By RENALDO DORSETT
Sports Reporter
rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
SCOTIABANK Bahamas will once again join forces with the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA)and the Ministry of Education as the title sponsor for the National High School Track & Field Championships.
The meet, set to be hosted March 20-22 at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium, has competition in all categories, including bantam, junior, intermediate and senior boys’ and girls’ divisions.
Sean Albert, managing director of Scotiabank Bahamas, said his organisation saw the $20,000 donation as an investment in Bahamian youth.
“Scotiabank is once again very proud to be partnering with the BAAAs and the Ministry of Education as the title partner of this year’s championships. We are really proud of the contribution of over $20,000. We all know that the Bahamas has a very strong international reputation in athletics, hence, our commitment aligns perfectly with youth development, via sports. It allows us to work together to have a sustainable impact on the future of the Bahamas,” he said. “Let me say to the athletes, the most worthy prize is always worth the fight. Keep dreaming and keep working. God speed to you all and continue to discover what is possible.”
Curt Hollingsworth, chairman of the National High School Championships, said his committee is charged with raising the standard of the meet to coincide with the BAAAs rebranding effort.
“It is absolutely important to have the structure and the system tightened up. That is what our committee is attempting to do, once we have the structure in the system in place that is required to host a high class meet, we will see this event continue to grow,” he said. “We are pleased with the opportunity for this team to be charged with the responsibility of rebranding our product and changing the image and landscape of what we are trying to accomplish in the BAAAs. We see this as an opportunity to broaden the scope of athletics for our young people in the country. It is so exciting to have Scotiabank and the Ministry of Education to play this major role in helping us to realise these national championships and we are indebted to Scotiabank for making this possible to be able to provide some wonderful things for our children.”
Hollingsworth, immediate past president of the BAAAs, said the public should expect a competitive meet as student athletes get set to represent the Bahamas on the regional stage.
“All schools in the country have been invited and we expect a record number of schools to compete this year. The years when we don’t host CARIFTA tends to be some of the most fulfilling years for us and the most competitive years. It allows our athletes to compete at the nationals, pre-qualify and those who have pre-qualified have the opportunity to then return for CARIFTA trials. So you can expect a really competitive meet coming up. We invite the entire public to come out and see our young people in action as they get the opportunity to demonstrate to the world that we do indeed have the talent we need to excel in athletics,” he said.
Scotiabank will continue to award the most outstanding athletes of the meet, which includes past winners such as Shaunae Miller, Anthonique Strachan and Latario Collie-Minns, who have gone on to perform exceptionally well locally, regionally and internationally.
Leah Davis, senior manager for marketing and public relations, said Scotiabank’s relationship with the BAAAs was unphased by recent turmoil within the organisation.
“We have every confidence in the BAAAs that they have made the necessary adjustments and that the goal remains the same, which is the promotion of athletics and more importantly the advancement of our young people. This partnership has been a longstanding one and we hope it continues,” she said.
Mike Sands, president of the BAAA, acknowledged Scotiabank as a reputable leader in corporate Bahamas for its continued support of the meet.
“The success of our various programmes are dependent on the support we get from corporate Bahamas. I am very pleased to say on behalf of the executives of the BAAAs, the council members and of course the athletes would like to thank Scotiabank for once again having the confidence in the BAAAs and our programme and supporting our efforts by once again coming on as the title sponsor. We look forward to ensuring that the return on your investment, which is the investment in our young people, meets your satisfaction,” he said.
Ultimately, Sands said his hope for the Scotiabank National High School Championships is to develop the deep rooted tradition and excitement surrounding Jamaica’s ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, known internationally as “Champs.”
“One of the biggest and best meets in this region and arguably in the world is what is referred to as ‘Champs’ in Jamaica. Jamaica’s stadium holds about 45,000 seats and if you are lucky you may be able to find a seat in the stadium. It is a tradition over 100 years old where the alumnus of the respected schools are expected to go back and support their schools whether you are Donald Quarrie or Usain Bolt, you name them, they all find a way to go back and support their schools,” he said. “The appeal that is going out to our alumni is to come out and support our young people because today in our society, the positive things our young people are doing needs to be encouraged so they can continue in the right direction. We make no apologies for the fact that we look at what Jamaica is doing and the success their programme is having and as such, we make an effort to emulate that success.”
For that dream to be realised, Drumeco Archer, chairman of BAAAs Council, echoed Sands’ sentiments on alumni participation.
“We want to really encourage alumni to come out and show their support, not only to their schools but for all of the athletes,” he said. “We look forward to athletes like MaryAnn Higgs and Pauline Davis, we are encouraging all of you to come out and wear your colours and support the new rebranding of the BAAAs.”
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