The Tribune

SPONSORSHIP for the 2015 Bahamas National High School Track & Field Championships got off to a great start when well known Olympic gold medallist Sir Durward Knowles presented the National Sports Authority with a cheque for his support.

The Government of The Bahamas is now responsible for the Annual High School Track & Field Classic and Senator Greg Burrows heads a committee that works in conjunction with the National Sports Authority to host this event at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The BAAA has sanctioned the event and all parties are devoted to making this year’s classic the best ever in our history.

“We’re trying to get back to the school pride that we had back in the 1960s and 70s”, said Senator Burrows. “Back then the young people didn’t have as much distraction as they do now, with the smart phone, I-pad and so on. So our work is to get them back into their school activities and allow them to understand what school pride is once again. We know that this will develop into national pride and give us more compassion for our country”.

Sir Durward, who has helped every sport in our country, especially sailing, has a passion for athletics. Both he and Tommy Robinson were to be the stars of the Olympics 50 years ago for the Bahamas.

The National High School Track & Field Championship is still special to Sir Durward and he wanted to do what he could to help.

“I know that there are challenges in getting the Family Island schools to Nassau for this event and accommodations. So I want to do what I can to help alleviate that burden,” said Sir Durward. “I know they need much more, but hopefully my gesture will encourage others to want to help this national event for our young people. After all most of Olympic athletes come through this championship.”

The National High School Track & Field Championships is scheduled for March 5-7 at the TAR National Stadium. However, there is an opening ceremony at the national stadium on March 4 and during this time, the National Sports Authority and the committee will honour nine outstanding principals and coaches who have made a difference over the many years to the success of this event.

“In addition some key people will also be recognised. The committee also wants to take this time to thank Scotiabank for their many years of sponsorship of this national championship. Each year they led the way in sponsorship and ultimately to the success of this event. Many outstanding athletes came out of the National Championship. They went on to star in CARIFTA and then national headlines. This year big things are expected from newcomers,” according to a press release.

The National Sports Authority and the committee for this year’s championship is slated to hold a press conference next week to announce their title sponsor and other major sponsors who will contribute to the success of the 2015 National High School Track & Field Championships. This year almost all of the high schools in the Bahamas are expected to participate.