The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

rwells@tribunemedia.net

IN case you missed it last week, Bahamas native Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn and his Michigan State Spartans touched down in the capital as a part of the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis - giving many local basketball fans something to cheer about.

I took a break from my regular news coverage last week to make note of Tum Tum’s off the court outreach while home.

I was pleased to read that the Spartans, as a part of the Ministry of Education’s Mission: Educate Bahamas, visited a couple of schools in the capital, interacting with the youth.

My glee with the report deepened once I got wind of some remarks made by the starting guard, who challenged students to press on with the dreams no matter how obscure.

Tum Tum, a former student at Albury Sayles Primary and C R Walker High, reminded students that he once sat in seats similar to theirs, insisting that his belief and dedication was what propelled him to reach his overall dreams of becoming a college level athlete.

“It was emotional just knowing I came from the government school system. I used to be there sitting in assembly just like they were listening to people talk, singing the songs, singing the national anthem, saying the pledge and it just made me think of what our country stands for. People always ask me why I appreciate a lot of things I have now, well it’s because I grew up in this same environment,” Nairn was quoted in Wednesday’s Tribune sports section.

“When I was looking at the kids I just couldn’t help it because I was once in their shoes and hopefully they can see that it doesn’t matter where you’re from you can make and you can do whatever you want to do in life,” he added.

The comments served as a needed dose of reality for many of the students, of that I am sure, but the credit in his action should lie in the timing.

Tum Tum’s words come as Bahamian athletes continue to make a push on the world stage, many of whom are rated as some of the best in their respective fields.

The reality is, in the Bahamas, the investment in our youth and our youth sports leaves much to want, but despite this shortfall, scores of youth are able to progress, improve and promote our great country.

As Tum Tum was lighting up the court at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom, hundreds of Bahamians were preparing to and participating in an historic march on Parliament.

The “We March” movement marked the first time in decades Bahamians, en mass, have effectively protested the status of governance in the country.

These two events struck a chord of semblance in my mind because they both prove the strength of Bahamians to do what is necessary to achieve what is needed.

Tum Tum stands as another great athlete that is on the frontline of the fight to revolutionise sports in the Bahamas; “We March” was done so as to revolutionise the status of governance here. Whether we want to credit them or not, this crop of athletes are at the forefront of societal matters more so than ever before.

After all, they are the ones who kids admire most.

Unlike in decades past, they are the ones who are idolised and celebrated for their actions. We need them more than ever before, because it is through them that we will inspire the next generation of Bahamians to be great.

Well, after all, Tum Tum said it best himself: “I just want the world to know Bahamians are on the rise and we have a lot of talented players.”

The Spartans finished third at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament this year.

• Ricardo Wells writes Fourth Quarter Press every Monday. Comments to rwells@tribunemedia.net