The Tribune

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama - Grand Bahama Amateur Athletic Association, under the auspices of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, is energised and ready for the BTC Senior Nationals Track & Field Championships June 21-22 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

Yesterday some of the executives were on hand to receive a cheque from their title sponsor BTC and expressed their gratitude to the corporate sponsor for their continued support of track and field in the Bahamas.

“BTC has dedicated $40,000 to this year’s championships as part of the company’s continued commitment to the community, Bahamian culture, and the advancement of the young people of the Bahamas,” said BTC spokesperson

Leteasha Lord.

“In the past year alone, BTC has donated over $1,000,000 to Bahamian athletics, including sponsoring Team Bahamas for the 2012 Olympic Games, the 1st Annual Bahamas Chris Brown Invitational, The Golden Knights’ endorsement, and BTC’s title sponsorship of the 2013 BTC CARIFTA Games, to name a few.”

GBAAA president Kem Stuart said that the commitment to the sport of track and field can be a challenge at times but the rewards of seeing our athletes excel and reach milestones on the level that they do makes it worth it.

He added that he could not imagine not being involved because he continues to be amazed at the strides of our young people and they never seize to make him proud.

GEMS & Concierge (marketing agency) for the BTC Senior Nationals representative Sherrell Storr was also on hand for the cheque presentation and expressed that despite the difficult economic period Grand Bahama is facing and the decline in the monetary donations, it has been evident that the love of the sport still vibrantly exists in the Bahamas.

And June 21-22 it will be evident when the numbers show up to support our world class athletes.

She added that, after forty years the Bahamas continues to be a “Nation of Champions,” which could not have been a better title for this year’s event.

She encouraged corporate Bahamas to still reach out and support the event with whatever they can as the commitment to our athletes continue long after the meet and can be costly.

Dwayne Jennings, committee member and local coach, took the opportunity to encourage the general public to come out as both days will be unforgettable.

He reemphasised that the talent of our athletes becomes more impressive each year and will be evident in the level of competition at the meets this weekend.

Stuart said tickets are available in advance at the GB Sports complex and the public should take advantage of early purchase to avoid traffic at the gates and secure front row seating to Grand Bahama’s greatest event of the year.

Marketing agent Sherrell Storr took the opportunity to say thank you to their sponsors for the event namely, GB Port Authority, FOCOL, Curly Tails, West Grand Bahama District Council, Sawyers, Caribbean Bottling, Gold Rock, Pelican Bay, and The Mail Boat.