The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

It wasn’t a birthday or anniversary celebration, but it was the “surprise” of her life when members of the Local Organising Committee showed up at the Ministry of Social Services and Community Affairs to crown former sprinter Maryann Higgs-Clarke as the Honorary “Mother” of 2023 CARIFTA Games.

Higgs-Clarke, who was stunned that she was remembered, was the first of six Bahamian athletes to earn the prestigious Austin Sealy Award as the most outstanding athlete of the games. She was the second athlete to achieve the feat in 1978 when the Bahamas hosted the games for the second time.

“Golden Girl” Pauline Davis-Thompson, the third Bahamian Austin Sealy Award winner in 1984 behind Lavern Eve (1982 and 1983), placed the crown on Higgs- Clarke’s head and the sash across her chest in front of a cheering group of co-workers at the Ministry of Social Services and Community Affairs.

Fernerin Hanna, the senior director of marketing and sponsorship for the LOC, headed by Lynden Maycock, presented Higgs-Clarke with a bouquet of flowers as she was serenaded by Amanda Forbes, a member of the LOC marketing team.

An emotional, but soft-spoken Higgs-Clarke, trying to hold back the tears, said she was extremely pleased to see that she was not forgotten for her accomplishment for Team Bahamas at the games that was won by Jamaica.

“I was told that the Minister (Obie Wilchcombe) wanted to see me, but I was surprised and ecstatic when I came out here and saw all of this,” said Higgs- Clarke, as she was greeted chants of “surprise” when she went into the foyer of the office in the Aventura Plaza on Thompson Boulevard.

“Right now, I’m speechless, but I’m also happy that I am remembered. After all these years, I appreciate what is being done for me because at the time, it was as big accomplishment for the Bahamas. So I want to thank everyone for restoring this love and appreciation on me.”

In recalling her historic performance, Higgs-Clarke said when she got the baton in the women’s 4 x 400m relay on the anchor leg, she was trailing the Barbadian athlete by about 40 metres, but she reeled her in and secured the silver for the Bahamas behind Jamaica.

“I just went out there and did what I had to do,” Higgs-Clarke said.

Wilchcombe noted that he remembers the games of 1978 when he was an announcer for the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (ZNS), during the games. “I’m particularly honoured,” Wilchcombe said.

“We had all doubts that we were going to lose and Maryann put the Bahamas on her back and she ran with an injured foot and she brought that victory home for us and made us believe that yes we can.

“She inspired so many, quietly doing her work. I’m so happy that you all see the greatness. This is greatness in all its humility. And to recognise her, you made us all so proud. We love you so much for all that you have done for this country.”

Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer said as a little boy, he too remembers Higgs-Clarke’s performance, which he said set the tone for women in athletics in the Bahamas.

“I’m just proud to be a part of this moment because it’s a celebration of gender equality, a celebration of women in our sport and so today, we can say, you are certainly the Mother of Track and field (in CARIFTA).”

Davis-Thompson, who represented Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, said they are proud of Higgs-Clarke, who got it all started for women in track and field.

“I know it hasn’t been easy and what you did inspired the future generation of young Bahamian athletes and I’m one of them,” Davis-Thompson said. “You’re the mother of my daughter and so I want to congratulate you on that.

“But I just want to thank you personally for getting it started for all of us. I’m so proud of you.”

Last week, the Oaktree Medical Center was introduced as the title partner to the tune of $300,000. They didn’t provide any cheque, but joined in the chorus in congratulating Higgs-Clarke on her achievement.

“I also viewed your race, so I say to you, because of you, we all can carry on,” said Elesca Smith, the Chief Operating Officer, who was accompanied by some members of their staff at the Oaktree. “So we celebrate with you today.”

As Team Bahamas prepares for the hosting of the 50th edition of the games and the ninth time in the Bahamas, Higgs-Clarke had some words of advice for them. “Stay focused,” she stated. “Practice, practice, practice. Everybody can’t be a champion, but just go out there and compete to the best of your ability and you will be alright. Just make the Bahamas proud again.”

Higgs-Clarke, born December 24, 1962, attended St Augustine’s College from 1974-1980 and was considered one of the top sprinters, not only in the Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

She participated in the CARIFTA Games, established in 1972, from 1974 to 1981, winning her share of gold and silver medals.

While she didn’t go to the pinnacle of the sport, one of her two daughters, Lanece Clarke, followed in her footsteps, having competed in the sprints representing the Bahamas in just about every international meet from CARIFTA to Olympics.

The 50th edition of CARIFTA is scheduled for April 7-10, 2023 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The Legends Walk and official launch of the games is scheduled for Thursday, December 1, 2022.