Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: DPM encouraged Tabernacle Falcon champions to focus on books as well
#Bahamas, April 23, 2018 – Grand Bahama – Tabernacle Baptist Academy, the 2018 National High School Basketball Champion and the Hugh Campbell Basketball Champion, was on Monday praised for its athletic success and encouraged to continue to strive for that success. However, its winning team members, the Tabernacle Falcons, were urged to also focus on their academics.
The Falcons, accompanied by their principal Edward Johnson, as well as the coaching staff of the basketball team, made a courtesy call on Acting Prime Minister (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, at the Office of the Prime Minister.
While congratulating the group on their success, the group was reminded that exams are near and it is now time to focus on their books. “I want to encourage you to continue to focus on making yourselves better. Nothing happens without hard work and sacrifice. There are many roads to success and some of them are easy, others take time and commitment. The easy ones, are normally short lived. Instant success. But you also have instant failure because you have not built and honed your craft and skill, such that it takes you through the hard times. You have made the sacrifice that’s necessary to build that character that takes you through the disappointing times.
“I want to encourage you to put in the work. Don’t mind people who have early success, because a lot of them don’t make it to the end. Those who persevere. Even in academics, you know. You see people who are doing well in high school early, and a lot of them don’t follow through. They don’t learn how to study, they don’t learn how to apply themselves because it comes easy. They can read a book and they can regurgitate it. But that only takes you so far.
“If you don’t have that commitment, you don’t know how to discipline yourself to focus and you will fall. This can be devastating to some. So I want to encourage you again to put in the hard work. Understand that nothing comes without sacrifice. There are no instants in this life. No instants. You have to work.”
Also present was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis. As a former Olympian, he was able to give advice from a personal 
standpoint. He noted the very talented athletes, likening them to players on NBA teams like the Detroit Pistons and LA Lakers.
“You’ve made Grand Bahama proud. I want to urge you to remain focused, dedicated to the cause. I recognize that you realize you are a student-athlete first. Stay focused in your academics. What is done in the classroom is what will carry you at the end. Stay in the classroom and get your diploma, get your degree, get your professional qualification. Always have basketball as something to fall back on.”
In closing, Mr. Lewis reminded the young men that while their names were on the back of their jerseys, they represented their school, their community and as such, were ambassadors of their country.
By: Robyn Adderley
PHOTO CAPTIONS
COURTESY CALL – The Tabernacle Falcons Basketball Champions made a courtesy call on the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest, on Monday in celebration of their recent championship win at the Hugh Campbell Basketball Championship. Shown with the team from left are: Ronald Woodside, Assistant Coach; Iram Lewis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works; Edward Johnson, principal, Tabernacle Baptist Academy; Minister Turnquest; Kevin Clarke, coach; and Marisol Jones, supervisor at Pizza Hut. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
PRESENTATION – Following a courtesy call on Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest (second from right), and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works — students of Tabernacle Baptist Academy (second from left) made t-shirt presentations. The group celebrates their championship wins at the 2018 National High School Basketball Championship and the Hugh Campbell Basketball Championship. Alfredo Brown, head boy and Desmond Butler, team captain, are seen making the presentation. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT – During a courtesy call made by the Tabernacle Baptist Academy basketball team on Monday, April 16, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest gave the young men words of encouragement. He said that while they were good athletes, it was important that they focused on their education as well. Also present during the courtesy call was Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Iram Lewis. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
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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