Bahamas News
Fidelity Bank tops list of major corporate sponsors supporting the Bahamas Feeding Network’s inaugural golf tournament
Beck Group, Royal Caribbean, Commonwealth Bank, Aventus Ventures, Four Seasons Ocean Club, Insurance Management and more join cause
#TheBahamas, September 5, 2022 – Days after ‘Tee Off for Hunger,’ the Inaugural Bahamas Feeding Network Golf Tournament, was announced, many of the country’s top companies have jumped on board to sponsor the fund-raiser with an ambitious goal of providing more than 50,000 meals to help in the fight against hunger.
Fidelity Bank, with a $15,000 donation, is the title sponsor with Aventus Ventures and Commonwealth Bank becoming the most recent to support the cause as platinum sponsors of the tournament slated for Ocean Club Golf Course, Paradise Island, on September 25.
Deltec, Simplified Lending, J.S. Johnson, Lombard Odier & Cie, and the New Providence Ecology Park are gold sponsors, while the green sponsors include Paradise Games and Jimmy’s Wines and Spirits.
The Beck Group, Royal Caribbean International and The Ocean Club, along with numerous other businesses, have collectively donated tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.
“On a monthly basis, the Bahamas Feeding Network requires $120,000 to provide over 70,000 meals to Bahamians in need. And given that the organization is run almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, it’s extremely efficient in its use of donations, allocating just a small percentage towards administration costs,” explained BFN’s Chairman Felix Stubbs.
Mario Carey, who is the tournament’s host, said the Bahamas Feeding Network’s efforts have never been more important.
“We want to bring awareness and remind people that we do have an issue with hunger in The Bahamas,” he said.
“You know, we always heard about people halfway across the world who are struggling with hunger.
“But the reality is that hunger is at our doorsteps here in The Bahamas. Every day there are thousands of Bahamians who don’t know where the next meal is coming from.”
Citing recent hurricanes, the COVID pandemic, and record inflation, Carey said the outlook is grim for many Bahamians.
“This golf tournament is just one way of raising money for the cause and bringing awareness to this social issue,” he said.
Founded in 2013, the Bahamas Feeding Network currently distributes food through a network of nearly 100 churches, soup kitchens and feeding centres. Each recipient is responsible to report back to BFN who parcels went to and how many members of family or recipients were fed, keeping track of distribution and ongoing needs.
And while the Bahamas Feeding Network’s ceaseless work is enough to draw attention to its cause, the tournament, which will be a two man-scramble, Carey hopes the impressive prizes up for grabs will put it over the top.
Player prizes include a Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise for two; a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar; golf and lunch at Albany; and golf lessons with Mike Simms at Atlantis, among many others.
At the 12th hole, players also have a chance to win a new Mercedes vehicle, courtesy of Insurance Management and Tyreflex, by sinking a hole-in-one.
Those interested in playing can sign up at https://bahamasfeedingnetwork.org/golf.html.
A silent auction, which is now live on Bahamas Local, features a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise; Dallas Cowboys Field level seats and two rounds of golf at Trinity Forest Golf Club, courtesy of the Beck Group; two days at the 2023 US Open Golf Championship at Los Angeles Country Club, also courtesy of the Beck Group; a two-night stay at Four Seasons Ocean Club Resort; along with numerous other top-tier experiences, including dining experiences at Sapodilla, Graycliff and Café Matisse.
Interested individuals can bid at https://auction.bahamaslocal.com.
Raffle prizes include gift certificates to numerous Nassau businesses, including Kelly’s, A. Baker and Sons and Bristol Cellars.
Carey urged the public to support the tournament and the Bahamas Feeding Network in its ongoing efforts to combat hunger across the country.
“The need is there and it’s not going away,” said Carey.
“And the Bahamas Feeding Network is looking for as much support as it can get to continue its important work.
“We encourage anybody who has an interest in playing in a fun golf tournament to sign up because there are a lot of great prizes.
“And if you’re not a player, please consider lending your support by participating in the auction or raffle.”
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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