Mako wins 8th straight title SPORTS
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MAKO Aquatics
capped of another sensational performance, winning their eighth straight Bahamas Aquatics National Swimming Championship title over the weekend at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex. In a dominating feat, Mako Aquatics accumulated a total of 3,059 points to beat their nearest rival Blue Waves Swim Club, who captured second place with 1,347.50 at the end of the 54th edition of the fourday meet yesterday.
Mako also accumulated a total of 259 medals,
including 108 gold, 85 silver and 75 bronze. Alpha Aquatics got second with 75 medals, including 26 gold, 29 silver and 20 bronze.
"I am very proud of these swimmers. It's been a long rough year," said Mako's head coach Travano McPhee.
"All of the swimmers stayed composed over the four days, so I'm very proud of them.
"The senior swimmers took the time out to come home during the end of the collegiate season and they really performed very well. Big shout out to them.
"And I was also pleased with our younger swimmers, the eight and unders, like Nya Ferguson, breaking
fve national records this weekend.
“She's the future, so I'm very proud of her as well."
No other club than Swift Swimming, which was established back in the 1990s by the husband and wife team of Andy and Nancy Knowles, has been as dominant as Mako Aquatics.
Despite their huge margin of victory, McPhee commended the other swim clubs in the meet, including the Blue Waves, who were hot on their trail all season.
Alpha Aquatics came in third with 1,168 points, Black Marlins Swim Club was fourth with 1,012, Barracuda Swim Club ffth with 697, Lyford Swim Club 6th
with 538, Lightning Aquatics 7th with 404, Mantas Swim and Water Polo 8th with 292.50, Freeport Aquatics 9th with 98 and Beast Aquatics 10th with 85. In the medal count, Lyford Swim Club was 3rd with 43 medals (22 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze), Black Mantas was 4th with 73 medals (19 gold, 20 silver and 34 bronze) and the Blue Waves rounded out the top fve with 91 medals (18 gold, 35 silver and 38 bronze).
The meet also saw the participation of at least three of the proposed six swimmers who are expected to be a part of the team going to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of July, namely Lamar
Taylor, Marvin Johnson and Rhanishka Gibbs.
Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill called it one of its best nationals hosted in quite some time, especially with the amount of international swimmers who participated. "More importantly, we can see that The Bahamas will be well poised to win CARIFTA in 2027, based on the performances that we saw here over the past four days," he said. "We have some swimmers going to the Commonwealth Games, the CAC Games and the World Short Course Championships in China. We are excited about the expectations for Lamar Taylor,
Christal Taylor-Finlay dies suddenly at 40
CHRISTAL Taylor-Finlay has left the sporting community, especially softball and track and feld, in a state of shock after the sudden death of the former athlete turned ofcial on Saturday.
The 40-year-old who was employed at the Port
Department and Public Prosecutions was married to Addie Finlay, the new president of the New Providence Softball Association and one of the leading umpires in softball and track and feld, on August 22, 2024.
When you saw one, you saw the other in a relationship that spanned some 18 years when they frst got together as a softball coach (Finlay) and player
(Taylor-Finlay) in the NPSA and the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association.
"She was more than just a wife. We share the same ideas. She was my soulmate around the sport of softball. I coached her and umpired with her," Finlay said.
"We go home after a game and go over every play discussing the game until morning. She will
stand her ground on what she thinks is the right call."
Among others left to mourn in her immediate family are her mother Diana Pierre, father veteran baseball player Gregory 'Rat' Taylor and her three sons Dion Major, Aden Taylor and Chaddie Finlay. Thomas Sears, an international certifed softball umpire who has worked with the Finlays, called her
Elite athletes Shaunae and Devynne on the fast track
ELITE athletes Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Devynne Charlton produced varied results at the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial over the weekend, following the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations' National Track and Field Championships last weekend.
Miller-Uibo, who skipped the Nationals to compete in the Star Athletics Sprint Series at the Horizon High School in Winter Garden, Florida, won the women's 200m in 22.10 seconds at the World Athletics Continental Tour in Zagreb, Croatia, on Friday.
Miller-Uibo's time, which was faster than Quincy Penn's winning time of 23.53 at the Nationals, easily beat out the feld that saw American Thelma Davis come in second in a season's best of 20.75, while Jael Bestue of Spain was third in 22.80 in Rabat. Miller-Uibo, the twotime Olympic and once World Championship gold medallist in the 400m, went
into the meet with a season's best of 22.04. She is continuing to work her way back to form after having her second child last year. The Bahamian national record holder at 21.74 said she was quite pleased with how the race went.
"We are just working on a lot of things in training, training to get the speed up from the beginning and to get the positions familiar again," Miller-Uibo said. "It's still all over the place.
At the Star Athletics Sprint Series last weekend, Miller-Uibo, who ran the 100m in 11.05 to fnish second behind American Sha'Carri Richardson's time of 10.77, said the focus right now is on her speed. "Rabat was added last minute…, so in between this and China, I few back home," Miller-Uibo pointed out.
"We are still trying to fgure out the schedule with the family. Now I will be in Europe for a bit."
"a wonderful person who gave of herself to the New Providence Softball community as a player, ofcial and executive. "Her presence will be missed from around the various ballparks and leagues where she played and ofciated. Sincere condolences to her beloved husband Addie, children, family, friends and teammates. May her soul rest in eternal peace."
based on what he did in this meet and Marvin Johnson is rounding out in great shape. So it was a great meet for us overall."
In breaking fve national records, Nya Ferguson of the Mako Aquatics Club scored a total of 58 points to win the high point trophy in the girls’ 8 and under division. The Blue Waves got second and third from Payton Bostwick and Charlotte King with 50 and 43 points respectively. Mason Sadowski of Lyford Swim Club captured the boys’ 8 and under high point with 63 points, Mako's Sydney Nelson was second with 43 and Gevon Moss of the Blue Waves was third with 37.
NOBLE Preparatory Academy continues to grow by leaps and bounds, assisting in the development of a number of student-athletes as they attain scholarships to attend college and universities in Canada and the United State of America.
endeavour with their proper planning."
Nairn, who has assisted a number of Bahamians in attaining scholarships overseas, said he trusts these athletes and is confdent in their abilities to be successful in the future and that they will continue to inspire other student-athletes whom they leave here at home.
Alayshe Johnson took the tape in a meet record of 12.43 in a photo fnish that saw Rayniah Jones getting second in the same time for her personal best. Alia Armstrong got third in her season’s best of 12.51. Jones, in her post event interview, had nothing but praise for Charlton.
"I know that anytime I'm next to Charlton, I have to really lock in and make sure that I have the cleanest start that I can have," said Johnson, who ran out of lane three with
Charlton, the runner-up at the Nationals behind Denisha Cartwright in the women's 100m hurdles, was fourth in the same event in 12.62 behind an American trio in Rabat.
Charlton in four and Jones and Armstrong in ffth and six respectively.
"She's an amazing starter, everybody else on the line has their own strengths. and honestly, it's just really about me getting over those 10 barriers clean and just fghting to the end."
Charlton, the world indoor 60m hurdles twotime champion and record holder, went into the meet with the fastest time of all of the competitors having lowered her Bahamian national record to 12.37 at the Xiamen Diamond League on May 23.
Kymani Syonette, Ashton Edwards, Marciano Culmer and Lionel Rolle are the latest graduates to beneft from their experiences at NPA.
NPA president Geno Bullard, who also coaches the majority of the athletes, said the student-athletes making the transition this year will do very well in moving on in their careers.
"The preparations we have given them here at Noble Preparatory Academy are second to none, so I know that they won't survive their college experiences," he said.
"As for their athletes and athleticism, I feel on any given day, any of these athletes can be successful in whatever they
Lionel Rolle At age 17, Rolle said his experience at NPA has been very positive and very encouraging and will inspire him as he pursues his degree in computer programming and analysis at Niagara College.
"My expectations for college is to complete the programme and get my degree," said the talented basketball player.
Rolle advised the student-athletes still at home to "learn to listen and listen to learn, stay focused, and don’t get discouraged.""I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Bullard and my parents for supporting me throughout this journey," he said.
"I would like to thank the
2
RELOADED Baseball camp instructors and participants.
Reloaded Baseball hosts summer camp
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Reloaded Baseball programme, which started their developmental programme fve years ago, has grown to the point where they are now hosting their summer camp. Like the baseball programme, Peron Burnside, one of the instructors, said the purpose of the summer camp is to further
enhance the skills of the players with their felding, throwing, base-running and the mental aspects of the game.
"Summer time is a time in the country where there is a lack of development in the country for the youngsters," Burnside said. "So we try to provide this avenue where we get to keep baseball going."
Ultimately through their regular programme and the summer camp,
Burnside said the goal is to provide the necessary tools to enable the players to develop their skills so that they can secure athletic scholarships to colleges and universities in the United States.
"Over the past fve years, we've had a lot of collaborations internationally and we have a number of tournaments that we get to compete in to showcase our kids, both here and overseas," Burnside.
Although the camp was only designed for this week, Burnside said the parents as well as the players have been so engaged that they have decided to extend the camp though next week.
The camp is designed for participants between the ages of fve and 16 years old and during the sessions from 9am to 1pm, instructors such as Stephen Beneby Jr, Stephen 'Bishop' Beneby and Norman Bastian work on
all aspects of the fundamentals of baseball.
Geralle Gabriel Jr, a 13-year-old student at Windsor Academy going into grade nine, said he has decided to come out to the camp because he "loves baseball and it's fun to do."
Gabriel, however, said with each passing year, there is something new that the instructors teach them.
"I learned how to pick of a runner in a run down," he said.
"When you throw the ball to second, they taught us how to manoeuvre to get the runner out."
Although he's still young, Gabriel said his goal is to one day become a professional baseball player. Or at least attend college to become a marine biologist.
The Reloaded Baseball programme, he said, is defnitely pushing the infelder, who can play any position in the right direction.
Noble Prep students attain scholarships
NOBLE, from Page 1
whole NPA family.”
Kymani Symonette
Versatile Symonette is a 17-year-old basketball player and middle distance track and feld athlete. He said NPA was one of the main reasons he chose to attend Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
“In 2023, I sufered a broken leg while playing basketball,” he recalled.
“NPA did not turn its back on me. Instead, the school facilitated my coursework online while I recovered from surgery.
“During that time, NPA also encouraged me to think beyond athletics and explore other opportunities for growth and success.
As a result, I became the national high school leader for the Ministry of Youth, a trumpet player, a member of the chess team, and a top 10 junior achiever. I applied to and was accepted by 17 prestigious universities and was awarded scholarships for both academics and music.”
At Texas Southern University, Symonette intends to
pursue his dream of becoming a civil engineer.
“I have been admitted to the Thomas F Freeman Honours College at TSU, where I will further develop my leadership and public speaking skills and work toward becoming a student body leader,” he said. “I also plan to become a member of TSU’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band.”
To those student-athletes whom he will leave behind, Symonette assured them that while things may not always go as planned, they should never be afraid to pivot and fnd another path to their goals.
“I once believed that sports were my only avenue to earning scholarships and attending college. After my injury, I could have chosen to be negative or discouraged,” he pointed out.
“Instead, I channelled my energy into positivity and personal growth, and now I am headed to college! When you maintain a positive mindset and work hard, there is very little you cannot achieve. It’s not how you start, it’s how you fnish.”
Symonette was thankful for the support and guidance he received from his parents, family, and the Bullards for helping him to reach this point in my journey.
“My future plan for the sports of basketball and track and feld is to use my platform as a student leader to mentor student athletes, particularly those facing
challenges or setbacks, since I am no longer able to participate competitively,” he said. Symonette, 18, said he couldn’t ask for a better experience than what he got at Noble Preparatory Academy.
“During my time here, I have learned a lot and grown both academically and athletically, while
developing valuable skills that will help me succeed in college and in life,” he said.
“I have met many great people who helped make my experience memorable and enjoyable. Noble has really taught me a lot and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Symonette noted NPA always wanted the best from each of its students, and the teachers, coaches, and staf put in their time and efort every day to help us succeed.
“Their support, guidance, and encouragement pushed me to work harder, stay focused, and become a better student, athlete, and young man,” he stressed.
“Looking back, attending Noble Preparatory Academy was one of the best things that ever happened to me because it gave me opportunities to grow, learn, and prepare for my future.”
Edwards is grateful for everything learned and experienced at NPA, indicating that he will always be proud to be a part of the Noble family.
Marciano Culmer
Culmer, 18, noted that his experience at NPA has been rewarding and memorable.
“The school has helped me grow academically, athletically, and personally,” he said.
“I have built strong friendships, learned valuable life lessons, and received support from teachers and coaches who encouraged me to do my best.”
Those attributes he hopes to take with him to Niagara College where he plans to study business administration and supply chain and operation management.
“I’m expecting Niagara College to be a place where I can learn, grow, and prepare for my future,” he said. “I’m excited to meet new people, try new experiences, and challenge myself both academically and personally.
“I hope to leave college with the knowledge, skills, and confdence needed to achieve my goals.”
For those student-athletes who will remain at home, Culmer encouraged
them to keep believing in themselves and don’t let setbacks stop you.
“There will be challenges along the way, but stay focused on what you want to achieve and keep pushing forward,” he said.
“Make the most of every opportunity, ask for help when you need it, and appreciate the people who support you. Hard work, patience, and consistency really do pay of.” Culmer thanked God for guidance, strength, and blessings throughout his journey.
“I would also like to thank my mommy, Wilda, for her unconditional love, support, and sacrifces.
In addition,” he pointed out, “I am grateful to Mr Bullard, Mrs Bullard, and Ms Monroe for their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me.
“Their support has played a major role in helping me become the person I am today, and I am truly thankful for all they have done for me.”
As he heads of to school, Culmer said he will continue playing basketball for as long as he can and continue working on his game every day.
“My goal is to compete at a high level in college, help my team win, and see how far the sport can take me,” he stated.
“Basketball has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and I want to keep building on those lessons in the future.”
Ashton Edwards
As an 18-year-old, Edwards said he has grown a lot at NPA and he hopes that carries over.
“During my time here, I have learned a lot and grown both academically and athletically, while developing valuable skills that will help me succeed in college and in life,” he said.
“I have met many great people who helped make my experience memorable and enjoyable.
“Noble has really taught me a lot and helped shape me into the person I am today.”
According to Edwards, NPA always wanted the best from each of its students, and the teachers, coaches, and staf put in their time and efort every day to help us succeed.
“Their support, guidance, and encouragement pushed me to work harder, stay focused, and become a better student, athlete, and young man,” he said.
Looking back, Edwards said NPA was one of the best things that ever happened to him because it gave him opportunities to grow, learn, and prepare for his future.
“I am grateful for everything I have learned and experienced here, and I will always be proud to be a part of the Noble family,” he said.
Junior national team off to Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships
THE junior national golf team left town yesterday for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, to compete in the 2026 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships (CAJGC).
The championship, scheduled for June 28 to July 3, is expected to bring together the region’s top junior golfers as they compete for both individual and team honours.
The team roster consists of the following:
Boys 18 & Under
• Aidan Gorospe, Kerrington Rolle and Luke
Grimes
Girls 8 & Under
• Maddison Carroll and Chemari Pratt
Boys 15 & Under
•Na’kai Wilson, Rashawn Hanna and William Mahelis
Girls 15 & Under
• Haley Hall and Anissa
Robinson
Boys 13 & Under Archie Michelmore and Connor Stevenson
Girls 13 & Under Zion Poitier and Zaire Poitier
The team ofcials are team manager Gina Gonzalez-Rolle, head coach Keno Turnquest and assistant coach Fredrick Taylor. The entire team is excited and eager to represent The Bahamas with pride, determination and sportsmanship. After months of hard work, dedication, and preparation, our players are ready to showcase their talent on the international stage.
Gonzalez-Rolle said she is confdent in the team’s ability but knows the championship will be a true test of endurance. “I think this team will do well, but it won’t be easy. The heat, combined with having to walk the course for four straight days, will defnitely be challenging," she stated. "However, I believe in our players. They have prepared well, they
and I know they will
THE WEATHER REPORT
Canada beats South Africa 1-0 in World Cup’s first knockout match on late goal by Eustáquio
INGLEWOOD, Cali-
fornia (AP) — Stephen
Eustáquio scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, and Canada beat South Africa 1-0 yesterday for its frst knockout match victory in a World Cup.
A tense match at SoFi Stadium appeared to be headed for extra time until Eustáquio — who plays professionally for Los Angeles FC several miles away — put a stunning volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams' net.
Co-host Canada hung on with strong defensive play in the fnal minutes and advanced to face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, July 4.
Coach Jesse Marsch gathered his players in a huddle after the whistle and gave a spirited speech, declaring:
“You guys are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes!”
Canada played its frst three matches at home in
Toronto and Vancouver, but was forced to become the frst World Cup host to play on the road when it lost 2-1 to Switzerland last Wednesday.
The Canadians were still the clear crowd favourite in the Los Angeles area between their travelling fans and thousands of supportive locals, including several in Eustáquio’s LAFC shirt who couldn't have imagined the day they were about to enjoy.
Williams made fve saves for South Africa, which managed to hang in until the fnal moments in search of another historic win for the team known as Bafana Bafana. Canada had the best chances all day, but underdog South Africa stayed frm defensively and created a handful of excellent chances itself.
Canada fnally capitalised when Alistair Johnston's long pass into the box was cleared directly into the path of Eustáquio, who struck it purely and started to celebrate almost immediately. After fnishing second in their respective groups,
both South Africa and Canada were playing for their nations’ frst knockout victories at a World Cup when they opened the round of 32 with the only match of the day.
Canada got a boost in the 75th minute when star defender Alphonso Davies came on for his frst World Cup action after missing group play with a hamstring injury.
The playmaking Bayern Munich defender missed group play after injuring his hamstring last month for the third time this year, but fnally returned in the same stadium where he tore a knee ligament in March 2025 in CONCACAF Nations League play.
Davies immediately made the best pass of the day to set up Promise David for a golden chance, but he hit it wide.
South Africa reached the knockout rounds for the frst time with a stunning 1-0 victory over South Korea last Wednesday, arguably the highest moment in Bafana Bafana’s checkered international history.
England beats Panama 2-0 on goals by Bellingham and Kane to win its group
EAST RUTHERFORD,
N,.J. (AP) — Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and England's fervid fans made MetLife Stadium feel like Wembley. They hope for a repeat at next month's World Cup fnal.
With supporters' redand-white St. George's Cross signs circling the feld on an afternoon of sporadic rain, Bellingham and Kane scored early in the second half for a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday. England earned frst place in its group and a more favourable knockout phase bracket. The Three Lions even wore the red jerseys made famous when England beat Germany for its only title in 1966, a sartorial similarity connecting North Jersey and that famous day in north London.
“Amazing support.
Crazy white wall behind the goal. Perfect weather to play football for us — warm rain," England coach Thomas Tuchel said.
England fnished Group
L with two wins and a
draw for seven points and plays its round of 32 match Wednesday at Atlanta against Congo. The team that advances faces Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City. If the Three Lions had dropped to second, they would have encountered Portugal, with the winner meeting Spain or Austria.
“I know some people have already made plans,” Bellingham said, “so it was nice they don’t have to cancel anything.”
Fans flled the feld walls with fags displaying club names that included Tottenham, Watford and Wolves plus less-celebrated clubs such as Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers and Faversham Town.
Panama held the England scoreless through a frst half in which Kane had 10 touches, the fewest of any player. Croatia added pressure by taking the lead in the 31st minute against Ghana in simultaneous match in Philadelphia.
“All the lads were ready to go after halftime,” Bellingham said. "We realised we had a couple of more gears to go.”
Bellingham put the Three Lions ahead in the 62nd minute from Bukayo Saka's corner kick. Held in bear hug by Jorge Gutiérrez at the top of the 6-yard box, Bellingham stuck out his left leg and stabbed the ball past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera for his third World Cup goal, his second this year. Five minutes later, Bellingham crossed from the left fank and Kane outjumped Andrés Andrade to head in the ball for his 82nd
international goal. Kane became England's record World Cup scorer with his 11th goal, one more than Gary Lineker.
Bellingham injured his left hamstring playing for Real Madrid on February 1, didn't return until March 22 and scored just two more goals during the rest of the La Liga season.
“Jude looks ft, looks sharp," Kane said. "It looks like he's got the bit between his teeth to really go out there and prove to the
world what type of player he is.” England reached the knockout rounds for the seventh time in eight World Cups. “They have great players. They are worth millions and millions," Panama defender José Córdoba said. "We’re talking about English football, which is much more developed than in our country and there’s a huge distance.” Panama went 0-3 for the second time and was
outscored 4-0. It joined Iraq, Haiti, El Salvador, Canada and Mexico — all but one from the CONCACAF region — as teams that lost their frst six World Cup matches. José Fajardo put the ball in the net for the Los Canaleros in second-half stoppage time, but was called for ofside.
“We can be proud — not of the results, as no one can be proud of a defeat, but all in all I think they gave their everything." Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said. “For the outside world, the image of Panama has been really good.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford played his 15th World Cup match, second among English players to Peter Shilton’s 17.
England's Jarell Quansah, usually a central defender, replaced right back Reece James, sidelined by a hamstring. Quansah twisted his right ankle during a 59th-minute challenge by José Luis Rodríguez and was replaced in the 63rd. England is short on right backs after Trent Alexander-Arnold was not picked for the roster.
“It will be now a very tight race for Quansah, so I’m worried about these two," Tuchel said.
In the glow of victory, supporters celebrated Bellingham by singing the Beatles' “Hey Jude” when he stood on the feld for postgame interviews.
“This evening is for sure to take in the energy and take in the atmosphere,” Tuchel said. “From tomorrow we will think about round of 32.”