The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN a joint collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said they are excited about the SuperClubs Breezes National High School Track and Field Championships.

The three-day event will take place at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium from March 20-23 and will attract over 1,500 athletes from more than 30 schools from throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

During a press conference yesterday at SuperClubs Breezes, Bowleg highlighted the fact that the championships will not just be about competition, but a celebration of “grit, determination and sheer passion.

“It’s where records will be shattered, limits will be tested and champions will rise. It’s going to be three days of electrifying display of talent and heart. I know history is about to be made. The big question is are you ready?

Under the theme “Breaking Limits, Achieving Greatness,” companies such as IL Cares, Insurance Management, Superior Waste and Bahamasair are joining title sponsors SuperClubs Breezes as sponsors in helping to build a foundation where young athletes can push their limits and compete at their highest potential, according to Bowleg.

“Together, we care ensuring that the student-athletes have every opportunity to excel and soar to new heights,” Bowleg stressed. 

“We’ll witness fierce competition, new rivalries and moments of true sportsmanship as these young athletes give their all for gold. The energy will be electric and we can’t wait to see the limits they break on their way to victory.”

To the student-athletes competing, Bowleg told them that this is their time.

“You have put in the hard work, the dedication and the sacrifice,” he said. “You’ve trained for this moment and now it’s time to break your limits and reach for greatness. 

“Whether you’re running, jumping, throwing or hurdling, know that you represent the best of the Bahamas. Your country is behind you and we can’t wait to see you rise to the occasion.”

Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell, who represented Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin, said the goal of their ministry is to provide quality, holistic and global competitive education.

But she noted that their ministry is excited about partnering with the Ministry of Education allows them to give the quality and holistic opportunities for their children.

“We are excited to partner with the ministry under the theme breaking limits, achieving greatness because that is what we want our students, our athletes to break every limit to allow no barrier to stop them from achieving, but to ensure that they do all the they need to do to become great.”

McCartney-Russell, however, said that it is their hope that some of these same student-athletes will come back and make a contribution as physical education teachers, an area in their ministry that is short-handed.

In wishing the athletes all of the best, McCartney-Russell said events such as the nationals bring a sense of comradery and cohesiveness and when they return to their campus, they can carry that level of enthusiasm with them

Drumeco Archer, president of the BAAA, said they are looking forward to one of the best events ever seen in many years.

He congrartulated the Queen’s College Comets for winning the BAISS title last week and he’s looking forward to the GSSSA Championships this week.

But two weeks after the Nationals, Archer said the BAAA will be hosting its final trials for the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday weekend and based on what he’s seen so far, the Bahamas should be poised to take a very competitive team to the games.

He also commended the Ministry of Sports’ Acting Director of Sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills and Sports Officer Seanea Bowe, for ensuring that everything is in place. 

“This should be the marquee event,” said Archer, who feels that anything you bring in all of the schools from around the country, the meet should take precedence over all other.

“It’s the final competition just before our final CARIFTA trials, which is two weeks later. It’s where all of the greatest athletes will convene to get a berth on the CARIFTA tram. It’s our pride and joy and we want to bring home the best possible results we can and that starts with the National High School Track and Field Championships.”

Carlo Ramsey, representing IL Cares, said they are delighted to be a part of the sponsorship of the event.

“We will continue to invest in our young children and to give them the opportunities that they need to be successful,” he said. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity and we wish every success in this event.”

GSSSA president Varel Davis said they are expected to be a part of the nationals and with hard work, dedication and the drive to push forward, she’s convinced that their student-athletes will be strive to bring out the best in their abilities to win.

The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools was expected to be represented by Jason Edwards of St Augustine’s College. 

But while he wasn’t in attendance, a video presentation showed that Grand Bahama, led by Deputy Director of Sports, Norris Bain and GBSSAA president Dereck Wells; Stephon Johnson, head coach of the Agape Christin Academy in Abaco and coach Kenard Rolle, head coach of Preston Albury High, are all gearing up to make the trek to Nassau for the championships.