to work with experienced softball coaches, work on agility, fielding and hitting drills, have the chance to experience international play opportunities and be exposed to recruiting resources. The I-Elite softball director and event organiser is expecting Barcomb to impart useful knowledge into those that opt to partake in the pre-Christmas event.

#“Coach Brandon coaches one of the Top 10 USSSA travel ball teams in the USA which means he has years of experience and a plethora of seeds to sow into players and coaches alike. He specialises in hitting and agility so kids can look forward to working on those elements of the game,” she said.

#She added that it is not too late for interested individuals to register for the pop up camp. Additionally, local primary and high school coaches are invited to attend. Registration can be completed online via www.bapsoftball.com or by contacting 1-242-445-4551.

#The cost of registration is $35. The event will run from 9:15am to 12:15pm this Saturday.

December 21, 2023December 21, 2023

Finals set at tennis nationals

Clarke to battle Pratt and Newman, takes on Carey

Simba French
4 hrs ago
0

The tennis day started with eight players in action for the remaining four spots at the 2023 Giorgio Baldacci Open National Tennis Championships at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre yesterday.

Securing the two spots in the men’s final on a windy day were veteran players Baker Newman and Rodney Carey Jr. Sydney Clarke and Simone Pratt won their semifinal matches on the ladies’ side. Newman and Carey booked the first two spots on the Davis Cup team while Clarke and Pratt booked their spots on the Billie Jean King Cup team.

“I came off a battle after having not played much this year. It was great to see the younger guys play. I think I was more ready to play than Major was today. There was a third opponent which was the wind, and I had to use it to my advantage,” Newman said.

He said he is happy to be back on the team after last playing in 2022, and also glad to be back in the national final.

Carey took down defending champion Denali Nottage in his semifinal match. The 31-year-old got a 6-3 first set victory but needed a tiebreaker to win the second set, taking it 7-6 (7-2).

“I knew it was going to be a good match,” Carey said. “I lost to him last year and I was expecting a tough match. The biggest difference was that last year, I wasn’t aware of how well he was playing so I underestimated him but this year I knew he was going to come tough. I was ready for him. I came prepared this year because I wanted to make sure I gave it my best shot to make the team.”

Carey said he is happy to make the team after not being on the team since 2015. He said he is looking forward to playing Newman in the final.

Clarke went up against teenager Takaii Adderley. Clarke got an easy 6-1 win in the first set but Adderley put up some resistance in the second set. It was not enough as Clarke won the second set 6-4 to take the match.

“It is great to go up against younger players and it was a great match. She played very well. She had a slow start but once she got into it, the match got interesting. I felt it came down to who was going to be mentally strong and tough enough to stick it out in the end,” said Clarke.

She said she is looking to stay true to herself in today’s final. The 22-year-old will be making her sixth appearance in the Billie Jean King Cup tournament. She said it is something she is blessed with.

As expected, Pratt had a tough time against defending champion Elana Mackey. In the first set, Pratt won 7-5 and then got a 6-3 victory in the second set to win the match.

“I had to move my feet a lot. It was up and down because of the weather and I had to play ugly. I tried to be more aggressive in the second set and open up the court so I could get my shots in,” she said.

Pratt said she is looking to play better in the final, taking it one point at a time. She said she is happy to be back on the Billie Jean King Cup team, especially as a higher seed.