The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IT'S not every day that, in the aftermath of a successful event, organisers get to mix and mingle with their sponsors in show of appreciation. Last month at the conclusion of the ninth annual Star Performers Track Classic, JR McDonald, president of Baker Concrete International, hosted a reception at his home on Paradise Island. The meet, held February 4 at Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium, was sponsored by Baker Concrete International and Greyco Limited. "When we looked at their programme, we discovered that it was a non-profit organisation, their focus was on academic achievement and not just sports, so it was something that we didn't have a problem supporting," McDonald said. "Our goal was to give something back to the community and help these young kids become something in the future and this is a great way to do it. We enjoyed doing it and we know the kids had a great time. So we have enjoyed our involvement in the programme." McDonald said the Star Trackers Track Club is not the only club or sporting organisation in the country that is fulfilling the criteria he outlined above. It's just one that they have agreed to support. "We can't support them all. We had to pick one. When the Star Trackers came to us, we signed up with them and we are very pleased to be with them," he said. Before the night was done, the Star Trackers' coaching staff presented McDonald and his wife with a portrait of 14 of the 17 senior athletes who are now competing in the US on athletic scholarships. Head coach Davis Charlton said it was so important for Star Trackers to recognise and show their gratitude for all those persons who have helped to make their meet a success. "From our sponsors JR McDonald and their company to our sorority sister clubs, along with our executives, coaches and most importantly the parents, we felt it was important that we all be recognised and show our appreciation to all of them," Charlton said. On hand to join in the appreciation night were Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations president Mike Sands and vice president Sherwin Stuart. Sands, joking that he welcomed everyone to his home (that of McDonald), said it's always good to be around people who enjoy being around each other. "The Star Trackers Family is a real family," he said. "I take the time every chance I get to congratulate the Star Trackers family. I enjoy the work that you do with the emphasis placed on the education of the young people. "At the end of the day, when they are finished with their athletic careers, they have to use what they have to get what they want. As Mr McDonald said, the job market is not that great, but at the end of the day, we have to prepare these athletes for the future." Sands then turned to McDonald and said they are appreciative of their support of the Star Trackers because, by extension, they are assisting the BAAA in its programme. McDonald said he is pleased with what he has seen in the growth and development of the meet and that Baker Concrete International and Greyco Limited will continue to support the Star Trackers in their future endeavors.