Bahamian tennis players pick up wins

Tennis
Bahamian tennis players were able to pick up wins at the 10K Battle In The Bahamas, presented by MTEG, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre.

Bahamian tennis players were in action over the Christmas holidays, taking part in the 10K Battle In The Bahamas, presented by MTEG, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre, at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre.

Sydney Clarke, Rodney Carey and Rasheed Carey picked up huge wins for The Bahamas as matches were able to be completed despite inclement weath

In men’s singles, Rodney Carey took down fellow Bahamian Dentry Mortimer, 4-1 and 4-0. In men’s doubles, Rodney and Rasheed Carey won over Americans Allen Perry and Tyler Delon, 6 3.

The BLTA congratulates the Bahamians on their participation, particularly Sydney Clarke, Rodney Carey and Rasheed Carey on their respective victories.

Bahamian tennis players were able to pick up wins at the 10K Battle In The Bahamas, presented by MTEG, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s (BLTA) National Tennis Centre.

More athletes qualify at T-Bird Flyers Classic

On Track
Grand Bahamian Keyezra Thomas was one of a few athletes who qualified for the 2023 CARIFTA Games at the T-Bird Flyers Track and Field Classic, at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field stadium on Saturday.

A number of athletes were in action at the first track and field meet of the year — the T-Bird Flyers Track and Field Classic at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium this past Friday and Sunday. There were even a few qualifiers for the 2023 CARIFTA Games.

One of those athletes was Speed Begins Keyezra Thomas who qualified for CARIFTA last year but could not participate because she was too young. She turned 14 years old on Friday and was all smiles after she qualified for CARIFTA again this year, this time in the high jump event in the under-17 girls division.https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“It feels good to qualify for CARIFTA. Last year I could not go. I watched it but this year I could go and I feel like when I compete, I will do extremely well. I am happy to have an injury-free competition and glad I was able to qualify,” Thomas said.

Also qualifying for that event was Speed Dynamic’s Alexandria Komolafe. The 14-year-old cleared 1.63m (5’ 4-1/4”) to finish second behind Thomas.

“I have bene working hard over the past couple months in the offseason. I trusted my coach, the approach and trusted God. I am happy to qualify early. I know I can jump higher and I will do it next time,” Komolafe said.

Finishing third was Leap of Faith’s Paris Rolle who cleared 1.55m (5’ 1”).

Thomas came close to qualifying for the 200m when she ran away from the field to clock a time of 24.93 seconds, just short of the 24.65 seconds qualifying standard. She has a long season ahead of her and will have other chances to go under the standard as the season progresses. Komolafe was second again in that event after clocking 26.66 seconds. Team Velocity’s Nataya Watson was third in a time of 27.32 seconds.

One of the most competitive events of the meet was on Saturday under the lights — the under-17 girls javelin throw. A trio of throwers were able to surpass the qualifying standard but it was reigning CARIFTA gold medalist and CARIFTA record holder Kamera Strachan who won the event. She threw a distance of 43.70m (143’ 4-1/2”) to beat CARFITA silver medalist, Dior-Rae Scott, of Air Assault, whose best throw on Saturday was 43.32m (142 1-1/2”). Scott had previously qualified for CARIFA at last year’s Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Odd Distance meet. As expected, they both obliterated the qualifying mark of 25m (82’ 0-1/4”).https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Finishing third in that event and surpassing the qualifying mark was Valiyah Farquharson who recorded a throw of 26.45m (86’ 9-1/4”).

There were two qualifiers in the under-20 girls discus throw as Blue Chips’ Annae Mackey and Triple Threat’s Cailyn Johnson both qualified. They both threw past the qualifying mark of 40.36m (132’ 5”). Mackey won with a throw of 44.46m (145’ 10-1/2”) while Johnson recorded a throw of 43.80m (143’ 8-1/2”). They joined Calea Jackson who qualified in this event at the Odd Distance meet.

“I am grateful for the throw. I just need to trust the process. I was able to follow through with what coach told me and was able to execute,” Mackey said.

Johnson said: “It is great to qualify early. I felt like I left a lot out there and next time I’ll get a personal best. I got aggressive on the qualifying throw because I wanted to qualify.”

Quick Step’s Garette McIntosh was third with a throw of 24.40m (80’ 0-3/4”).

Fast Forward’s Koi Adderley got a new personal best in the under-20 girls high jump, clearing 1.70m (5’ 7”) to win that event. In clearing that height, she surpassed the qualifying mark of 1.65m (5’ 5).

“I was relieved after clearing 1.65m because that is the qualifying standard. I was able to get a personal best but I was disappointed when I could not clear 1.75m (5’ 9”) because I was so close. I just need to work on my form a little more in practice,” Adderley stated.

Placing second was Andros Heats’ Tylah Pratt who cleared 1.60m (5’ 3”).

The under-20 boys high jump also produced a qualifier as Leap of Faith’s Jelani Morrison achieved the mark. He cleared the qualifying mark of 2m (6’ 6-3/4”). He won that event. Xtreme Athletics’ Anthony Sweeting was second after clearing 1.85m (6’ 0-3/4”).https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

In the under-17 boys shot put, Blue Chips’ Jaylen Stuart qualifyied for CARIFTA after turning in a toss of 14.40m (47’ 3”) to surpass the 14.03m (46’ 0-1/4”) qualifying mark. Andros Heats’ Kashawn Russell was second with a best throw of 11.63m (38’ 1-3/4”).

The next meet on the calendar, the Beverly Wallace-Whitfield Track Classic, hosted by the DTSP Track and field Club, is set for Saturday January 20 at the same location.

Cobras rout Pacers 80-39

GAMETIME: In the return of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 2023/24 basketball season after the Christmas break, the Cobras clobbered the Pacers 80-39 in the only game played yesterday at the DW Davis Gymnasium. Photo: Moise Amisial

GAMETIME: In the return of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 2023/24 basketball season after the Christmas break, the Cobras clobbered the Pacers 80-39 in the only game played yesterday at the DW Davis Gymnasium. Photo: Moise Amisial

As of Friday, January 5, 2024

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#The CC Sweeting Cobras senior boys’ basketball team, fresh off their semifinal appearance in the Providence Basketball Club’s Yuletide Classic, made mince meat of the well-rested RM Bailey Pacers.

#In the return of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s 2023/24 basketball season after the Christmas break, the Cobras clobbered the Pacers 80-39 in the only game played yesterday at the DW Davis Gymnasium.

#Just about every player in uniform scored with Emmanuel Adams, Andrew Bethel and Tabvari Roker leading their attack with 15 points apiece. What the trio didn’t do, Drexel Burnside followed with seven, Aaron Brown, Mataeo Minnis and Deangelo Smith all chipped in with six and both Brendon Darville and Pierre Markley finished with four each.

#“It wasn’t what I expected, but we will take it,” was how CC Sweeting’s head coach Dastyn Baker summed up their 41-point massacre.

#“I’m happy that we came out with the win.”

#With the win, the Cobras moved their win-loss record to 2-1.

#“We still have to work on some things defensively and our rotation has to be better, but we will figure it out as we go,” Baker continued.

#In leading from start to finish, the Cobras opened a 13-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and they continued to extend their insurmountable lead as the Pacers couldn’t find any answers to slow them down.

#The loss dropped RM Bailey to 1-2, but coach Devon Miller admitted that they were not as prepared as they should have been for the return of the season.

#“Coming out of the break for the season might have been good for some teams, but it wasn’t good for my team,” he pointed out.

#“I have alot of players who worked and did a lot of things. We were not able to put in any practice during the Christmas break.

#“We only had about two days to prepare, so coming into this game, we were still a little better than when the season started. We’re in much better shape.

#“We just have to get rid of the ham and turkey shape and we will be better. We will get better as the season progresses.”

#Bethel, with a three-pointer in the first quarter, added a pair in the second for nine points. Adams had three in the first and came up with four more in the second and Roker had all five in the second as the Cobras built a 24-15 lead at the half.

#In the third quarter, Roker went on a scoring rampage with 10 points, running the fast break for a lay-up for a 47-27 lead with four minutes and 55 seconds to go. At 2:29, he got loose again for another basket to extend their margin to 57-30.

#And just at the buzzer, Brenden Darville hit his first basket to push CC Sweeting’s lead to 65-27 going into the final period.

#Baker rested Adams, Bethel and Roker in the fourth, but it wasn’t until the final two minutes that the Pacers made a mini run to trim down the deficit, but it was a bit too late.

#The damage had already been done.

#“We couldn’t perform any better than we did,” Miller said. “We just have to prepare to play better. As the season progresses, I expect that we will get better and play better.”

#Isiah Williams was the leading scorer for the Pacers wirth 10. Stanley Pratt and Davonte Chales both had five, Kaysheo Sturrup and Laweadro Monestime both had four and Latiji Moxey and Lou Pierre helped out with three each, but it wasn’t enough.

Sports leaders reflect on plans for new year

As of Friday, January 5, 2024

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IN a continued edition, more and more sporting leaders have presented their expectations for their respective organisations heading into the 2024 season.

#It’s the second in a two-part series that started on Thursday. Here’s the views of the final three leaders who presented their views for the public to digest.

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#Eugene Horton

#Bahamas Basketball Federation president

#With more to gain than any other sporting body in the country, BBF president Eugene Horton has his eyes set on the men’s national basketball team becoming the first team sport to qualify for the Olympic Games.

#“The BBF looks to extend its success from 2023 with the Americas Qualifiers looming and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for our senior men,” Horton said.

#“We are excited about what this year entails. Our men’s team can make history.”

#While the men will have to qualify for the Paris Olympics in July when they compete in the Qualifying Tournament, Horton said they will also be looking at strengthening their senior women and junior boys and girls programmes.

#“We want to turn them around and make them prominent in the region once again,” he stated.

#While the success for the men’s national team will depend on who is available from the professional ranks, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) trio of Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon, in order to achieve the latter goal, Horton said they will embark on a vigorous talent search in the Family Islands.

#“The BBF will also be looking to bolster Family Island relations through initiating coaching seminars, technical seminars, referee and table official recruitment and also live statistics,” he said.

#“We will also look forward to our teams being involved in the community as we give back to the sponsors that have made sacrifices in the past and continue to support us.”

#Horton admitted that the future is bright for basketball in the Bahamas and they will embrace the “unexpected” and look forward to a “magical year” with great success” and “exceptional performances” all around.

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#Catherine Ramsingh-Pierre

#Equestrian Bahamas president

#Based on what they established in 2023 as they established some strong foundations in 2023, for example through initiatives conducted to train officials and national coaches, Ramsingh-Pierre said they should have an active 2024 campaign.

#“We look forward to a more systematic approach to the development of local athletes, beginning with a talent identification exercise this spring,” she said. “The TIE will be conducted by personnel from our International Federation, the FEI, as we seek to formally identify junior riders suitable for entering an enhanced performance development programme.”

#Ramsingh-Pierre said the next step is to encourage participation in international competition by our local athletes.

#Their goal this year, she said, is to field a four-person team to compete in the FFE World Cup Mondiale 2024 in Lamotte-Beuvron, France.

#“This year our riders abroad continue to represent The Bahamas as they work toward their individual goals,” she said.

#“Kacy Lyn Smith will compete in Ohio, Florida and Virginia with a goal of qualifying for and competing in the FEI North American Youth Jumping Championships. Beginning in February, Anna Camille Vlasov will continue to train in Europe at the CSI4* level, looking toward the next quadrennial cycle.”

#The federation, according to Ramsingh-Pierre, continues to prioritise a balance of fun and education with performance and development in equestrian sport locally.

#Our calendar of events from January to May reflects this and includes the following:

  • #Four jumper competitions
  • #Two interscholastic league competitions
  • #Three education clinics for members highlighting anti-doping awareness, concussion safety, and horse psychology.

#Finally, Ramsingh-Pierre said they have secured funding for a project aimed at increasing access of public-school students to equestrian sport.

#“This initiative is still in its infancy and will likely be launched later in the year,” she revealed. “We are excited about it as it reflects our ethos of promoting equestrian sport for all.”

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#Vincent Strachan

#The Boxing Federation of the Bahamas

#As he looks at the state of boxing in the Bahamas, Strachan said it’s not how the federation starts, but how it finishes.

#Strachan indicated that as the federation looks forward to the Olympic Games in July, they hope that some of the problems they encountered in 2023 will be corrected.

#He made mention of their signature event, the Bahamas Memorial Championship, which was introduced in November 2019 and continued in March 2023, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#“There were many challenges, including wholesale efforts to prevent us from hosting the event,” Strachan said. “We were promised financial assistance from the Bahamas Games Secretariat but never got it. I changed the date from November 2022 to March 2023 to help prepare the boxing teams for the Bahamas Games.

#“Teams from the Caribbean region were in town for the competition. Hours before the start we discovered that parts of the boxing ring were missing. That ring was held in a secured building by the NSA at the softball facility. We were able to get the event started a day late.”

#In not being able to include the 22 events on the two-day schedule, Strachan said they managed to complete eight final bouts with Bermuda, Cayman islands Haiti and the Bahamas.

#“We embarked on an aggressive series of boxing in Grand Bahama from September to December by hosting boxing shows,” he said.

#“One of the events was the first ever Thanksgiving Boxing Tournament. The cancellation of Sugar Bert and the Caribbean Boxing Championships that are usually held in November and December respectively prompted us to have that event.”

#Despite all that they encountered, Strachan said there are no plans to slow down going forward during this Olympic year and beyond.

#“Our monthly boxing event would continue in Grand Bahama and Nassau and other Family Islands,” he revealed.

#“We would seek to develop the family, provide the funding they promised through the New Providence Sports Council and cooperate with Bahamas steps in.

#“The start of training of officials in New Providence to replace those that were certified in 2019,that will be decertified.

#“I will announce the Pre Olympic 2028 team during the first quarter of this year for male and female.”

#Strachan also indicated that the federation will participate in as many international boxing tournaments as possible to ensure our boxers develop their skills for future major events.

#“I would be leading the charge for the establishment of a Western/ Northern Region Boxing Association and assisting with the completion of the Caribbean Boxing Association relaunch,” he disclosed. “There would be regular exchange among our Americas, Western Northern Caribbean regions, including training camps and competitions.

#The development of our IBA Star One to three coaches and officials will continue.

#“The hope of having boxers qualify for the Summer Olympics in Paris, France are in focus for the final qualifiers, scheduled for February and May in Italy and a place to be announced for the final qualifier. We are preparing our multi-national team for the Guyana Boxing championships, August this year in George Town, Guyana.”

#Strachan said the federation is appealing to corporate Bahamas and the public to partner with them in these most noble events as they seek to assist in the saving of our next generation. He said efforts to locate new training facilities in Nassau are also ongoing.

#“Persons who have large buildings and not using them can assist with these efforts,” he stressed. “We are getting no financial support although other sports are receiving whatever is needed for their programmes in the millions of taxpayers dollars.

#“We will not stop in our efforts to succeed in the development of boxing in the Bahamas.

#“Also, those officials and medical personnel who are still waiting to be paid for their efforts in assisting with boxing during the Bahamas Games.

#“We would not be caught up in the confusing situation in boxing internationally.”

#According to Strachan, the governing body for the sport worldwide, IBA, has forecasted that this is the year for the Americas, hopefully great things will happen for the Caribbean region, including the Bahamas.

#Strachan thanked all those persons who assisted with their financial sponsors from Grand Bahama and Nassau, including the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Zorbas, Out Da Sea Restaurant and Bar, Lowen Mill Construction Co. CrossFit Gym, All Out Boxing, Dr. Albert Francios, Timothy Dames and Tim Refrigeration Services, Gary Bethel and G&M Convenience Store and Gus Cartwright and Checkers Restaurant.

DR KENT BAZARD – Daily resolve over annual resolutions

As of Friday, January 5, 2024

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Dr Kent Bazard

#AS we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s a tradition for many to embark on a journey of self-improvement through the ritual of New Year’s resolutions. We enthusiastically declare our intentions to shed those extra pounds, hit the gym religiously, or nally conquer our fitness goals.

#We herald the arrival of January 1 as if it possesses magical powers to transform us into the best versions of ourselves.

#Yet, as we know all too well, the enthusiasm that ignites our resolutions fizzles out as quickly as a rework on New Year’s Eve. Studies have shown that a mere 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. It’s a sobering statistic that highlights the futility of relying on annual resolutions to drive lasting change.

#My journey through life has taught me that meaningful transformation doesn’t occur because we declare it on January 1. It happens through daily resolve and unwavering commitment to self-improvement. Let’s explore this concept together, drawing insights from the world of sports, where daily discipline reigns supreme.

#The Illusion of the Resolution

#The allure of New Year’s resolutions lies in the promise of a fresh start, a clean slate to leave behind our old habits and embrace new ones. It’s akin to starting a marathon at the sound of the starting gun, only to realize that true endurance is built not in a sprint but in the daily, consistent strides we take.

#The Science of Consistency

#In the realm of sports and fitness, champions aren’t forged in the crucible of annual resolutions but in the daily grind of training and discipline. Research in the Journal of Applied Psychology underscores the importance of consistent, small actions in achieving long-term goals. Athletes understand that success isn’t the result of one monumental effort but the cumulative effect of countless small victories.

#The Power of Daily Habits

#As a sports medicine professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of daily habits on an athlete’s performance. Whether it’s nutrition, training, or recovery, it’s the daily routines and choices that shape an athlete’s journey. In the same vein, replacing a bad habit with a good one requires a daily commitment. Just as an athlete doesn’t train solely on January 1, we shouldn’t expect our resolutions to materialise without daily effort.

#Embracing Daily Resolve

#Instead of pinning our hopes on the inspiration of a new year, I urge you to embrace daily resolve. Treat each day as an opportunity for self-improvement, a chance to make choices that align with your long-term goals. It’s not about grand declarations but about the unwavering determination to make better choices every day.

#The Journey of Self-Improvement

#Much like an athlete’s journey to excellence, the path of self-improvement is paved with setbacks and challenges. It’s about getting knocked down and summoning the strength to rise again, day after day.

#Conclusion: A Daily Commitment to Excellence

#As we bid farewell to one year and welcome another, let us engrave this truth in our hearts: Resolutions are transient, but resolve – the unwavering, daily commitment to self- improvement – is enduring.

#It’s the small, consistent choices that accumulate into significant life changes. Whether you’re an athlete striving for excellence or someone on a quest for better health, remember that meaningful transformation occurs not on January 1st but in the daily choices you make.

#So, as the fireworks light up the sky, heralding the arrival of a new year, let them serve as a reminder of the resolve that burns within you.

#Embrace the daily journey of self-improvement, for that, my friends, is the true path to lasting change and the pursuit of your best self.

#• 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.

#Contact Empire Sports Medicine at:

#242-364-2001

  • #Kent@empire tness.fit
  • #Dr. Kent L. Bazard B.Sc. M.Sc. (Sports Medicine) NASM-PES, M.B.,B.S. Sports Physician | Sports Performance Coach | Sports Nutrition Specialist Empire Fitness and Sports Performance.

Hield, Gordon in action; Ayton misses fourth straight game

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Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield.

Eric Gordon.

Bahamians had a busy Wednesday around the National Basketball Association (NB) as all three players with Bahamian roots were set to play for their respective teams. At the end of the night, only the Indiana Pacers’ Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield and Phoenix Suns’ Eric Gordon suited up as the Portland Trail Blazers’ DeAndre Ayton missed his fourth consecutive game with an injury.

Hield and the Pacers got their fourth win of the season over their divisional rival, the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 142-130 at home at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Gordon and the Suns fell 131-122 at home at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Ayton is battling a knee injury and missed his team’s 126-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.https://f52e55e32a247243d7bc4e3034f934ce.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

It was the fifth time that the Pacers played the Bucks this season and the fourth time they came away as victors. They won the first two meetings before the Bucks won the third meeting. The third win came earlier last week with a 122-113 scoreline on New Year’s Day. The win on Wednesday night improved the Pacers to a 19-14 win/loss record, giving them a fifth consecutive win while the Bucks dropped to 24-10 on the season. The Pacers occupy the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. The Bucks are second.

The Pacers took the game into their hands in the third quarter when they dropped 47 points on the Bucks that moved the scoreboard from a 68-66 Bucks lead at the half to a 113-97 Pacers lead heading into the fourth quarter. Hield scored four points for the Pacers in that quarter.

The Bucks outscored the Pacers in the fourth quarter, 33-29, but it was not enough for them to get a win.

The Paces return to action tonight in another Eastern Conference matchup when they take on the Atlanta Hawks (14-19) at home. It will be their second game in a five-game homestand. The game starts at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. They will then host the NBA-leading Boston Celtics in two games on Saturday and Monday.

Gordon and the Suns had their four-game win streaking come to an end as they lost at home. They now sport an 18-16 record and are ninth in the Western Conference of the NBA. The Clippers have a 21-12 record and are fourth. Gordon was brilliant in the loss, coming away with 16 points in 28 minutes as a reserve. He finished the game making 5-for-11 shots from the field including three shots from deep. The guard also pulled down five boards in the loss.https://f52e55e32a247243d7bc4e3034f934ce.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The Suns got off to a slow start, going down 35-20 at the end of the first quarter. The Clippers then went up 70-51 at the half. It was a lot of ground for the Suns to cover as the second half commenced.

The second half was tidier by the Suns, but the Clippers kept the intensity up as they got the win.

Gordon returned to the bench after guard Bradley Beal returned from injury.

The Suns also return to action today when they host the Miami Heat (20-14) at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.

Ayton will try and give it a go today when the Blazers (9-24) play the Mavericks (20-15) on the road again at 8.30 p.m.

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Simba French

Simba French

GSSSA resumes basketball season

GSSSA Basketball
The GSSSA basketball season has resumed at the C.I. Gibson and D.W. Davis gymnasiums.SHELDON LONGLEY Guardian Sports Editor slongley@nasguard.com

The Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) resumed its sports calendar year yesterday with basketball being played at the C.I. Gibson and D.W. Davis gymnasiums.

GSSSA President Varel Davis said that they are having a good season so far and are happy to resume the sporting activities with basketball.

“We had a good cross-country and volleyball season,” Davis said. “We are having an exciting basketball season so far having played two weeks before breaking for Christmas. Everyone was excited to resume the season yesterday. There is no clear-cut champion this year as it is highly competitive this season in both the junior and senior schools.”https://1f79e3a799e2c195b5266ee513f61f29.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“We are looking forward to a highly competitive season with the other sports. The coaches and athletes are working hard in preparing their teams to participate in the activities. The sports calendar is on schedule and we are hoping that it stays that way,” Davis said.

This year is the GSSSA’s 30th anniversary year and Davis said they have a celebration planned for past administrators and coaches.

After basketball, track and field will climax with the GSSSA Track and Field Championships set for February 28 to March 1 at the old Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. That will be followed by cheerleading, baseball/softball, and soccer.

Simba French

Simba French

‘Running In Love’ event set for February 10

Sports Fun Run/Walk
The City of Hope Running In Love Too (2) Fun Run/Walk/Push-Themed Valentine’s 5K event is set for Saturday February 10 at 6 a.m., starting and ending at Arawak Cay.SHELDON LONGLEY Guardian Sports Editor slongley@nasguard.com

On Saturday February 10, starting at 6 a.m., the second annual couples, valentine’s themed 5K (five-kilometer) fun run, walk and push event will take place.

The event, dubbed the City of Hope Running In Love Too (2) Fun Run/Walk/Push-Themed Valentine’s 5K event, is being staged by Four Seasons Race Management, owned and operated by Marcel and Theresa Major.

“This event affords couples to take time out from their busy schedules to do something unique and fun together, while simultaneously increasing health and fitness awareness,” said Marcel ‘Bop’ Major. “It’s going to be a grand event and we look forward to a great turnout.”

Registration is ongoing and interested persons can contact Marcel Major at telephone number (242) 804-8595 for more information.

Sporting leaders’ sneak preview for year 2024

As of Thursday, January 4, 2024

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#As the sporting bodies prepare for the 2024 season, leaders of various local associations and federations expressed their views on what they anticipate to do in their respective disciplines.

#A number of the organisations are either looking forward to hosting a major international event, have to attend one or just simply have to continue to build on their achievements or their lack of performance from last year.

#• Here’s a sneak preview of what our sporting leaders are thinking about for their respective organisations:

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#Bishop Joseph ‘Joe Mo’ Smith

#Bahamas Volleyball Federation president

#Although they have an ambitious season ahead of them, the BVF may not be sure who will lead them until the election of officers takes place at the end of the month. Smith disclosed that a date will be announced once the financial report is ready for the annual general meeting.

#Incumbent president Bishp ‘Joe Mo’ Smith has indicated that he’s not sure if he will be seeking another four-year term as president. Smith, however, was re-elected last year to serve another four-year term as a vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

#“Whoever takes over will have a vigorous year this year because we have implemented an under-15 division at the NORCECA level and they will be competing in one of the three tournaments that we have to go to this year. The other two are the under-17 and under-21.

#“It’s all geared towards youth development and so everything has been placed on the youth this year, trying to rebuild programmes and it’s happening at a great time because we are trying to rebuild our senior programme. So, we are going back to the starting block to start with the younger players.”

#During the last three months of 2023, Smith said the federation engaged the service of Augusto Sabbatini, a FIVB instructor who was in town to work with their local counterparts to help in their redevelopment of their junior programme with both the indoor and beach volleyball. He left in December.

#“That is where the entire region is going and we have to follow suit because all of the countries in the region are doing it,” he said. “It’s been mandated by NORCECA and FIVB. We have already identified some athletes in Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama.

#“So, we just have to get to them and bring them on board which is inclusive of everybody so that we can get the best team assembled to represent the country when those three tournaments are held from May through September.”

#Having served as the president since 2013 after he took over from Don Cornish, whom he worked under as his vice president, Smith said there’s some indication that there will be a three-man race between Kurtwood Greene, Kirk Farquharson and Crystal Forbes at the end of the month to replace him, if he doesn’t seek another term in office.

#If he doesn’t, Smith said he will still remain on the board, but he can walk away knowing that he’s leaving the federation in a good position, having accomplished quite a lot at the international level with both the men and women winning medals and now three males are playing at the pro level.

#His only regret is that volleyball hasn’t been able to make its breakthrough to compete at the Olympic Games, but he said the potential is there for either team to do so. He noted that there is a possibility that a male team could represent the Bahamas at the games in beach volleyball. But that is something the federation will deal with after the elections are held.

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#Anya James

#Bahamas Football Association president

#Having been elected as the first female president of the BFA on May 16, James said she’s eager to get rolling as she continues the first of her four-year tenure in office as they have a busy year ahead of them.

#James, who replaced Anton Sealey, revealed that the women’s beach soccer team, coached by Daria Adderley, will be heading off to compete in their first international tournament January 19-21 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

#Prior to that, the federation will be sending off two of their young referees, Evelt Julmis and Prince Albury, to a course in Trinidad & Tobago from January 11-15.

#“Our focus this year is more of a developmental one,” James said. “We will be having a coach’s course because we want all coaches for all clubs and all levels to have at least a D level licence, which is the first level.”

#That course will take place on January 15.

#“We will then look at going into the Family Islands in March and in August we have plans for our physical education teachers. We will be working with the Ministry of Education to get soccer in the public schools’ curriculum like it is in the primary schools, so we want to get them ready.”

#James noted that the federation also intends to redevelop their Center of Excellence where they will work with their elite players in a programme in an academy during the weekdays at the Roscow Davies Developmental Center.

#As for the men’s international events, James said the federation will be looking at fielding a team for the World Cup Qualifier in March, but she noted that they won’t know when or where they will play until the draw is made.

#“The most exciting thing is we are looking at breaking ground on our new technical centre, which will be located right at the Roscow Davies Developmental Center,” she revealed. “We have gotten the approval from FIFA to start building phase one.

#“So, we will have a really busy year ahead of us.”

#While all of that is taking place, the league play for men and women will begin tonight with make-up games that are carried over from when they started the season in October. The league play will run through May. The youth league will resume on Saturday morning.

#“It’s challenging, but exciting at the same time,” said James, who is one of four women presidents serving in the region. “FIFA is now open to women sitting in the chair and they are encouraging more women to take on the leadership role, so I’m happy to be able to lead the way in the Bahamas.”

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#Drumeco Archer

#Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president

#With their season already started with the Odd Distance Meet in December, Archer said the BAAA is looking forward to another banner year. They hope to open the new year with the T-Bird Flyers Track Classic on Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 2pm at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

#Then on Sunday at 9am, the BAAA is inviting all executives, coaches and athletes to worship at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Lyford Cay, for their blessing on the upcoming season.

#“My expectations are huge,” Archer said. “Our CARIFTA team projects to be as strong or even stronger than it was in 2023. I think that the coaches understand what the expectations are and I believe we’ve had a cultural shift in the federation where we are more aspirant and we believe we can and we will be better than where we once were.”

#After watching the Odd Distance Meet where three athletes attained the qualifying standard for CARIFTA, which will be held in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend, Archer said he’s excited about what is in front of them. “On the senior level, we have some rising stars. Unfortunately, they all won’t be present for the World Relays, but I‘m expecting new talent to emerge in the likes of Keyshawn Strachan, who will have his breakout elite season and Rhema Otabor is expected to be a qualifier for the Olympic Games.

#“Anthaya Charlton is in the best shape of her life and we certainly can’t discount Antoine Andrews. Both on the track and field, we will produce very good results. Devynne Charlton is right there, Shaunae Miller-Uibo has much to prove after her one-year hiatus for childbirth and then of course we expect Steven Gardiner to show up once again.”

#With all this talent and more in their stable, Archer said the BAAA will be off to the track with a “mistake of the old and the new” placing on the Bahamas on the global stage, starting with the World Indoors from March 1-3 in Glasgow, the World Relays here from May 3-4 and ending with the Olympics in Paris, France July 26-August 11.

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#Algernon Cargill

#Bahamas Aquatics president

#Cargill is excited about 2024 for more reasons than one. “Number one, we will be hosting the 2024 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships and will be going after our 6th consecutive CARIFTA swimming title,” he said. “We have the full support of the government and are seeking corporate Bahamas’ support for the 5-time defending champions as we seek to raise $1 million to assist with the cost of hosting 25 additional countries in swimming, open water swimming, and water polo.”

#Cargill revealed that for the first time in CARIFTA Aquatics history, the 18 and over category will be introduced for all events 200 metres and shorter. “This will mean an expanded CARIFTA Aquatics and an opportunity for swimmers to obtain qualifying times for Paris 2024,” he said.

#While the hosting of the CARIFTA is set for March 26 to April 6 in the newly renovated Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, Cargill revealed that four of their senior swimmers – Lamar Taylor, Marvin Johnson, Rhaniskha Gibbs and Victoria Russell – will be heading to the 2024 Doha World Championships in February.

#It’s expected that at least two of these swimmers will get the opportunity to represent the Bahamas at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, in July.

#“Unless our athletes obtain the A qualifying times for Paris 2024, one male and one female will be competing for universality positions. These will be decided by FINA points,” Cargill said. “As of now, Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs are leading. However, all athletes will have until our National Swimming Championships to qualify.”

#BA will host their National Swim Championships in June and that will be the last opportunity in the Americas to qualify for Paris 2024. “We are expecting international athletes to join us at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex,” Cargill said.

#Mako Aquatics are the five-time defending national champions and their head coach Travano McPhee was named the national Coach of the Year.

#Bahamas Aquatics, however, has not yet released where and when their first meet will be held this year as the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Club is currently under renovations for CARIFTA and they haven’t pinned down any of the local swim pools as yet.

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#Perry Newton

#Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association president

#Although there’s a court order hanging over their head, Newton said they are still pressing forward with their plans as they remain dedicated to channelling our resources towards the development of key strategic pillars, including junior development, senior development, officiating and coaches’ education.

#“Concurrently, we aim to provide increased support for the growth, overall development, and expansion of the Island Associations,” he said.

#“The BLTA has outlined plans to host three certification courses this year: two Play Tennis courses and a Level 1 – coaching beginner and intermediate players course.

#“The BLTA will recommend several coaches to participate in an ITF Level 2 – coaching advanced players’ certification course held abroad.”

#As they move forward, Newton said the BLTA’s sporting calendar includes the fielding of four talented junior teams over two weeks, commencing from the last week in February through the first week in March 2024.

#Comprising two male and two female teams, each possesses the potential to secure a top-three finish in their respective events.

#He further noted that the inclusion of confirmed members from this year’s Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup has sparked tremendous excitement.

#“The anticipation is that the BJKC team would secure a top-two finish in Zone 3 and subsequently be promoted and returned to Zone 2 in 2025,” he projected.

#“The Davis Cup Team is also expected to perform admirably, bolstered by capable veterans and a pool of equally talented players. This excitement will persist over the coming months as the BLTA finalises the team rosters.”

#The BLTA, according to Newton, is resolutely committed to encouraging growth as evidenced by the introduction of two new adult tournaments in February and May hosted by the Gym Tennis Club.

#“This adds to a growing complement of tournaments throughout the islands – Sheri Roberts Tournament, BD Classic Tournament (Abaco), Tim’s Refrigeration Tournament, Eye of the Tiger and the Harbor Island Doubles Tournament (Eleuthera) as well as the Senior National’s, Giorgio Baldacci Tournament (Nassau),” he said.

#“The Under-14 National Tournament in Abaco makes a welcome return for its second year in August, alongside the revival of the IC Junior Tournament series, which targets the crucial development age group of 10s and 12s.

#“These tournament additions, strategically placed, aim to enhance engagement and create diverse competition opportunities across various stages of development and skill sets.”

#Newton said the BLTA eagerly anticipates the events scheduled throughout the year and their positive social and financial impact on communities throughout the Bahamas.

#“With a significant increase in the demand for tennis over the previous year, we encourage individuals to seize the opportunities provided through our Play Tennis Bahamas programme (pr@ blta.net) and other initiatives, facilitating the enrollment of adults and children in learning the sport of tennis,” he summed up.

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#Glen Pratt

#Bahamas Professional Golfers Association president

#While he feels that the quality of golf in the Bahamas is at “an all-time low and I don’t see anything changing anytime soon,” Pratt said the Bahamas Golf Federation, as the official governing body of amateur golf in the Bahamas, has become known as the discount store for golf.

#“Bahamians and foreigners become members of the BGF for one reason and one reason only and that is for BGF discount rates at the golf courses,” he said.

#“Junior golf development is designed for two things and two things only and that volume and profit in order for junior golfers to play in a junior golf tournament, he or she must be a member of two organisations, the BGF membership and for profit membership that process would’ve aluminate juniors like myself, Vernon Lockhart, Greg and Phil Maycock, Wayne Bethel, Francis Adderley, Michael Rolle and many other star junior golfers.

#“We all came from the inner-city and could afford to pay for one membership, back then under the leadership of Calvin Cooper, Freddie Higgs and Ken Francis, the junior programme was sponsored the BGF and the corporate community, we as juniors didn’t pay for anything, our job was to get to the golf course, practice and play as much as we can without real professional assistance.”

#In the past, Pratt said there were many Bahamian golf professionals working at every golf course in the Bahamas, thanks to persons like Roy Bowe, Donald ‘Nine’ Rolle, Charlie Saunders and the late Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.

#He added that the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association was given the respect and the authority to govern over professional golf and advise the government of golf-related issues with respect to immigration and labour, international golf tournaments.

#He said that has all changed.

#“With the development of new golf course developments, the foreign golf professionals have all the influence with what happens in professional golf in the Bahamas and the political goons are controlling the employment of foreign golf pros in the Bahamas sadly,” he stated.

#Pratt said the BPGA hopes to change that narrative for the betterment of the sport in the country.

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#Joel Stubbs

#BBFF president

#The issue for the bodybuilding is the fact that while they have put together a vigorous schedule, they had to add a few car-wash fundraisers along with some fitness games challenge events, all in an effort to raise funds to assist with the major 2024 calendar events.

#“The fitness challenge events will bring together a new audience that just loves to work out and not so interested in showcasing their talent on stage,” Stubbs revealed.

#“These individuals will compete amongst each other in a series of eight to ten events, deciding a winner based on proper technique and the amount of repetition in that event.”

#Stubbs, however, said that 2024 is expected to be another exciting year for the federation.

#“Many new faces have emerged, expressing their participation in the upcoming championships,” he projected.

#“Many popular faces have either sidelined themselves or have been promoted to the international professional league, leaving vacancy in the amateur rank.

#“So, we are grateful to see these new faces filling in the vacant spots. There are some great talents preparing for 2024 and we encourage the general public and all of our fans and supporters to come lend us their support once again as we continue to build the sport of bodybuilding.”

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#Varel Davis

#GSSSA president

#As they prepare to begin their GSSSA sporting calendar for 2024, Davis said they are very excited to see what this year will bring.

#“We will resume our basketball season this Thursday,” she said.

#“A lot of our teams are ready and eager to continue to see who will be this year’s 2024 GSSSA basketball champions.”

#This year, the GSSSA will be celebrating the 30th year anniversary of their existence and they have a few exciting things planned.

#“We will celebrate and honour our past members/ coaches who have retired and give greatly to this association and make it what it is today,” she disclosed.

#“Our biggest event is our track and field championship, we hope to make this one of the biggest meets ever held.

#“We also have our cheerleading competition coming up.

#“We look forward to a great year of high school sports and working hand in hand with everyone to continue to make our GSSSA association great. We want the general public, parents, students and our school family to come out and support us.

#“This kind of support goes a very long way, especially for our kids that are participating in the various sporting events.”

#Davis thanked all those persons that supported the GSSSA over the years, especially the sponsors, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, The Principals Association and all their officials in all of their disciplines.

#“Hats off to all our hard working and dedicated coaches who, day in and day out, develop and train our students-athletes,” she said.

#“This year is going to be one of our best years ever. You don’t want to miss it. Happy New Year to all.”

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#Latoya Bain-Sturrup

#NPPPSSA president

#As they say goodbye to 2023, Bain-Sturrup said the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association welcomes 2024 as God has truly been good to them.

#“We are excited to continue with our sporting calendar,” Bain said. “Our remaining sporting events for 2024, by God’s grace, will be just as exciting as last year.”

#Their calendar of events includes their inaugural Cross-Country Meet on Saturday, January 20, although they are still waiting on their venue approval for Fort Charlotte, basketball in January, volleyball and golf tournament in March and their track & field championship in April.

#Davis also announced that the Bahamas Football Association will award all student-athletes who obtain grade point average of 3.0 and above and the NPPPSSA will continue to partner with Blue Lagoon with their clean-up programme of the local beaches.

NACAC Athletics: Sands charts course

As of Thursday, January 4, 2024

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MIKE SANDS

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#HAVING received the confidence of the delegates to serve for another term, Mike Sands said he’s more pleased with the progress his administration made during his first four-year term and he’s eager to proceed with his second term as president of the renamed North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics (NACAC Athletics).

#Re-elected during the under-18 and under-23 championships in Costa Rica in July, Sands said they also made the change in their name to NACAC Athletics to coincide with World Athletics and the European Athletics.

#“That is the brand that we are promoting,” Sands said.

#Hopefully with the name change, Sands said NACAC Athletics can improve on the banner year that they experienced in 2023 as they move forward to accomplishing another banner year in 2024.

#“We hosted the CARIFTA Games here in the Bahamas (in April) that coincided with the Bahamas’ 50th Independence anniversary celebrations,” Sands said. “We held the under-18 and under-23 NACAC Championships in Costa Rica that had a record number of participants.

#“We also had the under-13 and under-15 Championships in the Dominican Republic, which also had a record number of participants and we had the New Life Championships and we had our annual general elections.”

#Sands said they made an amendment to their constitution, which was unanimously passed by the body at a special called meeting in March and, for the first time, NACAC achieved a first with three women being added to the five members sitting on World Athletics Council.

#“For the first time ever, we have advanced the election process for the CARIFTA Games whereby Grenada will host this year’s games over the Easter holiday weekend and we have decided that next year it will be held in Trinidad & Tobago in 2025 and Barbados will be the host in 2026.

#“They have offered themselves and I say offered because I don’t want anybody to think that the Bahamas didn’t have a chance. At the congress, we opened the floor and Trinidad and Barbados offered to host it in 2025 and 2026.”

#The Bahamas Government, according to Sands, has offered to allow NACAC to establish a permanent head office at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

#By virtue of serving as the president, Sands was able to move the office to the stadium, but he said the plans going forward is that the office will remain here whether he’s returned as the president or not in the next elections.

#To cap off the year, Sands said American sprinter Noah Lyles was selected as World Athletics’ Male Track Athlete of the Year for 2023. “That is our year in a nutshell,” Sands said. “So we want to carry the successful year into the new year and build on that momentum and have an equally successful year.”

#Already in their planning process, Sands said the council members are meeting to put together their strategic plans for the ensuing years.

#“We’ve had some people who were elected by the members on their own agenda and they were elected based on what they want to see NACAC do,” Sands said. “But we are taking a different approach and what we will do, when we meet in about two weeks, is that we will bring all those ideas together and see how we can mesh them into a strategic plan so everyone can be inclusive.”

#In the meantime, Sands said they have established a number of commissions, which will allow for more inclusions as the commissions will be allowed to advise the council on the way forward.

#“One of our primary things is our gender leadership. We are very proud of that grouping and we want to continue to work alongside them,” he said. “They have their training workshop coming up in a few weeks as well.

#“So, we have already hit the ground running, including our coaching education where we have had several clinics for our coaches and we hope to have several camps where we train the coaches so to speak and even our gender leadership.”

#As for their competition, Sands said in addition to CARIFTA being staged in Grenada, NACAC will also host the NACAC Open Championships and the New Life Invitational. While the two events took place in Grand Bahama last year, Sands said they are still looking for a place to put them on this year.

#“As in any federation, the biggest challenge is always funding,” he said. “One of the things we are progressively pursuing is a marketing strategy. We hope to secure the funding to do a number of things we want to do in our area, especially with the Olympic Games being held in July.

#“With a number of events being closer at home, we hope it will serve the athletes well so that they don’t have to be all over the globe just before they head to Paris. They have expressed an appetite to compete closer to home and still earn a decent payday. So, we want to provide the prize money at our meets to be able to attract our athletes to compete in our region.”

#One of the highlights of meets for the year will be the return of the World Relays to the Bahamas in May. Although it will be under the jurisdiction of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) with the supervision of World Athletics, Sands said it was agreed it will be mandatory for all countries to participate if they desire to have a relay team compete in Paris.

#“What that means is that there are 16 available spots for the relays and 14 of them in each relay will qualify here in the Bahamas at the World Relays,” Sands revealed. “So, the return of the World Relays to the Bahamas will be bigger than many people anticipate.”

#The sixth edition of the World Relays will run over the weekend of May 4-5 in the newly renovated Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium where the first three editions took place in 2014, 2015 and 2017.