The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GOLD COAST, Australia -- Team Bahamas won't have to worry if they sustain any injury at the XXI Commonwealth Games. The Bahamas Olympic Committee has assembled a medical staff that is equipped to handle any major problems.

Just ask Doctor Rickey Davis.

"Every year it seemed to be getting more and more sophisticated and more responsibilities," said Davis, the team's chief medical officer.

"I haven't heard of any complaints from any of the athletes, so I'm hoping that they will all come here and perform very well. If they encounter any injuries, we will be here to deal with it."

The "we" Davis was referring to were Grand Bahama's Cottrice Robinson, who is back for another sting on the team as a member of the medical staff, and newcomer Cordero Bonamy, who is here in his first capacity as a physiotherapist.

"I have a great medical team. I have great confidence in them," said Davis, who has been on so many trips that he can't remember how many. "I have no doubt that they are the best. I worked with the young guy at the Youth Commonwealth Games and he did a great job then. I have all the confidence that he will do a great job here. He should be a good addition to our medical staff for the future."

Going back in time, it's Robinson's second Commonwealth Games team, although she had worked a number of other international events for Team Bahamas.

"We are involved with our athletes before competition, during competition and after competition," she said. "We are involved in preventing injuries and dealing with injuries when they occur in competition or practice."

Robinson said they have not met any challenge that they couldn't face with the athletes in the Games Village, but she's anticipating that things could change when the rest of the team arrives this weekend.

And in his novice experience, Bonamy said he's here to expand his craft and get the tutelage from Robinson and Dr Davis.

"This has been a passion of mine after I worked with (high jumper) Jamal Wilson last year," Bonamy said. "He said imagine if they take you to the Commonwealth Games and God had it so. Right now I'm just grateful for the opportunity. We have to get the athletes ready to perform their best. That's what it's all about."

During his journey here, Bonamy said he's been networking with some of his former collegiates at the University of the West Indies. No matter what happens, the medical staff said they are up to the task.