SHOWN, from left to right, are Recina ‘Scully’ Ferguson, volunteer, Bahamas Feeding Network, Crestwell Gardiner, vice president of lending, Fidelity Bank, Quatrenda Sears, senior administrative assistant, Fidelity Bank, Ashley Bethel, marketing manager, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Felix Stubbs, chairman, Bahamas Feeding Network, Timothy Munnings, Director of Youth, Sports and Culture, Pauline Davis-Thompson, Archdeacon James Palacious, executive director of the Bahamas Feeding Network.

As of Friday, August 26, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the demand increasing on a daily basis for those in need for food, the Bahamas Feeding Network is making an extra effort to raise at least $100,000 to be able to assist as much as they can by hosting its inaugural Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 25 at the Ocean Club Golf Club.

#A press conference was held yesterday at the Paradise Island complex where Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, along with principal sponsors Fidelity Bank, endorsed the event alongside the organisers from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and members of the Bahamas Feeding Network.

#In his absence, Mario Carey, the chief executive officer of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, said the idea for the tournament is to raise more funds for the Bahamas Feeding Network and to bring more awareness to the public through events like this to try to eradicate hunger in the Bahamas.

#“We have a real problem here about feeding,” said Carey in a video presentation. “With the cost of living, the cost of food and the idea that children, mothers and families and the elderly can go daily without a meal is not something that we seem to be aware of, but the hard work that we do, make sure that every dollar that comes in is adequately spent towards feeding people.”

#As a director, Carey said he wanted to find ways to assist the Bahamas Feeding Network and one idea that came to mind right away was the golf tournament. He noted that they are still seeking the support from corporate Bahamas to come on board and make their financial contribution to the programme.

#Felix Stubbs, the chairman of the Bahamas Feeding Network since its inception in 2013, said their organisation supports a total of 98 feeding programmes and they are expecting that number to soar to 101 in the next few weeks as they assist in feeding people across the country.

#“We serve now about 70,000 meals a month and in that, we find that we can’t reach all of the people who are in need,” Stubbs said. “In order to continue to meet this need, we need to find additional resources and so I would like to thank all of our supporters who have been with us from day one financially, morally and spiritually.

#“But in addition to that, we need to have additional funding, so we’ve looking at this golf tournament. In this tournament, we’re hoping to raise as much as $100,000 and if we could raise that money, that would mean a few thousand additional meals and families who could go without hunger.”

#Stubbs thanked Fidelity for coming on board as their title sponsor and will be willing to assist them each year. But this year’s initial tournament is expected to attract about 124 golfers in a two-man scramble at a cost of $500 per team. There are a number of prizes, some of which is being solicited by Fred Paul, who next year will be the president of the United States Golf Association.

#A new Mercedes car provided by Tyreflex will be offered for the hole-in-one shot on the 12th hole and there are two seven-day cruises, one to Alaska and another in the Mediterranean, both provided by Royal Caribbean International, for the winning teams.

#There will also be raffle prizes for the public with the top prize being golf at Albany with a celebrity golfer. Additionally, Jason McDowall of Bahamas Local.com will conduct a silent auction with the top prize being a sportsman’s weekend to Dallas for four people with two rounds of golf and a suite to watch a Dallas Cowboys football game, valued at $12,000.

#Crestwell Gardiner, the vice president of retail at Fidelity Bank, said they have always been committed to physical and financial fitness. “We understand that the needs are great now during this challenging time for most Bahamians,” he said. “We know the programme, we know the people and we know the need, so Fidelity is here.”

#Bowleg, noting the importance sports plays in the development of the nation, said the beneficiaries of the tournament will not go to bed fantasizing about the facilities at Ocean Club, but rather their child or children going to bed having had a proper hot meal.

#“The Government of the Bahamas and other organisers such as the Bahamas Feeding Network are working hard to bring relief to people, who through no fault of their own, fall through the cracks,” he said.

#“I applaud the Bahamas Feeding Network through the chairmanship of Felix Stubbs for their incredible work. The food parcels you pack every week and distribute now to nearly 100 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres. I commend you for providing over two million since your start-up in 2013. You have come a very long way since the first gathering with the handful of churches and of soup kitchens. You have lived up to the promise that seemed so ambitious at the time and now I’m told that you are doing 70,000 a month.”

#He also commended Carey for the role he’s playing in leading the charge for the tournament and he confirmed the government’s commitment to helping to support the event and to help eradicate the need for food hunger in the Bahamas.

#Bowleg was joined by Tim Munnings, the director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis, a consultant at the ministry, Rev Father James Palacious, the new director of the Bahamas Feeding Network and Ashley Bethel, who represented Better Homes & Gardens.

#Entry forms for the tournament are available on the Bahamas Feeding Network’s website and on Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas Facebook page.

Golf teams feeding the needy in inaugural BFN Golf Tournament

SHOWN, from left to right, are Recina ‘Scully’ Ferguson, volunteer, Bahamas Feeding Network, Crestwell Gardiner, vice president of lending, Fidelity Bank, Quatrenda Sears, senior administrative assistant, Fidelity Bank, Ashley Bethel, marketing manager, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Felix Stubbs, chairman, Bahamas Feeding Network, Timothy Munnings, Director of Youth, Sports and Culture, Pauline Davis-Thompson, Archdeacon James Palacious, executive director of the Bahamas Feeding Network.

As of Friday, August 26, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WITH the demand increasing on a daily basis for those in need for food, the Bahamas Feeding Network is making an extra effort to raise at least $100,000 to be able to assist as much as they can by hosting its inaugural Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 25 at the Ocean Club Golf Club.

#A press conference was held yesterday at the Paradise Island complex where Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, along with principal sponsors Fidelity Bank, endorsed the event alongside the organisers from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and members of the Bahamas Feeding Network.

#In his absence, Mario Carey, the chief executive officer of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, said the idea for the tournament is to raise more funds for the Bahamas Feeding Network and to bring more awareness to the public through events like this to try to eradicate hunger in the Bahamas.

#“We have a real problem here about feeding,” said Carey in a video presentation. “With the cost of living, the cost of food and the idea that children, mothers and families and the elderly can go daily without a meal is not something that we seem to be aware of, but the hard work that we do, make sure that every dollar that comes in is adequately spent towards feeding people.”

#As a director, Carey said he wanted to find ways to assist the Bahamas Feeding Network and one idea that came to mind right away was the golf tournament. He noted that they are still seeking the support from corporate Bahamas to come on board and make their financial contribution to the programme.

#Felix Stubbs, the chairman of the Bahamas Feeding Network since its inception in 2013, said their organisation supports a total of 98 feeding programmes and they are expecting that number to soar to 101 in the next few weeks as they assist in feeding people across the country.

#“We serve now about 70,000 meals a month and in that, we find that we can’t reach all of the people who are in need,” Stubbs said. “In order to continue to meet this need, we need to find additional resources and so I would like to thank all of our supporters who have been with us from day one financially, morally and spiritually.

#“But in addition to that, we need to have additional funding, so we’ve looking at this golf tournament. In this tournament, we’re hoping to raise as much as $100,000 and if we could raise that money, that would mean a few thousand additional meals and families who could go without hunger.”

#Stubbs thanked Fidelity for coming on board as their title sponsor and will be willing to assist them each year. But this year’s initial tournament is expected to attract about 124 golfers in a two-man scramble at a cost of $500 per team. There are a number of prizes, some of which is being solicited by Fred Paul, who next year will be the president of the United States Golf Association.

#A new Mercedes car provided by Tyreflex will be offered for the hole-in-one shot on the 12th hole and there are two seven-day cruises, one to Alaska and another in the Mediterranean, both provided by Royal Caribbean International, for the winning teams.

#There will also be raffle prizes for the public with the top prize being golf at Albany with a celebrity golfer. Additionally, Jason McDowall of Bahamas Local.com will conduct a silent auction with the top prize being a sportsman’s weekend to Dallas for four people with two rounds of golf and a suite to watch a Dallas Cowboys football game, valued at $12,000.

#Crestwell Gardiner, the vice president of retail at Fidelity Bank, said they have always been committed to physical and financial fitness. “We understand that the needs are great now during this challenging time for most Bahamians,” he said. “We know the programme, we know the people and we know the need, so Fidelity is here.”

#Bowleg, noting the importance sports plays in the development of the nation, said the beneficiaries of the tournament will not go to bed fantasizing about the facilities at Ocean Club, but rather their child or children going to bed having had a proper hot meal.

#“The Government of the Bahamas and other organisers such as the Bahamas Feeding Network are working hard to bring relief to people, who through no fault of their own, fall through the cracks,” he said.

#“I applaud the Bahamas Feeding Network through the chairmanship of Felix Stubbs for their incredible work. The food parcels you pack every week and distribute now to nearly 100 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres. I commend you for providing over two million since your start-up in 2013. You have come a very long way since the first gathering with the handful of churches and of soup kitchens. You have lived up to the promise that seemed so ambitious at the time and now I’m told that you are doing 70,000 a month.”

#He also commended Carey for the role he’s playing in leading the charge for the tournament and he confirmed the government’s commitment to helping to support the event and to help eradicate the need for food hunger in the Bahamas.

#Bowleg was joined by Tim Munnings, the director of sports in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis, a consultant at the ministry, Rev Father James Palacious, the new director of the Bahamas Feeding Network and Ashley Bethel, who represented Better Homes & Gardens.

#Entry forms for the tournament are available on the Bahamas Feeding Network’s website and on Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas Facebook page.

SPORTS TOURISM PUSH: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg speaks during a press conference earlier this week ahead of Team Bahamas’ game against Venezuela in the FIBA Americas Cup Qualifier at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium tonight. Photo: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, August 25, 2022

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#By DENISE MAYCOCK

#Tribune Freeport Reporter

#dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

#AS the government aims to push for sports tourism in Grand Bahama, Sports Minister Mario Bowleg revealed that another sports event is in the pipeline for the first quarter of 2023.

#While he did not disclose any details, the minister indicated that they are looking at the month of March.

#“We have a few events just for track and field to come, and one is in the pipeline for March, but I would not want to make mention what that is yet,” he told The Tribune at the NACAC Championships, which closed out on Sunday.

#The Minister indicated that there are plans to further develop the Grand Bahama Sports Complex to attract other sport disciplines.

#Close to $300,000, according to Mr Bowleg, was spent to get the track (complex) back up and running for the Anita Doherty NACAC Area Open Championships held August 19-21.

#“At the end of the day, we are going to make sure we maintain it, and we are going to continue to develop this whole complex,” he said.

#“We are going to have many activities that can come about from the world sporting disciplines, and so I am hoping in the next 36 months that this complex will be something even greater when people come here. “Again, GB is an island that cannot be compared with Exuma, Bimini, or New Providence on how they are able to maintain visitors to the island. It is an industrial island and I believe, speaking to Minister for GB, we believe and all our colleagues that it can be the entertainment, sporting capital.”

#“If we can build the facility they will come, he said. And you can get professionals, college teams, and world teams and lead athletes to come here and perform during the off season and get them ready for the season.

#“And this is why the plan is to build an indoor (swimming) pool, and a multi-purpose facility with some tennis and racquet courts to get professional tennis players in here. That is just a few, and a baseball diamond – all of those are going to be coming in phases,” said Mr Bowleg.

#“And so, we are in discussions and hopeful we will do this with a public private partnership, and get it done. And we want it to be maintained. If we can get sports tourism to come here then it makes GB the destination for sports tourism,” he said.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/25/pushing-sports-tourism-grand-bahama/?news

CHAVANO “Buddy” Hield (right) of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, and former pro player Mychel Thompson Jr look on during a press conference ahead of Team Bahamas’ game against Venezuela tonight in the FIBA Americas Cup Qualifier at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, August 25, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemdedia.net

#After a lengthy process of elimination from the training camp, the Bahamas Basketball Federation released the names of the 12 players selected to represent the Bahamas tonight at the Kendal GL Issacs Gymnasium against Venezuela.

#The two teams are playing in the first game of the fourth window of the FIBA 2023 World Cup Qualifier.

#Team Bahamas, coached by Chris DeMarco and assisted by Mikhail McLean and Moses Johnson, is made up of the following: Garvin Clarke Jr, Rashad Davis, Jaraun “Kino” Burrows, Kadeem Coleby, Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Kai Jones, Danrad “Chicken” Knowles, Willis Mackey, Franco Miller Jr, Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn, Kentwan Smith and Mychel Thompson Jr. “Very confident in this team,” Johnson said. “The coaching staff is poised for a very good showing. The last 4-5 games, the team continues to grow and we’ve gotten better. So we are very confident that this team will do very well against Venezuela.”

#Looking at the make-up of the team, Johnson said the coaching staff has assembled a very cohesive unit and that will be one of their strengths. “We have added Kai Jones, who will certainly help out on the boards, along with Kadeem Coleby,” said Johnson.

#“That was one of our downfalls in our game played and I think we have addressed that issue so you should see a much better game from Team Bahamas.”

#Venezuela just arrived in town yesterday and the coaching staff didn’t get to size them up, but Moses said it’s not a concern because their focus is on the 12 players the Bahamas will put on the court, led by Hield and Jones in their quest to win.

#“We’re not concerned about Venezuela until they step on the court,” Johnson said.

#Before finally submitting the team roster to the technical meeting last night, Johnson said they had left the door open for Deandre Ayton, the third Bahamian currently playing in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns, along with Hield from the Pacers and Jones from the Hornets.

#But Johnson said they could only “wait” for so long, so they had to complete the roster without Ayton.

#“We feel that whenever he’s ready to play with the team again, he will come out,” Johnson said.

#“We have a game to play and without or without him, we will play. We are concentrating on putting the best team out there to win.”

#Tonight’s game will get started at 8pm.

#Following the game, Team Bahamas will travel to Argentina to play their second game in this window on Monday night.

#All of the players are expected to travel with the exception of Burrows, who will be replaced by Bradley Nairn, who is currently playing in the NBA’s G-League with the Stockton Kings.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/25/team-bahamas-named/?news

As of Thursday, August 25, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemdedia.net

#WITH the fifth edition of the CARIFTA Triathlon already set for the Bahamas in 2023, the Bahamas Triathlon Association is hoping that their 22-member team will make a splash at the fourth edition of the games next month.

#The team, which was announced today by the BTA, will be leaving on Wednesday, September 21 and will compete from September 24-25 in Bermuda and, according to head coach Cameron Roach, they are looking at finishing in the top three.

#“The team is doing very well. We started training a few weeks ago and we’ve seen a lot of improvement, especially the younger swimmers,” Roach said. “Everybody is stepping up and getting ready to compete.

#“We have a number of competitors, who were involved in swimming, but now that swimming is over, we are getting ready to perform in cycling and running. So as long as they can continue to improve, we should be able to do very well.”

#Roach noted that after competing in the first championship with two members, the association has been able to field a full team, which should increase the Bahamas’ chances of moving up from sixth place last year to taking one of the top three spots.

#“This team is much better than the team we had last year,” Roach said. “Our goal is to finish in the top three. We have a lot of talent on the team, so we are confident that we will do very well in both the individual competition and the team competition.

#“As the host country, Bermuda always brings a big team and boasting of the number one female triathlete in the world, the sport has really taken off on the island. Guadeloupe also come with a big number as well as Trinidad & Tobago. So we hope to be right in the mix with these countries for the top three spots.”

#The team selected are the following: 11-12 division, competing

#WITH the fifth edition of the CARIFTA Triathlon already set for the Bahamas in 2023, the Bahamas Triathlon Association is hoping that their 22-member team will make a splash at the fourth edition of the games next month.

#The team, which was announced today by the BTA, will be leaving on Wednesday, September 21 and will compete from September 24-25 in Bermuda and, according to head coach Cameron Roach, they are looking at finishing in the top three.

#“The team is doing very well. We started training a few weeks ago and we’ve seen a lot of improvement, especially the younger swimmers,” Roach said. “Everybody is stepping up and getting ready to compete.

#“We have a number of competitors, who were involved in swimming, but now that swimming is over, we are getting ready to perform in cycling and running. So as long as they can continue to improve, we should be able to do very well.”

#Roach noted that after competing in the first championship with two members, the association has been able to field a full team, which should increase the Bahamas’ chances of moving up from sixth place last year to taking one of the top three spots.

#“This team is much better than the team we had last year,” Roach said. “Our goal is to finish in the top three. We have a lot of talent on the team, so we are confident that we will do very well in both the individual competition and the team competition.

#“As the host country, Bermuda always brings a big team and boasting of the number one female triathlete in the world, the sport has really taken off on the island. Guadeloupe also come with a big number as well as Trinidad & Tobago. So we hope to be right in the mix with these countries for the top three spots.”

#The team selected are the following: 11-12 division, competing in 200m swim, 71/2kilometre bike ride and 11/2km run – Lauchian Menzies, Sibby Potter, Jadian Smith, Callum Pritchard, Kristan Johnson, Taylor Knowles and Paityn Burrows.

#13-15 division, competing in the 375m swim, 10KM bike and 2 ½ Km run – Ayden Bain, Gervasini Eneas, Malcolm Menzies, Launy Duncombe, Eric Pritchard, Anjaleah Knowles, Issa Bournas and Lenin Hamilton.

#16-19 division, competing in a 750m swim, 20Km bike and 5km run – Jason Cates, Barron Musgrove, Sienna Culmer-Mackey and Kami Roach.

#Under-21, competing in a 750m swim, 20Km bike and 5km run – Ralph Wood.

#While there are 14 members of the team in New Providence, Bain and Duncombe are in Grand Bahama. Hamilton, a native of Grand Bahama, will be coming in from the Turks and Caicos Islands to represent the country. The other competitors are in the United States.

#Kami Roach, who has swum in all three previous CARIFTA triathlons, said she’s looking forward to leading the team this year. The 16-year-old 11th grader at Windsor Academy said it’s going to be a wonderful experience for Team Bahamas.

#“I just had a (left) foot surgery about two and-a-half months ago, so I’m just trying to get back into it,” said Roach, who has been competing in the sport since she was eight years old.

#“This probably won’t be my best race, but I’m going to try my hardest. “There’s not that many participants in my age group, so I just hope that I can finish in the middle of the field.

#“If I can do that coming off the surgery, I would be very satisfied with my performance.”

#To her teammates, Roach said she knows they will be nervous, but she would encourage them to “just don’t be nervous. Go out there and have fun.”

#For Barron Musgrove Jr, this is his first time competing on an international team.

#But he said with the support of his father and coach Barron “Turbo” Musgrove and swimming coach Shirley Mireault, he’s confident that he will do well.

#“My expectations is to do well and keep up with everybody,” said the 17-year-old 11th grader at Temple Christian Academy. “This is my first time, so I’m not going to try and outdo everybody. I just want to be able to do my best.”

#Looking at the team, Musgrove said it’s a good one and they have been pushing him with his swimming and running, his two weakest areas in the sport. But he feels that with the work he has put in, he will be prepared for the challenge ahead of him.

#And Kristan Johnson, an 11-year-old 7th grader at Genesis Academy, said the team is a pretty good one and should represent the Bahamas very well.

#“I feel like I’m in a good place, but I can still work on it,” Johnson said. “My running is definitely my weak area, but if I can get a good time, I would feel very good about it.”

#Cameron Roach will be assisted by coach Sylvia Bateman. The team’s manager is Lori Roach, the doctor is Dr Kathryn DeSouza and the chaperones are Grant Menzies and Orazio Defilippis.

#Roach said they are appealing to the public to assist in covering the expenses for the team to travel to Bermuda, taking into consideration the cost for their airlines and transporting their equipment to compete in the various segments of the event.

#“We are really looking forward to hosting the CARIFTA Triathlon next year,” Roach said. “So this is a good opportunity for our sponsors to come on board and get a feel of what is expected for next year. We’re a relatively new organisation so we need all of the financial support that we can get.”

#The BTA wishes to thank Atlantis, Westside Construction and Albany for coming on board as sponsors for the team heading to Bermuda for next month’s CARIFTA triathlon.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/25/22-member-triathlon-team-looks-make-splash-carifta/?news

As of Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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ASSISTANT coaches Mikhail McLean and Yolett McPhee-McCuin chatting on the bench.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#FORMER Bahamian basketball player Mikhail McLean is happy to take a break from his duties as an assistant director of player development at the University of Houston to serve as an assistant coach on the men’s national basketball team.

#McLean is in town for his third appearance on the coaching staff, this time as the Bahamas prepares to face Venezuela 8pm Thursday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium in the first game of the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifier before they head off on Monday to face Argentina in their second game.

#“The expectations are high because we have better players coming out,” said McLean, who will assist Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach Chris DeMarco, who will serve as the head coach for Team Bahamas.

#“We’ve been having a training camp and not just showing up to play, so the expectations is high to win for sure.”

#Although the team has not been formally named, McLean said they have some talented players to carry the team in this round, including the return of Grand Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield from the Indiana Pacers and Kai Jones from the Charlotte Hornets.

#“It’s a different learning opportunity coaching the pros. Scouting and coaching against pros is a completely different ball game, but it helps to sharpen my game so when I get back to college, I can use some of the tip bits from that to my advantage.

#“So, it’s been a great experience being out here learning from Buddy and Chris DeMarco and some of the players. It’s been a rewarding experience for me so far. I’m really enjoying it.”

#McLean has also enjoyed a great deal of success as a player turned coach at the University of Houston.

#He competed for the Cougars men’s basketball team in 101 games during his collegiate career with 34 starts. He scored a career-high 14 points against crosstown-rival Rice as a senior and grabbed 10 rebounds at TCU in 2012 before being sidelined with a foot injury.

#In the classroom, he was a four-time member of the conference Commissioner’s Honour Roll/All-Academic Team during his career and received the Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award in 2013.

#McLean received his bachelor’s degree in health promotions in three years from the University of Houston in 2013.

#He followed that with his master’s degree in health education from UH in 2015.

#As part of the Houston basketball staff, McLean played a key role in the program’s resurgence.

#The Cougars won 20+ games in four consecutive seasons and captured back-to-back American Athletic Conference championships for only the second time in school history.

#The Cougars also enjoyed NCAA Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019, including a Sweet 16 berth in 2019, and were poised for a third straight NCAA appearance in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the season short.

#The programme has also reached national prominence by being ranked in the Top 25 in the Associated Press and Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll for three consecutive years.

#Three starters and seven lettermen return from the Cougars’ 2021-22 team, which posted a 32-6 overall record, advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight, swept the American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles and finished among the nation’s Top 10 for the second straight season. “We had a tough year last year in our rebuilding stage.

#“This year, we’re really excited about what to expect from this team,” he said.

#In the meantime, McLean said he’s still keeping his eyes open for the next Bahamian talent to join him and suit up to play for the Cougars men’s basketball team in the very near future.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/24/mclean-expectations-are-high-because-we-have-bette/?news

MYCHEL THOMPSON JR speaking at yesterday’s press conference. Thompson Jr is expected to be one of the 12 players to suit up for Team Bahamas when they take on Venezuela 8pm Thursday at Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo top: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#WHILE his father, Mychal ‘Sweet Bells’ Thompson, paved the way as the first Bahamian to play in the National Basketball Association and the first foreign-born to be drafted number one, Mychel Thompson Jr said he’s excited to be able to continue to make his contribution as the first member of his family to play for Team Bahamas.

#Thompson Jr, a former player in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2011-2012, is expected to be one of the 12 players to suit up for Team Bahamas when they take on Venezuela 8pm Thursday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium in the first game of the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifier.

#“It’s something I always wanted to do, even though I’ve been doing it for eight years now,” said Thompson Jr about competing for the Bahamas on the national team.

#“It’s always great to come home and play in the Bahamas. I love playing in front of the home crowd and with my team-mates. It means the world to me and I’m hoping that I can continue to help take this programme to the next level.”

#Meanwhile, his father had a flourishing career that started at the Miami Jackson Senior High School Generals, coached by Jake Caldwell.

#Thompson teamed up with three other Bahamians – Cecil Rose, Osbourne ‘Goose’ Lockhart and Charles ‘Cowheeler’ Thompson – and Cuban refugee Julio Gonzalez during their senior year in 1974 to form what was called the “Jackson 5” as they went to a perfect 33–0 record and winning the Class 4A state championship over Winter Park High School.

#Thompson went on to play for the University of Minnesota Gophers where he excelled to the point that he was the number one draft by Portland in the NBA, playing for eight years before he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1987, the same year that he was then shipped to Los Angeles where he earned his two NBA titles.

#During his era, Thompson Jr said his father didn’t get to play on a national team for the Bahamas, so the 34-year-old, 6-foot, 6-inch swingman is glad to live that experience for his 67-year-old father, who was a 6-10 centre.

#“I’m glad to be able to put the Thompson name on a Bahamian jersey,” said Thompson Jr, who played collegiately for Pepperdine from 2007-2011. “It means the world to my dad. My brother, Klay Thompson (of Golden State) didn’t get to do it because he played for the United States.

#“When he sees me doing it, it means a lot to him as well because he never got to play for the Bahamas. So, I’m happy to represent the Thompson family on the national team.”

#While he longs for the day that Klay Thompson could get his release from USA Basketball and they could combine their skills on Team Bahamas, Thompson Jr said he’s delighted to be on the same court with Hield, another sharpshooter in the NBA.

#“Buddy has a lot of pride. Seeing how much he cares means a lot to me,” said Thompson Jr, who watched as Hield worked with the junior players in a camp and a touring team he takes to the USA to compete.

#“He really loves this country and the things he does for this country is just remarkable. He’s a great guy and a great player. I’m just so happy that he’s decided to come home and play for the team while I am playing on it.”

#He encouraged the Bahamian public to come out and cheer on Team Bahamas on Thursday night.

#The team then heads off to face Argentina in their second game of the window on Monday night.

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/24/mychel-thompson-jr-excited-be-playing-his-country/?news

Sports

Host country won one gold, two silver and four bronze

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 23, 2022 359 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — The Bahamas ended up sixth at the 4th Anita Doherty North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Track and Field Championships which wrapped up Sunday night at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

With four medals in the final session, Team Bahamas finished with seven medals in total – one gold, two silver and four bronze.

Winning the three-day regional meet was the United States of America (USA) with 29 gold, 22 silver and 12 bronze for a total of 63 medals. Jamaica, led by World Champion Shericka Jackson, was a distant second with six gold, nine silver and nine bronze for a total of 24 medals, and Canada rounded out the top three nations with two gold, three silver and nine bronze for 14 medals.

Cuba and Guadeloupe also finished ahead of The Bahamas. Cuba won two gold, one silver and three bronze for six medals and Guadeloupe secured two gold and a bronze for three medals.

The order of finish at the NACAC Championships is based on quality of medals as opposed to quantity.

Managing Director of the local organizing committee (LOC) of the meet, and president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Drumeco Archer said they are very pleased with the results of the meet and the overall running of the entire event.

“I would believe that we would have accomplished our goal, both on and off the track,” said Archer. “Led by Shaunae, TyNia and Devynne, our athletes turned in exceptional performances and we are very proud of all of them. Off the track, the general consensus of our 

international guests was one of joy, enthusiasm and complete satisfaction. They all had a good time. I believe that this will go down as the best NACAC Championships to date.”

Winning the gold for The Bahamas was Shaunae Miller-Uibo in a new championships record time of 49.40 seconds. The two silvers came from TyNia Gaither in the women’s 200 meters (m), matching her personal best time of 22.41 seconds, and the women’s 4x100m relay team of Printassia Johnson, Anthonique Strachan, Devynne Charlton and Gaither, in that order, in 43.34 seconds. Charlton won a bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.71 seconds, Donald Thomas won a bronze in the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.25m (7’ 4-1/2”), Rhema Otabor won a bronze medal in the women’s javelin with a toss of 57.91m (186’), and the men’s 4x400m relay team of Kinard Rolle, Alonzo Russell, Shakeem Smith and Wendell Miller, in that order, won a bronze medal in 3:06.47.

NACAC is one of six area associations under World Athletics that caters to athletes in the North American, Central American and Caribbean region. It is the governing body of athletics in the area.

Some of the greatest athletes in the world hail from the NACAC region, and the area usually produces the most medals and global champions at the world championships or the Olympics.

The seven medals won by The Bahamas is the most by a national team at the NACAC Championships. In 2007 in San Salvador, El Salvador, The Bahamas did not participate. In 2015 in San José, Costa Rica, The Bahamas finished with two silver and three bronze for five medals. At the 2018 NACAC Championships in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, The Bahamas won two bronze medals.

This year, in Freeport, The Bahamas won a gold, two silver and four bronze for a total of seven medals as the host nation. It’s the highest finish ever for The Bahamas in the medal standings at the NACAC Championships.

Also, with more 420 athletes in action, this was the largest NACAC Championships in terms of participation.

A total of 23 championship records were set at the three-day meet.

Ronald Cartwright served as the Head Coach of the team and he was assisted by Tito Moss, Robert Ayton, Jason Larimore and Corrington Maycock. The Team Manager was Renee “Sunshine” Davis.

https://thenassauguardian.com/the-bahamas-finished-sixth/

Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 24, 2022 596 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

There were 16 members of the team who represented The Bahamas in swimming at the recently concluded 2022 Goodwill Games, and the squad managed to place fourth overall with 553 points.

Competition began on Friday and wrapped up on Sunday at the National Aquatics Center in Balmain, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. It was the first time the Goodwill Games was held since 2019, as the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 and 2021 editions.

Placing first was the host country Trinidad and Tobago with 1,442 points. Jamaica scored 1,002 points for second and Barbados was third with 723 points.

In the medal count, The Bahamas finished with 52 total medals that included swimming away with a whopping 21 gold medals – the third most at the meet. They were also able to secure 17 silver and 14 bronze medals on the weekend.

Trinidad and Tobago ended with the most gold medals with 50, while Jamaica finished behind them with 33.

It was a strong improvement for The Bahamas who placed fifth at the last Goodwill Games with 414 points. The 19-member team that year had 32 medals that included five gold.

Bahamian Skyler Smith powered her way to win the 9-10 girls category high point award with 57 points. The 10-year-old won five individual gold medals in the seven races that she scored points in. She won the 200 meters (m) freestyle, 50m backstroke, 100m back, 100m butterfly and the 200m individual medley (IM). She won silver in the 100m free and placed fourth in the 50m fly.

Taylor Marchan from Trinidad and Tobago was second with 57 points. Jamaica’s Kia Alert was third with 42 points.

Bahamian Launy Duncombe captured the high point award in the 13-14 boys age category with 53 points. He edged Suriname’s Hasan Holtuin who scored 52 points. Duncombe won gold medals in the 50m free, 200m free and the 50m back. He picked up silver medals in the 50m fly and the 100m fly. The 14-year-old then picked up bronze medals in the 100m back and the 200m IM.

Scoring the third highest points in that age category was Trinidad and Tobago’s Quillon Leera with 44 points.

The Bahamas’ Christon Joseph missed out on the high point award by four points in the 9-10 boys category. He had to settle for second place with 62 points. He was able to secure three gold and five silver medals individually. He won the gold medal in the 50m free, 100m free and the 50m fly. The silver medals came from the 200m free, the 100m back, the 50m breast, the 100m breast and the 100m fly.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Kyle Leera was the high-point winner in that age category, scoring 65 points. Suriname’s Jairo Oldenstam was third with 55 points. The Bahamas’ Nitayo Knowles was fourth with 46 points.

The Bahamas was strong in the 9-10 boys age category as they were able to finish with the top three medal positions in some of the races. While they were all eligible for medals, only two were able to score points.

They were brilliant in the relays as they swept all three of the 9-10 boys relays. They won the 400m medley, the 400m free and the 200m free relays. All three of the relays featured Joseph, Knowles, Harold Simmons and Blake Comarcho.

Adaiah Smith was able to come away with the second most points in the 11-12 girls category. She scored 49 points and won five silver medals for The Bahamas. The silver medals came in the 50m free, the 100m free, the 200m free, the 50m fly and the 100m fly.

Winning the high point award in that age category was Trinidad and Tobago’s Netania Edwards who finished with 68 points. Edwards’ teammate, Harmoni Nelson, was third with 37 points.

Bianca Johnson scored 44 points to finish second in the 15-17 girls category. She won a gold medal in the 200m free and silver medals in the 100m free and the 200m free.

Winning that category was Jamaica’s Lia Forrester who scored 51 points. Her teammate Giani Francis was third with 41 points.

Making up the rest of Team Bahamas were Ayden Bain, Logan Comarcho, Angel Curry, Caellum Darville, Siann Isaacs, Rafael McBroom, Kristen Rolle and Cameron Walkes.

The head coach of the team was Shirley Mireault. The team manager was Celestial Darville and the chaperone was Therrell Smith.

Making a surprise appearance at the meet on Saturday was Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. He greeted the team and presented medals during one of the medal presentation ceremonies.

https://thenassauguardian.com/the-bahamas-places-fourth-at-the-goodwill-games/

Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 24, 2022 320 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) has named a 20-member team for the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Under-17 Qualifiers (CU17Q) set to take place from August 30 to September 8 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

They were in action in a scrimmage game against the Dynamos at Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field on Saturday, as they looked to work on chemistry and positioning.

Named to the team are James King, Toby Cartwright, Claudius Curtis, Kai Perez, Kristan Watchorn, Luca Chiacchiari, Jaxon Bethel, Matthew Holst, Conry Raine, Nahum Johnson, Cameron Pratt, Ahmaad Smith, Jack Massey, Jordan Cheetham, Reuben Edgecombe, William Gardiner, Robert Holcombe, Atarri Moss, Dylan Archer and Deron Ferguson.

Nesly Jean is the head coach, and he is assisted by Kevin Davies. The goalkeeper coach is Avery Kemp.

“We want them to perform well and enjoy themselves,” Jean said. “Go on the field and produce what we do in training. I told them that there is no pressure, but they need to go on the field and express themselves. We want everyone to do well.”

Against the Dynamos on Saturday, Jean said that he saw the players using what they taught them in practice.

“What I have seen from the guys is that the stuff we have been working on in training, they are producing it on the field. There is a lot more work to be done before we leave for competition. They are getting a hold of things and we see what we like,” Jean said.

There are 19 teams participating in the tournament which will be playing in three different countries. They are split into four groups. The Bahamas is in Group A which also includes Bermuda, Guyana, Bonaire, Saint Martin and the British Virgin Islands. The Bahamas will kick off the tournament on Tuesday August 30 against Saint Martin. That game will get underway at 9 a.m.

The Bahamas will be playing five games in seven days. Jean said that he has tried to get in some scrimmage matches to mirror those quick turnaround matches.

“What we tried to do in the last few weeks is to get a game in every week. However, before that, we try to mimic how the tournament would be based on the schedule that they have. It helps to understand and see how far along the guys are in terms of their fitness,” Jean said.

The team started tryouts back in June and Jean said that there has been huge improvement from all of the players.

“We have seen improvement from guys individually and collectively as a team,” Jean said. “When they came here at first, there was a lot of work to be done in terms of positioning. We explained to them how we want them to play. It was something that they were not used to, so it is progressing day by day. They are now having an understanding.”

After the round robin play, the four group winners will advance to the 2023 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship (CU17C). They will be joining the top 16 ranked nations that have been seeded directly into the group stage of the championship. That tournament will be played during the first quarter of 2023.

https://thenassauguardian.com/under-17-boys-gear-up-for-qualifiers/

Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 25, 2022 187 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

It’s a wrap.

The Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) has completed its summer sailing program which took place over the past six weeks at the Nassau Yacht Club.

Almost 60 children between ages of eight to 16 participated. The majority of them were students from a number of New Providence’s government schools and most of them had never sailed before. The feedback received from them was positive.

The summer camp is an introductory two-week course, teaching newcomers all the basic skills required to handle a sailboat. Each child was designated a boat which they sailed and looked after for the duration of the course. Once they acquired a basic level of competence, they were allowed to race against each other out in Montagu Bay, which is always a popular highlight of the course. The only entry requirement was that participants have basic swimming skills.

Several of them had so much fun, they repeated the course and had almost an entire summer of sailing, with many commenting that it was the best summer experience they ever had. They said they would certainly recommend it to their friends.

“It’s been tremendous to finally run our summer schedule since the last couple of years which have been badly affected by COVID restrictions, and it’s great to welcome so many new sailors to our program” said program head coach Paul de Souza.

A presentation was held on Saturday, August 20, with each sailor receiving a certificate of completion for the course. Regatta desk manager at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources Barry Wilmott presented the certificates.

The BSA thanked Wilmott and his team for their continued invaluable support of its sailing programs. They also thanked LGM Maritime Academy, the Bahamas Charitable Giving Foundation and a host of private individuals who, through its ‘Sponsor a Child’ initiative, have made this and the year-round programs accessible to so many children who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost of attendance.

Quite a number of this year’s summer sailors have already signed up for weekly lessons with the BSA’s year-round program, which takes place after school and on Saturdays at the Nassau Yacht Club. The fall term commences on Saturday, September 3. Interested persons who want to register or receive further information are asked to contact the BSA at e-mail address bahjrsailing@gmail.com. Further information will be available on the BSA’s Facebook page and website www.bahsailingschool.org.

https://thenassauguardian.com/summer-sailing-program-was-a-tremendous-success/