The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE celebration for the history-making Bahamas swimming team continued yesterday with a motorcade through the streets of the capital, the latest show of a country’s appreciation.

With many of the 36 team members and coaching staff in tow, the motorcade began at Montagu Beach and travelled through major thoroughfares in Nassau before ending at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on Thompson Boulevard. The team was then treated to a luncheon by the Ministry.

Team Bahamas head coach Andy Knowles said he and his entire team have been overwhelmed by the gratitude expressed by the Bahamian public since the team’s triumphant return from the the meet in Aruba last month – the first time they have ever won the annual CARIFTA championship, the top regional event.

“The reception has been great from the moment we got back. People have expressed how proud they are of this team everywhere we go. The delegation was there to meet us at the airport, there was a lot of cheering from the crowd, the Minister and other executives were there so that was good.

“Then we had the recognition at the House of Assembly, which was really special for these kids. Then, of course, there was the parade and the luncheon reception,” he said. “I think it was all great. The Bahamas has gone out of its way to recognise our young athletes and I have been pleased with that.”

He added that there has been an emphasis placed on national pride and the “team Bahamas concept” which began as far back as club practices and team selection.

“One thing that was special about this year was a real spirit of togetherness that started with the coaches and parents and it continued with the rest of the Bahamas and the outpouring of national pride on display since we got back. The coaches have worked together very well, not just the coaches that went to CARIFTA, but the coaches that were responsible for putting the team together, putting the athletes first and not just thinking about club level,” he said.

“This is the kind of success we need to keep coaches thinking in the best interest of the athletes and the best interest of the Bahamas above everything else.”

The Bahamians returned from the 29th CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Savaneta, Aruba, at the end of April with a total of 736.50 points and 55 medals (23 gold, 22 silver and 10 bronze) for its first title ever at the Caribbean meet.

“There are a lot more elite high profile meets for our young swimmers to attend. All of that encourages these kids at the CARIFTA level who see other kids that have used swimming to go to college and continue with the sport,” Mr Knowles said. “It’s all the motivation we need to keep this success going. We do not know what else is in store but any recognition these kids receive from the Bahamian people, they are grateful for it.”

In appreciation of their historic performance major sponsor BTC have presented members of the Bahamas CARIFTA swimming and water polo teams with new mini S4 cellular phones.

The packages, presented on Monday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, included two data cards valued at $40 and a coupon for an LTE Sim Card.

On Wednesday the team was also recognised in the House of Assembly by members of Parliament on both sides of the political divide.