Bahamas News
CIBC FirstCaribbean Hosts 12th Walk for the Cure
Nassau, Bahamas, 15th October 2023 – Cancer survivors, corporate and individual supporters recently painted the country pink and purple as they ran, jogged and walked for the cure.
Bringing together hundreds of participants for a time of fitness and fellowship, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure (WFTC), was held in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.
The nationwide event kicked off at sunrise with warm-up activities and concluded with a mini health fair, bringing together supporters of various ages.
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, thanked sponsors, participants and volunteers for their part in making the event a success.
“During Walk for the Cure, we celebrate the survivors among us, remember those who have fought a good battle and passed on, and recognize the reason for WFTC- to raise funds for the awareness, education, care and support of those fighting the deadly disease called cancer.”
The funds raised from WFTC are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.
Gandize Reckley, with the goal of claiming the “best dressed” title for the third year in a row, decided to participate in New Providence’s WFTC again in recognition of being a 16-year breast cancer survivor.
She was joined by 59-year-old Z. Eve Maycock Dorssett, a member of Just Run Bahamas and Early Birds Run Club, who has participated in WFTC since its inception, and Ranay Roberts, an employee of WFTC bronze sponsor, Oriental Cleaners, who participated for the first time this year with her 7-year-old daughter, Janay Roberts, and plans to come out again in 2024.
The Abaco WFTC event had a crowd spanning all age groups with a record number of young participants. Numerous Grand Bahama participants came dressed in creative outfits including wigs and feather boas, as Eleuthera eagerly launched its walk from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour.
Last year’s walk generated $51,000 for cancer care organizations across The Bahamas including the Cancer Society
of Abaco, Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. Since the walk’s inception in 2011, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised over 3.5 million dollars across the region for the fight against cancer.
Photo Captions:
Header: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) 2023 brought together hundreds of supporters over the weekend. The event took place in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.
1st insert: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Eleuthera participants eager to start from the recently relocated branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour.
2nd insert: Walk for the Cure (WFTC) Grand Bahama participants gather after jogging, running and walking for the cure.
3rd insert: Gandize Reckley, a 16-year breast cancer survivor, met her goal of winning “best dressed” at this year’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC) for the third year in a row.
4th insert: CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, hands out roses to cancer survivors at this year’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC).
5th insert: A record number of children participated in CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC) in Abaco.
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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