The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Every year around the same time that the National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships take place, meet organiser Frank 'Pancho' Rahming finds himself celebrating his birthday.

This year, with the meet returning and being held in his honour, Rahming got a surprise present.

During their presentation, the Eva Hilton Primary School band, led by vocalist David Cox, an eight-year-old fourth grader, serenaded the 73-year-old Rahming, who gave birth to the meet more than 30 years ago.

About three years ago, the host Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has decided to show their appreciation by renaming it the Frank 'Pacho' Rahming National Primary School Track and Field Championships.

"Nobody knew that my birthday falls in the middle of the meet, but somebody let the cat out of the bag," a somewhat subdued Rahming said. "My birthday is normally one day before or right in the middle of the meet.

"So it feels good. It's something that you feel good about. You realize that what you did, you're not getting paid for it, but you do it because you want to see the development of the sport in the country. So to see the youngsters improve is one of the reasons why this event was set up."

In giving the official opening remarks during the ceremonies yesterday, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Michael Pintard, in his first official outing in that capacity one day after he was sworn in, congratulated Rahming for his contribution to the sport and he wished him a Happy birthday.

"He's played a pivotal role in athletics over a number of decades and who continues, if he's given a chance, to shy away from the spotlight, even though if there's anyone who deserves to be in it, it's Frank 'Pancho' Rahming," Pintard stressed.

"I want to say to him on this his birthday, that we appreciate the sacrifices that you continue to make and you are one of those unsung heroes, not just in the Bahamas, but certainly in international athletics. We love you and we appreciate your contributions."

Meet director Mike Sands said after they had to delay the official opening from day one on Wednesday, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as yesterday's ceremonies fell on Rahming's actual birthday.

"We knew that today was Pancho's birthday, but because of the opening of the House of Parliament yesterday (Wednesday), we decided to have it today (yesterday)," Said said. "So it worked in our favor because we wanted to do something special for Pancho.

"For someone who has given so much to the sport particularly all of his life, he started out as an athlete and now he is a coach and an administrator in the technical field and so it was only fitting that the event was named in his honor."

Sands said it was only fitting that they showed their gratitude to Rahming while he is still alive.

At one point the meet had been called off, but immediately as he stepped in as the new Minister, Pintard made the decision to put it back on the agenda and now Sands said he hope that they will continue to keep the meet on the calendar every year.

"Pancho, as you know, is not one of those fellows who are into the pomp and pageantry, but he has expressed his appreciation for this," Sands said. "He doesn't do it for the glory. He just does it for the love of the sport, so I just feel glad to be able to honor and recognize him while he can really appreciate it."