The Tribune

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

YOUNG, aspiring professional athletes in South Eleuthera were given a chance to show off their skills to US-based and local coaches this past Saturday during a special basketball clinic in Wemyss Bight.

The young athletes benefitted from having pro athletes, coaches and other professionals on-hand for presentations, workout sessions, one-on-one conversations, and general encouragement as they participated in the clinic. More than 100 children attended the clinic, sponsored by Mr William "Doug" Douglass.

Mr Douglass spoke to the children during the ceremonies, pointing to the vast potential in sports that will continue to come from the Bahamas. He noted that the current "top 2018 college pick in the NBA is from The Bahamas" - DeAndre Ayton. Mr Douglass' dream is to see the court being used in such a way that children in Eleuthera with the potential to become world-class athletes could have an opportunity to do so by being exposed to the best facilities and the right people. This event, he feels, is another important step towards that goal.

Mahershal Simonet led the sessions on the court, making them lively and exciting with his unique personality and seemingly boundless energy.

Simonet was born in Compton, Los Angeles - one of America's toughest neighbourhoods - yet he rose to become a respected basketball player, competing internationally with some 13 countries under his belt. His Bahamian roots keep him coming back to these islands to sow seeds of success for the future generation.

Aliv supports Simonet's efforts to make a positive impact in the country and assisted in sponsoring the event. Over 200 people attended and were treated to fruit, snacks, food, drinks and water throughout the entire day.

Coach Rodney Curry of Elite Sports Academy brought three US-based coaches and coach Rolle out of Nassau to view the skills of the youngsters. Coach Thatcher of Florida International University flew over to Eleuthera for the clinic, along with Justin Cardoza and Alexander Perez, Florida high school coaches.

"Despite the rain, the kids had an opportunity to show their talent," said coach Curry.

"The coaches said that the kids have great potential, but they need more help with fundamentals and skill set - but a lot of them have that raw, untouched, natural talent."

Elite recently invited the coaches to assist in a larger clinic in New Providence with 11 schools participating. The coaches chose at least four athletes to give opportunities to. They also advised for certain Eleuthera athletes to do a year of school in Freeport or New Providence in order to get adjusted to a faster-paced lifestyle with an aim of heading to Florida thereafter.

"These athletes often represent our country on the regional and world stage and need as much help as possible," said Alan Bates, Aliv chief partner.

"Sports is popular across many demographics in the country, especially basketball. As a result, sponsoring the basketball clinic-expo underscores our commitment to encourage growth and development throughout The Bahamas, so we were delighted to be a part of this basketball clinic this year and hopefully for years to come."

Aliv and Simonet were partnering to conduct a previous clinic in Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, when Mr Douglass invited them to see the court in Wemyss Bight, which is touted as possibly the best outdoor court in the entire country.

Mr Douglass, who has been coming to The Bahamas since 1962, is the grandson of Pan American Airways founder Juan Trippe, who was a resident of South Eleuthera. He passed his fond attachment to these islands on to his grandson, who has named the courts in memory of the legacy of Juan and Betty Trippe.

South Eleuthera Member of Parliament Hank Johnson and his wife participated, offering support to the children and the VIP guests who attended.

Mrs Nola Young Brown, the mother of Olympic gold medallist Chris "Fireman" Brown, said the opening prayer. Brown stands as proof of the potential in the out islands because he hails from this quaint settlement.

Mike Carey, CEO of Pineapple Air, assisted in flying in all the coaches and VIP guests for the event. Ron Horton, former manager of Pan Am Airways in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, served as master of ceremonies.

He was happy that he could still make an impact on the island where he worked and lived for many years. Allan Ingraham, one of the first free agents in the NFL, also attended and offered support.

Simonet notes that "a lot of young guys that have talent come from The Bahamas and they are really competitive". He is working hard to see young Bahamian athletes get the scholarships, opportunities and exposure they need to be the best at whatever sport they apply themselves to.

However, he also wants to show them the importance of getting their "credentials off the court" - giving back to communities like theirs when they succeed.