PAGE 8, Tuesday, February 28, 2017
THE TRIBUNE
PROUD MASCOT: The University of The Bahamas introduced its new Mingoes mascot in the Harry C Moore Library yesterday. Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
Say hello to University of the Bahamas’ new Mingoes mascot By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
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he University of the Bahamas introduced the new mascot for its Mingoes Athletic Department. The unnamed flamingo bird, decked in UB’s blue and white uniform and wearing No. 30 (no specific reason given), was produced by a team led by Renbert Mortimer, former COBUS president of the previously named College of the Bahamas. Since transforming from COB to UB in November 2016, the Athletic Department was on a mission to produce its new nickname and Athletic Director Kimberley Rolle said they were happy to finally launch the Mingoes’ mascot, which will bring a new awareness to their programme. The launch was held yesterday in the conference room of the Harry C Moore Library & Information Centre and attended by UB’s president Dr Rodney D Smith, who lauded the Athletic Department for their progress made. Smith noted that back in 2010 they began the progress, but when Rolle provided the initial concepts from Mortimer, they loved what they saw and the rest was history. “This is really an historic day for the University of the Bahamas,” Smith said. “Our student athletes are already making their presence felt in the country as well as outside of the country. “This is just an indication of what is going to be coming down the road. We are going to be competitive, we’re going to be visiting, we’re going to bring back trophies and we’re going to be hosting tournaments in the years to come.” Rolle said they are excited about their athletic launch and the introduction of their mascot, which was produced by a company headed by Mortimer, a COB alumni. “He and his team have used their creative genius in support of the University of the Bahamas,” she stated. “Our constituents, more of all our student-athletes, students and alumnus have contributed to the brand that we are launching today. “What simply started as a conversation between Renbert and I a year ago has really blossomed into something that all stakeholders at the university can be very proud off.” At an estimate of $95,000, the UB and Mortimer and his team was able to create the mascot to blend into the Mingoes athletic programme. Mortimer said it was a collaboration of his Waynehead company
with Novio, the apps creators; Chimera, who produced the computer solutions; Lamaro Smith, producers of the animation; Kriston Saunders, the videographer and Vashon Smith out of San Salvador, the game designer. Calling it his “baby,” Mortimer said his company also engaged the services of a number of young persons from various islands, all of whom he met when he attended COB to produce the final product. “We have indeed made history, so on behalf of my creative team, we want to say thank you,” Mortimer stressed. “Never stop believing that you can’t leave your mark on this nation and in the world.” The mascot, according to Mortimer, is a majestic flamingo of what they saw in UB. He said it’s the essence of their spirit and so the spirited beast is fierce, bold and courageous. “It’s a marriage between the institution’s identity and that spirit that is branded through the colour blue and the characteristics that UB blue, which is our primary colour, should represent,” he pointed out. “Much like the spirit that is embodied, the flamingo is an aggressive bird and thus better in large crowds. We are preparing teams to succeed on a global stage and our athletes are always ready to soar.” In developing their competitive teams over the past three years, Rolle said they have attracted some of the best student-athletes and coaching, introducing Rupert Gardiner and Ednal Rolle, the new head and assistant track and field coaches and Dion Godet, the soccer head coach. “We’re beginning to see the results of the efforts in the performances of our athletes locally and internationally, as well as the caliber of coaches whom we have selected to lead our teams.” On Thursday, Rolle invited the UB community to come out and show their support to the Mingoes men’s basketball team at a 2pm rally on Independence Park in preparation for their UB Mingoes game against the Pros in the New Providence Basketball Association regular season 8:30pm Saturday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. The game is expected to be carried live on ZNS, but Rolle said they wish to have their fans in the gym cheering for their team rather than having them stay at home to watch it. Team captain Justin Smith said when he arrived on COB’s campus three years ago, he was anxious to leave because he felt there was synergy between the students and the athletes and their athletic look was not up to his standard. Smith, however, said they have shown a vast improvement and
THE University of The Bahamas’ new Mingoes mascot - the spirited beast is fierce, bold and courageous. they are continuing to get better. “Our student-athletes are coming together and being more supportive of each other,” he stated. “Our coaches and administrators believe in us and we are excited about the new Mingoes name and our mascot. “I am proud to say that I had something to do with us becoming the Mingoes as I was one of the student-athletes who provided imput and suggestions. “I am proud to be a part of UB’s athletic history. As the captain of
the men’s basketball team, I am equally and pleased to represent the UB Mingoes in our historic launch game on Saturday, March 4.” Smith, a native from Grand Bahama, assured the audience that they will do their best to uphold the principals and standards of the UB Mingoes both home and abroad to the best of their abilities. Rolle said there has been a lot of interest from the local clubs
and schools as coaches and parents are showing a lot of interest in their athletes becoming a part of the Mingoes’ athletic programme made up of the men and women track and field, men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and women’s softball. “So the future is bright in the Mingoes Athletics and we say to all of our student-athletes in the high schools, parents, our coaches and parents, come, join the Mingoes family,” said Rolle.