The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo, still celebrating her triumph as a member of the mixed gender 4 x 400 metre relays team, made a special visit to the Ranfurly Homes for Children to award the residents who came out to watch her perform in the3rd IAAF/BTC World Relays over the weekend.

Through her recently formed Shaunae Miller Care Foundation, Miller-Uibo donated a PS4 set with a number of video games as her way of bringing some smiles to the faces on the 24 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18.

“I just wanted them to know that they are important and people have not forgotten them,” said Miller-Uibo as she toured the facilities. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces was great. I love kids. I always have.

“These kids are full of energy and they actually have a purpose in life, so I’m glad to know that. It looks like they are going to have some bright futures. I’m just excited to come back and give back to the children.”

The visit comes on the heels of Miller-Uibo’s visit to the Children’s Ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital last year after she won the gold medal in the women’s 400m at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“I’m trying to step it up a little bit. That kind of inspired my foundation,” said Miller-Uibo, who thanked attorney Sean McSweeney for setting up the foundation. “Little kids are my passion. “Once we started this, I expect things to continue for a few more years.”

The Ranfurly Homes for Children, which gave birth in February 3, 1953 by Lady With about 13 boys and 11 girls making up the residence, administrator Abraham Roberts said the donation of the play station will only enhance the recently renovated game room by CIBC First Caribbean, but he insisted that they will only be allowed to play it as much as he allow them too, so as not to disturb their studies.

“So I would like to thank Shaunae for making the donation to the home,” said Roberts, noting that almost all of the residents were at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Sunday night when she ran the second leg on the winning relay team.

“I’m sure they were cheering her on and the team and I know it’s good for them to see her up close as a Bahamian star.”

The children remain at the home until they are at the age of 19. The home is just one of five for children on the island, but this is designed for those who have been removed from their families for various reasons.

There are three dormitories for boys and two for girls.

The cost to run the home is over half a million a year, but Roberts said while the government provide a little over $100,000, they are always in need from the general public. The majority of their support has come in from corporate Bahamas.

Roberts, who is assisted by Princess Burrows, said their axillary staff ensures that the children perform in an environment that is similar to what they would experience in their regular home setting.

While the Ranfurly Homes for Children is their first stop, Miller-Uibo’s father Shaun Miller said they intend to make a contribution to children’s home in Cat Island, Grand Bahama and another island to be selected.