The Tribune

THE 2022 Bahamas Catholic Board of Education (CBE) Primary Schools Basketball Season kicked off on Friday, October 14 at Loyola Hall, Gladstone Road.

Participating schools include the St Cecilia’s School Strikers, Sts. Francis & Joseph School Shockers, Xavier’s Lower School Giants and St Thomas More School Sparks.

In the boys’ division, the St Cecilia’s Strikers defeated the St Thomas More Sparks 10-5.

The Sts. Francis & Joseph Shockers bested the Xavier’s College Giants by a score of 15-5.

In the girls’ division, Sts. Francis & Joseph defeated St Thomas More 7-1.

St. Cecilia’s School beat Xavier’s Lower School 15-2.

For almost two years, as a result of the pandemic, all CBE sports tournaments and relative events were cancelled.

Sports are an important part of Catholic school education and aligns with The Bahamas Catholic Board of Education’s mission of development of the whole person. Sports not only promotes health and well-being, but also fosters school spirit and the development of skills and talents.

“You will notice scores are low, but you have to remember that as a result of the pandemic these children have never had the opportunity to play basketball competitively, this is their first time participating in a tournament and playing in front of a crowd,” said N’Komo Ferguson, coach at St Cecilia’s.

“We are happy to be able to revive the athletic programmes in our schools as sports is not just about competition but essential in fostering a love of sports and all the other benefits sports offers to young persons. We are certain that with more exposure the students will become more confident playing in the tournament.”

“Sports unites a nation,” said Ricardo Freemantle, a coach at Sts. Francis & Joseph School.

He added: “Being able to participate in team sports yet again is welcomed. The physical, emotional and social are areas that the kids were lacking throughout the pandemic, therefore it is remarkable and welcoming to be back on the court.

In terms of our boys and girls win on Friday, it feels good to get back in that winning mentality.”

The next set of games on the basketball schedule will take place on October 20.

Sts. Francis & Joseph will take on St Cecilia’s and the Xavier’s College Giants will face the St Thomas More Sparks.

All games will take place at Loyola Hall, Gladstone Rd.

Boys

St Cecilia’s School (Strikers) over St Thomas More School (Sparks) – Score: 10-5

Sts. Francis & Joseph School (Shockers) over Xavier’s Lower School (The Giants):

Score: 15 - 5

Girls

Sts. Francis & Joseph School (Shockers) over St Thomas More School (Sparks): Score: 7-1

St Cecilia’s School (Strikers) over Xavier’s Lower School (Giants):

Score: 15-2