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Getting Ready for the “Race for the Conch”

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READY SET GO, RACE FOR THE CONCH FILE PHOTO

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – Final preparations are underway for 14th annual Turks & Caicos “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim set for Saturday morning June 29, 2024. TCI star
swimmer, Tajhari Williams, will be back to defend his back-to-back first place
finishes in the 2.4 and 1 mile events from last year. He will be contending with
several up-and-coming TCI swimmers also racing for a conch trophy to take
home along with many talented swimmers from abroad.

The beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe will once again be the venue for the
start and the finish. Swimmers will have a choice of three main distances: 2.4
mile, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile in the beautiful turquoise waters of Grace Bay. A 100
meter Children’s Swim for youngsters 10 and under will also be offered.

Race founders/directors, Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann, said that
they anticipate at least 100 swimmers from overseas, mainly the US and
Canada, as well as around 40 local swimmers. “Last year’s event really showed
once more that TCI swimmers can compete and win against top American,
Canadian and UK swimmers who fly in for the race,” said Stubenberg.
Zimmermann added, “It’s truly inspiring to see how far TCI has progressed in
open water swimming right here in their home waters.”

The “Race for the Conch,” rated as one of the top 100 open water races in the
world by World Open Water Swimming Association, has become the biggest
international sports event in the Turks & Caicos. In keeping with the tradition of
buying local, race organizers have collaborated with the following local artists:
Stanford Handfield to carve conch medals for each participant; Lucie Stubbs to
make the plaques that also use conch shells carved by Handfield; Alizee
Zimmermann to design the logo and design for the race T shirts. In addition,
locally created “Proud of My Island” will be the official goodie bags for racers.

The organizers takes seriously the “Eco-SeaSwim” part of the even name by,
among other things, banning sunscreens that are not reef safe. At the venue, all
swimmers will have free access to the official race sunscreen, Caribbean Sol,
which is purely mineral based.

Race for the Conch is a registered TCI nonprofit organization. Proceeds go to
Provo Children’s Home, Reef Fund, TCI Red Cross, and Project Inclusion Turks
& Caicos.

The organizers noted that this event could not take place without dedicated
volunteers along with generous sponsors, and providers. They include: Grace
Bay Club, Ocean Club East, Hartling Group, Experience Turks & Caicos, Whole
Health, Caribbean Bottling Company, Atlantic Aviation, Projetech, Finishing
Touch, SurfSide Ocean Academy, Jafooe Computer Services, Silver Palm
Charters, DJ Dayoh, Got-U-Covered, TCI Red Cross, Big Blue Collective,
Paradise Photography, Luxury Experiences Turks & Caicos, Business Solutions,
LMNT Electrolytes, Natural Trade Distribution, Caicu Naniki Vacation
Adventures, and Marco Travel.

More information about the race, including start times and course description,
can be found on the race website www.ecoseaswim.com.
Note that organizers offer special discounts for TCI residents. They should
register through their swim clubs or at the check-in desk on race day 1.5 hours
before the event start time.

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Sports

Beaches Turks & Caicos Sponsorship Powers SWA Sharks to TCIFA PPL Championship Win

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — SWA Sharks Football Club claimed the championship title and winner’s purse at the 2024–2025 Beaches Turks and Caicos (BTC)-sponsored Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Men’s Premier League (PPL) during a vibrant awards ceremony hosted at the TCIFA headquarters on Venetian Road.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of both the Women’s and Men’s Premier Leagues for the 2024–2025 season, recognizing top players, teams and coaching staff with awards and cash prizes.

President of the PPL, Patrick Baptiste, expressed his gratitude for the sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos, describing it as an attractive investment in the sports of football. “This is a game-changer,” said Baptiste. “It has allowed our semi-professional players to shine while providing quality entertainment for our community. We look forward to even stronger collaboration in the future.”

James McAnally, managing director of Beaches Turks and Caicos, echoed the sentiment. “It’s been a stellar season filled with standout performances and unforgettable moments,” he remarked. “Our sponsorship not only elevated the competition but also created a viable platform for young men to showcase their talent — with games livestreamed to a global audience.” McAnally added, “This initiative helped prepare players for life both on and off the field, reinforcing our commitment to youth development and community support.”

Coach of the Year, Christopher Bryan of the SWA Sharks, highlighted the practical benefits of the sponsorship. “The first-place prize money motivates players and staff to give their all. It also helps us fund our participation in next year’s Caribbean Football Union Club Championships.” Bryan also noted the growing professionalism among players. “They are more focused than ever on improving their game and raising the standard of football across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Team captain Kevern De Bellot praised BTC’s role in elevating the sport. “Their support shows us that corporate partners believe in the value of local football. Now, it is our responsibility to match that belief with performance. Thanks to this sponsorship, we’re building a solid foundation and creating opportunities to be seen by regional and international clubs.”

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon. Rachel Taylor, applauded both the TCIFA and Beaches Turks and Caicos for their partnership. “This initiative represents a significant milestone in the development of local sports,” she said. “It eases financial pressure on the government while creating a sustainable model for youth empowerment, entertainment and national pride.”

In addition to their championship win, the SWA Sharks also secured the knockout title, completing a dominant season. Defending champions Academy Eagles FC finished second, and Teachers FC took third place.

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Bahamas News

D-Squad Basketball Celebrates 20 years with CWCO’s Support  

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS (July 8, 2025) What began as a small effort to give young people a constructive outlet has grown into an impactful summer camp with participants benefiting from structured practices, personal development sessions, and opportunities to compete. This year marked two incredible decades since D-Squad Basketball has been shaping not just athletes, but leaders.

From day one, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) Ltd. (CWCO) has believed in the program’s mission to build character, discipline, and drive in the next generation of Bahamians through the game of basketball.

The D-Squad camp welcomes dozens of boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 19, offering structured training, mentorship, and a safe, empowering space to grow each year. With core values of drive, determination, dedication, and discipline at its foundation, the program has become a staple in the community. It has launched the dreams of young Bahamians and provided lifelong lessons both on and off the court.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         CWCO Board Member, Ethan Adderley, said “Investing in our youth is one of the most meaningful ways we can help build a stronger Bahamas. Programs like D-Squad Basketball offer structure, mentorship, and a sense of purpose. CWCO is proud to stand behind Coach McCoy and the work he’s doing to develop future leaders.”

The water supplier has funded equipment, uniforms, and other essential items so no child is left behind due to financial hardship. From first-time dribblers to college-bound athletes, D-Squad Basketball has reached hundreds of participants over the years.

Founder of D-Squad Basketball, Coach Harcourt McCoy, said, “D-Squad is more than basketball. It is a family, a mindset, and a movement.”

He added, “We have seen kids come through the program and go on to do great things, not just because they were good players, but because they learned how to push through, how to lead, how to believe in themselves. CWCO has been with us from the beginning, and thanks to their belief in our mission, we have been able to reach more children each year.”

As D-Squad celebrates this milestone year, CWCO is honored to continue investing in a program that proves what’s possible when a community comes together to lift its youth.

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Sports

Gridiron Dreams Hit the Islands 

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Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2025 – On July 9, the National Stadium in Providenciales came alive with the sound of cleats, cheers, and ambition as Faion Hicks — NFL cornerback and son of the soil — returned home to host his first-ever American Football Camp in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The camp, organized by the TCI Sports Commission, offered FREE training to girls and boys aged 8–18, delivering high-impact drills, mentorship, and one-on-one coaching from a pro who once stood where they now stand — full of potential and ready to break barriers.

Registration was held at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex, and by kickoff, the field was buzzing with young athletes from across the islands, fired up to learn and dream bigger.

Could this be the start of a TCI-to-NFL pipeline? The talent is here—and now, so is the blueprint.

Next up in the Summer Sports Camp Series: Grand Turk & South Caicos: July 14–18;  North Caicos: July 21–25;  Five Cays, Felix Morley Centre: July 28–31; 9:30 AM – 12 PM | Ages 8–16

Register now via the TCI Sports Commission

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