The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The success of the second edition of the “Dan Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend” has left event organisers optimistic about the partnership between the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

Hundreds of supporters took to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium Saturday, as the three-day schedule of events culminated with action on the gridiron.

The itinerary included a welcome reception on opening night, followed by golf and evening events on day two. Day three included a youth football clinic at the stadium with approximately 200 local football enthusiasts, ranging from ages 6-18, in attendance.

The final event was a flag football exhibition between the visiting Dolphins Legends, and the Bahamas All-Stars, comprised of former Commonwealth American Football League, Bahamas Flag Football players and Ministry of Tourism representatives.

Marino, the iconic Hall of Fame quarterback, said he was impressed with the talent level of the participants at the camp and the growth of the entire event since year one.

“They were a lot of very athletic kids and you can tell they were excited about being out here and being a part of it. It grew from last year and we certainly look for that to continue,” he said. “We want to have the kids here in the Bahamas become Dolphins fans, to recognise that football is a great game, to introduce them to that and hopefully they make that a part of their life and just to support the Bahamas in the game any way we can.”

Marino hosted the event this year with several former Dolphins, including Mark Clayton, Mark Duper, Troy Drayton, Patrick Surtain, Sam Madison, OJ McDufie, Nat Moore, Hugh Green, Louis Oliver, Dwight Stephenson, Jim Jensen, Sean Wooden and others. Current Dolphins Olivier Vernon and Damien Williams also made appearances.

“I love seeing Duper, Clayton, Nat and all the guys and just being around them because we have so many great memories and life stories together and we kind of grew up together so it’s always good to be around those guys. We don’t see each other enough, so it’s always good to be with them,” Marino said. “I’m thankful for the support of the Miami Dolphins, for the families of the kids that come out and support this clinic and all of the events surrounding the weekend.”

Marino, 53, still holds at least a dozen NFL records and is recognised as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Best remembered for his quick release and powerful arm, Marino led the Dolphins to the playoffs 10 times in his 17-season career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Nat Moore, who played alongside Marino and fellow Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, outlined the goals for the immediate future of the programme.

“The weekend as we see it now, we hope to continue to grow it. We will probably do something similar the whole time because you will only get better if you continually do the same thing. You start changing every time you do something then you’ll never perfect anything. Our goal is to have 500 kids at the next camp. Another goal is to come to the Bahamas during the year, go into the school system. Another goal is to help educate not just the kids but the teachers and coaches on how to teach the game of football, that’s how you grow it. You start it at the elementary and junior high level, that’s not to say we’re looking past high school but if you start training kids real young everything becomes real easier,” he said.

“It’s all about showing these kids that they are no different than we are. Showing them that if they believe in themselves, work hard enough and dream big they have an opportunity. When I look at the Bahamas I think of great track programmes and I know that they have great basketball and I also hear that baseball is growing. That’s all because they started at the grassroots to help grow it and then eventually everybody loves the game and that’s where we want to get. When I think of the Bahamas, and I’ve been coming here for 40 years, it’s the closest country to our shores, our greatest fans are here in the Bahamas so why we wouldn’t we come down and help develop the game of football here. We want to get better at what we’re doing.”

The partnership between the two organisations also includes the “Bahamas Bash Zone” at Sun Life Stadium, home of the Dolphins, where the 100-level is themed in Bahamian decor and prizes are offered by the Ministry of Tourism.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said each aspect of the promotion will continue to grow in stature as the events gain notoriety. “The Miami Dolphins have been wonderful partners, they have been able to give us favoured spaces in their stadium and we have been able to capitalise,” he said.

“We are constantly thinking on building, how to make things better, how to involve more players and more fans. Again it’s a part of a promotion benefitting the Bahamas. When a name like Dan Marino comes, with him comes fans who follow.”