The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture continued its observance of November Youth Sports Month by recognising the achievements and contributions of Bahamian athletes, coaches and sporting organisations at the 2026 National Sports Awards on Saturday evening.

The ceremony, held at the Compass Rose Ballroom at Margaritaville Beach Resort, celebrated performances across various disciplines over the past year, with Philadelphia 76ers guard Valdez “V.J.” Edgecombe receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for National Pride.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said the awards provided an important opportunity to acknowledge the athletes, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders who continue to contribute to the development of sports in the country.

“One thing we need to do is always recognise and celebrate our athletes, the stakeholders and all those who participate and are involved in the development of sports in this country,” he said.

“Sports has the power to change the world. When our athletes put on the aquamarine, black and gold and go out there to represent us, or when they represent their respective high schools and clubs locally, they are all part of the sporting community that makes us a great nation.”

Bowleg pointed to The Bahamas’ achievements on the international stage, including its Olympic performances, the number of Bahamian athletes competing in the National Basketball Association and the country’s representation in Major League Baseball.

He said those accomplishments were particularly significant for a nation with a population of fewer than 400,000 people.

“I just think it is fitting that, at this time in the month of November, we celebrate our athletes and all of their commitment, dedication and achievements over the past season and past year,” Bowleg said.

He added that the awards were also intended to reassure athletes that their sacrifices and preparation do not go unnoticed.

“We want to show them that we appreciate them. We want them to know that all their hard work, commitment and dedication, the early mornings of training and the late nights getting home from events, do not go unnoticed,” he said.

“The ministry and the minister themselves recognise what they have done and the dedication they have shown. Sports is a community that binds us together as a people, and it has done so many wonderful things for us as a nation.”

Looking ahead, Bowleg said the government’s focus remains on improving the country’s international sporting performances, particularly with the 2028 Olympic Games approaching.

He acknowledged that The Bahamas did not achieve the results it wanted at the most recent Olympics but believes the period leading into Los Angeles 2028 provides an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen the country’s sporting programme.

“I think that come 2028, The Bahamas will be proud once again of our Olympic appearance,” he said. “The gap we are building between the last Olympics and now is allowing us to get back to the stage where we maintain our level of performance.”

Bowleg said identifying emerging talent, including athletes who may not yet have received widespread recognition, is an important part of that process.

He also highlighted increased financial support for athletes and coaches, along with the need to ensure competitors have the equipment and resources required to prepare for international competition.

“We are finding those diamonds in the rough. We are making sure that the subvention for athletes has increased and that the subvention for coaches has increased,” he said.

“We want to make sure that, in the preparation of these athletes, they have all the necessary equipment and tools to maintain the level of performance we need to sustain ourselves as a nation when it comes to international competition.”

Among the night’s major individual award recipients, Edgecombe received the Prime Minister’s Award for National Pride, while Devynne Charlton was presented with the Minister of Sports Award for Excellence.

BJ Murray Jr received the National Sportsmanship Award, while Shaunae Miller-Uibo was recognised with the Leevan Sands Courage Award.

Christian Joseph received the Olympic Committee Award, with Mikhail McClean named National Coach of the Year.

Devynne Charlton also earned the Tourism Impact Award.

In the team categories, the CARIFTA Swim Team received Youth National Team of the Year, while Bahamas Golf was named National Team of the Year.

The Bahamas Baseball Federation was recognised as Federation of the Year, the Island Basketball Youth League received League of the Year and Let’s Swim Bahamas earned the Community Sports Award.

Eleuthera was named Family Island Sports Council of the Year.

The school and collegiate categories also recognised the depth of talent developing throughout the country.

Isabella Cuccurullo and Christian Joseph received the Junior High School Student Athletes of the Year awards for females and males, respectively.

Jazae Johnson and Tristen Hepburn were named Senior High School Student Athletes of the Year, while Keyezra Thomas and Zion Bradford received the Family Island School Student Athlete of the Year awards.

Javonya Valcourt and Keyshawn Strachan were recognised as the Female and Male Collegiate Athletes of the Year.

At the school level, C.H. Reeves Junior High School received the National Secondary Athletic School of the Year award in the junior division, while C.R. Walker Senior High claimed the senior division honour.

Colette Grant and James Hepburn received the Female and Male Athlete of the Year with Disability awards.