The Tribune

MEMBERS of the senior national team were scheduled to attend the Jason Morris Cup in Albany, New York, but Hurricane Matthew had different plans.

Kentico Forbes (81 kilogram), Taryn Butler (52kg), Joshua Mcfall (73kg) and Desmond Bootle (66kg) had prepared for months, but due to airport closures were unable to attend.

That, however, did not dampen their spirits.

Training at the national training centre resumed with strength and fitness testing where over 25 members of the junior squad and senior squad are actively training daily. All of this despite the training centre not having had electricity since the storm. The training centre is located on the grounds of Holy Family Catholic Church on Robinson Road.

“We are preparing for CARIFTA and the Commonwealth Youth Games. This means getting as much experience as possible,” said head coach and High Performance director D’Arcy Rahming Jr.

“Seniors need the experience to bring the juniors along. We used this opportunity for strength testing and to teach the team the value of taking care of their environment.”

Team members participated in cleaning up the national training centre of fallen debris from the hurricane.

About 25 members of the national training centre are fed a hot meal every day after practice. These meals are donated by service groups such as the Fox Hill Kiwanis Club and private companies like Mikey Dames Construction. And even individuals who bring in a meal from time to time.

Anyone interested in assisting can contact the Bahamas Judo Federation at cariftajudo@gmail.com