New York Liberty to face Las Vegas Aces in Game 4 of WNBA Finals tonight

New York Liberty’s Jonquel Jones (35) during the second half in Game 3 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in New York. The Liberty won 87-73. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

As of Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#GRAND Bahama native Jonquel “JJ” Jones has been on a tear in the postseason which helped the New York Liberty to keep their championship window open on Sunday in an elimination game against the Las Vegas Aces.

#The Brooklyn team handed the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) defending champions their first loss (87-73) of the postseason to make the series 2-1 behind a dominant performance from Jones on the weekend.

#The confidence of the former WNBA MVP and her team received a huge boost from their latest win after they avoided a sweep and currently remain in contention for their first franchise title.

#The Liberty forward has shown up in a big way for her team throughout the WNBA playoffs.

#Her performances have been brilliant since the opening round against the Washington Mystics.

#Since that series, the Grand Bahamian turned in eight consecutive double-double games to set a postseason record.

#Her eight-game streak came to an end this weekend but the post player put up one of her highest scoring games of the WNBA playoffs – leading her team with 27 points – in the game three win. With the Liberty’s backs against the wall, Jones stepped up to ensure the team did not go home. Along with her team-high 27 points, she pulled down eight rebounds.

#She also dished out three assists to help her teammates, and defensively she stopped three shots and picked up two steals.

#In the bout she was dangerous from behind the arc. The 6-foot-6 forward nailed four of the Liberty’s 13 made three-pointers in game three. She went 4-for-7 from behind the three-point line for 57 per cent shooting and went 10-for-15 from the field.

#The Grand Bahamian Liberty star has consistently been a staple for the team as she has improved on her regular season averages in points, rebounds and blocks in the postseason.

#She is the team’s second best scorer behind league MVP Breanna Stewart, with 18.2 points per game.

#Jones is currently leading the team in rebounds with 11.7 and blocks with 2.3, showing her defensive prowess in these playoffs.

#Now with a chance to tie the series or risk being sent home tonight at the Barclays Center, the Liberty will look to Jones to put on another show in New York. Game four of the best-of-five series is slated to begin at 8pm. The following game, if the series is extended, will take place at 9pm in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday.

#Stakes will be high as the Aces are hoping to become the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks from 2001-2002 to earn back-to-back WNBA title honours.

#For the Liberty, they are trying to hang their first championship banner at the Barclays Center and Jones will fight to add a WNBA championship to her impressive list of accolades in her WNBA finals return.

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Mingoes soccer picks up win thanks to hat trick from Green

• Oct 17, 2023
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LAUDERHILL, Florida – The University of The Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s soccer team had a tie under its belt heading into the match against Fort Lauderdale University on Friday and the team was determined to pull off a win. UB prevailed in a back and forth match.

Ronaldo Green turned in a hat trick for the Mingoes en route to a 3-2 win.

“It was a war,” said Head Coach Alex Thompson. “It was a very ugly game and a very hard fought game and I couldn’t be happier with the guys.”https://d54a2815f34151c0c72f4442010240a7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The team started fast and aggressive under the overcast sky at the Lauderhill Park in Lauderhill, Florida. The match started under overcast skies that turned into a several short downpours.

In the 11th minute, winger Jervane Turnquest was attacking the goal and was tackled hard in the box resulting in a yellow card and penalty kick. Midfielder Ronaldo Green took the penalty shot for his first score of the match to put the Mingoes up 1-0.

Fort Lauderdale responded quickly with a quick goal in the 13th minute to tie the match at 1-1.

Green was undeterred and scored in the 19th minute on a brilliant attack to put UB up 2-1.

Fort Lauderdale responded just before the half to tie the match at 2-2.

In the second half, Green completed the hat trick with his third goal and put the Mingoes up 3-2. That took place in the 58th minute. Green clenched his fists and let out a scream and then dropped to his knees in celebration.

The Mingoes’ defense held off several attacks from Fort Lauderdale in the final minutes, including three strong shots on goal to pick up the 3-2 win.

Green said the third goal, which sealed the win and the hat trick, was important to him.

“The team was fighting a mental battle due to injuries and the game before that,” he said. “Many of the players played 90 minutes in the previous game so it was tough in this game. So, when I scored that third goal it was very emotional because we had to really fight in that match.”

Thompson said that Green, Turnquest, and goalkeeper Antonio Beckford had a spectacular performance through the two games.https://d54a2815f34151c0c72f4442010240a7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“That’s an undefeated tour for us,” he said. “We further developed the culture and the DNA of the squad and I think it gives us a lot of confidence going into the next tour and the men’s league.”

The Mingoes will play Fort Lauderdale University again on October 26. That match is scheduled for 3 p.m. on October 26 in Lauderhill, Florida.

Pivotal game will be played today; team finds itself in a precarious position

• Simba French
• Oct 17, 2023
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The Bahamas’ senior men’s national soccer team have a key rematch against Antigua and Barbuda in the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League tomorrow in Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda.

The League B Group D match gets underway at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Center at 3 p.m. today, and is a key matchup for Team Bahamas as they look to get out of fourth place in the group after Antigua and Barbuda turned them back 4-1 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday.

Head Coach for The Bahamas Nesly Jean said that they have to put Saturday’s game behind them and make adjustments.Giorgos Giakoumakis: Newcomer of the Year favorite?!Giorgos Giakoumakis: NextStay

“We need to stay focused and play our game. It is going to come to us but we have to be focused. The players have to be mentally ready for 90 minutes. We are going to make the adjustments,” Jean said. “We just must keep on talking to the players and encouraging them. We are going to make mistakes and this one is over, so we can only focus on the next game coming up. We are going to continue to give the guys the tools that they need to succeed.”

The Bahamas has yet to secure a point while Antigua and Barbuda has three points in the group. This is a pivotal game as The Bahamas looks to avoid a six-point deficit in the standings.

“Pressure is there,” Jean said. “We know we have the players and can do well. We have to limit our mistakes if we want to move forward.”

Antigua and Barbuda got the start they wanted in the last game with two goals in the first nine minutes. Antigua and Barbuda Head Coach Mikele Leigertwood is hoping that they get another fast start in today’s game.

“I am hoping that it will be a lot. We have players who thrive off confidence and momentum,” Leigertwood stated. “We have seen that we can score goals and create more chances. We are certainly looking forward to the trip going back to play at home in front of our home fans.”

The Bahamas’ lone goal scorer on Saturday, Wood Julmis, said that they need to trust Jean.

“We have to trust and believe when our coach gives us the free will to play. When our coach sets up the game plan, he gives us all the tools to go and perform to the best of our ability. We as players need to step up and trust our coach and execute the things that he wants us to do,” Julmis said.https://8bbbc9021b39c0bbc746193ca09bc6d4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Midfielder for Antigua and Barbuda Keiron Richards is looking for them to pick up where they left off and keep going.

“We needed this result (Saturday), not only to build confidence but we as a small country know what we can do and our fans know what we can do,” Richards said. “I have no doubt that we will get the three points at home and take this competition to the wire because we are trying to get to world cup.”

This is the final game in this Nations League window for both teams. They will play the third and final window in November. The dates for the two games in the November window will be announced at a later date.

Islands of The Bahamas partners with UM Athletics

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NPC bodybuilding show set for November 11 at Atlantis

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NPC bodybuilding show set for November 11 at Atlantis

• Sheldon Longley
• Oct 17, 2023
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Local bodybuilders, fitness and wellness athletes will get another opportunity to advance themselves in the sport with the NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix Bahamas Pro Qualifier set to take place here in the country next month.

The National Physique Committee (NPC) event, which will be staged by Serge Saric Productions, is set for November 11 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. The check-in and pre-judging for athletes is set for November 10 from 5-7 p.m. at Atlantis, and athletes can register in person on that date or beforehand online at the website worldsportspromotions.com or by sending an email to the address caribbeangrandprix@gmail.com. Online registration closes at 10 p.m. on November 8 and NPC membership is required for all athletes wishing to compete.

Promoter Serge Saric, out of Pompano Beach, Florida, said he is looking forward to a grand show.

“It is going to be an amazing competition,” he said yesterday. “A lot of people are coming from all over the world to take part in this event, and most of them will be in The Bahamas for about a week, and they will bring their families as well, so it will definitely help the tourism product. It is very important for the locals to come out and support.

Saric said they are looking for support from local sponsors as well, and they could register their businesses by sending him an email to the address sergesaric@gmail.com.

Overall, he expects quite a number of athletes, including Bahamians, to compete. Athletes are coming from as far away as Qatar and Europe. Athletes from this region will hail from North and South America, the Caribbean, and from right here in The Bahamas. He’s encouraging more Bahamian athletes to get involved.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some incredible athletes from The Bahamas compete,” he said. “Right now, we already have about nine Bahamian athletes signed up to compete and there is still more time for more athletes to sign up. Overall, about 1,000 people from all over the world will be in The Bahamas for this grand event.”

The event is being sponsored by Smith Technologies out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States, and it is being held at the Atlantis Resort here in The Bahamas for the second year in a row. There will be a professional and an amateur segment of the show, and it is a qualifier for the Olympia competition – the biggest bodybuilders and fitness show in the world.

Athletes will compete in men and women’s bodybuilding, men and women’s physique, men’s classic physique, bikini, fitness, figure (body fitness) and wellness. There will be nine pro cards up for grabs.

The public can purchase tickets online at the website worldsportspromotions.com. Tickets can be obtained for $55 for general admission or $75 for VIP admission.

• 7 hrs ago
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CORAL GABLES, Florida – The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and University of Miami (UM) Athletics have announced a broad-based strategic multi-year partnership, making The Islands of The Bahamas the official ‘Destination Partner’ of UM Athletics.

The partnership includes game presenting sponsorships, Bahamian-themed promotions and on-site activations across UM’s football and basketball programs, as well as opportunities for Miami Hurricanes fans to win special prizes and giveaways, including a chance to embark on a tropical adventure of a lifetime in The Bahamas. Hurricanes fans can also look forward to special promotions for select sporting events, including the 2023 Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship, set for November 17-19, as part of the ongoing collaboration.

“We are pleased to enter into this exciting multi-year partnership with University of Miami Athletics and, by extension, their students, faculty, and alumni, many of whom have Bahamian roots,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Chester Cooper.

“I expect that this partnership will enable us to achieve synergies that will highlight all the offerings of The Islands of The Bahamas and expand new opportunities for partnership in training and education. We see this area of sports engagement as a critical part of our nation’s tourism product moving forward,” Cooper said.

Senior Vice President, Hurricanes Global Partnerships Chris Maragno said, “We are proud to join efforts with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation of The Islands of The Bahamas, the official ‘Destination Partner’ of Miami Athletics, as they share our commitment to work with partners who will enhance the fan experience. As The Bahamas is only a 30-minute flight for a large portion of our fan base, we are looking forward to showcasing the uniqueness of The Islands of The Bahamas.”

The Bahamas has been the backdrop of many successful major international sporting events, training sessions and more throughout its history and continues to lead the travel market as a mecca for sporting events. This multi-year partnership with UM will continue to strengthen the country’s national ‘Sports in Paradise’ initiative by positioning The Bahamas as the ideal destination for sports related meetings/conferences, tournaments, events and more. The partnership was facilitated by Legends, which has managed corporate sponsorships and multimedia rights for UM Athletics since April 2021.

• Simba French
• 6 hrs ago
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The Dawn N. Knowles Primary Schools Soccer Tournament got underway yesterday with the North Division experiencing action at Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Field.

Taking the field first yesterday were T.G. Glover, Eva Hilton, Woodcock Primary School, Yellow Elder and Sadie Curtis Primary School. They played in four categories: under-12 (U12) boys and girls and under-10 (U10) boys and girls.

“The competition is stiff,” Sturrup said. “The children are well-prepared. They have been training and are excited. They are having fun and happy to compete with and against one another.”

Eva Hilton and Yellow Elder won both of their games in the under-12 boys division. Eva Hilton won 5-0 over T.G. Glover with Noah Forbes netting a hat-trick, and Tenario Strachan and Zhavargo McKenzie chipping in with a goal each, and 5-2 over Woodcock Primary with McKenzie and Taro Miller scoring two goals each. Forbes scored one goal in the win over Woodcock Primary.

Yellow Elder won 2-1 in their opening match against Woodcock. Scoring for them were Samuel Sanon and Willy Charles. Yellow Elder came back in their second game and won 5-1 over T.G. Glover. They got a hat-trick from Sanon in that win. Sangel Jules scored the other two goals.

Eva Hilton and Yellow Elder were the two strongest teams in the under-12 girls division with both teams getting a win and a draw. Yellow Elder got two goals from Serenity Stubbs and one goal from Azariah Roker to take down Woodcock Primary 3-1. Eva Hilton shut out T.G. Glover 4-0 with Ranique Tinker scoring a hat-trick. Bernyce Hart scored the other goal for Eva Hilton.

Yellow Elder and Eva Hilton faced each other, and it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

In the under-10 boys category, Eva Hilton won both of their matches, beating Sadie Curtis and Woodcock. They won 2-0 over Sadie Curtis as Antonio Hernandez scored both goals. Hernandez scored one goal in a 2-1 victory over Woodcock. Terrel Donaldson scored the other goal for Eva Hilton.https://e54c033a4446a82663c51e6f8857c7bc.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Eva Hilton and Sadie Curtis were winners in the under-10 girls division. Eva Hilton won both of its games while Sadie Curtis won just one of its two games on the day. Azariah Duncombe scored both goals for Eva Hilton to lead them to a 2-0 win over Sadie Curtis. In the second game, Eva Hilton won 1-0 over T.G. Glover on a Giorgia Delancy goal. Sadie Curtis got a 2-0 win over Yellow Elders. Lazaria Rolle scored both goals.

Sturrup thanked the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) for playing a huge role in ensuring the tournament takes place.

The South Division takes to the field today. The schools in that division include Carlton Francis, Garvin Tynes, Gerald Cash, Thelma Gibson and Ridgeland Primary School. Sturrup expect schools to bring their ‘A’ games the rest of the week.

Action gets underway at 10 a.m. today.

Team gives up two goals in first nine minutes; they lose 4-1

• Oct 16, 2023
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The Bahamas’ senior men’s national soccer team was ready to take on Antigua and Barbuda but they went down 2-0 in the first nine minutes of the game and couldn’t recover at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Saturday. The Bahamas lost, 4-1, in the pivotal 2023-2024 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Nations League game.

The loss drops The Bahamas to fourth in League B Group D action with three losses. Antigua and Barbuda picked up their first win in three tries and has three points, sitting in third. Guyana took down Puerto Rico, 3-1, on Saturday and lead the group with nine points – three points clear on second-place Puerto Rico.https://ac674616d0c9892fd666d6b0c54145b4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Antigua and Barbuda got on the scoreboard in the third minute of the game on Saturday on a header from Javorn Stevens that went to the right of The Bahamas’ goalkeeper Michael Butler who could not do anything to stop it. Stevens got back on the scoresheet six minutes later on a breakaway run to give Antigua a 2-0 lead.

Head Coach for The Bahamas, former national team player Nesly Jean, said that the early woes were due to mistakes.

“We had a game plan like their game plan. Obviously, they executed better than we did. We continue to beat ourselves by making mistakes. I think that once we can limit those mistakes we can move forward and be better as a team. Until then, the players have to keep on working…. We gave them too much time on the ball and we moved the ball too slow,” Jean said.

Some of the mistakes that Jean was referring to were body positioning and they were not remaining in a straight line defensively to counter Antigua and Barbuda’s long ball strategy.

Head Coach for Antigua and Barbuda, former national team player for them Mikele Leigertwood, said he was happy to see his players carry out their game plan.

“Those two goals early definitely helped us because it helped to settle our nerves. We knew the magnitude of the game and match. Coming off the back of two losses that were heavy defeats, the response from everyone was brilliant. It could have been more (goals) if it wasn’t for some fantastic saves from their goalkeeper,” Leigertwood said.

Thomas Bramble drove the ball into the back of the Bahamian net two minutes before the half to silence the Bahamian crowd. His goal put them up 3-0.https://ac674616d0c9892fd666d6b0c54145b4.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The score remained 3-0 at the intermission.

A notable change for The Bahamas tactics in this game was moving captain Lesly St. Fleur up to the midfield position instead of his center back role.

“The game is to attack but at the same time, as an older player and his experience, he can play all over the field. We wanted him to be more disciplined in the midfield by receiving the ball off the backline and trying to feed the attackers. They double teamed him and that didn’t happen, so we have to look at ways to get other players involved,” Jean said.

The Bahamas cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 62nd minute when forward Wood Julmis received the ball on a throw-in and pulled the ball back before striking it off his right foot and past Antigua and Barbuda’s goalkeeper Zaieem Scott for a goal. It was his first goal on home soil in nations league action but his third goal in this edition of the CONCACAF Nations League.

“We didn’t get a million opportunities, but one or two, and we must put them away,” Julmis said,” I just wait on my moments and just try to execute the way I know I can. It gives me confidence.”

Julmis said they shot themselves in the foot and had a tough time in the game, but he knows they can play better.

“We had a game plan like Jean said but we went against the game plan. Confidence played a role in it. I do not think our players are confident enough to execute. We take advantage of the coach telling us that we can make a mistake but going forward we need that confidence. We are nowhere near what we can do,” Julmis said.

Antigua and Barbuda was awarded a penalty in the 76th minute of the game. Their captain Quinton Griffith stepped up to take the penalty kick. He sent it to the top right and beat a diving Butler who went the right way but moved a little too late. Leigertwood said that they had to trust the process.

“The opposition is different. Guyana and Puerto Rico have players who have a better level of football. We had a few challenges but sometimes these things take a little time to fall into place. The two previous games were not great but the process and things we have in place to get the players to perform is what we did today (Saturday). We are not a finished article by any means, but we have to keep working diligently. There is no reason why we can’t get a performance like what we did today (Saturday) on a regular basis,” Leigertwood stated.

The two teams left The Bahamas yesterday and landed in Antigua and Barbuda for a rematch. That game is set to be played tomorrow at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Technical Center in Piggotts, Antigua. Kick-off is set for 3:30 p.m.

WOMEN IN SPORTS: The Bahamas Football Association has officially changed the name of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association soccer tournament to the Dawn N Knowles Primary School Soccer Tournament – the tourney is slated to get underway today.

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas Football Association (BFA) presented Dawn N Knowles with the best birthday gift of them all after renaming the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s (NPPPSSA) soccer tournament in her honour yesterday at the Beach Soccer Stadium.

#The act of appreciation and gratitude came as the association wanted to recognise the countless contributions and dedication that she has given to the development of soccer in the island nation.

#In a room filled with her peers and loved ones, officials and executives spoke about the impact that Knowles has made in the lives of students and faculty since 1993.

#As she celebrates her birthday today, the now retired Ministry of Education officer (MOE) for physical education reflected on how it felt to have her efforts within soccer and outside of it recognised.

#“I didn’t expect this. It is just wonderful.

#“I just feel good, it was a long and hard journey because they could not see a woman in sports but I did have some men in my corner who saw that I had the willpower and I knew how to get things done,” Knowles said.

#She had some strong advice for women like herself who are actively in sporting roles.

#“My advice to them is to believe in yourself, never stop, keep going and do not worry about any disappointment just continue,” she said.

#Over the years, beginning with her role in creating the NPPPSSA soccer tournament in May 2001, Knowles has played a pivotal role in advancing sports in the country on and off the field.

#She credited Dame Ivy Dumont, who served in administration as an education officer and deputy director of education, for empowering her to get soccer implemented in the schools.

#In 2001, she worked tirelessly to jumpstart the soccer tournament for the youth across New Providence. However, her long list of accomplishments extends way beyond soccer.

#Knowles, serving as the former member of the MOE committee, advocated for the start of the “After School Activities Allowance” which greatly aided physical education teachers. The programme opened the doors for security presence at interschool competitions, allowed for athletes to be insured during commute to and from games, assisted with facility repairs and the construction of new ones. The initiative translated to benefits for both teachers and coaches.

#Despite the start of the planning process in the early 1990s, Knowles brought the programme to life when she became the Education officer for PE in 1993.

#She was also instrumental in the planning of some events that continue today. The University of Miami graduate had a hand in establishing the MOE and Principals Association Track and Field meet and she assisted with writing the constitution and by-laws of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA).

#Her long list of accolades does not compare to the impact she instilled in the lives of the many that have crossed paths with her in her 40 plus years of service.

#Clara Storr, education officer at MOE, shared some heartfelt words about her experience with Knowles during teaching.

#“We honour you Ms Dawn Knowles and we thank you for everything that you have left your mark on not only in physical education but in the teachers you have mentored over the years. It has been an honour to come into this profession as a physical educator and sit under you as my leader. You were the type of person who kept it real, who told you how it was when you needed to be told but it was all done in love, care, and support,” Storr said.

#She retired from MOE as a physical education teacher in 2020 but returned to the public service as an Administrative Coordinator for the 2023 Bahamas Games.

#Latoya Sturrup, president of the NPPPSSA, said when the news broke about the renaming of the soccer tournament everyone was excited.

#“She was dedicated to sports in our school and a hard worker. She is a lady who deserves this recognition while she is still here with us,” the president said.

#Anya James, the first female president of the BFA, was overwhelmed with joy as she praised the efforts of Knowles in helping with the progression of soccer and unveiled the new logo of the Dawn N Knowles soccer tournament.

#The logo’s prominent colours include yellow, purple, and the country’s colours.

#The yellow represents a symbol of national pride as well as the longevity and resilience of the football association since being established. Additionally, the purple, which is Knowles’ favorite colour, represents a symbol of royalty.

#“This logo serves as a beacon that will guide generations of young players with each kick, each goal, and each cheer they will be reminded of the legacy of Dawn N Knowles and the monumental contributions that she has made,” the BFA president said.

#As an educator and member across different sporting organisations, Knowles’ desire to see the youth succeed and maximising their talents has led to multiple generations experiencing her positive influence.

#Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, the Minister of Education, spoke on the impact of Knowles not only in education but in the sporting world.

#“Dawn Knowles in my life is legendary in what she has inputted in sports and education in this country and on top of it all this soccer tournament is being named in honour of a woman.

#“The way things are it takes a lot for us but this is so earned I just want to say to Dawn I want to thank you for your passion, your love for your understanding of what sports means to young people

#“We are proud of this daughter of this soil who has been so impactful in the lives of so many people in this country,” she ended.

#The official start of the Dawn N Knowles Soccer Tournament begins today at 10am on the Roscow A L Davies Soccer Field.

MINISTER HONOURED – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for his work with young people during his time as a basketball coach and presently as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. Making the presentation was founder of the Diamond Eagle Foundation, Bridgette Farrington. At left is Norris Bain, deputy director of youth, sports and culture (Northern Bahamas). Photo: Andrew Coakley/BIS

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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DEAN HONOURED – Retired educator Hezekiah Dean was among the 10 men honoured for their contribution to the development of Bahamian youth during a special ceremony on Saturday, October 14 at Pelican Bay Resort. Mr. Dean’s contribution to education spans over four decades as a teacher, principal and a district superintendent for high schools on Grand Bahama.

CAPTAIN PALMER HONOURED – Captain Fernley Palmer, who is presently the longest serving president of the Boys Brigade worldwide, was honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the decades of service and guidance he provided to thousands of Bahamian boys over the years. Ninety-three-year-old Palmer has served as president of the Boys Brigade for over 70 years. The award was presented by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg (second from left) and founder of the foundation, Bridgette Farrington. Photos: Andrew Coakley/BIS

#FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – Prior to accepting an award for the positive work he has done among the youth of the nation through basketball during his many years as a coach, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg encouraged other men to continue to do their part in helping the nation’s boys become contributing men of society.

#“It is not just about what we have achieved to date, but the legacy that we will leave for the young boys who will grow into men tomorrow.

#“In the spirit of unity and progress, let us remember the principles that have shaped our nation, ‘leave no man behind’,” Minister Bowleg said Saturday night at the Diamond Eagle Youth Ambassador Awards held at Pelican Bay Resort. “As we continue on our path of success, let us extend our hands to uplift those around us, ensuring that the opportunities and blessings that we have received, are shared by all.”

#Minister Bowleg was one of 10 men honoured by the Diamond Eagle Foundation for the work they have done in helping to positively lead young people along the path of success.

#The awardees comprised men of various endeavours, including sports, education and community building.

#The 10 honourees were former businessman, sports enthusiast and track and field contributor Basil Neymour, Basil Christie (who worked tirelessly with Special Olympics), Hezakiah Dean (a respected and dedicated educator for many years), Captain Fernley Palmer (longest serving leader in the Boys Brigade); Canon Harry Ward (for religious education), the late Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson (sport/track and field), Ricardo Deveaux, Pastor Erik Danny Clarke (religion); Anthony “Huck” Williams (culture/Junkanoo); and Minister Bowleg (basketball coach and Minister of Sports).

#Special honor and recognition was given to the Father of the Nation, the late Sir Lynden Pindling, and to former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie.

#“These awards reflect the collective efforts that have paved the way for our journey, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of those who have contributed to this moment,” said Minister Bowleg.

#“As we come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our fellow awardees, it is crucial to recognize the Diamond Eagle League Foundation’s great work and tireless efforts in fostering and recognizing excellence within our country. They have shown us that good things can indeed come from the men in our country. And we stand here today as living proof of that.

#“I extend my sincere congratulations to all of those, who like me, have been honored here today. Your dedication and contribution have made an indelible mark on our beloved Bahamas. Your recognition is well deserved.

#“Together, we represent the diverse tapestry of excellence. Each thread contributing to the rich fabric of our nation.”

#Minister Bowleg admonished the awardees and the organizers of the Diamond Eagle Foundation that as they celebrated the past accomplishments of those who were honored, to remember that it was still only the beginning of the journey that lies ahead in helping more young people.

#He noted that adults share the responsibility to become role models and leaders of the nation and leave behind a trail of inspiration for future generations.

#“I encourage all of us – my fellow awardees, and others – to continue to be the man that The Bahamas needs. It is our collective responsibility to lead by example, to support one another and leave no one behind on this journey of progress and unity. It’s not just about us, it’s about the future of our country. It’s about the young boys who will turn into the men that The Bahamas will need in the future.”

#Saturday’s awards ceremony was the first in four years, having been disrupted by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since starting in 2016, the Foundation, which is headed by Bridgette Farrington, has honored men for their dedication and commitment in helping to build the youth of The Bahamas in various fields.

As of Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix is scheduled to get underway at the Atlantis resort on November 11.

#The event will serve as a pro-qualifier for athletes and features nine pro cards. The event will begin with registration and check-ins from 5-7pm on November 10 and the preliminaries start at 10am on Saturday.

#Twelve Bahamian bodybuilders will be in the hunt for their pro cards to compete at the professional level.

#Serge Saric, the event’s organiser, is excited about the opportunity at stake for athletes coming from around the world.

#“This opportunity will be given to the entire world to turn pro, we will change the lives of nine persons because they will turn professional and escalate their careers and earn a living doing what they love to do,” Saric said.

#He is expecting 1,000 people from around the world to attend this event and athletes have already started to register which can have positive ramifications for tourism in the country.

#“A lot of people are going to be coming from all over the world since it is open worldwide and we have already had people sign up from Qatar, Europe, Middle East, South America and a lot of Americans are going to be coming and athletes, especially from the islands of the Caribbean,” he said.

#Athletes will be competing in nine divisions. The categories include men and women’s physique, bikini, figure, classic physique, men and women’s bodybuilding, fitness, and wellness.

#The event organiser is excited to see Bahamians in action and credited former professional bodybuilder Joel Stubbs as the president of the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF). “The coaching is really great in The Bahamas and we are looking to see some incredible athletes from The Bahamas going for these nine pro cards,” he said.

#For individuals interested in attending the event the cost is $55 for general admission, and $75 for VIP which includes watching the preliminaries and finals.

#Athletes that have not registered for the competition as yet can sign up online at www.worldsportspromotions.com or they can sign up in person at the event and pay a $50 late fee as registration closes on November 8.

#Saric said he is looking for the Bahamian public to come out and support the local athletes and made an appeal for local sponsors.

#“We really would love to have local sponsors come and support this,” he said.

#For individuals or companies interested in supporting the event or setting up a booth they can reach out via email at sergesaric@gmail.com