The Tribune

THE chatter in the audience was continuous as they marvelled at the beauty, strength, grace and achievements of 40 Women in Sports who, through the years and against all odds, have excelled and made the Bahamas proud.

Well before Independence, Elizabeth Betty Cole and Cynthia “Mother” Pratt shattered the myth that girls could not and should not play basketball. In Tennis, in the shadows of Dame Bertha Isaacs, Edith Powell ruled the tennis courts.

Then the flood came as girls entered every sporting discipline and became household names and an inspiration to others.

Gail North, Joan Albury, Andrea Cooper, Missouri Sherman, Daisy Walker, Cleomie Burrows and Carolyn Simms were among those who deserved the honours.

Easily, the honourees could have competed with Miss World candidates. They were stunning ladies in red, in silks, paisley or linens. These athletes had the look, the walk and the personalities.

“I looked forward to being with these pioneering and competitive sports icons, who singularly and collectively, brought so much honour to our Bahamas. I wanted so very much to meet and extend to them, the love and respect of a grateful Bahamas. Unfortunately I must attend to matters here in Grand Bahama,” said Prime Minister Perry Christie in his message to the women.

“Perhaps Dr Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture could facilitate an appropriate gathering.”

Cynthia Pratt, former deputy prime minister and the first woman to act as prime minister, wasted no time in her inspirational address, to take every one down the sports cultural journey for Bahamian women. She challenged the system to fully recognise, utilise and honour our female athletes.

The Government and the BOC were requested to establish a fitting sports museum, expand national sports development and to use sports economically, socially and culturally in the further growth of the youth.

In his remarks, Dr Johnson committed the support of his ministry to promote the recommendations made by “Mother” Pratt.

Senator Tanisha Tynes came from Grand Bahama to support the honourees.

Just when it was thought that nothing could top the occasion of fine food, excellent service, great company, Gena Mackey, professional bodybuilder, took the stage and did a series of muscular poses that made most commit to sculpting a better physique.

The BOC, its president Wellington Miller, secretary general Rommel Knowles and the organising committee deserve credit for putting on such a first--class event.