The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The stage has been set. Three men, including the incumbent, an interim and a newcomer, will contest the position as president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA).

While Iram Lewis, the new kid on the block, was the first to officially launch his campaign a couple weeks ago, Mike Sands followed last week when he made his claim to return to office.

This week, however, Curt Hollingsworth, who in 2008 led a revolt to have Sands removed from office with a vote of no confidence, presented his case as to why he is the best man for the job - again.

The three will contest the top spot when the BAAA goes to the election polls at the Colina Insurance Company on Collins Avenue on Saturday morning

The election of officers will be a part of the BAAA annual general meeting that is scheduled to begin tonight at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

Hollingsworth, who is campaigning under the theme: ‘Real People-Real Vision, Empowering World Class Coaches & Athletes,’ said although it appears that he’s coming out of the gate late, he has been working aggressively on the ground, touching bases with the delegates, who ultimately will make the final decision on the outcome of the elections.

“It was something that I was encouraged to do by the members of the association, who felt that I still had something to offer to the organisation,” said Hollingsworth on his decision to run again. “So I decided that it is something that I wanted to do and that is why I’m coming to give it one more opportunity and see if the entire membership supports my effort.

“If they accept my effort, then I will give them the kind of representation that I believe that the organisation deserves and that is basically how I feel about it.”

Hollingsworth, an educator by profession (currently serving as the vice principal at St Anne’s High School), said he is prepared for the challenge ahead of him.

A part of his mission is to:

• Develop a stronger culture in athletics

• Include people of all ages throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas

• Compete and attend track meets, while maintaining a positive image in the various communities throughout the country

Although he hasn’t officially named a slate of officers, Hollingsworth said he is prepared to work with whoever is elected. But he will be committed to the following:

• Restore and maintain a positive image

• Increase overall participation

• Increase membership

• Ensure coaches continue their education

• Recruit

• Increase attractiveness

• Ensure loyalty

As a part of his mandate for the association, Hollingsworth said he wants to establish the following committee:

• Advisory committee (comprising the elected council members)

• Athletes commission

• Fund raising committee

• Coaches commission

• Disciplinary committee

• Educational committee (spearheaded by trained educators)

• Medical/Anti-Doping committee

To ensure that the association maximises its efforts, Hollingsworth said if elected, he will ensure that the finance becomes more self-sustainable by implementing a marketing team that will ensure the success of their strategies, establish a foundation for the federation and secure a three-year contract with all sponsors.

The Family Islands will not be left too far behind New Providence and Grand Bahama as Hollingsworth said he will continue with the vision that members of his team started, including the expansion of a comprehensive developmental programme and a local coaches certification programme that will be held in partnership with the IAAF, NACAC and corporate Bahamas as they assist the country in nation-building.

Additionally, Hollingsworth said they intend to deal with the constitution reform, international relationships and national recognition.