The Tribune

TEAM Charlie proved to be too much for the other teams as they dominated the competition at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force annual track and field meet at Thomas A Robinson stadium.

Noted as a team on a mission, they won the event after falling short to defending champions Team Delta last year.

For a third consecutive year, Able Seaman Gregory Lockhart of the Alpha Team was voted most outstanding male athlete of the meet. Woman Marine Anishka Bonaby, also from team Alpha, was the most outstanding female athlete.

As bragging rights are on the line for one year, Team Delta could not muster the strength to retain their title. Although Team Alpha won most of the events, Team Charlie ensured that this year’s event wasn’t close.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of Petty Officer Maryann Fowler in rallying her troops, Team Charlie literally ran away with the competition, having more members participating than any other team.

The meet, which featured defence force officers and marines showcasing their athletic prowess in track and field, was nothing short of spectacular with exciting performances.

Athletes were formed into four divisions – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta.

Each team brought out their best athletes. However, the night belonged to Team Charlie, with a total of 342 points, followed by Alpha (257), Bravo (217) and Delta (65).

Able Seaman Lockhart’s performance was simply outstanding, winning the long jump, high jump, 400 metres and he was a member of the winning 4 x 100 metres relay team.

Woman Marine Bonaby competed in and won the 200 metres, 800 metres, high jump and was also a member of the winning 4 x 100 metres relay team.

Children of members of the force also ran in shorter races geared just for them. There were also fun-filled and entertaining races in different weight and age classes, as well as a race for senior officers, which was won by Lieutenant Commander Gregory Brown for a third consecutive year.

“This year’s event was a joy to organise,” said meet coordinator Petty Officer James Darling. “The Marines were overly motivated as they could not wait to use this as a catalyst for next year’s Law Enforcenment Sports Challenge in Freeport, during the month of March.”