The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Youth and Sports is looking to create more opportunities for its next generation of athletes through international partnerships, scholarships and coach development, as it officially launches National Sports Month 2026.

A major highlight of the launch was the announcement of the Bahamas UK Sports Academy, an initiative designed to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries while providing young Bahamians with additional pathways to develop their talents.

The academy will offer scholarships for youth in The Bahamas and the United Kingdom, training opportunities for coaches and seed funding to help establish sporting programmes, particularly throughout the Family Islands. The initiative builds on an existing sporting relationship between the two countries, which has included activities in sailing, boxing, rugby, football and tennis, as well as participation at the Commonwealth Games.

The British High Commission will serve as a founding strategic partner, while Governor General Dame Cynthia “Mother” Pratt has agreed to become the academy’s patron.

The academy is expected to open its grant application process next year, with the initiative also encouraging Bahamian businesses, churches and families to contribute to the development of youth sports.

November’s National Sports Month will feature a series of activities recognising the achievements of Bahamian athletes while encouraging greater participation in sports and healthy lifestyles. The programme will begin with a national church service at Life Worship Centre, followed by a month-long spotlight on athletes through various media and social media platforms.

National Jersey Day will invite members of the public to wear national colours or the jerseys of their favourite Bahamian athletes, while the National Sports Awards will take place on Saturday, November 7, at Margaritaville.

The awards will recognise athletes across all levels, from youth competitors to senior performers.

The ministry will also partner with the Ministry of Health for an initiative at Rawson Square on November 11, where members of the public will have access to health checks, including blood pressure screenings.

Another major component of the month will be the establishment of the first Sports Minister Hall of Fame, which will recognise former ministers for their contributions to sports development during their respective terms in office.

The ministry will also host a House of Assembly visit for National Youth Assembly inductees on November 18, ahead of their official induction ceremony on November 19.

On Thanksgiving Day, the ministry will partner with the University of Miami to stage an all-day basketball clinic for girls from primary through senior high school.

The clinic will provide an opportunity for participants to develop their basketball skills, while also featuring a showcase component that could open doors for further recruitment opportunities.

A community food distribution initiative will also form part of the day’s activities.

Additional activities throughout November will include Wacky Sports Day and an in-house staff sporting competition at the Kendal G L Isaacs National Gymnasium.

The month follows a busy October for the ministry, which recently concluded National Youth Month with a series of events celebrating young Bahamians.

Those activities included the National Youth March, the opening of the National Youth Assembly, Youth Visibility Day and the King’s Youth Rally.

The latter brought together more than 2,500 students and chaperones to welcome His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to the country.

With international partnerships, athlete recognition and community-based initiatives forming the programme, National Sports Month is expected to provide another opportunity to celebrate Bahamian sporting talent while placing greater emphasis on developing the next generation.