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National Sailing School holding summer camp

jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas National Sailing School is continuing to introduce a new generation of young sailors to the sport through its annual summer camp held at the Nassau Yacht Club, giving participants the skills and confdence to safely take to the water regardless of their experience level.

The programme, which operates Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, is currently in its second of three two-week summer camp sessions. While the summer camp serves as an introduction for many children, the sailing school also runs year-round programmes during the academic year with after school sessions Tuesday through Friday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm and Saturday classes from 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm.

Lead instructor Pedro Rahming, who frst brainstormed the programme in 2008, said the goal is to make sailing accessible to every child willing to learn.

“This camp is all about getting kids involved in sailing,” Rahming said. “They come in not knowing anything about sailing and they leave saying, ‘I sail now.’” Children are grouped according to their skill level and the type of boat they sail. Participants between the ages of eight and 15 primarily train in Optimist dinghies, while older sailors

transition to Sunfsh and ILCA dinghies. The school also has several E Class sloops available for training.

Rahming said the curriculum is designed to build a complete foundation in sailing over the two-week session.

Campers begin by learning fundamental knot tying,

SEE SAILING, Page 4

‘LJ’ Rose Jr welcomes Hurricanes for preseason retreat

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

LYNDEN “LJ” Rose Jr has spent years evaluating talent and building rosters at the NBA level, but this week the Bahamian is using his experience to help shape the future of the University of Miami men’s basketball programme in his home country.

Rose, who is entering his second season as the Hurricanes’ general

manager, welcomed the team to New Providence for a preseason retreat that included an open practice yesterday at the Baha Mar Convention Center.

The trip is designed to help Miami build chemistry ahead of the 2026-27 season while giving players an opportunity to experience Bahamian culture through community outreach and team activities.

“It’s great. You can’t ask for a better situation,” Rose said.

“Being 20 minutes away and being able to bring the guys here is special. We plan on doing this annually. We’re going to spend time in the community as well and let these guys know there’s more to basketball than just a team bonding trip.”

Rose joined Miami in April 2025 after spending four seasons with the NBA’s Houston Rockets, where he worked in international scouting, G League scouting and player personnel.

Before joining the Hurricanes, he also became part of The Bahamas men’s national basketball programme in 2022, serving as director of operations under head coach Chris DeMarco before later being promoted to general manager. His frst season at Miami coincided with one of the biggest turnarounds in college basketball as the Hurricanes fnished 26-9, tied an NCAA record with a 19-win improvement from the previous season and posted a 13-5 Atlantic Coast Conference record to fnish third in the league standings. Miami also tied school records with 24 regular season victories and 15 home wins before advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a frst round victory over Missouri. Rose said the path to Miami was built on experiences gained throughout his basketball career.

‘JJ’ scores nine to help Liberty beat Sparks 113-109

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Breanna Stewart had 29 points and Sabrina Ionescu scored 27 to help the New York Liberty hold of the Los Angeles Sparks 113-109 on Tuesday night. Ionescu shot 9 for 16 with fve 3-pointers and had 14 points in the frst quarter to help the Liberty lead 36-30. Rebekah Gardner fnished with 15 points for New York and fellow reserves Han Xu and Marine Fauthoux each scored 13.

Jonquel Jones contributed nine points, fve rebounds, six assists, one steal and a block in 24 minutes on the foor for the Liberty. Stewart made 11 of 19 shots and scored 19 points in the second half after New York (16-12) trailed 56-53 at the break. She added seven assists, four rebounds and four steals. Rae Burrell had 24 points

Jonquel Jones and Liberty set to face Las Vegas Aces tonight

to lead Los Angeles (10-17), which has lost six straight and nine of 11. Nneka Ogwumike chipped in with 21 points and nine assists after posting four straight double-doubles. Burrell sank a 3-pointer to put the Sparks up 81-74, but Stewart hit a foater to fnish a quarter-ending 11-4 run and the Liberty led by a point heading into the fourth.

Fauthoux hit two straight 3s for a 93-86 advantage and New York maintained a two-possession lead for almost all of the fnal eight minutes.

‘Building champions on and off the court’

Local Sports Calendar

AID CLAY TOURNAMENT

ENTRIES have already started coming in for the 32nd edition of the annual AID Claycourt Tennis Championships which is scheduled to be held at the

Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows, Nassau, from August 1-15. The “AID”, as the tournament is commonly known, is the most popular event on the local tennis calendar and will ofer a total of

11 events this year: Men’s & Ladies Open Singles and Doubles; Jr. Vets Singles & Doubles; Mixed Doubles; Men’s & Ladies Veterans Doubles for players ffty (50) years and over will also be held.

The AID is the longest running tournament with the same sponsor and as the tournament, now into its fourth decade.

Said president of AID, Jason Watson: “Following on the heels of the extremely successful thirty-frst tournament last year, AID is once again delighted to partner with the Gym Tennis Club in hosting this longstanding fxture on the national tennis calendar.

TENNIS

COACHING SESSIONS BAHAMIAN female national team player Elana Mackey is now giving back to the sport that enabled her to complete her studies at Mars Hill University. Mackey, now back home, is ofering tennis lessons

for beginners to advanced players at the National Tennis Centre. Although she’s working at Baha Mar, Mackey said she’s willing to ft in the tennis lessons at any time. Interested persons are urged to contact her at 824-6049.

GOLF 7TH SUNRISE OPEN

THE Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise is scheduled to hold its 7th Sunrise Open at the Royal Blue Golf Course starting at 10am on Saturday, August 8. The registration fee is $250 per person and $500 per team.

Among the prizes being ofered for the two-man scramble will be a 2027 Mercedes-Benz on a HoleIn-One shot.

WENTY FORD BASEBALL WINNERS’ CAMP

THE Wenty Ford Sports Foundation is holding The Winners’ Summer Camp from July 27-31 at Windsor Park, better known as the Dorcy Park, where the Ford family grew up playing sports. The foundation is remembering the phenomenal legend, the late Wenty Ford, the frst Bahamian to play in Major League Baseball before he passed away on July 8, 1980.

Among the sponsors for the camp are Solomon’s, Bahamas Baseball Association, Addis Huyler Photography, Consolidated Water and Family Guardian Insurance Company.

INAUGURAL ELITE PHYSIQUE CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR UB

have anything to work toward. We wanted to build an organisation they could believe in and one that would help restore bodybuilding to where it once was in The Bahamas.”

FORMER IFBB pro-

fessional bodybuilder and former Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs is hoping to usher in a new era for the sport with the launch of the Bahamas Athletic Physique Alliance (BAPA), which will host its inaugural Elite Physique Championship on Saturday, August 15, at the University of The Bahamas Auditorium.

Competition begins at 7pm and will feature athletes from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Exuma competing in several men’s and women’s divisions.

Organisers say the event is intended to provide athletes with a consistent platform for competition while helping to rebuild a sport that has struggled in recent years.

“We created this alliance because we listened to the athletes,” Stubbs said during Wednesday’s press conference. “Many of them had stepped away from the sport because they didn’t

‘LJ’

Stubbs said BAPA was established by longtime competitors, coaches and administrators who were concerned about the decline of local bodybuilding and wanted to create opportunities for both veteran athletes and newcomers.

He said proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and other fundraising eforts will be directed toward athlete development, helping competitors fnance their preparation and pursue opportunities at the regional and international levels.

“This event is just the beginning,” Stubbs said. “Our responsibility is to encourage these athletes and help fnance their journey so they can compete on bigger stages.”

The Elite Physique Championship will also serve as a stepping stone to the Caribbean Grand Prix in December, where athletes will have the opportunity to earn professional status in bodybuilding

and wellness competition.

Looking beyond this year’s events, Stubbs announced that BAPA plans to take bodybuilding back to Grand Bahama in May 2027 with a championship in Freeport, returning a major competition to the island after several years.

Vice president Demeko Nesbitt said the athletes have been the driving force behind the formation of the alliance. “Without the athletes there is no federation, no alliance and no organisation,” Nesbitt said. “We’re grateful that they’ve stepped back up to the stage because they’re the reason this is happening. Our goal is to create opportunities for them to showcase their

Rose Jr welcomes Hurricanes men’s basketball team for preseason retreat

“All my experiences kind of led me to this one,” he said. “I did international scouting, G League scouting and pro personnel with the Rockets. With the national team, I wore a lot of hats. I think all of that helped prepare me for this opportunity.”

Rose oversees recruiting strategy, player evaluation, roster construction and budget management, making him one of head coach Jai Lucas’ closest advisors.

“He’s given us so much,” Lucas said.

“With his background in the NBA, his relationships and his connections across basketball have been huge for us. A lot of our recruiting, our scouting and the information we gather comes through him.

He also manages our roster, our salary cap and our budget. He’s been a big part of putting us in the position we’re in.”

The New Providence retreat comes at an important time for the Hurricanes.

Miami returns only three players from last season’s roster and has added 10 newcomers, making team chemistry one of the coaching staf’s top priorities before preseason practice begins.

“The second year is tougher because expectations have been set,” Rose said.

“Now we’ve got to back it up. With 10 or 11 new guys, it’s a process. That’s why this trip has been so benefcial, and it’s going to be important to our success this season.”

Players began Thursday with a 5:45am beach workout before moving into a strength session and later practicing at the Baha Mar Convention Center.

“We had three workouts before two o’clock,” Rose said.

“Then we’ll take the guys to Fish Fry so they can experience the culture before we’re back at it early tomorrow.”

Rose said exposing players to The Bahamas is one of the most rewarding parts of the trip, with many of the Hurricanes visiting the country for the frst time.

“A lot of our guys haven’t been here before,” he said. “There’s a lot for them to learn and experience, and what better place than here?”

The Hurricanes are also participating in community activities during their stay, including a beach cleanup, as they continue building relationships away from the court.

Lucas said Rose’s connection to The Bahamas made New Providence the ideal location for the team’s preseason retreat.

“I’ve known LJ since he was seven years old, so he’s family,” Lucas said.

“The school has a great relationship with The Bahamas, and it’s a place I love to come. It’s close to Miami, but it feels like you’re away. The people are welcoming, and it’s been a great place for our team.”

Rose believes the experience will not only help Miami prepare for the season ahead but also strengthen the relationship between the Hurricanes and The Bahamas while giving his players a greater appreciation for the country he still proudly calls home.

talent again and continue progressing in the sport.”

Nesbitt said organisers have also introduced cash prizes in addition to trophies and medals to provide athletes with greater incentives to compete.

The Fitness Connection owner and major sponsor said consistency will be critical to rebuilding confdence within the bodybuilding community.

“I’ve seen athletes spend 12 or 14 weeks preparing for shows that never happened,” Nesbitt said. “We want athletes to know this show is happening. Once people see consistency and professionalism, they’ll come back. More athletes will return, new competitors will get involved, and

the sport will continue to grow.”Nesbitt, who is from Grand Bahama, said he is especially excited about BAPA’s plans to host a competition in Freeport next year.

“A lot of athletes in Grand Bahama have to pay for fights, hotels and other expenses just to compete in Nassau,” he said. “Bringing a show to Freeport removes that obstacle and gives more athletes an opportunity to compete in front of their home crowd.”

Athletes’ representative Paul Wilson said the return of regular competitions gives competitors renewed motivation after years of uncertainty. “Now athletes have something to train for again,” Wilson said. “We’re seeing experienced competitors return along with frst timers who are excited to step on stage.”

Among the competitors expected to appear are Brandon Ferguson, Charles Reckley, Gio Farrington, Tez Kemp and Ricardo Mitchell, along with several newcomers making their competitive debuts.

General secretary Leonardo Dean said organisers are also focused on making the event enjoyable for spectators, whether they

follow bodybuilding or are attending for the frst time.

In addition to the competition, patrons will have access to food and beverage vendors as well as ftness and nutrition booths featuring health, wellness and supplementation products.

The championship will feature Men’s Physique, Men’s Classic Bodybuilding, Men’s Open Bodybuilding, Women’s Fit Model, Women’s Bikini and Women’s Bikini Wellness divisions. Ofcials also thanked the event’s major sponsors, including Fitness Connection, Cuba Libre, TDC, TopFlight and Blessings Aviation, for helping make the championship possible.

Tickets are available through participating athletes and at Fitness Connection, Better Bodies Gym, Empire Fitness, J-Line Fitness, MacFit and Club One.

BAPA ofcials said they hope the Elite Physique Championship marks the beginning of a sustained revival for bodybuilding in The Bahamas, providing athletes with consistent opportunities to compete while rebuilding one of the country’s longstanding sports traditions.

National Sailing School holding summer camp at Nassau Yacht Club

SAILING, from Page 1

understanding wind direction, rigging their boats and how to respond if a boat capsizes before progressing to handling a boat independently on the water.

“You can come with zero experience,” Rahming said. “All we ask is that you know how to swim. In two weeks we get you leaving sailing.”

Fourteen-year-old Malaysia Munnings, a student at CW Saunders, is among the campers who have grown through the programme. After frst joining the sailing school in 2024, she admitted she was nervous about getting into a boat.

“My frst time sailing I was a bit scared,” Munnings said.

“I didn’t want to go on the boat at all. I wanted to stay on the coach boat.”

She credited Rahming for helping her overcome those fears by giving her the confdence to sail on her own.

“My coach Pedro gave me a chance to sail by myself on one of the triangle courses, and I fnally got comfortable with it,” she said. “Ever since then I have enjoyed it.”

Now entering her third year with the programme, Munnings said the camp has become one of the highlights of her summer.

“This camp is the best camp ever,” she said.

“We’re out on the water morning and afternoon, we enjoy ourselves, we get the chance to sail all types of boats and the coaches here are so nice.”

For Rahming, seeing campers like Munnings develop confdence on the water is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

What started as a weekend invitation from a friend nearly two decades ago developed into a life-long passion that eventually led him to become the school’s lead instructor.

Since then, he has competed in local regattas and represented The Bahamas internationally in Optimist and ILCA competition before turning his focus to coaching.

He continues to race Bahamian sloops and Snipe class boats when time allows.

“Sailing has done a lot for me over the years,” Rahming said.

“Without sailing, I probably wouldn’t be the man I am today. Sailing changed my life, and I love what I do. I love teaching kids how to sail.”

The Bahamas National Sailing School continues to accept registered participants for its summer sessions, with enrolment limited to ensure instructors can provide individual attention to each camper. The programme is open to beginners, with