Bahamas News
Sharlyn Smith, Sharon Wilson & Co, Toasts UB ‘Education Transforms Lives’ November 15 2017
#Bahamas, November 18, 2017 – Nassau – When prominent attorney Sharlyn Smith asked the perfectly coiffed, clothed and cultured island A-listers to raise their glasses and toast to the vision of University of The Bahamas (UB) and the value of education, she realized that beyond the lavish draping, shimmering lights, silk-covered tables and fine champagne, the evening held a serious message – excellence and opportunity made possible through education.
Sharlyn Smith & Dr. Rodney Smith
“On the first anniversary of the University of The Bahamas’ charter, this event helps to realize the vision of the university as the nation’s primary resource for research, innovation and community engagements while ensuring that the University will meet its mission of advancing and expanding access to higher education,” she said. “Supporting this function was a natural outreach for our firm with our many links to the community. We also recognize that along with giving, Sharon Wilson & Co. benefits from the commitment to education that is a hallmark of this institution. Among our complement of six attorneys and talented administration staff are four members of the alumni of this prestigious university.”
Many more in the well-heeled crowd were clients and colleagues of the firm founded in 2000 and headquartered on East Shirley Street. Along with its strong support for UB, the firm has been a platinum sponsor of the National Youth Choir for more than 10 years and sponsors the Landlord and Tenant Prize at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
The evening drove home the personal nature of giving to Mrs. Smith. Her mother, Sharon Wilson, a woman with a list of titles as long as a good memory — former Chief Magistrate and twice President of the Senate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas – was the first in her family to receive a college education and it took a scholarship to help get her through.
“The principal in our firm was the first in her family to receive a college education, also with the benefit of scholarship,” Mrs. Smith said at the event organized to raise funds to endow scholarships for those who are first in their family to attend college.
It was a night that was all about firsts – the first University of The Bahamas’ President’s Gala Soiree to raise funds for the first in a family to be college bound, the first time the Harry C. Moore Library was transformed into a setting that was so glamorous and glittering Hollywood would have been proud. More than 200 people attended the event.
Press Release: DPA News
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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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