SPORTS
SECTION E
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025
CARIFTA swimmers on quest for ‘7th Heaven’
MARVIN HENFIELD BASKETBALL EXPANDS TO FREETOWN URBAN RENEWAL
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
One week after being named by Bahamas Aquatics, members of the 36-member team heading to Trinidad & Tobago on a quest for their seventh straight CARIFTA swimming title began their training sessions in unison.
After selecting its six team captains, the team members went through a gruelling workout session on Saturday morning and they returned for another afternoon session at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex where the workout intensified under veteran head coach Travano McPhee.
“We’re going for seven straight as the defending champions,” said McPhee of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships that will be held simultaneously
in Trinidad & Tobago over the Easter holiday weekend with the track and field and cycling competition.
“We have some swimmers who have been on the team before and we have a number of new swimmers, but they’re all ready and experienced.
“But all in all, it’s a strong team. We have put together the team that we could assemble, so hopefully we can bring home the seven-peat.”
McPhee, a former CARIFTA swimmer, headed Team Bahamas as the head coach for the six-straight titles run. He also served as head coach for the CAC Games, CISC, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games and last year at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Assisting McPhee in Trinidad will be Camron Bruney and Jasmine Gibson. Allan Murray will
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
AFTER making his presence felt as a three-time Olympic swimmer, Allan Murray is now embracing his new role in Bahamas Aquatics as a national team coach.
He’s not only using his wealth of experience as the head coach of the Black Marlins Swim Club, but now Murray is back for his consecutive sting as the head coach for the 2025 CARIFTA open water swim team.
Murray, a former CARIFTA swimmer who went on to compete for the University of Georgia, made his debut as an assistant coach
in Curacao before he took over the head coaching job last year here in Nassau. Back for his second sting as the head coach, Murray said he has his sights set on watching some outstanding performances from Team Bahamas in Trinidad.
“I’m looking forward to us achieving the best results we’ve ever had in the open water swim,” Murray said. “It’s not going to be easy, considering that last year we won our first historic medal in the open water swim.
“But we will take advantage of the next few weeks to really focus on preparing them to swim their best over there in Trinidad. The waters over there might not be as crystal clear as ours,
THE Reloaded baseball and softball programme for boys and girls is scheduled to hold its fourth invitational tournament April 18-21 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The event, organised by Stephen “Bishop” Beneby, is being sanctioned by the Bahamas Baseball Assocation, headed by Clarence “CJ’ McKenzie and will be sponsored by
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
WHILE it’s structured for a set learning programme, Marvin Henfield said he’s always willing to open the doors at his Marvin Henfield Basketball facilities for visits by any and every organisation in the country.
Last week, Henfield hosted almost 30 boys from the Freetown Urban Renewal programme as they got the opportunity to interact with the young boys who are already in the regular training programme.
“As you know, they only get to play on the outdoors, so sometimes a change in scenery is very beneficial,” said Henfield, as he introduced the visiting boys to his indoor facilities behind the JCN Station and the old Caribbean Bottling Company Limited’s factory on Thompson Boulevard.
“It was something that changed my life and that is why I started this programme so that I can help to change the lives of our young men and women through basketball.”
Inspector Deantia Coakley, the officer in charge of the Freetown Urban Renewal rogramme, located on Jerome Avenue and Pyfrom Road or Bar
PAGE E3
team coach
but we are preparing for the choppy waters we expect.” Jack Barr won the historic gold medal for Team Bahamas in the boys’ 19-and-over division.
This year’s team, according to Murray, will have to be mentally tough because swimming in a five-kilometre race is not easy “going round the buoys and taking time off in the race” if they will collect any hardware.
Murray said the major task will be to keep the team focused considering that they will not compete in the open water swim until the completion of the swim competition in the pool where the Bahamas is going for its seventh
SEE PAGE E3 March
Pro Youth Foundation. It will feature baseball teams for boys and softball teams for girls from Grand Bahama and New Providence. It’s also anticipated that some teams from the Family Islands will also be in town to participate. BASKETBALL JUNIOR GIRLS’ TRYOUT THE Bahamas Basketball Federation is inviting all girls interested in playing on the junior girls’ national
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
FOLLOWING the completion of their elections on Saturday morning at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Daron Lightbourne was elected as the new president of the Bahamas Athletic Associations of Coaches. Lightbourne, a former athlete who now heads Bahamas Speed Dynamics, will replace outgoing president Corrington Maycock. Lightbourne won over Bernard Newbold to run the organisation for the next two years.
“I definitely feel really good. I’m excited that I got this opportunity to be the next president,” he said. “I intend to work
hard for the coaches and to include an inclusive organisation so that all of the coaches could feel welcome. That is my number one goal, to be able to assist all of the coaches throughout the Bahamas. So I feel very elated and excited about the moment right now.”
The other board members are James Rolle, first vice president, Khyle Higgs, second vice president, Mikhilo Strachan, treasurer, Sherry Francis, secretary and Neketa Sears, assistant secretary.
The four board members are Samson
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: CARIFTA swimming team members go through a gruelling workout session on Saturday morning at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex where the workout intensified under veteran head coach Travano McPhee.
Fidelity Spring Classic tennis tourney was a success
THE second install-
ment of the 2025 Fidelity Spring Classic junior tennis tournament came to a successful close.
Over the weekend the finalists in eight events emerged as they displayed their talent on the tennis courts.
Last weekend the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) crowned the U8 and U10 champions.
This weekend participants from all over The Bahamas competed at a very high level to be crowned this year’s Fidelity Spring Classic champion in the U12, U14, U16 and U18 divisions.
“We are very thankful to Fidelity who has sponsored this tournament for the young tennis athletes. We are appreciative of your investment into the nation’s future,” according to a press release.
The 2025 Fidelity Champions are as follows:
U12 Girls Champion:
Rebecca Bitan
Girls Runner Up: Londyn Mortimer
U12 Boys Champion: Oliver Van Onselen
Boys Runner Up: Mark Carey
U14 Girls Champion: Caitlyn Pratt
Girls Runner Up: Rebecca Bitan
U14 Boys Champion: Harrison Van Onselen
Boys Runner Up: Oliver Van Onselen
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates the winners, runners up and participants in the U12-U18 divisions.
“The BLTA extends our gratitude to the hardworking officiating team. Thank you for your service to the sport. We also extend
thanks to the Spring Classic organising committee who ensured a smooth and seamless event.”
“Over 100 matches were played and we witnessed some highly contested matches. There was a record number of tiebreaks at the 2025 Fidelity Spring Classic.
“We are very thankful to Fidelity who has sponsored this tournament for the young tennis athletes. We are appreciative of your investment into the nation’s future.”
– Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association
“Eleuthera native Ayai Bethel, winner of the U18 Boys and runner up of U16 Boys events, played in four tiebreak sets during the tournament and he won them all!
“We encourage the players to continue to work hard as the next junior event is scheduled for Marsh Harbour, Abaco, in May. BLTA president Perry Newton, vice president Chilean Burrows, Fidelity representative Paige Nixon and referees Stephen Thompson, Philan and Cailan Bowe and Paula Whitfield are pictured at the trophy presentation.
DARON LIGHTBOURNE NEW PRESIDENT OF COACHES’ ASSOCIATION
Colebrooke, Dionne Britton from Grand Bahama, Andrew Tynes and Jamison Pratt.
“Our plan is to continue with the initiative that the past president Maycock started by putting on certification courses for the coaches and also to work on unity with the coaches,” said Francis, a former distance runner and coach of both Kids Athletics and Team Velocity Track Clubs.
“The new board members are all active coaches and have a lot of knowledge to offer to help make the association great.” Lightbourne said the board is a mixture of old and young, so they are heading into the right direction with their plans to make the association a vibrant one in the country.
“We know the people a
more inclusive board in the sense that you can get some old school information and some new school information,” he said.
“So we should be able to get the association on to the next level. They are looking for change, so most definitely with the ones who were elected and the board, we will gel very well and fight for the coaches and the things that they need out of us.”
As he celebrated his victory, Lightbourne took the time out to congratulate Team Bahamas at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China over the weekend.
“We congratulate our esteemed athletes Wendell (Miller), Devynne (Charlton), Anthaya (Charlton), Denisha (Cartwright) and Camille (Rutherford) for your unwavering commitment, rigorous training, and unyielding team spirit in representing The Bahamas on the international stage,” Lightbourne said.
“Every situation presents an opportunity for victory, and we encourage each of you to continue striving towards your goals. We eagerly await your outdoor performances.”
Lightbourne had nothing but high praise for Charlton
in repeating as the women’s 60m hurdles champion.
“Devynne, your achievement in defending your World Indoor title marks an historic moment for both yourself and The Bahamas,” he stressed.
“We encourage you to continue serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all athletes as double World Indoor champion.”
And not to be left out, Lightbourne commended the coaching staff that included Foster Dorsett, Bernard Rolle and Dr Kent Bazard, the team’s doctor.
“We appreciate your unwavering support to the athletes during the championship,” said Lightbourne, who also commended BAAA president Drumeco Archer, the leader of the delegation in China.
With the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago as the major priority over the Easter holiday weekend, Lightbourne said their association wants to ensure that the coaches selected can start working together with a cohesive unit.
“By the time they get into CARIFTA, we know that everyone will be on the same page and they can get their athletes acquainted and we can be able to reach out to the members.
“We want to revamp our constitution to make sure that it is in line with the new world. The constitution was made up in 1980, so we want to make sure that the way forward, we will bring it to the point where everybody can be a part of what we are doing.”
He noted that they don’t just want to take the $50 or $40 for new and old coaches respectively, but rather, everybody will be quite aware about all of the procedures in the association.
As for the opposition from Newbold, Lightbourne said he wasn’t concerned because he presented himself to the voting delegates and they accepted him. “I let them know exactly who I was and what I stood for in my platform that I put out there. In my campaign, I showed them how celebrative I was,” he summed up.
“But now that the elections are over, I definitely want to work with Bernard Newbold in the future because he has some great ideas and, if we can collaborate, we can have a great organisation moving forward.”
Using the theme “L.I.G.H.T” in all coaches, Lightbourne campaigned under the following five
pillars that spelt the word light.
Legislation - introduce legislation to govern the coaching body and to ensure that each coach understands their roles and responsibilities.
Innovation - implement innovation by having an Ethics Hotline via email (so that coaches voices can be heard) and build a Coaches’
Database to identify all coaches.
Guidance - provide guidance to get coaches to advance to another level with education such as assisting with certifications, one-on-one practical sessions, theory sessions and how to go about writing an athletic programme, etc.
Highlight - feature coaches and their clubs on a monthly basis, feature new accomplishments of coaches, celebrations of accomplishments and incentives.
Teamwork - foster relationships with veteran coaches, NSA, BAAA, Government (Ministry of Youth, Sprots and Culture) and corporate sponsors.
In the past, Lightbourne has developed his coaching résumé to include the following accomplishments: Represented the Bahamas national junior teams as head coach for the World Athletics U20 championships in 2024 and Pan American U20 Championships in 023. He was also an assistant coach for the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2021 and 2022. He served as an executive members (treasurer) of the Bahamas Athletic Associations of Coaches board from 2022-present.
Coaching athletic achievements include gold medals from Antoine Andrew (110m hurdles) at the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2022; Otto Laing (110m hurdles) at CARIFTA 2023 and Zion Miller (400m,) at NACAC U18 2023. Silver medal performers include Lavardo Deveaux (octathlon) at CARIFTA in 2023 and Jahcario Wilson (110m hurdles) at CARIFTA 2024 and bronze from Adam Musgrove (100m and 200m) at CARIFTA 2023 and Eagan Neely (400m) at CARIFTA 2024. National junior recordbreaking performances from Andrews in the 110m hurdles and Musgrove in the 100m. Lightbourne is also
and Field
Marvin Henfield Basketball opens up to Freetown Urban Renewal programme
20 Corner, said they brought 26 boys to participate in the basketball event.
“We have established a boys’ club at the centre and so every week, we try to give them some different positive activities to help tutor and mentor them so that they can become productive young men,” Coakley said.
With about five other officers from the centre joining the boys, Coakley said she noticed how interactive the boys were because she believes basketball is a form of discipline. “With discipline, it also provides critical thinking and skills, so it helped them because they know that when they don’t behave, they have to listen in order to get things done,” she said.
“So when they come and participate in these different activities, it helps more with their discipline, control and thinking skills.’
Coakley said that because of the fun the boys experienced, they will definitely visit the Marvin Henfield Basketball programme again. But she revealed that the next sport they hope to engage the boys in will be soccer.
Gabriel Sawyer, an 11-year-old sixth grader at Temple Christian Elementary School, gave thanks to Henfield on behalf of the group for hosting them.
“We are appreciative that coach Henfield allowed us to play on the courts and to have a good time,” Sawyer said. “We had some matchups like they do at the AAU Tournaments.
“We had our own jerseys and we played against other teams. It was great. I hope we can do it again.”
Not only do the boys at Urban Renewal get to go to various places, but they have a karate club hosted every Thursday at their centre where instructors come in as well as they have an afterschool tutoring programme every Monday and Wednesday.
During the 2–3-hour session, the boys got to view
the facility and train with the boys who were participating in an after-school programme. Before they left, Henfield shared his life experience with the youngsters with the view of hoping to make a difference in their lives, if not now, sometime in the future.
Currently, Henfield hosts a beginners’ programme for players ages 8-11 years from 3:40-4:40pm and for intermediate players from 4:50-6:30pm. There’s also Saturday sessions from 10:05-11:05am for ages 4-7 years.
“For me, this is exciting. Next year will make 30 years that I have been involved in sports, in civic work in The Bahamas and I’m getting to that point where I’ve ben planting and watering for a long time,” he said.
“So I’m happy to see the difference in this generation of players.”
Private sessions are also available by contacting Henfield at WhatsApp at 424-2353 or emailing marvinjhenfield@gmail.com
“We continue to produce athletes who are making an impact in their respective schools,” Henfield said.
“One of our athletes Brandon Thompson won
For more information, interested persons can email secretary.bbf@outlook.com.
POCKING LEAGUE TRYOUT
shares his experience
the MVP in the BAISS junior boys and Grace Smith won the girls’ MVP in the Catholic primary school league.
“We had a number of other players who would have performed well in their respective school leagues for their teams, so we’re very blessed and happy to be able to make an impact and a difference in these kids’ lives.”
team to attend tryouts, starting on Saturday from 10am to noon at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. The tryouts are for players up to 17 years of age. All players must pre-register at bbfbasketball.com/ registration and must have a Bahamian passport or are able to obtain one right away in order to tryout.
THE newly formed National Pocking League will hold tryouts for persons interested in participating. It’s open to both males and females between the ages of 18 and 40. The tryouts are slated to take place from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, March 30, at the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at
the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. Interested persons can email cqbahamas@gmail. com for more information. The league is calling for persons to try their hand at the most Bahamian past time of all times.
SPRING FLING INVITATIONAL THE Fast Track Athletics Club is scheduled to hold its 4th annual Spring Fling at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex May 16-17. The event is open to
One of those players who is also benefiting from his participation in the club is Jayden Woodside, a 15-year-old 10th grader at RM Bailey, who has been coming for the past year.
“It’s fun and I get to train on all aspects of my game,” said Woodside, who is hoping to further develop his skills before he tries out for the Pacers basketball team at RM Bailey.
competitors from throughout The Bahamas. The action is slated to begin at 5pm on Friday, May 16 and at 10am on Saturday, May 16. It promises to provide fast competition, perfect prep for championship season and an unmatched island atmosphere in Grand Bahama.
The entry fee is $5 for children and $10 for adults. For more information on the meet, persons can email fasttrackmanagement00@ gmail.com
INSTRUCTOR Marvin Henfield giving some advice to the young basketball players.
MARVIN Henfield and Urban Renewal officers share a moment with the young boys.
MARVIN Henfield
with the young boys.
KAI SCORES 13, KLAY ADDS 8 TO HELP MAVERICKS ROUT NETS 120-101 IN ANTHONY DAVIS’ RETURN
By DENIS P GORMAN Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) —
Naji Marshall scored 22 points off the bench to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 120-101 rout of the Brooklyn Nets last night.
P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 16 each, Brandon Williams scored 15 and Kai Jones added 13. Klay Thompson contributed eught points.
Anthony Davis, in his first game back after missing six weeks with a groin injury, had 12 points in 27 minutes.
Brooklyn dropped to 23-49 with its fourth straight loss. Nic Claxton led the Nets with 19 points.
Takeaways Mavericks: For a team that is in a neck-and-neck race with Phoenix for the final Western Conference play-in spot, Dallas believes that the reinsertion of Davis — among others — can provide a boost. “We understand what’s at stake here,” coach Jason Kidd said before the game. “We got to figure out how to win.” Nets: With three weeks remaining, coach Jordi Fernandez wants his team to use the final 11 games of the season to work on in-game execution. “We have to control (in order) to (have) one more possession,” Fernandez said before the game. “I think winning teams take care of those possessions.”
Key moment
Dallas guard Spencer
Dinwiddie knocked down a left corner 3, and then assisted on buckets by Marshall and Jones in a 26-second span midway through the third quarter that allowed the Mavericks to extend their lead to 75-56.
Key stat Brooklyn entered the game ninth in the NBA in 3-pointers attempted per game (39.1) and 27th in percentage of 3-pointers made per game (34.5%).
Against the Mavericks, the Nets made 11 of their 33 attempts from beyond the arc. Up next The Mavericks play the Knicks on Tuesday night. Brooklyn hosts Toronto on Wednesday.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
Tyrese Haliburton finished with 24 points and 11 assists, and Obi Toppin made six 3-pointers and added 20 points to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-103 on Monday night.
The Pacers have won five straight and seven of eight to stay ahead of Milwaukee in the chase for the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 seed. Haliburton extended his career best streak to 11 straight games with double-doubles on a night six Pacers players scored at least 10 points. Haliburton made three of Indiana’s 13 3s.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 20 points and Anthony Edwards added 17 despite being a game-time decision with a hand injury. Rudy Gobert finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds as Minnesota lost for the third time in four games.
MAGIC 118, LAKERS 106
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner had 32 points and eight assists, Paolo Banchero added 30 points and seven rebounds and Orlando sent Los Angeles to their third
straight loss. Luka Doncic scored 32 points and LeBron James added 24 points and eight assists for the Lakers, who have lost seven of their last 10. Anthony Black came off the bench and finished with 17 points, five rebounds and six assists for the Magic.
Austin Reaves scored eight of his 17 points in the first quarter for the Lakers, who led by nine points late in the first half, but were outscored 34-18 in the third quarter.
PELICANS 112, 76ERS 99 NEW ORLEANS (AP)
— Karlo Matkovic had a season-high 19 points and eight assists, Antonio Reeves had five 3-pointers and 17 points and New Orleans beat Philadelphia. Rookie Yves Missi finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, Kelly Olynyk added 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Keion Brooks Jr. added 10 points for New Orleans, which shot 43% (15 for 35) from long distance.
Two-time All-Star Zion Williamson missed his third straight game for the Pelicans. He has been sidelined since
hurting his back in a hard fall in a game against Minnesota on Wednesday.
CJ McCollum, who scored 40 points in a loss to Detroit on Sunday, did not play.
Justin Edwards and Jared Butler, from nearby Reserve, Louisiana, scored 19 point apiece as Philadelphia dropped its fifth straight and finished a six-game trip 1-5. Jeff Dowtin Jr., Guerschon Yabusele and Chuma Okeke each scored 12 points. Quentin Grimes, who scored 26 points in a loss to Atlanta on Sunday, was rested.
RAPTORS 112, WIZARDS 104
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Toronto beat Washington Wizards to stop a four-game slide. Immanuel Quickley had 21 points and seven assists for Toronto. Scottie Barnes finished with 13 points, 10 boards and eight assists. Washington lost its fifth consecutive game. Jordan Poole scored 23 points for the Wizards, and AJ Johnson had 17. Bob Carrington finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
DALLAS Mavericks forward Kai Jones (23) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Monday, March 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photos/ Angelina Katsanis)
DALLAS Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) attempts a threepointer during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets, Monday, March 24, 2025, in New York.
CARIFTA swimmers on a quest for ‘7th Heaven’
FROM PAGE E1
be the open water coach. Celestial Darville is the team manager and Therell Smith and Melvin Rolle are the female and male chaperones. Following their selections, based on their experiences and leadership qualities, the team captains were all eager to express their desire to lead Team Bahamas into the competition from April 18-22 on their chartered Bahamasair flight.
One of the male captains, William Farrington, a 16-year-old student of St Andrew’s School, will be back for his fourth appearance on the team.
“I’m really excited to go into Trinidad and to represent the team in a different age category,” Farrington said.
“I think we have a really strong team, as we’ve done every year, but I think we should really be able to maximise on our breaststrokes and in the sprint races this year.
“I just want to have a good swim, score some points and just encourage my team-mates. I want to make sure we get this seven-peat.”
Tia-Isabella Adderley, who came home for the weekend from the University of Tampa where she is studying sports medicine, is making her third CARIFTA team, but will only be competing for the second time as the 2021 championships was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“I’m really excited, especially to be a team captain and to lead the team. Being in such a leadership role is really a dream, but I’m looking forward to it,” said the 17-year-old Ferguson.
“I’m looking forward to a seven-peat and just keeping the team focused and motivated and have fun while
we are swimming. For me, I just want to finish strong because this will be my last CARIFTA.”
And Caden Wells, who is also making his fourth trip to the championships, said they have a very good team, but they just have to train and stay focused.
“Coach Travano just beat us up today, but if we all just concentrate and do the workouts, I think we have a very good chance of winning the title again for the seventh time,” Wells said.
“This is my last year, so I’m expecting to break some times that I’ve been sitting on for a while. I’ve dropped in my yard times a lot, but I believe if I continue to train hard, I can go and drop my breaststrokes and IM times.”
Although he’s 18, Wells said his birthday falls in time to allow him to still compete in the 15-17
division, so unlike some of the other swimmers who were on the team last year, they didn’t make it.
“We lost some people, but I feel like the people we lost aren’t enough to make us lose this meet at all,” stated Wells, a 12th-grade student at McCallie School in Chattanoga, Tennessee.
The other two female team captains are Elle Theberge and Mia Patton and Ayton Moncur is the third male captain. They are all competing in the 15-17 age group.
Team Bahamas was selected a week ago by Bahamas Aquatics following the Last Chance meet.
The team consists of the following:
Female swimmers Age Category 11-12
- Sienna Campbell, Skarlette Donaldson, Isabella Munroe, Taylen Nicolls and Semaiah Rolle.
Three-time Olympian Allan Murray embracing his new role as national team coach
FROM PAGE E1
straight title. Malcolm Menzies, the top Bahamian finisher coming in seventh place in the boys’ 16-18 division last year, will be back for his second consecutive appearance in the open water competition. He will be one of three competitors representing Team Bahamas in the 16-18 division. The other two are Kevin Johnson Jr. and Myles Saunders. Making up the boys 14-15 division are Lauchlan Menzies, Trace Russell and Kaylan Williams. On the girls’ side, the 14-15 competitors are Gillian Albury, Samirah Donaldson and Madison Fox. The competitors in the
16-18 division are Madison Gilbert, Alanna Murray and Erin Pritchard. Malcolm likes what he sees from Team Bahamas.
“The team looks pretty strong this year. I’m excited to see how our open water team does because it’s pretty new for The Bahamas to be competing in the event,” Menzies said. “So I’m excited to see how everybody does.”
The 16-year-old 11th grader at Windsor High School said his goal is to make The Bahamas proud. Albury, who will compete in the girls’ 14-15 division, will be making her debut on the CARIFTA team.
“I’m very excited to be on this CARIFTA team,” said Albury, a 13-year-old eighth
grader at Windsor High School. “Every year I watch and always dream of being on the CARIFTA team and now my dream has come true.
“I feel it’s a very strong team and I feel we will have more medals than last (year). We will not just win one, but I think we can win multiple medals. I hope I can win one.”
The open water swimmers will join 36 swimmers who were selected to compete in the swim competition that will take place from April 18-21, along with the CARIFTA track and field and cycling competition in Trinidad. The team will travel to Trinidad on their own chartered Bahamasair flight.
Age Category 13 -14 -
Isabella Cuccurullo, Alissa Ferguson, Saleste Gibson, Siann Isaacs, DNDN McKenzie, Violet Saralegui, Kimaya Saunders and Skyler Smith.
Age Category 15 -17
- Tia-Isabella Adderley, Lelah Lewis, Mia Patton, Elle Theberge, Zoe Williamson and Elyse Wood.
Male swimmers
Age Category 11 -12 - Kai Bastian, Logan Comarcho, Da’Kari Cooper, Nitayo Knowles and Dexter Russell.
Age Category 13 -14
- Christon Joseph, Alexander Murray, Trace Russell,
David Singh, Kaylan Williams and Issac Wright. Age Category 15 -17Tristen Hepburn, William Farrington, Ellie Gibson, Ayrton Moncur, Donald Saunders and Caden Wells.
Open water team
Female swimmers
Age Category 14 -15Gillian Albury, Samirah Donaldson and Madison Fox.
Age Category 16 -18Madison Gilbert, Alanna Murray and Erin Pritchard.
Male swimmers
Age Category 14 -15
- Lauchlan Menzies, Trace Russell and Kaylan Williams.
Age Category 16 -18
- Kevin Johnson Jr., Malcolm Menzies and Myles Saunders.
Over the next few weeks, McPhee said they will fine tune some relay exchanges and build their team morale and camaraderie to get them ready for Trinidad.
“We are in a very high adage stage, so we just want to keep them focused and prepared for the task ahead of us and that is to win our seventh-straight title,” McPhee summed up. The team is expected to work out again together this weekend at the Betty Kelly Kenning complex.
COACH TRAVANO MCPHEE, far left, and some members of the Bahamas CARIFTA swim team.
YOUNG male and female swimmers prepare for their workout at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Saturday.
By TENAJH SWEETING
Reporter
OVER 100 women and young girls attended the inaugural ‘She is 1,000’ golf series on Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s (BGF) par three golf course.
The event is the brainchild of Georgette Rolle-Harris and Denise Poitier, who both wanted to not only mark International Women’s Day but also empower females through the game of golf.
The one-day event catered to females from age three all the way up to 103-years-old.
Poitier said the launch of the ‘She is 1,000’ golf series got off to a rousing start.
“I am overjoyed. We had over 100 women and girls in attendance today and we also had over 60 who have never played golf before so that was really exciting for us. We were able to get everybody involved with Zumba on the golf course and then we had Georgette along with Mr Gibson do a full demonstration. Everybody who came today really came to learn how to play,” she said.
Participants got the opportunity to participate in a clinic that taught them the drive, chip and putt methods and they also got the chance to put their new skills to use on the golf course.
Poitier spoke about the level of camaraderie displayed between the ladies on the golf course.
“This month we celebrated International Women’s Day and it was amazing to see over 100 women come together. We had different organisations that came out as groups to partake because they want to learn a new skill and they want to feel empowered. Everybody was so
supportive. We had a group leader in each group and no one was left behind. Everybody who participated today for sure can come back here by themselves, get a bucket, get a club and hit some balls,” Poitier said.
Glendina Williams is a newcomer to the sport of golf. She attended the event courtesy of Nassau Flight Services and was pleased with the overall experience.
“It was awesome. I had a fabulous time with the
female managers of Nassau Flight Services. Our company paid for all of us to come today to learn how to play golf as none of us have ever golfed before. It was great playing for the first time. Mr Gibson
her grandnieces next time around to partake in the
“all girls” experience.
Karen Pinder, who plays golf occasionally, expressed that playing with the other ladies made the experience second to none.
“Today was really amazing because I got to meet so many new women golfers. I think it is a great sport, you get to commune with nature and meet new friends and today I met three fabulous ladies who also share the passion of golf so it was a great experience. My favourite part was definitely playing on the golf course with the ladies,” she said.
Lori Greaves, who usually plays golf with her family, echoed Pinder’s sentiments.
“Today was really a nice experience to see both women and girls coming out and the very quick feedback after the event like ‘I would like to come back and I would like to play again’. It was really positive feedback and I enjoyed being here getting to know new ladies. I think the purpose of the event was met,” she said.
The ‘She is 1,000’ Golf Series will include four different events.
from Emerald Bay was an awesome teacher so now I know how to putt and hit the ball,” she said.
Ms Williams said that she will definitely attend the next event of the four-part series and wants to bring
Event organisers want to double their numbers at each event leading up to the final event of the series. Interested individuals are encouraged to keep an eye out for part two of the ‘She is 1,000’ series.
