Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Minister Pintard says it’s time to bring home elite sporting coaches
#Bahamas, May 01, 2018 – Grand Bahama– Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard said it is in the country’s collective economic interest to bring outstanding, international renowned Bahamian coaches back home, whether on full time or a part-time basis, in order to attract Bahamian elite athletes and their friends to come and train in The Bahamas.
He said that the Bahamas has a commitment from the IAAF to put in place a High Performance Academy for sprinters and jumpers.
“But that would only happen to the extent that we have physiotherapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, elite coaches who are available, and outstanding facilities, to make sure that we succeed,” said Minister Pintard.
“The government is committed to working in this regard and we will do our part and we appeal to the private sector to work partner with us.”
The Sports Minister’s remarks came during a ceremony for the dedication of a mural, featuring the Golden Knights, on Monday, April 23 at the roundabout of Jubilee Way and Coral Road. All four of the Golden Knights – Chris Brown, Michael Mathieu, Demetrius Pinder and Ramon Miller – who won the gold medal in the men’s 4 x 400 meter relay at the Olympic Games in 2012, were in Grand Bahama for the special ceremony.
The unique, 3-D artwork, which sits in one of the busiest roundabouts on the island, was created by Artist Jacki Boss.
In paying special tribute to the Golden Knights and all of the Bahamian athletes who have helped to put The Bahamas in the world’s spotlight, Minister Pintard also pointed out the significant role coaches play in causing The Bahamas to experience such sporting success.
He said the time has come to bring back home many of those Bahamian coaches who are coaching overseas and are anxious to return home to continue doing what they love. He noted that at just about every major competition he has attended, he has noticed that there are Bahamian coaches grooming athletes from other countries to compete in those major events.
“Many of them are prepared to accept less salary than where they are located, in order to come home. The government, in and of itself, does not have the capacity to pay all of those salaries, but public, private partnerships may provide the key — “but it has to be a deliberate, strategic effort by the public and the private sector.”
He noted, “I am appreciative that many of our athletes have been so nationalistic in their focus that they have been prepared, despite many inducements offered around the world to remain committed to the colours that matter most – the colours of our Bahamian flag. These are the colours that really matter.
“So, we want to say ‘thank you’ to them for sacrificing personal comforts, because of their nationalism.”
By Andrew Coakley
PHOTO CAPTIONS
GOOD TO SEE YOU – Member of Parliament for Pineridge, the Hon. Frederick McApline (right) shakes hands with Michael Mathieu, one of the Golden Knights, as they arrived for a special dedication ceremony of a mural dedicated to the Knights’ accomplishment at the 2012 Olympic Games. Also on hand to greet the special guests was Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Michael Pintard. (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
MAKE IT OFFICIAL – Golden Knight Demetrius Pinder prepares to cut the ribbon to officially dedicate a mural (in background) that was painted by Jacki Boss to honor the Golden Knights, during a special ceremony on Monday, April 23, 2018. On hand for the special event were (from right) Ian Rolle (GBPA President); Frederick McAlpine (MP for Pineridge); Iram Lewis (Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works); the Hon. Michael Pintard (Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture); Ramon Miller (Golden Knight), Chris Brown (Golden Knight) Sarah St. George (Acting Chairman/GBPA); Demetrius Pinder (Golden Knight); Michael Mathieu (Golden Knight); Henry St. George (Vice-President/GBPA); Fred Sturrup, Jacki Boss (Artist) and Troy McIntosh (Manager of City Maintenance, GBPA). (BIS Photo/Andrew Coakley)
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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