Bahamas News
Mother, 8-year-old daughter, show kindness to Fox Hill Community
PRESS RELEASE (Matt Maura) – Officials at the Fox Hill Urban Renewal Centre recently partnered with a member of the local community to deliver 21 pairs of Clarks shoes to children in the area – just in time for their return to face-to-face classroom sessions.
A regular donor to the Fox Hill Urban Renewal Centre, Mrs. Antonia R., said the decision to assist other parents and children who may be in need of school shoes for their return to face-to-face classroom instruction, in addition to those children who simply needed the shoes, came while she was purchasing school supplies for her 8-year-old daughter. The shoes came in various designs, colours and sizes.
“I thought about those parents who would have children returning to the classrooms for the first time in a long time and would not be able to afford to purchase shoes for their children because they are unemployed at this time. Though small, I felt that the donation could have a positive impact on a child/children in need of a pair of shoes at this time.”
The family’s willingness to make a difference was also highlighted in December 2020, when 8-year-old Alyssa decided to forego receiving Christmas gifts and instead encouraged family members to purchase gifts for a number of other youngsters whose parents were unemployed.
“She felt sad knowing that there were children who would not be able to receive Christmas gifts this year because their parents may not have had the money to purchase gifts because they were unemployed,” Antonia R. said. “She had already prepared a list of gifts she wanted for Christmas, but decided to forego receiving those gifts and instead purchase gifts for some of those children who otherwise may not have received Christmas gifts.
“This was a decision that she made on her own. She then approached me and other family members to inform us of her plans and to seek our assistance in making them a reality. It made me very happy, very proud, to know that she has a giving nature at such a young age and that she is willing to make sacrifices of her own in order to assist others in their time of need.”
Fox Hill Urban Renewal Centre Manager, Mrs. Sonia Kemp, applauded the donation, adding that the gesture left the children and their families beaming from ear-to-ear.
“The children and their parents were so excited to receive those shoes and everyone left with smiles on their faces,” Mrs. Kemp said. “Our partners have been a God-send. Partnerships are always very helpful given the type of service we extend in providing social assistance to members of the communities that we serve. The government plays a major role in the delivery of social assistance through the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and its various Departments, Divisions and Units, but as the Minister (Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell) constantly says, no government can do it alone and so these partnerships are vital.
“They help us to build stronger Centres, stronger teams, stronger families and stronger communities as we work hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder to meet and address many of the social needs of our clientele, our families and our communities across The Bahamas,” Mrs. Kemp added.
By Matt Maura (BIS)
Header: Mrs. Sonia Kemp, Centre Manager, Fox Hill Urban Renewal Centre (left), outfits a toddler with one of the 21 pairs of Clarks that were recently donated by Mrs. Antonia R. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
Insert: Clarks shoes in various sizes, colours and designs comprised the donation made by Mrs. Antonia R. to the Fox Hill Urban Renewal Centre for distribution to the Fox Hill Community. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
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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