The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Olympic Committee made a major investment into the junior national athletics and swimming programmes as they prepare to face regional competition.

The BOC donated $10,000 each to the expenses of the Bahamas Swimming Federation and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations as they prepare to field teams for their respective CARIFTA Championships during the Easter holiday weekend.

Swimming will take place in Fort-de-France, Martinique, March 22-26 while Athletics will be hosted in Georgetown, Grenada, March 26-28.

BOC president Wellington Miller said it was pertinent for his organisation to lend their support to a venture integral to the growth of young athletes and future Olympians.

“This is where the future lies for sports in the Bahamas. I’m particularly happy to help now because swimming is in a very historic position. They have a chance to three-peat which could be great for the Bahamas and great for the sport of swimming,” he said. “Part of our aim is to build sports and the youth of this country. We know the difficulty in raising money when it’s time to field a team and we hope this can help you to feel more comfortable in covering your expenses. We are happy to do it and we hope to continue a good working relationship so together we can push this phenomenon called sports.”

BSF president Algernon Cargill said the continued support of corporate Bahamas is a testament to the growth of the federation and the sport in recent years.

“It doesn’t happen everyday that we get some pull effect from the public wanting to give us a donation, when it does happen it shows that the hard work we do internally, augurs well for what is seen externally,” he said. “We know the BAAA has led the way at the senior level in so far as dominance at the global level for the Bahamas. We soon hope to grow from our performance at the junior level and expand at the senior level as well. I say all of this to say the hard work of our federation and the support from corporate Bahamas tells us that invested parties will do all that is necessary to give us support that we need to represent the Bahamas at the highest level in international competition.”

Following the completion of their trials approximately two weeks ago, the BSF selected a 36-member team, all of whom have made the qualifying standards, along with 10 competitors for the Open Water swim team for this year’s meet.

Newly elected BAAA president Rosamunde Carey said the BAAA and BOC have historically always enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship.

“This new executive team intends to do the same and bring even a more harmonious relationship. This relationship augurs well for us to have well prepared teams to travel not just for CARIFTA but all national teams.”

The BAAA is hoping that when the team is selected, the Bahamas will be able to improve on the second place finish with a total of 31 medals, inclusive of eight gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze at the Silver Jubilee Stadium in Bird Rock, Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.

“We want to continue to build that track and field domination that the Bahamian people have come to expect from us. The BAAA would like to express its deep appreciation and generosity in supporting track and field and young athletes. The commitment will be incredibly helpful in allowing our athletes to be adequately prepared as they go for gold. We wish our swim team all the best and know that your sister organisation intends to be number one in the not too distant future.”

The BAAA will stage its own CARIFTA trials at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium starting 5pm Friday. The event is expected to continue at noon on Saturday.

Following the trials, the BAAA will select the team and make the official CARIFTA announcement on Sunday.