The Tribune

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) joined in the many persons and organisations in extending its condolences to the family of Samuel ‘Sam’ Haven on his passing.

Haven, 61, died on Thursday at the Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, after a battle with cancer.

“Sam, as he was affectionately known, was one of the finest all around sportsmen that this country has produced. Sam was also extensively involved in sports administration,” the ministry’s statement read.

“In his early years Sam was one of the country’s leading soccer players, a sport that he devoted a good portion of his life to.

“He was also very instrumental in the formation and administration of the Bankers Softball League in which he also engaged as a player in that league.

“Haven was appointed to numerous sporting organisations in the country, and was recently appointed as deputy chairman of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission. All of these activities were in addition to his profession as a banker where he held numerous senior positions in the banking industry.

“It is fair to say that the Bahamas has lost one of its premier sportsmen and administrators, one who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the further development of sports in our country.”

The ministry again extends its sincere condolences to his family and offer the words of Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

The ministry encouraged the family to be strong during this time of bereavement.

Haven served as the deputy chairman of the BADC and a stalwart member from the outset in 2010 when he contributed mightily to the preparation of documents that informed sporting partners and the general public of the wide jurisdiction of the BADC.

He was also instrumental in solidifying relationships with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (Caribbean RADO).

“He will be missed as a friend, confidant and a principle role player in the National Anti-Doping Movement,” Dr Lightbourne said.

As a banker by profession, Haven was also instrumental in the formation of the Bankers League, which currently plays its softball league in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.