Bahamas News
Bahamas Welcomes Dignitaries and Delegates for Commonwealth Youth Games
Bahamas, July 18, 2017 – Nassau – The Bahamas will take centre stage this week as the country hosts the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games July 18-23. During a press conference held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Monday, July 17, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard welcomed the delegation, which included Secretary-General, Commonwealth Nations, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC and President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin.
“I would like to take this occasion to welcome the dignitaries and guests of the 64 countries represented during these games,” said Minister Pintard. “This is an important occasion largely because each time we pour into our young people, we are essentially shaping our future.”
Mr. Pintard that that the event is not only a ‘sporting’ one but also a ‘cultural’ one, which gives Bahamians the opportunity to display their athletic and cultural talents. In addition, the Minister said that events such as the Commonwealth Youth Games, provide the opportunity for economic growth as they add to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said that currently, the government is in the process of trying to tap into ways to monetize these types of events, which are huge undertakings for small countries like The Bahamas.
Secretary General, Commonwealth Nations, the Rt. Hon.Patricia Scotland, said that it was a ‘huge pleasure’ and ‘privilege’ for the event to be staged in the Caribbean. She said that the last time the event was held in the Caribbean was in l966. She encouraged the young athletes to do their best during the six-day event.
“Young athletes of today tend to become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Baroness Scotland. “And so we must do everything possible to help to maximize their potential.”
Also delivering brief remarks was President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin, who expressed her pleasure at being in The Bahamas.
“We were so impressed with the facilities here when we did our tour earlier, therefore, we believe that this will be a wonderful experience for both the athletes and your beautiful country, The Bahamas.”
President of the Bahamas Local Olympics Committee, Wellington Miller also welcomed the dignitaries and guests and encouraged the athletes to “do their best.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), Dexter Cartwright also delivered remarks and said that BTC was proud to be the title sponsor for the event.
Young athletes from 64 nations and territories will participate in the six-day event, which will include: Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming), Beach Soccer, Boxing, Cycling (Road), Judo, Rugby Sevens, Tennis and Beach Volleyball.
The Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games will be the largest international sporting event ever to be hosted in The Bahamas, and the largest-ever edition of the Youth Games, with up to 1,300 athletes aged 14-18 set to participate in a mix of personal development, competition and long lasting friendships.
The Bahamas Commonwealth Games Association and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture coordinated the games.
This will be the second edition of the Youth Games to be held on a Small Island Developing State, following the Games in Samoa in September 2016. It is part of the Federation’s commitment to partner and support peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Commonwealth communities. It will also be the first Commonwealth Games event to be held in the Caribbean for over 50 years, with Commonwealth athletes last participating in the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
Story by: Betty Vedrine
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
At Commonwealth Youth Games Press Conference, July 17, 2017 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, seated from left: Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard; President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Louise Martin; President of the Bahamas Olympic Committee Wellington Miller.
(BIS Photos/Derek Smith)
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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