The Tribune

A 2024 Volkswagen Atlas vehicle with the Bahamas’ first Vanity Licence plate and a hefty donation of $250,000 were presented to the Bahamas Olympic Committee during the Unveiling Ceremony last night.

“The Gateway to Paris” ceremony for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, from July 27 to August 11, was filled with fanfare, entertainment by Julian Believe, fire dancing, a junkanoo rush out and fireworks on the Walk of Legends outside of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

On hand to address the crowd was Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg. Also speaking during the ceremonies were Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer, Bahamas Aquatics’ president Algernon Cargill and BOC president Romell Knowles.

Knowles said that while there have been many “roads to Paris,” he wanted to assure everybody that there’s only one “gateway to Paris” and that’s through the BOC, who will reveal the official team for the Bahamas at the conclusion of the BAAA’s National Track and Field Championships this weekend. 

The Bahamas, however, will have to wait until the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is completed in Valencia, Spain on July 7 when it will be known whether or not the men’s national basketball team would have qualifier to also be a part of Team Bahamas. 

In attendance were Olympic swimmer Lamar Taylor, world indoor 60m record holder Devynne Charlton and reigning men’s 400m Olympic champion Steven Gardiner, along with Olympic qualifier Charisma Taylor, who participated with a number of athletes in modeling the uniform for Team Bahamas at the games.

Gardiner, who will be among the athletes competing in the BAAA’s National Track and Field Championships from today through Friday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium, drove the black Atlas car on the walkway accompanied by two Police outriders.

The car was presented to the BOC by Christine Robinson, the CEO and president of Volks Wagon Bahamas. She also presented the BOC with an extra $10,000. The car was designed in the Olympic rings and the colors of the Bahamian flag by Sign Island.

“As a company who is deeply rooted in the community, Volks Wagon Bahamas understands the importance of perseverance and the pursuits of excellence,” Robinson said. “These values resonate with the athletes who represent our nation on the global stage.

“The Bahamas Olympic Committee’s dedication of to postering sporting talents and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship is commendable and aliened perfectly with our own commitment to supporting local initiatives that enrich our society.”

Robinson advised the athletes, who will embark on the Olympic journey, that they carry the 

“hopes and dreams of our nation” and their hard work, passion and unwavering commitment to their sports, serves as a beacon of inspiration to all Bahamians.

“We believe in you and we stand firmly behind you,” she stated.

Jobeth Coleby-Davis, the Minister of Energy and Transport, with assistance from Bowleg, pinned the vanity license plate with the unique customized identification of Bahamas Olympic Committee BO0242 on the back and the front of the car.  

“Davis congratulated the BOC and Bowleg for bringing to their attention of idea of producing the “first ever vanity plate, which is legally licensed to operate on the road, so we are excited to partner with you. Congratulations.”

The biggest surprise of the night came when Tyrone McKenzie, representing the Kirk Oswald Management Company, presented the BOC with a donation of $250,000. McKenzie said the funds will go a long way in assisting the BOC with Team Bahamas at the games.

“Our company is just two years old, but I advised the principals and the other executive members that the country is certainly looking forth to new enterprise, new development, new investments, but we wanted to invest in particular with the youth of the nation and more particularly through sports,” McKenzie aid.

McKenzie, whose company deals with hedge funds and assets management, hinted that they will be in talks with Charlton to see how they can invest in her as a “brand” because he believes that she will be the future for track and field in the country.

In his address, Davis said the Bahamas have a pride story as a country, rising to international prominence in sports and he’s proud of the journey they have taken together to consistently demonstrate its remarkable achievement to achieve greatest per capita.

Davis called on every Bahamian to unite and support the men and women who will represent the Bahamas through the BOC and the sponsors who are assisting to make the journey possible. 

“To our athletes, you hold in your hands, not just the flag of the Bahamas, but the heart of our people,” he stressed. “Your resilience, your passion and dedication, light the way for our future generations.

“As you compete on the global stage, remember you carry with you, the pride and support of your nation.”

Both Prime Minister Davis and Sports Minister Mario Bowleg were presented with their own BOC aqua jackets that they were worn in celebration of the occasion.