The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

IN an effort to continue the rebranding of its organisation, the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association will offer a new approach to one of the marquee events on its calendar.

This year’s annual awards ceremony, held under the patronage of local track and field icon Keith Parker, is all set to be hosted on June 26 at the British Colonial Hilton under the theme “Shining Stars of 2015.”

The event will recognise 156 of the country’s top athletes of 2015 including the All-Bahamian scholars, national team ambassadors and top performers.

BAAAs  First Vice President, Tonique Williams, said the organisation was intent on shifting the way it honoured the dedication and production of its athletes.

An overhaul of the event included hosting in June rather than December and using a true awards show format accompanied by a cocktail reception and silent auction in lieu of a  traditional dinner banquet.

“It was agreed by all executives that of utmost importance was the rebranding of our federation. Included in this rebranding exercise first and foremost would be how BAAA events are delivered and perceived. When this committee received our mandate it was expected that this event was going to be modern, it would be the federation’s signature recognition event and that it would highlight our athletes in such a style and flavour that they would know and feel our athletes are our number one priority,” she said.

“We have introduced a silent auction, cocktail reception which I assure you will literally evolve right before your eyes. We have moved to theatre-style seating because we want our attendees to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. Most importantly, as an awards ceremony, we have invested in stunning awards and uniquely designed and branded BAAAs certificates, something that our winners will be honoured to have and others will be desirous of achieving. Finally to engage our thousands of fans we have created a special category called the People’s Choice awards. For this award the public is encouraged to go to our Facebook page and vote for their favourite athlete.”

In addition to recognising the athletes, the federation will also recognise affiliates and partners whose service and contributions have been important to the success of Team Bahamas. Presentations will also be made to the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials’ official of the year and to the coach of the year.

The awards ceremony will directly follow the conclusion of the BAAA Senior National Trials, June 24-25.

BAAAs President Rosamunde Carey said one of the goals is to take advantage of the athletes at home during the summer months to encourage inclusiveness and participation from all athletes.

“This new executive body is serious when we say we are going to transform this federation,” she said. “It is important that the federation honours the dedication, hard work and sacrifices the athletes make on a daily basis. These athletes not only represent themselves and their beloved sport but they also represent our country.”

Patron of this year’s event, Keith Parker said he was honoured by the BAAAs, particularly for a service of recognition so important to the morale of the athletes.

“I’ve been involved with BAAAs activity for over 50 years. I have served under eight different presidents and I’m particularly proud to be honoured by the BAAAs on this occasion leading into theese awards,” he said. “I’ve been pleased to present the award to the most outstanding junior male athletes and on at least two occasions that has been Lathario Collie-Minns. And this year I was delighted to see that this year he has qualified for the Olympics. That to me shows how valuable the BAAAs award system is.

“Even younger athletes, I was happy to attend the primary school meet named after Frank Rahming and to see those younger athletes put on fantastic performances and exhibit great behaviour. I think we can all be proud of the fact that the BAAAs and the various teams over the years have promoted athletics to be enjoyed by the young and old.”