Bahamas News
Top Swimmers Ready for Bahamas National Swimming Championships
#Nassau, June 7, 2019 – Bahamas – After a spectacular winning performance on the CARIFTA 2019 international stage, swimmers are diving headfirst into the Bahamas Aquatic Federation’s 48th National Swimming Championships this June.
Erald Thompson, Assistant Treasurer of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, said spectators can look forward to “a wonderful and exciting time, with new records being set” when the athletes hit the water at the Betty-Kelly Kenning Aquatic Center between June 20 and June 24 for the event.
Jamilah Hepburn, who has been swimming for six and half years, said she lives for the competition.
“There are a lot of things I like about swimming, but what I like most is the competition, because I love the adrenaline rush before a race and after a win. So the National Swimming Championships as well as other meets are a big deal to me.”
Jamilah explained, “I started swimming as part of my physical therapy following a leg injury. The doctor recommended swimming and I liked it, so I never stopped. It was a really big part of my recovery and now I definitely plan to pursue it professionally and swim in the NCAA. Competitions like this help me prepare for that in the future.”
The team recently received sponsorship support from CIBC FirstCaribbean when Marketing Manager Nikia Christie visited the swimmers during one of their practice sessions at the pool recently.
“We know The Bahamas has many talented swimmers. This year our CARIFTA team accomplished an amazing feat by winning the regional meet for a third year in a row. This sport not only encourages healthy competition and physical activity, it also provides educational opportunities and promotes positive youth development – a major focus of our bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. So CIBC FirstCaribbean is proud to come on board as a corporate sponsor to support the young athletes as they prepare for the upcoming National Swimming Championships.”
Georgette Albury, Team Manager for CARIFTA 2018/2019 and CCCAN 2018/2019, said, “Swimming is a year-round event and this sponsorship will go a long way, even beyond Nationals. We will use this money to take the swimmers to international meets. They recently just came back from CARIFTA – which they won for the third time in a row with 73 medals total – and right after Nationals they’ll be competing in CCCAN.”
Erald Thompson said, “I think our country is a melting pot of talent when it comes to sports. A lot of Bahamians are into baseball, swimming, track and field, etc., and they always perform well on the international stage. Our athletes need support, and I hope that the government and corporate Bahamas value these kids more and show that through donating more to the Bahamas Aquatics Federation.
“We’d also like to say thank you to the corporate sponsors who did help us this year, including CIBC FirstCaribbean. We couldn’t have the Bahamas National Swimming Championships without them,” he added.
Release: CIBC FirstCaribbean International
Photo Caption:Top swimmers are ready to make a splash at the 48th Bahamas National Swimming Championships this June, thanks in part to support from corporate sponsor CIBC FirstCaribbean. L to R: Samuel Gibson, Davante Carey, Bahamas Aquatics Federation Assistant Treasurer Erald Thompson, CIBC FirstCaribbean Marketing Manager Nikia Christie, Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson, Leylah Knowles, Kaliyah Albury, Jamilah Hepburn, and Anya MacPhail.
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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