The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Limited (BTC) seeks to continue its role as one of the leading corporate sponsors of student athletes in the country.

BTC announced a pair of investments at its corporate headquarters yesterday, including the “BTC Eight Mile Rock Sponsorship Fund” and renovation of the Fritz Forbes Community Park in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

The scholarship fund will provide a $100,000 five-year scholarship to a deserving high school athlete from the Eight Mile Rock or West End communities while the refurbishment of the park comes at a cost of $25,000.

BTC CEO, Leon Williams, called it another “Blue Letter Day” for the company and said his organisation was inspired to focus on the communities due to the success of two of its own – Buddy Hield and Jonquel Jones.

Both Hield and Jones emerged from the same community and their basketball journeys paralleled with both players selected as the No.6 overall pick in their respective drafts.

“It speaks volumes that in one year alone, two athletes from Eight Mile Rock have been drafted to play professional basketball and it signifies that there is more to come. There are so many athletes that unfortunately do not get the chance to show their talents on the world stage because of funding and support.

“Obviously there is major talent in our country and we need to find opportunities to harness and develop our young people,” Williams said.

“This is our way of building a Bahamian dream for a deserving young Bahamian. We are continuing to do our part to build a better Bahamas. We believe, it is our responsibility to continue to invest in the future generations of this country to ensure sustainability for years to come.”

Hield’s story in particular highlighted the Fritz Forbes Park, which has regressed to dire conditions in recent years. The park is credited as the place where Hield got his start in the sport. 

“We have been watching Buddy’s career over the last year. Without a doubt, we knew that he would be where he is today. Our investment in the Eight Mile Rock Park will serve as a symbol of hope for other youngsters aspiring to greatness,” Williams said.

“BTC is deeply entrenched in youth, community and sports. Over the years, the company has supported track and field, flag football, basketball and swimming.”

Just this week, BTC presented a $125,000 cheque to the Bahamas Olympic Committee for Team Bahamas to travel to the Olympics in Rio, Brazil, next month. They also contributed $5,000 to the Davis Cup team and invested $30,000 cash and in-kind cheque to the National Sports Authority for the upcoming Haiti v Jamaica soccer match. 

“BTC has been the most consistent partner with us and the best partner we have in terms of sports,” said Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson. “Now, we are at it again and you are going to see some great things.”

Mario Bowleg, vice president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, was also on hand for the announcement.