Published On:Saturday, March 20, 2010

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CALLING him "our champion," Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's Permanent Secretary Archie Nairn welcomed silver medallist Valentino Knowles and the Bahamian team from the XXX Energy Drinks Commonwealth Championships.

Knowles, team-mate Carl Hield, coach Andre Seymour and referee Alvin Sargent were all greeted in the VIP Lounge of the Lynden Pindling International Airport on their return home from India yesterday.

Nairn set the tone for the brief ceremony that was attended by Minister of Sports, Charles Maynard; Bahamas Olympic Association and Amateur boxing Association of the Bahamas double president Wellington Miller, other officials from bodies and family and friends of the two boxers.

"This is indeed another proud day for the Bahamas," said Maynard, referring to the recent success of the Bahamian athletes on the international scene.

"We, as a small nation of just under 300,000 people, have proven time and time again that we can stand toe to toe with any country in the world."

Maynard said Knowles' latest victory of achieving the silver medal in a 6-2 loss to hometown favourite Jai Bhagwan was just an indication of what to expect when one put one's mind to the task at hand.

"We are very proud to be here today to welcome you home," said Maynard, who apologised that there was no motorcade to take him through the streets of the islands.

Before he was presented with a replica of a medal from the championships by Knowles, Maynard said he's confident that by the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the Bahamas will be successful in winning a gold.

He, however, said the Bahamian people should know that Knowles' achievement was no small feat, but in fact it came as a result of a lot of hard work that has been put in by the coaches within the programme, namely Seymour, Ray Minus Jr and Leonard 'Boston Blackie' Miller.

"I think this is our time. 2012 is our time," he said. "So I'm very happy because this is just a stepping stone. Silver today, gold in 2012."

Back in 2004, Miller said the amateur federation embarked on a 10-year programme that will take them to 2014. And after Taureano 'Reno' Johnson decided to turn pro this year following a storied amateur career, Miller said Knowles and Hield are just stepping in to continue the quest for gold.

"We're looking forward to great things from our boxers," said Miller, who publicly thanked Minus Jr. for getting both Knowles and Hield started at his Champion Boxing Club.

"But one thing I can say that is good for our programme is the government's subvention. We have seen great changes in these two boxers. They are more relaxed, they know the funds are coming in and we can put more pressure on them to train because we know you (Maynard) can take it from them."

Thanking previous Minister Desmond Bannister and Maynard, Miller said he knew that if the ministry could do more for the boxers, they certainly would.

On the other hand, Miller said now that Knowles has overcome his obstacles, he now has a greater responsibility to go back into his community and encourage the other delinquent young men.

"You can tell them that if you can make it, then they can make it," Miller summed up. "All they have to do is try, try and they will become successful."

Minus Jr was just as elated about Knowles' performances as everybody else.

"He was always a very humbled and determined person. His true colors came out," Minus Jr. said. "When Valentino started in my boxing programme at the age of four, my father, Ray Minus Sr., said he's going to be a world champion.

"The good thing about him is that he has determination, the drive to be successful. So having talent without determination will probably see you fall short. But when you have determination and talent, you are unstoppable."

Minus Jr. thanked the boxing federation for the programme, which has allowed both Knowles and Hield to train in Cuba and will only continue to pay off big dividends in the long run.