The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg gave his first parliamentary address since he was appointed to the post and highlighted how his administration plans to develop Bahamian sport during its tenure.

Minister Bowleg outlined his administration’s “Blueprint for Change” which will be highlighted by mass improvements in the infrastructure of local sporting facilities, the revitalisation of the “Sports in Paradise” initiative, and the return of landmark events like the Bahamas Games and World Athletics World Relays.

“The role and significance of my ministry, I believe, has far too long been unappreciated and it is my intent to change that perception. My focus has been on conducting an assessment of the state of the multiple sporting facilities within the ministry’s inventory,” Bowleg said. “I am to report, the results of the assessment were very concerning and highlighted the tremendous amount of technical and financial support which will be needed to ensure that my ministry will be appropriately prepared to meet the opportunities my government intends to deliver.”

In an effort to expand beyond a Nassau-centric mindset, Bowleg got a firsthand view of some of the sporting facilities that come under his jurisdiction earlier this month, both in the capital and on Family Islands.

“The sporting facilities at the Grand Bahama Complex along with the sporting properties of my ministry in Nassau that is - the South Beach Pools, the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the Betty Kelly Kenning Swimming Complex, and the Thomas A Robinson National Track and FIeld Stadium all require much attention. In order to raise the standard of those facilities to the comfort of patrons and for the functionality to properly host events, it is my intention to address these concerns immediately,” Bowleg said.

“We will address the shortage of proper sports facilities in the Family Islands by mounting a multi-billion sports facility development plan over a 10-year span - commencing in the next budget cycle. The ultimate goal here is to empower the young Family Island athletes, with the ability to hone their skills and maximise their potential from the comfort and convenience of their respective islands.”

The re-establishment of the “Sports in Paradise” is an initiative that partners the ministry with various sporting federations, National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, to formulate strategies of a plan for success. To that end, the World Relays, a marquee athletics event hosted in the Bahamas from 2014- 17, heads the lists of events targeted to return.

“The ministry has begun preliminary discussions on the steps necessary to secure and return the World Athletics World Relays to our shores,” he said. “We have learned that the next opportunity to host these games, these exciting races, is not until 2025. This means that we will have sufficient time to assess the feasibility study of the venture and if satisfied, devise a strategic plan not only of having the success of submitting the winning bid but ensuring its cost effectiveness to the government and the people of The Bahamas.”

On the local front, the Bahamas Games, last hosted in 2021, is also set to return. “In the spirit of unity and showcasing our sports might, we will seek to create an annual games for each island and the relaunching of the Bahamas games to be held every three years. My ministry continues to advance the plans for the hosting of the Bahamas Games, which is being planned as the Golden Jubilee Games in 2023 to coincide and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence,” Bowleg said.

“My ministry is convinced that the Bahamas Games promotes the kind of social cultural integration that enhances nation building. Indeed, the unique atmosphere generated by the represented assembly of all Bahamian athletes, coaches, their team, attendees and added supporters combined creates lifelong friendships among the scattered islands and communities of the Bahamas. The added value of previous games is reflected in the early detection of abundant world-class athlete talent, residents in the Family Islands. The ministry seeks to revive the Bahamas Games as a matter of national interest and as the impetus for greater national cohesion.”

At the administrative level, he noted that both Tokyo Olympics gold medal winners - Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo received cash rewards of $40,000 each while finalist Devynne Charlton received $5,000.

In addition, a pension fund for national athletes will also be established.

“In consistency with this administration’s ideology, my ministry will seek the support of stakeholders to make contributions for the success of sports,” Bowleg said. “For this reason, we will immediately seek the reactivation of the National Sports Advisory Council. Likewise, there will be the re-establishment of a national Family Island Sports Council, whereby persons on the ground in their respective communities are able to bring new innovative ideas for the growth and development of sports throughout the country.”

The construction of the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium also took centre stage, and while no timeline was given for its completion, Bowleg said the continued growth of baseball has warranted improvement in local facilities.

The Bahamas is expected to host the Babe Ruth Baseball Caribbean Zone Championships and 16U Invitational, July 7-11, 2022. “Local baseball development leagues continue to provide a strong fundamental base of training for our youth. International baseball leagues have taken note and an increasing numbers of young athletes are being recruited into pro leagues, creating economic opportunities like no other for them,” Bowleg said.

“For this reason my ministry will continue to work closely with the Minister of Works to complete the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium in the fastest means possible. These sporting events provide much-needed economic benefits to both athletes and country. Equally as important, they provide community pride and national unity.”