Volleyball player Donovan Wilmott heads to Europe

 Home|Sports|Volleyball player Donovan Wilmott heads to EuropeSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailSeptember 27, 2023 53 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Donovan Wilmott is on the attack for the Warhawks in the New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) championship series. RACARDO THOMAS

Bahamian national volleyball team player Donovan Wilmott made the jump to the professional ranks when he signed a contract with Middlefart Volleyball Club, which plays in the Danish Volleyball League – the top league in Denmark.

Securing his first professional contract means a lot to him, especially knowing he has put in the hard work. He is already in Middlefart, Denmark, and his team will start its season on Saturday against ASV Elite.

“The hard work I put in definitely paid off,” Wilmott said. “All the people that came before me and paved the way for this opportunity, they all worked hard and it really means a lot. It also means that the guys that aren’t going to get that chance to go off and play as yet, will get to live vicariously through me. I’m not taking it lightly, it’s going to be a great experience and I’m really appreciative of it.”

Middlefart finished fourth out of 10 teams in the league last season. It sported a 10-8 win/loss record to finish with 29 points.

Wilmott, like he has done for Benedict College, will be looking to be a catalyst for Middlefart.

“I bring that fire wherever it may be, whether off the bench or as a starter. I am really the heart of whichever team I play for. So just giving the team some energy and that competitive spirit to be better than we were yesterday, that’s what I hope to bring to the team,” Wilmott said.

He is looking to contribute to his new team as the middle hitter. He looks up to Byron Ferguson, who played volleyball at the professional level.

“I spoke with Byron Ferguson and he was able to help me make the right decision for my future. After speaking to him, I thought about playing volleyball professionally, even if it’s only for a year or two; it would definitely be a great move. Ferguson is someone I look up to. He is very well respected in Europe and he was able to help guide me through the process,” Wilmott said.

The 29-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Benedict College, where he played alongside a few other Bahamians. That team finished with an 11-9 record and its season ended in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) semifinals.

Wilmott is looking to average at least three aces per game and two blocks per set.

Champions crowned in Flawless tennis tournament

 Home|Sports|Champions crowned in Flawless tennis tournamentSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 27, 2023 21 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Millie Beukes (center) won a singles title in the U14 girls division.

The Grand Bahama Tennis Association (GBTA) hosted its 2023 Flawless Construction Under-14 (U14) and Under-16 (U16) Junior Tournament in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

The tournament got underway on September 15 and wrapped up on September 17.

William McCartney successfully defended his U16 boys division title when he took down Patrick Mactaggart. McCartney was not done there, he and doubles partner Miguel Smith won the boys doubles. The duo got the best of Noah Russell and Isaiah Cambridge.

Jalisa Clarke successfully defended her U16 girls title when she won over Tatyana Madu in the finals. Clarke teamed up with Millie Beukes to win the girls doubles titles over Danielle Saunders and Caitlyn Pratt.

Like McCartney and Clarke, Beukes also won a singles title in the U14 girls division. Beukes dethroned Madu for the title.

The U14 boys National Champion Patrick Mactaggart was also in action in Grand Bahama. He won the U14 boys division after getting the best of Aiden Ritchie.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulated the participants and winners, and the GBTA for hosting and organizing a successful tournament.

‘Jazz’, Marlins in final playoff push

 Home|Sports|‘Jazz’, Marlins in final playoff pushSports

Team goes on the road for six games to end the season

Sheldon LongleySend an emailSeptember 26, 2023 76 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. runs home to score on a double hit by Garrett Hampson during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Miami. AP

Bahamian Jasrado ‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr. and the Miami Marlins are in the stretch run of their season, making one final push to get into the National League playoffs of Major League Baseball (MLB).

The Marlins have six games remaining, and whereas they don’t control their own destiny, they are just a game out of the third and final wild card position in the National League. The MLB regular season ends on Sunday.

As it stands now, the Marlins have an 81-75 win/loss record with six games to go. They are a game behind the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona  Diamondback  (both 82-74) for the third and final wild card spot in the National League playoff race.

The Marlins play all six of their remaining games in the regular season on the road – three against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Queens, New York, starting today, and three against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, over the weekend.

The Cubs play the National League East-winning Atlanta Braves and the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, both on the road, to end their season, and the Diamondbacks travel to Chicago, Illinois, to play the Chicago White Sox and return home to host the Houston Astros to end their season.

The Marlins own the tiebreaker advantage against both teams, and just two of the three will get into the playoffs unless the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres or San Francisco Giants make a late push.

On Sunday, the Marlins prevented the Brewers from clinching the National League Central Division, winning 6-1, behind two home runs from Jon Berti and a three-hit game from Jorge Soler. Xavier Edwards stepped in for injured Miami infielder Luis Arráez, the major league batting leader at .353, and had three hits and two stolen bases.

“This is what you play for, meaningful games in September down the stretch,” said Berti. “We just have a really tight-knit group of guys here. It just makes that much more fun and we’re going to keep doing it.”

Chisholm is one of those guys. A week after his historic two grand slam tally in two days against the Atlanta Braves, Chisholm had his 20th multi-hit game of the season. He went 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored on Sunday. For the season, the Bahamian is batting .248 with 18 home runs and 47 runs scored. Chisholm has 22 stolen bases this season, one short of his career high in that department, and is just two home runs short of a 20-20 season. He has an on-base percentage of .299 and a slugging percentage of .451 for an on-base plus slugging percentage of .750.

The Bahamian star has been batting clean-up for the Marlins for much of the season and is hopeful of being one of the players to lead them into the playoffs. It will be particularly tough for the Marlins, battling down the stretch without some key pieces, including ace pitcher Sandy Alcántara, the defending National League Cy Young Award winner.

“We’ve talked about next man up for the majority of the year,” Marlins’ Manager Skip Schumaker said. “We’ve had a lot of injuries. Every team has a lot of injuries. It tests your depth and tests our staff’s belief in guys and just letting them know that we believe in them. I think there’s leadership in that clubhouse that helps that a lot. We don’t get to where we get to without that part of our clubhouse.”

The Marlins are looking to advance to the postseason for the second time in four years, following up on their appearance in the bubble in 2020. It would also be just the fourth time in the playoffs in their 31-year existence.

In two of those years, they advance all the way to the World Series, winning both times, in 1997 against the Cleveland Indians and in 2003 against the New York Yankees.

The Marlins finished 46-35 at home, up from 34-47 last year, and as mentioned, will end the regular season with three-game series at New York and Pittsburgh.

The Marlins will start left hand pitcher Braxton Garrett (9-6) on Tuesday against the Mets.

BFA, NPPPSSA team up to empower primary schools

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 26, 2023 30 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Bruce Swan has presented a new format for the upcoming primary schools soccer tournament, that will be held over a four-week period starting on October 17.

The New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association (NPPPSSA) recently hosted an impactful Generation Amazing (GA) workshop to provide training and equipment to enhance primary school sports programs across New Providence.

The full-day workshop, held at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, was attended by GA local facilitators Codisha Brown-Colebrook and Harold Romer, NPPPSSA President Latoya Sturrup, Ministry of Education Assistant Director of Education Dwayne Higgins and over 50 physical education teachers from Bahamian public primary schools.

Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Bruce Swan presented a new format for the upcoming primary schools soccer tournament. The tournament will feature two age groups, under-10 and under-12, with games played over a four-week period. The 23 participating schools are grouped into north, south, east and west divisions, with three groups of six teams and one group of five. Matches will be played twice per week. The tournament kicks off on October 17.

The interactive workshop provided an in-depth overview of the GA methodology and how to incorporate social values into local school sports programs. GA facilitators demonstrated how to facilitate development through football and led hands-on practical sessions for attendees to experience it first-hand.

“This invaluable workshop provides our schools with the methodology, training and resources to strengthen sports programs and develop essential life skills in our students,” said NPPPSSA President Latoya Sturrup. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact in our community.”

The workshop is part of an ongoing partnership between the BFA and GA to provide comprehensive coach education and implement impactful youth football programs across The Bahamas.

The BFA and GA will continue collaborating to expand training and provide ongoing support for local coaches and sports programs. The workshop marked an important step in empowering primary schools to leverage sports for youth development.

 Home|Sports|BFA, NPPPSSA team up to empower primary schoolsSports

BFA, NPPPSSA team up to empower primary schools

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 26, 2023 30 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Bruce Swan has presented a new format for the upcoming primary schools soccer tournament, that will be held over a four-week period starting on October 17.

The New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association (NPPPSSA) recently hosted an impactful Generation Amazing (GA) workshop to provide training and equipment to enhance primary school sports programs across New Providence.

The full-day workshop, held at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, was attended by GA local facilitators Codisha Brown-Colebrook and Harold Romer, NPPPSSA President Latoya Sturrup, Ministry of Education Assistant Director of Education Dwayne Higgins and over 50 physical education teachers from Bahamian public primary schools.

Bahamas Football Association (BFA) Technical Director Bruce Swan presented a new format for the upcoming primary schools soccer tournament. The tournament will feature two age groups, under-10 and under-12, with games played over a four-week period. The 23 participating schools are grouped into north, south, east and west divisions, with three groups of six teams and one group of five. Matches will be played twice per week. The tournament kicks off on October 17.

The interactive workshop provided an in-depth overview of the GA methodology and how to incorporate social values into local school sports programs. GA facilitators demonstrated how to facilitate development through football and led hands-on practical sessions for attendees to experience it first-hand.

“This invaluable workshop provides our schools with the methodology, training and resources to strengthen sports programs and develop essential life skills in our students,” said NPPPSSA President Latoya Sturrup. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact in our community.”

The workshop is part of an ongoing partnership between the BFA and GA to provide comprehensive coach education and implement impactful youth football programs across The Bahamas.

The BFA and GA will continue collaborating to expand training and provide ongoing support for local coaches and sports programs. The workshop marked an important step in empowering primary schools to leverage sports for youth development.

Newton re-elected as president of COTECC Sub Region 3

 Home|Sports|Newton re-elected as president of COTECC Sub Region 3Sports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailSeptember 26, 2023 26 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

 BLTA President Perry Newton has been re-elected as the president of the COTECC (Confederation of Tennis of Central American and the Caribbean) Sub Region 3 for the 2023-2025 period. BLTA

President of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) Perry Newton has been re-elected as president for the COTECC (Confederation of Tennis of Central American and the Caribbean) Sub Region 3 for the 2023-2025 period in Cancun, Mexico.

Newton made history in 2021 when he was first elected to serve as president of the subregion which includes Bermuda, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. He rejoins a nine-member board tasked with leading and serving the region in tennis development over the ensuing years.

Persio Maldonado was also re-elected, serving as COTECC president and will lead the board over the next two years.

During the COTECC Annual General Meeting (AGM), the BLTA received an award for excellence in tennis development in The Bahamas. The Bahamas was the only English-speaking country to receive such a prestigious award. Two other nations, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, also received this noteworthy accolade.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and COTECC reviewed the nominees and The Bahamas was awarded for excellence in events and participation. The key work by the BLTA noted were the hosting of the international Junkanoo Bowl at the BLTA’s National Tennis Centre (NTC), national tournaments throughout the islands, NTC programs and a junior tennis initiative with the “Play Tennis” kids. The Bahamas also participated in six regional events 

organizing and managing eight teams in 2023.

Other honorable mention initiatives were the training courses organized by the BLTA including the ‘Play Tennis’ course for coaches and officiating course for officials, the NTC’s pursuit for ITF recognition and its active participation in the ITF Academy. President Newton expressed his appreciation on receiving the award on behalf of the BLTA.

“There are many who have contributed to the BLTA’s achievement, including those who have gone before to lay a firm foundation. A primary focus during the last three years was to build on the tennis pillars of coaching, junior development and officiating to ensure tennis sustainability,” he said.

President Newton thanked the ITF for the recognition and support over the years, stating that their guidance has been invaluable.

“Thanks to the coaches who have been newly trained and those existing coaches who constantly retool, to the players both young and old who are committed in honing their craft, to the BLTA officials, executives and administrators and the NTC Directors who have served unselfishly, this award is for each and every one of you who volunteer and serve with professionalism and grace,” he said. “My administration has worked very hard to ensure that there are opportunities for all and that there is development at all levels and throughout the islands. It is good that this work has been acknowledged by our international governing body.

“We are encouraged when newly trained officials serve at our national tournaments, new tournaments are hosted in Abaco by the Abaco Tennis Association and there is increased junior participation from Eleuthera (the Eleuthera Tennis Association), Grand Bahama (the Grand Bahama Tennis Association), Abaco, Nassau and throughout The Bahamas. We are further motivated with the increase in certified coaches and more adults and children playing across the entire Bahamas. I thank God who has made our way prosperous and guides our pathway. This award only spurs us on to continue the work and to develop and grow the sport. To God be the glory for great things He hath done.”

ITF President David Haggerty was on hand to present President Newton with the award of excellence along with John Goede, the ITF Development Officer for the Caribbean.

The officers and members of the BLTA congratulates President Newton on his reelection to the board as the president for the COTECC Sub Region 3.

“We know you will represent and serve your country and the region well. We also congratulate the BLTA on receiving such a prestigious global award; this is the first time The Bahamas has received such an accolade. Continue to break barriers, make Bahamian tennis history and set new levels as you strive for excellence with God’s grace,” a statement read.

Newton will serve for the next two years, from 2023-2025.

Team Bahamas falls 6-1 to Grenada in CONCACAF ‘Road to Gold Cup’ opener

PLAY ACTION: The Bahamas women’s national soccer team lost 6-1 to Grenada last night in their opening game of the Concacaf Gold Cup at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Photo: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

PLAY ACTION: The Bahamas women’s national soccer team lost 6-1 to Grenada last night in their opening game of the Concacaf Gold Cup at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Photo: Moise Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Thursday, September 21, 2023

photo

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas’ senior women’s national football team went down 6-1 to Grenada in game one of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women’s Road to Gold Cup.

#Team Bahamas got their feet wet for the first time in three decades on home soil at the Thomas A Robinson stadium last night against the away team, who returned to the international level for their second consecutive year.

#The home team’s relatively young club applied strong defensive pressure in the first half but the experience of Grenada trumped them in the second period, leading to their first loss of the competition.

#Ricqea Bain, head coach of the senior women’s national team, talked about the way they played in their first time back on the soccer scene after 30 years.

#“We started the game a little nervous. This is our first international match as a senior team, we began the knock the ball around, [and] knock the nerves off. Unfortunately, the other team was able to secure the match but we were able to score our first international goal,” she said.

#The head coach added that despite the loss the team made some strides in executing passes through the midfield, finishing a goal and are looking not only to score more goals in Grenada but also work on development.

#Team Grenada has been preparing for their second appearance in the Concacaf competition since February and they showcased their experience in the opening game.

#The now 1-0 team was the first to strike in the initial half. Within the first 12 minutes of game one, Grenada’s Nia Thompson launched the ball to the back of the net to connect on her first of two goals in the game.

#Shortly before the culmination of the first half, Demitra Mcclure of Team Bahamas retaliated at the 44:00 segment of the game. She got the step on her defender and darted the ball past Grenada’s goalkeeper Keoana Salandy to follow up a goal scored by Grenada’s forward Roneisha Frank. Mcclure scored the lone goal for the home team and made the score 2-1 going into the break.

#Jake Rennie, head coach of Grenada, talked about the difference in gameplay between the two teams in the first and second half.

#“I think we could have done much better but then again it is our first game in a long time. It was okay we were able to come out 2-1 in the first half and the second half was much better, we changed the pace of the game, moved the ball around a little, got chances we scored and took it away from The Bahamas,” Rennie said.

#Although the coach was happy with the win he felt his team came out a bit flat to start the game, but they picked it up in the second half.

#In the second half, the visiting Group C team scored the majority of their goals toward the tail end of the game.

#Thompson collected her second goal of the game at the 74:00 juncture to push the Grenada lead to 3-1. A mere two minutes later, Brianna Capron was issued a red card for a hard foul to a Grenada player at the 76:00 mark.

#The away team remained unphased and midfielder Malia Ramdhanny got in on the scoring action three minutes later and advanced the score to 4-1. With the clock winding down, Team Bahamas’ chances to score dwindled while Grenada kept the momentum going.

#Game one wrapped up with the latter earning two more goals from midfielder Ronniellia Bubb and forward Abigail Williams in the game’s final moments.

#Despite the tough opening game loss, Team Bahamas will have the chance to redeem themselves in their away match against Grenada 4pm this Sunday, September 24.

#The senior women’s team is playing out of League C and Group C along with Grenada and the US Virgin Islands.

#The group’s winner will advance to play the victor of Group B to determine which lone team will advance to the Gold Cup.

Latyoa Sturrup returned to office

The Bahamas Football Association representative smake a presentation of soccer equipment ot primary school teachers.

The Bahamas Football Association representative smake a presentation of soccer equipment ot primary school teachers.

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#LATOYA Sturrup has been returned as the president of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association.

#During the elections held on Friday at Claridge Primary where she’s a physical education teacher, Sturrup went in unopposed to serve for the next two years with a board that includes some returning members and new officers.

#And she feels the board will help to push their sporting programme further.

#Elected as the vice president is Naaman Lightbourne of Cleveland Eneas, Shekera Munroe of Ridgeland as secretary, assisted by Michaela Capron of Sadie Curtis, Denise Miller of Carlton E Francis as treasurer assisted by Vanessa Swaby of Sybil Strachan, Francheshka McBridge of Sadie Curtis as public relations of cer, Theodore Neely Gerald Cash as chaplin, assisted by Mariska Thompson of Cleveland Eneas and Vashon Armbrister of Sandilands Primary as sergeant-at-arms.

#Sturrup and her previous administrative team came in just before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

#They had completed basketball but in March all sporting in the country came to a halt.

#During the rest of their tenure, the executives spent time providing breakfast and food items to the community.

#Now that all sporting activities are back in swing, Sturrup said they are getting ready to get back to work as they resume their sporting competition, which should start in October with soccer as they once again collaborate with the Bahamas Football Association.

#“It took a team effort to get us to do the things that we did,” said Sturrup, as she praised those members of the executive team who didn’t seek another term.

#“All the things we did, we did together as a team.”

#With the new executive board, Sturrup said there are a number of physical education teachers who have been teaching for less than ve years, who have stepped forward to get their feet wet in administration.

#“I think we are really going to do more things than what we did the last two years,” she pointed out. “We were in the community giving breakfast and clothing, but what we want to do this year is more clean up campaigns. We just did a clean up campaign last week in the Golden Isles constituency. We worked with the Coastal Clean Up Sturrup said the Campaign. We partnered NPPPSSA will continue to with Blue Lagoon. We did make its present felt as one that last week Saturday on Coral Harbour Beach.”

#Sturrup said the NPPPSSA will continue to make its presence felt as one of the more vibrant sporting bodies in the country.

Women’s national soccer team lose out to Grenada

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER playing to a draw in the rst half, the Bahamas women’s national soccer team watched as Grenada managed to pull away in the second half for a 4-1 victory to complete a two-game sweep in their home-and-away match in the Concacaf Road to Gold Cup.

#Grenada, coming off a 6-1 win over the Bahamas on Wednesday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, pulled off the clincher yesterday at the Kirani James National Stadium in Grenada behind the hat trick from Nia Thompson.

#Thompson booted in her first goal in the 11th minute before Janeka Edley got the equaliser for the Bahamas in the 42nd minute. Tied at the half, Melonia Fullerton got the insurance goal in the 47th minute before Thompson delighted the home crowd with her final two goals in the 55th and 72nd minutes to seal the deal.

#With just about four months to prepare Team Bahamas, head coach Ricqea Bain said the losses are all a part of their growing process.

#“We were able to secure a tie in the first half. We came out strong and we were able to leave the half at 1-1,” said Bain after the game. “We were able to cut down the scoring deficit a bit.”

#Looking at the performances of the two games played, the first for the Bahamas women’s national team at the international level in about three decades, Bain said she liked what she saw and is confident that there’s a bright future for Team Bahamas.

#“We’re a young team. We had some downfalls and we had some great moments that we can build on. We just need to continue to build as a team.”

#From their performances, Bain said the turn for success is not too far away.

#“We know that with hard work and dedication, we can compete and we will be able to secure a win soon,” she stated.

#As the team prepares to come home and go back to the drawing board, Bain said they will take a few days off before they start preparing for their next match against the US Virgin Islands in St Croix on October 29.

#Team Bahamas is lined up in League C and Group C with just two other teams, Grenada and US Virgin Islands. While Grenada was successful in their two matches against Team Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands have their work cut out, facing both Grenada and Team Bahamas.

#Only the top team in each group will advance in the Gold Cup round of competition.

#“We have a short amount of time once again before we play again, but we look to go there and hopefully secure our first win,” Bain stated. “We just have to continue pushing and put in the work to get ready for that match.”

#The difficulty for Bain and the coaching staff assembled by the Bahamas Football Association is not sure who will be available as the collegiates could be playing in their conference and national championships at the same time in the United States.

#“We will reach out to everyone and see who is available, but we won’t know until we get closer to the match because of the commitments to school for some of our players,” Bain said.

#“But we are confident that we will be able to field a team that will be very competitive with the goal of winning our first match.”

#The tram is due to leave Grenada today en route to the US where players heading to school will make their way to their various destinations, while everybody else will return home.

#“We want to thank everyone for their support,” Bain said. “We want them to continue to support us as we grow and continue our journey.”

Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson – ‘a pioneer, visionary leader’

The late Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson

The late Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#KNOWN as the consummate public relations officer who eventually excelled to the top of World Athletics as the first Bahamian councilman, Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson was remembered for his tireless efforts to promote the sport of track and field locally and internationally.

#In a shocking development on the national scale, Finlayson passed away on Friday, 15 days after the death of his wife Dawn and one day before she was funeralised. The Finlaysons – Alpheus, 76, and Dawn, 71, were like a true love story as they were almost inseparable.

#Called the “Insurance Man,” who enjoyed a long employment with Imperial Life Assurance, advancing to the industry’s prestigious Million Dollar Round Table in 1982 and four other consecutive times, making him a Life Member, Finlayson also served at one time as vice president of the Life Underwriters Association of The Bahamas.

#Ali Culmer, a Hall of Fame softball coach who spent about 40 years working with Alpheus Finlayson, said they crossed paths as youngsters growing up in the Valley and they both went to Eastern Junior High School, even though he’s older by about four years with his 80th birthday coming up in November.

#“We always played together growing up, but of course he ventured into track and field and I went into softball,” said Culmer, known as the skipper of the Colina Crows, one of the most dominant women’s softball teams in the New Providence Softball Association.

#“We were friends for many years and we were always friends. He was somebody to look up to and he was admired and loved by everybody around him. I never really saw Hawk get mad. He might have been, but he never expressed it. He also had a smile and some words of encouragement for everyone he came in contact with.”

#Through their work ethic after a merger between Imperial Life and Colina Insurance, Culmer said he, Finlayson, Bernard Hanna and the late Bruce Hanna were placed on the Wall of Fame inside Colina in 2005 for 30 years of dedicated service to the company.

#Bernard Hanna, another close collegiate at Imperial Life, was unavailable for comments.

#In a tribute, his younger brother, “Master Motivator” Spence Finlayson referred to Hawk as a big brother in every sense of the word.

#“He was a caring, passionate big brother, a real true big brother in every sense of the word, who looked out for me every step of the way,” said Spence Finlayson, who relayed some of those sentiments at the funeral service of Dawn Finlayson at St George’s Anglican Church on Saturday.

#“I’ve been blessed as the last child to have big brothers and a sister who looked after me, checking up on me periodically to see how I was doing. They would call on the lil brother just to see if I was doing alright. And they led by example.”

#He didn’t get the opportunity to go off to college like everybody else because he chose to stay home to take care of his mother, who had suffered a stroke while their father passed away one year after he graduated from St Augustine’s College.

#“When you look after your parents, especially your mother, God will always look after you and he blessed me with a gift that keeps on giving right up to this day,” said Spence Finlayson, who now hosts a popular weekly morning show on ZNS Radio and television.

#As a prolific writer coming out of SAC in 1966 where he was the co-editor of the “Beacon” year book with Kin Wah Ng, Hawk went on to scribe his own weekly columns on “Track World” from 1980 to 1986 in The Tribune and producing his “Best Seller”, “From Vancouver to Athens: Finlayson Fifty Years of Bahamian International Track & Field Competition”.

#Additionally, his voice was echoed over the airwaves through his television show on ZNS called “Track World with Alpheus Finlayson” that eventually moved to Guardian Radio 96.9 FM since 2013 as he recalled the performances he watched from attending every IAAF World Championships, from Helsinki in 1983 to London in 2017 before the name was changed to World Athletics.

#Nicknamed “Hawk” for the manner in which he glided through the air as he competed in the triple jump, Alpheus Finlayson broke many barriers, serving as co-captain of the St John’s University track team, president of the Pioneer’s Sporting Club, and of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association from 1989 to 1997.

#He was elected vice president of the Central American and Caribbean Athletic Confederation as well as vice president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Area Athletic Association.

#It was during Finlayson’s administration of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association in 1992 that the first Bahamian Olympic medalintrackand eldwas won, and in 1995 and 1997 the rst three World Cham- pionship medals were won.

#Spence Finlayson said many of Hawk’s accomplishments inspired him to be the man that he is today.

#“All of the brothers triple jump and it was because of him,” said Spence Finlayson, who followed in his big brother’s footsteps at St Augustine’s College, while his deceased brothers Roosevelt competed for Government High and Iowa State University and Joey at St John’s College.

#“He was doing so many things from way back. I joined the Pioneers Sporting Track Club when he was president and he would take us to track meets in the US.

#He came up with a novel idea of raising funds with a run-a-thon instead of a walk-a-thon.

#“We went foreign where he rented cars out of Miami and drove us to Tennessee and Atlanta to compete 30-50 years ago.”

#North American, Central American and Caribbean president Mike Sands, who was encouraged to get into the administration of track and field after his competitive days, firstly as the athletes’ representative, said Hawk Finlayson was considered his mentor as he moved into the public relations office and then the presidency of the BAAA.

#“It’s a very, very sad day for track and field, not just in the Bahamas, but globally. Alpheus was a fixture. He was not just Alpheus. He was known as Mr Track and Field worldwide,” Sands pointed out.

#“He was known throughout the entire world for his passion, his dedication, his commitment and his love or the sport.

#“He will be sorely missed. On my behalf, I relied on him. It was because of him that I am still involved in the sport. He was my friend, my confidante, my mentor, so I relied very heavily on him, to be guided by him, along with the late Dr Bernard Nottage. So it’s a very sad moment for me and the sport in general.”

#As a pioneer and visionary leader, Hawk Finlayson agitated for the athletes’ subvention (from the Bahamas government) and he agitated for the continued progress of the sport as he moved track and field to another level.

#“He had a vision where he wanted the sport and the athletes to go and I think he was able to achieve some of those goals,” said Sands of Hawk Finlayson, who gave his life to the sport and should have some type of monument erected in his memory.

#Under the leadership of Dr Nottage and through the assistance of Hawk Finlayson and Sands, the National High School Track and Field gave birth in the 1980s and is now one of the premier sporting events hosted by the BAAA outside of the National Championships.

#Current BAAA president Drumeco Archer said Hawk Finlayson was not just a name, he was a global icon and a household name.

#“His unwavering dedication to the world of sports knew no bounds. He was a walking encyclopedia of statistics, effortlessly recalling details that left the rest of us in awe,” he said. “His knowledge of the sport was unmatched, and he had an unparalleled ability to remember even the smallest of details, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics.

#“Hawk’s departure is a poignant reminder that the archive of his brilliant mind is now gone, but his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of sports history. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the sporting world, he was a brother to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His genuine warmth and unwavering support for others made him a true family man, extending his love and kindness to the far reaches of the globe.”

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was saddened by the news of the passing of Hawk Finlayson, a sporting icon and giant.

#“When it comes to sporting legends, Hawk, as he was affectionately called, name was like a guiding star. His passion for sports, especially track and field, was shared in many arenas – locally and internationally,” Bowleg said. “The depth of his knowledge, his constant encouragement and passion for sports will be missed.”

#Bowleg expressed his gratitude on behalf of a grateful nation, extending condolences to the Finlayson family, especially on the passing of his wife as well, to the friends and many loved ones and to the track and field families, both near and far.

#On a personal note, I travelled with Hawk Finlayson and historian Stanley Mitchell to a number of international track and field competitions and it was always a pleasure to see how respected he was among his peers from around the world.

#There was hardly a conversation had inside the Main Press Center, or MPC as we called our office away from the Bahamas, that some reference wasn’t made to or about Hawk Finlayson when it came down to the work that he did behind the scenes.

#Known as a “Valley Boy,” who also attended Eastern Junior High School, Alpheus and Dawn Finlayson, nee Rolle, produced one daughter, Alexis Hanna, three granddaughters, Shandia Finlayson, Ebony Howell and Selah Hanna, two grandsons Nassir and Sadiq Hanna, and two great-granddaughters, Kiyah Major and Eva Howell.

Kemp earns pro card to lead Team Bahamas

Terrion Kemp and Ivanique Kemp

Terrion Kemp and Ivanique Kemp

As of Monday, September 25, 2023

#By Brent Stubbs

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation will return from the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in Palm Beach, Aruba, with one professional card and a number of medals of all three colours.

#In his second appearance in the championships over the weekend at the Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino, Terrion Kemp led the way by snatching the gold in the men’s physique where he earned his pro card, while he also captured a gold in the men’s junior physique.

#Former 100 metre hurdler Ivanique Kemp, who competed in the CAC Championships in athletics, made her debut on stage with a gold in the women’s wellness. Derica Thompson came out with the bronze and Andrecka Dames was fourth.

#Also, Briceston Anderson picked up a pair of silver in the men’s fitness and physique, both Judah Forbes and Ricardo Gibson were fifth in the men’s physique and assistant coach Jason Johnson, as a pro competitor, displayed his strength in the men’s fitness challenge where he placed fifth.

#On Sunday as the championship came to a close, the bodybuilding competition took place with veteran Stephen Robinson strutting to fourth in the men’s middleweight category after he got fifth in the men’s masters over 50 category.

#As the championships came to a close, Grand Bahamian Orick Nesbitt also finished fourth in the men’s heavyweight to add to his sixth place earlier in the day in the men’s masters under 50 category heavyweight.

#Team Bahamas finished with a pro card, four gold, three silver, two bronze and eight additional top six medal finishes in their tally of 17 in total for seventh place overall with 125 points. Costa Rica took the team title with 238, followed by Aruba with 194 and Mexico in third with 155.

#For Terrion Kemp, it was a different road to get to the championships as he didn’t compete in the federation’s nationals where the team was selected based on their performances. Instead, he paid for his trip and it certainly worked out well in his favour.

#“You might think you are too young or you are not ready. In my head, I was that way too,” said the 22-year-old Kemp.

#“Just do it. You can only do it and see the results and then work on it from there. I won the juniors, the men’s physique and I got my pro card. I can’t ask for (anything) more.”

#As a relatively newcomer to the sport, Kemp commended those persons who assisted him in getting to the championships in Aruba as a part of Team Bahamas. “It was tough me going to the gym in the morning, going to work and going to the gym in the evenings. It was tough mentally,” said Kemp, who works at Baha Mar.

#“But it was worth it for sure.”

#It was a surreal moment for Kemp as he heard the national anthem played as he was awarded his hard- ware during the ceremony.

#The 32-year-old Ivanique Kemp, a three-time Bahamas national 100m hurdles champion in 2010, 2012 and 2016 who also ran on the Bahamas women’s 4 x 200m relay team at the NACAC Championships in Irapuato, Mexico, got her gold in the women’s wellness category.

#“Overall it was a beautiful experience. I had a lot of fun,” said Kemp, who is employed at Ports Inter- national. “This was not my rst CAC event, but my first for bodybuilding. These beautiful ladies were awesome. The judges were pretty straight. They let you know what you need to work on moving forward.”

#The team, managed by Leonardo ‘Nardo’ Dean, is scheduled to return home on Tuesday on different flights at 11.45am and 3.20pm. Federation president Joel Stubbs is also in Aruba with the team, heading the delegation that participated in the congress and judges’ seminar.