The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CHRISTMAS will come early for 20 Bahamian teachers on Friday, December 17, when they are expected to be honoured and recognised through a $10,000 grant provided by the foundation created by the College Football Playoff System of the United States of America.

Similar to what they do during their college bowl games held around the country, Richard Giannini, executive director of the Bahamas Bowl, said during half-time of the 2021 Bahamas Bowl between the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Toledo Rockets at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium, the 20 teachers selected by the Ministry of Education will be presented with cheques of $500 each.

“It started with just the playoff games in the United States, but now they are doing it with all of the bowl games,” Giannini said. “They have provided a local grant in each community to help the local teachers.

“So when we decided to tap into the programme for our bowl game, we got with the Ministry of Education here. They are doing a programme where teachers from throughout the Bahamas have to write an essay about what they would do with the $500 grant for their classroom. How would they spend that money?”

On Friday, Giannini said the Ministry of Education is expected to complete its assessments of the essays written and make a determination of the final 20 entries, who will be honoured during the half-time of the game that pits Conference USA against the Mid-American Conference.

“It’s a unique deal. It’s all about the teachers and how we can help them to get off to a great start for the new year,” Giannini said.

“That’s why the College Playoff System decided to do this for education. That way you include everybody and you’re putting the money where it is needed.

“When the game is played, that part of the programme will also be carried live on ESPN so that persons can see and recognise those teachers who will be benefitting from the programme here.”

Although the grant was initiated six years ago, Giannini said they are excited that it’s finally trickling down to the Bahamas. Hopefully, it will continue throughout the duration of the remainder of the 12 year programme.

“They are half way through the programme. Nothing will change with the programme,” Giannini said.

“But I suspect that because its made such an impact throughout the United States with the teachers that will continue after the 12-year period is up.”

Once that continues, Giannini said they will remain committed to assisting the teachers in the Bahamas as long as the Bahamas Bowl game is played here.