#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – Caribbean Football Union (CFU) staged the 2021 Girls Under-14 and Boys Under-14 Challenge Series on August 22-29. In previous years, different countries hosted groups. This year’s editions were all in one place- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and played across four stadiums. The Under-14 Challenge Series Tournaments are usually held in alternating years, however, last year’s edition for the boys was postponed due to the pandemic and resulting restrictions, hence the staging of both competitions this year. Therefore, all boys who were eligible to play last year were allowed to play this year, to avoid disenfranchisement.

The Challenge Series serves as a development competition for young teams, and also provides an opportunity for budding referees to spread their wings. Selected from respective territories, the tournament gave these individuals some of the much-needed international experience required to advance. Turks and Caicos Islands referees, Ancie Bernadin and Wilkiens Martin, were both invited to participate as fourth officials.

The tournament was played in a round-robin Format, with each team playing one match against the other teams in the same group. Teams were grouped based on their skillset, divided into two tiers – Tier I and Tier II. Turks and Caicos Islands girls were drawn into Tier II along with Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts & Nevis and United States Virgin Islands. For the boys, Turks and Caicos Islands was drawn into Tier II along with Aruba, Bonaire, and US Virgin Islands.

Despite very competitive performances in all of their games, the Boys were not able to advance beyond the group stage.

However, Turks and Caicos Girls team was able to qualify from their group games to the finals against a very talented Aruba team. After a grueling match, Aruba won 3-0, a score which is not truly reflective of the tightness of the game. The Girls came second overall which was a historic result, as it marked the first time any team from TCI (male or female, junior or senior) competed in a final of a regional football tournament.

“I am beyond proud of our team and what they have accomplished. This experience is the true definition of ‘hard work pays off’. The girls are ecstatic and more focused than they have ever been. They are more motivated to play their best. And, they realize and acknowledge this historical moment for both the TCIFA and Turks and Caicos Islands. Our team has played a good defensive game that helped them to push forward in the competition, along with aggression and good shape. It feels amazing to have reached this far, and we are truly excited about our journey and future competitions,” said Girls U14 Head Coach, Olivia Graveley.

President of the TCIFA, Sonia Fulford reflected that “this tournament was an opportunity to provide international competition for our young boys and girls players. The performances of both teams were tremendous showing growth and development and speaks well for the future as we anticipate the matriculation of these players to the senior teams. I am especially delighted in the history making performance of our young female players who reached the finals and were runners-up in this international tournament. I would like to thank the parents of all our young players for entrusting us with their children and allowing us the opportunity to assist in their development both on and off the football field.”

BOYS RESULTS:

SUNDAY AUGUST 22

TURKS AND CAICOS 1 – BONAIRE 2

MONDAY AUGUST 23

ARUBA 2 – TURKS AND CAICOS 1

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25

TURKS AND CAICOS 1 – US VIRGIN ISLANDS 2

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

BONAIRE 2 – TURKS AND CAICOS 0

GIRLS RESULTS:

SUNDAY AUGUST 22

CURACAO 0 – TURKS AND CAICOS 2

MONDAY AUGUST 23

TURKS AND CAICOS 2 – ST. KITTS & NEVIS 1

THURSDAY AUGUST 26

US VIRGIN ISLANDS 0 – TURKS AND CAICOS 0

FRIDAY AUGUST 27

ARUBA 2- TURKS AND CAICOS 0

SUNDAY AUGUST 29, TIER II FINAL

ARUBA 3 – TURKS AND CAICOS 0

#TheBahamas, August 30, 2021 – Escape to the turquoise waters of The Bahamas to explore ultimate island seclusion and marvel at the natural wonders beneath the surface. With new adventure-seeking excursions, renovated amenities and hot deals, travellers looking to book their next vacation are in for an unforgettable experience.

NEWS

UNEXSO Announces New Glass Bottom Boating Experience to Shark Junction – The most adventurous and thrill-seeking travellers can now enjoy the newest boat excursion from Port Lucaya, the Glass Bottom Boat to Shark Junction Tour, with three lively stops including the world famous “Shark Junction,” home to dozens of Caribbean Reef Sharks, nurse sharks and large stingrays.

Tiger Woods Returns to Albany for the 2021 Hero World Challenge – World-renowned golfer and luxury resort co-owner, Tiger Woods, prepares to host the 2021 Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas beginning Monday, November 29 – December 5, 2021, to support youth education across the globe.

State-of-the-Art Superyacht Friendly Marina Opens in Walker’s Cay, Northern Abacos – Owners Carl and Gigi Allen welcome back fishermen to the boating capital of The Bahamas with the reopening of Walker’s Cay. The newly enlarged marina can accommodate superyachts and plans to add additional amenities including a pool, spa and bungalows.

Tropic Ocean Airways Launches Airlift Services from Great Harbour Cay – Beginning September 2, Tropic Ocean Airways adds scheduled flight options to Great Harbour Cay in the Berry Islands. Floridians can now book stress-free services from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bimini and The Berry Islands.

The Bahamas Nominated for “Caribbean’s Best Casino Destination 2021” – The Islands of The Bahamas have been nominated for the World Casino Awards. Travellers can cast their votes for free online now through October 15, 2021.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

For a complete listing of deals and packages for The Bahamas, visit www.bahamas.com/deals-packages.

Grab a Drink and Stay Awhile at Margaritaville Beach Resort – When staying 14 days or longer at Margaritaville Beach Resort, guests receive special pricing up to 40% off regular rates. Travel window is now through December 31, 2021.

$150 Fee Credit for Out Island Vacationers150 – Private pilots receive a $150 fee credit for a pre-booked two-night hotel stay at any participating Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board member property before October 31, 2021.

#TheBahamas, August 6, 2021 – Our small island nation has woken up for a second consecutive morning to joy at the success of one of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo has defended her 400m gold medal won at the 2016 Olympics in a dominant performance. She is now a back-to-back gold medalist at the 400m. This achievement comes one day after Steven Gardiner won gold in the men’s 400m.

Shaunae has been a global talent from her days as a junior athlete. Through hard work, sacrifice and discipline she has become one of the great track athletes of her generation.

The entire Bahamas is celebrating with Shaunae and her family at this historic win.

I congratulate her on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas.

Shaunae and Steven have shown the world that great things come from this small island nation. We will celebrate with them when they return to The Bahamas.

This is a great day for The Bahamas!

Release: Office of the Prime Minister

Commonwealth of The Bahamas