The Tribune

RETIRED Bahamian sporting icon Lavern Eve, back home for the holidays, displayed her keen sportsmanship by winning the ladies’ division of the Macedonia Baptist Church Men’s Family Fun Walk Race on Saturday.

Miguel Thompson emerged as the winner of the men’s segment of the race that started at the church grounds on Bernard Road, travelled west to the Village Road round-a-bout, turned around and headed east back to the church grounds.

The race was held as a part of the celebrations for the Men’s Anniversary that will be celebrated on Sunday, January 30.

Among those on hand to support the event were Rev Stephen Ferguson, the director of the Men’s Department of the Bahamas National Baptist Convention, Rev Harrison Thompson, advisor to Rev Ferguson, Rev Bernal Bullard, men’s evangelism director, Wellington Miller, former president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee and Sean Bastian, the assistant director of the University of the Bahamas Mingoes’ Athletic Department.

Host senior pastor Rev Dr Hartman Nixon and his wife, Minister Laverne Martha Nixon, also were in attendance.

Eve, the country’s most decorated javelin thrower, said it was good for her to be home and supporting her church.

“We don’t know what this year will bring, but I do hope that you and your family are safe and away from this COVID-19 and protect yourself,” she said. “But it was a good way to start the day.”

And her elder sister Beryl Eve, who also returned home from Houston for the Christmas holiday, said it was good to start the year off right and she wished everybody would stay healthy and she hopes that everyone would stay fit.

In presenting a charge to the officers and members of the men’s department, headed by Minister Brent Stubbs, Rev Ferguson, of Hillside Missionary Baptist Church, said he was proud to come over to Macedonia and help as they continue their pursuit in excellence.

Rev Thompson, who hails from Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, said despite the pandemic, the event went off very well and he felt like he’s in shape because he shed about two pounds. And Rev Bullard from New Bethlehem Baptist Church advised Macedonia men to continue to push the young men and to make them feel appreciated and a part of the church, no matter how they look.

In that way, they will expand the ministry, he said.

• The awards, presented to the first three finishers in each category, were as follows:

Women’s 25-and-under – Shonte Ferguson.

Women’s 45-and-under – Ashley Williams-Mounts, Petula Burnside.

Women’s 60-and-under – Lavern Eve, Denise Colebrooke-Sweeting, Williamae Russell.

Women’s 60-and-over – Minister Laverne Nixon.

Men’s 15-and-under – Donato Adderley, Frederick Williams Jr, Augustus Mott.

Men’s 25-and-under – Miguel Thompson.

Men’s 45-and-under – Minister Denero Rahming.

Men’s 60-and-under – Yelverton Williams, Rev. Stephen Ferguson, Sean Bastian.

Men’s 60-and-over – Rev. Harrison Thompson, Rev, Bernal Bullard, James Strachan.