The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HURRICANE Matthew did not destroy the spirits and will of the organisers or participants of the 30th Annual Conchman Triathlon in Grand Bahama on Saturday.

This year’s event attracted about 150 participants, including 13 from New Providence and Abaco, and a group of eight US competitors and spectators from San Francisco.

Stephen Laursen, a US participant who has competed in the event since 1997, returned to capture his 12th overall win in the men’s category this year.

“It is sad to see what has happened [to the island] but it is good to see the island is still alive and well,” he said.

Mr Laursen praised the organisers for the amazing job in keeping the event alive. “This event is so incredible,” he said.

“With all of the other triathlon events being so commercialised, this is the one that still has that early spirit of triathlon.”

Elizabeth Shadock, of New Providence, won the female category for the third year.

Conchman is one of the main sporting events on the Ministry of Tourism’s calendar of events in Grand Bahama.

When Hurricane Matthew caused widespread devastation on Grand Bahama on October 6, it was feared that the event would have to be postponed.

However, due to the significant restoration efforts, the island was able regroup in time resulting in the relaunch of tourism activity. 

Betty Bethel, director for the Ministry of Tourism, commended organisers for quickly mobilising and hosting a successful event, four weeks after Matthew.

“The Ministry of Tourism is very grateful to the organising team, led by Mr Christopher Baker, and we are looking forward to an even bigger participation next year from the international participants,” she said. 

Jay Philippe, assistant manager of Sports Tourism for the Ministry of Tourism, said that participation could have been greater except for the lack of available hotel rooms on the island.

“There were a lot more persons that were preparing to attend but were unable to due to the unavailability of hotel rooms,” he said.

Mr Philippe said that the ministry’s Sports Tourism team is excited about what the remainder of 2016 will bring to the athletic community of Grand Bahama, the surrounding islands and the South Florida sporting community.

He said that they are anticipating a new and exciting triathlon event which is planned to take place at Taino Beach in December.

“We are looking forward to hosting the first X-Treme 13.2 Intracoastal Challenge in a few short weeks [December 3], and we will continue to place our efforts behind this to ensure that Grand Bahama receives the exposure that it deserves,” said Mr Philippe.

The 30th Annual Conchman Triathlon climaxed with a Junkanoo rush featuring the winners of this year’s Junkanoo Summer Festival, the Platinum Knights, who were costumed to commemorate Guy Fawkes Day.