Mingoes soccer picks up win thanks to hat trick from Green

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UB Soccer
University of The Bahamas Mingoes midfielder Ronaldo Green advances the ball as a Fort Lauderdale University player tries to play defense in their match at Lauderhill Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on Friday. The Mingoes won the match, 3-2. UB Athletics

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.”

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://6e60782504963c76fcfdfd5e22467e9d.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.

Team Bahamas looking to respond

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

  • Simba French
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Joseph-Soccer-1
By The Nassau Guardian

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.

“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://8ed088e6c6a1ed606d836989d5897e55.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.

NPC bodybuilding show set for November 11 at Atlantis

  • Sheldon Longley
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Worldwide Caribbean bodybuilding
The NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix Bahamas Pro Qualifier is set to take place November 11 at Atlantis Paradise Island. Athletes could register online at worldsportspromotions.com, where tickets can also be purchased.

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.https://d8ab73f83e48a4c09e51a4fd0b6448ba.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“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.https://d8ab73f83e48a4c09e51a4fd0b6448ba.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

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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.

Veteran boxer Carl Hield set to make his pro debut

Veteran boxer Carl Hield.

Veteran boxer Carl Hield.

As of Friday, October 13, 2023

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Veteran boxer Carl Hield.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#VETERAN boxer Carl Hield is excited to make his professional debut next weekend at the International Knockout Night against Colombian John Blanco.

#The two are set to face off in the professional category for the super welterweight division next Saturday, October 21 at 6pm in Cali, Colombia.

#Amateur boxer Anai Powell will also be accompanying Hield as he has been training with him to fight in the welterweight division.

#The veteran boxer is excited to make the transition from amateur boxing to competing with the pros and said his hunger remains the same.

#“For me it is the same hunger from the amateurs. I already fought in the semi pros before so it is normal to me now, it is just smaller gloves, no shirt, and no headgear which you have to prepare for,” Hield said.

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Veteran boxer Carl Hield and amateur boxer Anai Powell are getting ready to fight in Cali, Colombia, on International Knockout Night next week Saturday at the Saga Boxing Club Gym.

#He added that he made the decision to join the professional ranks after having conversations with president of the Bahamas Boxing Federation (BBF), Vincent Strachan.

#“I told him I am thinking about switching over so I can be more active as I try to prepare for the 2024 Olympic trials,” he said.

#The seasoned boxer had quite an active year in the sport after he was unable to compete in competitions from 2021-2022 due to lack of funding.

#The 36-year-old recently competed in his seventh appearance at the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) World Boxing Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in May. He lost in the first round to Kenya’s Boniface Mogunde 5-0 on points in the unanimous decision.

#He followed up this competition with his stint at the 24th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador in June.

#He competed against Colombia’s Jhonatan Arboleda in the lightweight division and lost a unanimous decision on points 5-0.

#With the latest competition set to get underway for Hield next week Saturday, this match is very important to him.

#He is dedicating this match to his mother who passed away earlier this year and was considered to be his number one supporter.

#Additionally, he wanted to compete for the late Ray Minus Jr, his first boxing coach, and deceased friend Tyrone Oliver.

#Joining Hield in Colombia will be Powell who is only 18-years-old.

#The teen has been training with Hield ahead of next weekend’s match and recently competed at the Youth Continental Championships in Cali, Colombia.

#Although he is unsure of his opponent, which will be decided following the weigh in, Powell is mentally locked in.

#“I’m looking to perform to the best of my abilities, move around and box, training has been going well and I am just trying to do the same thing to get ready for the world championships in November,” he said.

#The welterweight boxer said working with Hield has been great because he has a lot of knowledge and experience to teach him what to do and what not to do.

#Both boxers thanked their sponsor Insurance Management Bahamas Limited, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Amateur Boxing Federation and BBF for their continued support.

#The event will be hosted at the Saga Boxing Club Gym.

Heads Up! Navigating Concussions in Soccer: Incidence, Management and Treatment

As of Friday, October 13, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#By DR KENT BAZARD

#SOCCER, known as the beautiful game, has thrilled fans for generations, but the sport is not without its risks, particularly concerning concussions.

#In this article, we will explore the incidence, management and treatment of concussions in soccer, shedding light on the importance of player safety and education.

#Concussions in Soccer:

#The Incidence

#Concussions in soccer are more common than you might think. Although the sport doesn’t involve high- speed collisions seen in American football or rugby, soccer players are still susceptible to head injuries due to various factors:

#1 Headers: Heading the ball is an integral part of soccer, but repetitive impacts can lead to concussions, especially in aerial duels.

#2 Collisions: Soccer is a contact sport, and clashes between players, or between a player and the goalpost, can result in concussions.

#3 Falls: Players often fall to the ground, whether from challenging for the ball or simply in the course of play, increasing the risk of head injuries.

#Management of Concussions in Soccer

#The recognition and management of concussions in soccer are vital for player safety:

#1 Immediate Assessment: Players who exhibit signs of a concussion, such as confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, must be promptly removed from the game.

#2 Sideline Assessment: Trained medical staff should conduct a thorough sideline assessment to evaluate the player’s condition.

#3 Substitution: When a player is suspected of having a concussion, they should be substituted and not allowed to return to the field until cleared by a medical professional.

#4 Medical Evaluation: After the game, players with suspected concussions should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation.

#Treatment and Recovery

#The treatment and recovery process for soccer-related concussions includes:

#1 Rest: Rest is crucial during the initial recovery phase, both physically and mentally. Players should avoid any physical or mental activities that exacerbate symptoms.

#2 Gradual Return: Once cleared by a medical professional, players can follow a stepwise return-to- play protocol, which involves gradually increasing physical activity to ensure they are symptom- free.

#3 Education: Athletes, coaches, and parents must receive education on concussions, their signs, and the importance of reporting symptoms.

#4 Monitoring: Players who have had a concussion should be closely monitored for any recurring symptoms or setbacks.

#Prevention and Protection

#Preventing concussions in soccer is an ongoing goal. Here are some measures to enhance player safety:

#1 Improved Technique: Teaching proper heading technique can reduce the impact on the head.

#2 Protective Headgear: Some players choose to wear protective headgear, which can help reduce the risk of concussions.

#3 Match Oversight: Ensure games are officiated with strict enforcement of rules to minimise risky play.

#4 Pitch Conditions: Maintaining safe playing surfaces can help prevent falls and subsequent head injuries.

#In conclusion, concussions in soccer are a real concern, but with the right measures, we can mitigate the risks and ensure that players receive proper care.

#Player safety and education are paramount, and the sport continues to evolve to prioritise the well-being of its athletes.

#As soccer continues to grow in the Bahamas, including beach soccer, let’s support efforts to raise awareness, reduce the incidence of concussions and provide the best possible care for those who experience head injuries while enjoying the world’s most beloved game.

#• 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.

TV host Carlos Mackey pays tribute to ‘Obie the’sportsman

A LASTING MEMORY: Carlos Mackey, left, host of the Best of Sports World Show, Larry Little, centre, two-time Superbowl champion, and the late Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe.

A LASTING MEMORY: Carlos Mackey, left, host of the Best of Sports World Show, Larry Little, centre, two-time Superbowl champion, and the late Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe.

As of Friday, October 13, 2023

#CARLOS Mackey, television host of the Best of Sports World show, joined alongside the late Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe to make history in 1991.

#Mackey and Wilchcombe shared the vision of hosting one of the country’s first football clinics with the goal of helping interested Bahamians attain scholarships to carve out a bright future.

#With Wilchcombe being laid to rest yesterday at Christ Church Cathedral, the sports show legend shared one final as I knew him.

#The late politician served in his most recent position as Minister of Social Services and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.

#However, despite his tenure in politics, many knew the former president of the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL) as an avid sports lover.

#“His heart was in sports. He knew that as a people coming from where we came from, we had to be educated and he knew that sports was the vehicle to help young men and women achieve their goals,” Mackey said.

#He continued to say that Wilchcombe knew that everyone would not make the pros but school gave them a gateway into a professional career that would last beyond sports.

#With both of their views aligned, Mackey and the former journalist worked together to bring the Larry Little Football Clinic to life in June of 1991.

#The overall idea was to host the football clinic so that Bahamians could have the opportunity to showcase their skills and eventually be granted scholarships for schooling abroad. Little, two-time Superbowl champion, was invited by CAFL president at the time, Wilchcombe, because he served as Bethune Cookman’s head coach.

#The former Miami Dolphins offensive guard also brought six assistant coaches along with him to represent his alma mater.

#While at the clinic, Little became enamored by the potential of Michael Wilson. He asked the Bahamian to partake in a few football drills and about his secondary schooling and grades.

#The rest was history as Bethune Cookman’s head coach recruited Wilson and the Bahamian was granted a full football and academic scholarship.

#The sports television host said that is one contribution of Wilchcombe that he will never forget. “I would never forget Obie’s contribution because he worked very closely with me. We helped the young man who wanted to go to college but didn’t know how, didn’t have the money, but he was blessed with the skills to do that and we gave him an opportunity,” he said.

#The former ZNS journalist was described as selfless in his pursuit to help others accomplish their goals. He played as a quarterback for the Sunburners Football Club in the CAFL and also played some basketball at the YMCAs gymnasium in Grand Bahama.

#Although Wilchcombe’s sporting aspirations did not materialise, he was always passionate about assisting others that had the gift to do what he was unable to.

#“He loved the sport and even though he did not excel to where he wanted to go, he always felt that others could do that and had the gift and tried to assist as many as he could to do it,” according to Mackey.

#Among the other accomplishments of the duo, the CAFL president along with Mackey coordinated the first collegiate football game in The Bahamas on November 17, 1991. The “Conch Bowl” game was played between the Bethune Cookman Wildcats and Morris Brown College Wolverines and drew thousands of spectators from abroad. With only the memories remaining, Mackey thanked Wilchcombe for being selfless, helping others to achieve their goals, and opening the doors to make history together.

#The former politician, journalist and sportsman will be fondly remembered and missed by his loved ones.

Chisholm Jr undergoes successful turf toe surgery

Miami Marlins' Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays during Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays during Game 1 in an NL wild-card baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

As of Friday, October 13, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#BAHAMIAN Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a nagging toe turf injury that sidelined him during the Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

#The Miami Marlins centre fielder is expected to spend the next three months of the offseason rehabbing the injury that now prevents him from wearing a shoe or running. The announcement came via a post to his Instagram page in which he wrote the surgery was successful.

#The Marlins player had a tough time with the injury bug this MLB season. The 25-year-old was away from the team on three separate occasions throughout the year due to injuries.

#He sustained the turf toe injury on his right foot in a game versus the Cincinnati Reds in early May.

#The MLB star crashed into the wall of the left-centre field at the LoanDepot Park after trying to make a play in the eighth inning to prevent the team’s eventual 6-5 loss to the Reds. He spent more than a month nursing the first of three injuries in what was thought to be a right foot contusion.

#Despite being told he might possibly need surgery for the toe injury, Chisholm Jr opted to return to the Marlins on June 27.

#Less than a month after rejoining the team, he went down again, this time with a left oblique strain that kept him out of action for most of July. The injury occurred after the 25-year-old took a swing at the ball in the top of the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves.

#Additionally, the MLB’s face of “The Show” video game was out of the lineup again this time briefly as he suffered from knee discomfort in September.

#The last injury to sideline him was critical as the Marlins needed him at the time to vie for a position in the National League playoff race. The Marlins went on to secure a wild card spot. However, they were unceremoniously ousted 2-0 by the Philadelphia Phillies in the best-of-three wild card playoff series.

#The team lost game one 4-1 and got swept after a 7-1 game two loss.

#Chisholm Jr appeared in 97 games for the Marlins this season. He averaged 19 home runs, a team-high 22 stolen bases, batted .250, notched 51 RBIs (runs batted in), and 50 runs scored. The Bahamian was one home run shy of turning in a 20-20 season which would have made him the first Marlins since Hanley Ramirez in 2010 to accomplish this feat.

#The early ending of the Marlins season was disappointing but the team witnessed Chisholm Jr become the first player in franchise history to notch grand slams in back-to-back games.

#The Marlins earned their fourth playoff appearance in 31 years and it was their second time making it in the last four years.

UB Mingoes men’s soccer team end up in scoreless tie with Atlantis University

As of Friday, October 13, 2023

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UB Mingoes defender Marc Ville (blue 11) is tackled by an Atlantis University player during their match yesterday in Miami, Florida. The matched ended in a scoreless tie. Photo: UB Athletics

#THE University of The Bahamas men’s soccer team fought to a scoreless tie against Atlantis University in a match that had two red cards and eight yellow cards Thursday in Miami.

#The Mingoes attempted to start the match off very aggressively in the attacking third but Atlantis played a very defensive game.

#Atlantis kept the ball in their first third for most of the half hoping to pull The Mingoes defence apart. The Mingoes didn’t fall for the tactic and remained calm for most of the half.

#In the 42th minute though, O’Bryan Hinds received an unfortunate red card after aggressively tackling an Atlantis player. This resulted in him being sent off.

#The Mingoes held on to a 0-0 tie at the half.

#Into the second half, The Mingoes held their composure despite being down a man and, at the second half water break, were still holding on to a 0-0 despite have four opportunities to score near the box.

#Atlantis picked up the aggressiveness by this time in the match and one player got a double yellow card for aggressive play resulting in being sent off. With the sendoff, the match was even at 10 players for each side.

#The Mingoes were able to relax on defence and attempt to score but time just ran out on them. The matched ended in the scoreless tie.

#Head coach Alex Thompson said the team played with a lot of heart in the match.

#“We had an unfortunate red card in the first half and we played down a man for about 30 minutes,” he said. “They then went down a man which put us at 10 versus 10 in the last 15 minutes.

#“The team executed the game plan really well today, especially on the defensive side. I thought Evelt Julmis, Ronaldo Green and Joshua Johnson were all fantastic today.”

#Thompson added that the team is now laser-focused on the goal for this trip. “The goal now is look forward to Friday and pick up the win.”

#The Mingoes are now 0-2-1 in international play and next play Fort Lauderdale University today in Florida.

Charlotte Hornets waive Kai Jones

Kai Jones

Kai Jones

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Charlotte Hornets yesterday waived Bahamian big man and former first-round draft pick Kai Jones.

#The announcement was made by Mitch Kupchak, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, just two days removed from the centre/forward’s public request for a trade via the X social media platform.

#Jones made headlines for some questionable actions in the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) offseason and the latest news appeared to be the final straw for the Hornets organisation.

#Before the Eastern Conference team’s latest announcement, Jones was at risk of facing a maximum fine of $150,000 or possible suspension after he tweeted his desire to be traded on Monday night.

#“I have officially requested to be traded from the Charlotte Hornets. #GOATLIFE” he posted.

#The move sparked discussions as it went against Section 18 of the National Basketball Players Association’s (NBPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

#The CBA states that any player or, for clarity, any player representative or person acting with authority on behalf of a player who publicly expresses a desire to be traded to another team shall be subject to a fine and/or a suspension.

#Prior to the 6-foot-11 player’s trade request, the Hornets had announced that Jones would not be joining the organisation’s training camp which began in October due to personal reasons.

#Additionally, they said he would be away from the team indefinitely and were unable to give an estimated timetable on his possible return to team activities.

#“Kai Jones will not participate in training camp due to personal reasons. There is currently not a timetable for his return to the team. “Out of respect for the personal nature of the situation, the Hornets will not have any additional public comment regarding the matter at this time,” the Hornets statement read.

#The organisation made the call in this regard after Jones displayed some odd behaviour on social media during the NBA offseason.

#It started in September when the centre/forward went on Instagram Live and was sweating profusely and spoke in an incoherent manner. He then turned his attention to teammates Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who he publicly criticised on the X platform later in the month.

#The sudden chain of events for Jones has been bizarre to some as the Bahamian big man made waves this July in the NBA Summer League after dunking over the 2023 no.1 pick Victor Wembanyama.

#In his tenure with the team that drafted him as the 19th pick in 2021 out of Texas, he averaged 2.7 points per game and two boards in 9.1 minutes per game.

Stadium repairs to halt end of year sporting events

As of Thursday, October 12, 2023

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE impending repairs of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium will pose a problem for upcoming sporting events, including the ninth edition of the HomeTown Lenders Bahamas Bowl.

#According to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) Mario Bowleg, the stadium’s overhaul, beginning with the Western Grandstand, starts November 1 per the government’s agreement with the Chinese government.

#Additionally, the renovations ahead of next year’s World Athletics Relays in May, will also interrupt the Concacaf home national soccer matches set for November 18 and November 29.

#The stadium’s facelift will begin with the roof of the Western Grandstand which is expected to be replaced with a new one. With the majority of the construction being done to the Western area of the venue to start the project, that portion of the stadium will be shut down.

#The national soccer games were expected to get underway next month for the respective teams at the event’s advertised venue but, now with repairs set to start, that may be in jeopardy.

#“We know we are not going to be dealing with the field but definitely the Western Grandstand will be shut down and so we will probably have to see how we could use the Eastern Grandstand along with the field as most of the construction is gonna start on the Western Grandstand,” Bowleg said.

#The venue’s repairs are expected to continue well into next year with the expectation of being completed by March ahead of the World Relays and CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

#Despite the potential alternative of utilizing the Eastern Grandstand along with the field for events, the ninth Bahamas Bowl set for Saturday, December 16 is at risk of being canceled.

#“There is a way we believe we can work it out but in some cases and some other events we will probably have to cancel it, for example the bowl game calls for ESPN so that might not look too good with a lot of construction going on at the same time,” the minister said.

#The government recently allocated $10 million to bring both the national stadium, which was gifted to The Bahamas from the People’s Republic of China in 2011, and Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex up to par for next spring’s sporting events.

#“We were preparing the stadiums for the World Relays and CARIFTA which would allow it to be presentable and safe enough for those games that’s where the $10 million was allocated for

#“However, the Chinese government is gonna be coming so The Bahamas may not use any of its $10 million and the Chinese government may end up funding the entire repairs which is what most likely will happen

#“This was a gift given to us so it is now up to them to repair the building that we felt was not up to proper standards from day one,” Bowleg said.

#The 2024 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships are scheduled for April and the World Relays will get underway May 4-5.