Bahamas News
Minister Sweeting Congratulates Participants of the ‘Best of the Best Regatta’
By BETTY VEDRINE
Bahamas Information Services
#NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 17, 2023 – Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting congratulated the sailors and other participants of the fifth ‘Best of the Best Regatta’ during a Closing Out and Trophy Presentation ceremony held on Sunday, 4th December 2022. 
The Regatta was held at Montagu Bay November 30 – December 4. The Closing Out and Trophy Presentation on Sunday evening was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper.
“The fifth ‘Best of the Best Regatta’ — the regatta of champions is now over; like they say all good things must come to an end!” said Mr. Sweeting.
“Over the last four days, you have courageously battled winds, waves and challenging conditions to be fittingly called the ‘Best of the Best.’ I am sure that all the sailors in every class have enjoyed their experiences. For me, an important component of regattas is [strengthening] of bonds that already exist in the Bahamian sailing community as well as the people who enjoy the cultural atmosphere. I have experienced firsthand by sailing with many of you throughout the year and at this event the camaraderie and passion for the sport. You have displayed outstanding skills during the past four days but above all, a true love for the sport of sailing.”
He said that although the event has only been staged a few times, it as made a ‘significant’ contribution to the development of sailing. “Bahamians and visitors from all walks of life enjoy this event through the entertainment, food and fun it provides. This is made possible by teamwork led by Barry Wilmott at the (Ministry’s) Regatta Desk, the Best of the Best Committee, and the staff at the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure a successful event. As Minister, I am so proud of my
team and you all should be proud of the work you’ve done in maintaining the standard of excellence of this event, especially after a two-year hiatus.”
He also thanked the announcers – Commodore Danny Strachan, Dwight Hart and Reverend Philip McPhee for their participation as they were featured in the broadcast seen by local and international viewers.
He said the four days featured ‘exhilarating’ races from A, B, C, and E classes. “I am particularly proud of the E-Class that consists of young people between the ages of 12 – 15 years. It demonstrates that the level of participation in regattas will only grow. You are the future of this magnificent sport and I know you will make us proud. And for our veteran classes, it is fantastic to see that the pandemic did not deter your passion for this sport and that many of you saw it as an opportunity to improve your boats — some even began building new ones. We know that because of this, the Best of the Best will only get better.”
He wrapped up by thanking the sponsors. “We also want to thank our sponsors, BTC, Caribbean Bottling, Bahamas E-Vac, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) and the Department of Local Government, who helped to make this event a success. Congratulations to all of you and I look forward to next year’s Best of the Best Regatta!”
PHOTOS
BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna
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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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