SPORTS
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025
Rashawn produces another hole-in-one
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
Rashawn Hanna produced the second hole-inone shot on the same hole for Team Bahamas to highlight day two of competition at the 37th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.
Hanna’s shot came on the eighth hole at the Grande Reserve Golf Course in Puerto Rico. It follows the first hole-inone by Maximilian Landry on day one on Tuesday on the eighth hole as well.
On same hole to highlight day
Both Hanna and Landry are representing The Bahamas in the boys’ 15-and-under division where they are combining their efforts for fifth place after their back-to-back hole-in-one shots.
Bahamas head coach Richard Gibson Sr said it was a beautiful day with all of the golfers performing very well.
The Bahamas remains in third place with 79 points for the Hank James Team Trophy.
2
By BRENT STUBBS
ALTHOUGH he didn’t advance to the semifinals, Bahamian Olympian Lamar Taylor was able to produce another national record in winning his preliminary heats of the men’s 100 metre freestyle.
As the second of the four-man team from The Bahamas to see competition at the FINA LCM World Swimming Championships in Singapore, Taylor touched the wall first in 48.52 seconds in the ninth of 12 heats.
Puerto Rico has extended their lead in the front of the pack with 109 points, while the Dominican Republic is sitting in second place with 86 with one more day of competition to be completed today.
“Each team member was much better than they played on day one,” Gibson said. “We are still in good spirits and we believe that we can move up into second place before the tournament is over.
“Also, we feel we should be able to win one or two categories, so we are happy about that. With Rashad coming through with the second hole-in-one on the same hole as Max did it on day one, the team is feeding off their performances.”
formed on day two: Girls’ 11-13 division Team Bahamas shot a +13 to add to their +18 from day one or a two-day total of +31 to sit in fourth
Tennis sensation Khai Rees commits to Temple University in Philadelphia
BREAKOUT tennis
sensation Khai Rees has committed to play ball for the Temple University Owls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rees will be joining the Temple University Division 1 NCAA men’s tennis programme, competing in the prestigious American Athletic Conference (AAC) and will help contribute to their growing legacy and stellar play.
Rees, 17, had officially planned to take a gap year to focus on tournament play but impressed Temple University’s director of tennis and head coach Jeff Brandes with his skill and potential during summer play. After touring the school campus last month, the firm decision was made to enter early despite his young age as a freshman.
The young Bahamian sensation has been making waves on the tennis scene, representing The Bahamas internationally since the age of 10.
Rees became the youngest Bahamian to represent on the ATP men’s tennis tour earlier this year, and is considered to be a top prospect to watch. He has
represented The Bahamas in several tournaments in Greece this year on the ATP Herkalion tour series. This marks a new chapter in the burgeoning career of Khai Rees.
After leaving St Augustine’s College in 10th grade to pursue his tennis career in the United States, Rees is now a graduate of Laurel Springs School having closed out his high school career achieving top academic honours nationally and a final semester GPA of 3.84.
As a top scholar, Rees has opted to enrol in the highly regarded real estate programme within Temple University’s Fox School of Business. He will begin his college life as a studentathlete this fall.
He joins the Owls at an exciting time, with the recent completion of a brand-new, state-of-the-art 52,000 square foot tennis complex. The facility boasts cutting-edge Playsight technology, enabling fans worldwide to stream matches on ESPN+.
Temple University is a prestigious university, ranked in the top 50 nationally, known for its strong academics, diverse student body and unique setting within the city of Philadelphia. Temple is also known as a top-tier research institution with a wide range of academic programmes, including nationally recognised graduate and professional programmes. “We look forward to many outstanding
THE New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association is scheduled to open its 2025 season this weekend with its All-Star Classic in the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreational Grounds.
The classic, scheduled to be held on Saturday, beginning at 1pm and Sunday, starting at 2pm, will be held in honour of former players John ‘Brother John’ Williams and Rev. Dencil Clarke.
On Saturday, the official opening ceremonies will
While he erased his previous Bahamas national record of 48.84, the 22-yearold Taylor ended up 22nd overall. He was coming off his appearance at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, last year.
“Lamar delivered an outstanding performance in the 100m freestyle, and his new national record is a testament to the hard work he’s put in,” said Team Bahamas’ head coach Travano McPhee.
“He continues to raise the standard for Bahamian swimming and serves as a powerful example for the next generation. His effort on this global stage was inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder.” Today, Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson will be entered in her only event in the women’s 100m freestyle. She will be swimming out of lane one in the fifth heat.
After a day’s rest, Taylor will be back in the 50m free on Friday where he also holds the national record of
take place, concluding with the Dencil Clarke Juniors 49-and-under versus the Brother John Williams Seniors 50-and-over. Then on Sunday at 2pm, there will be the fastest player and strongest arm competition. At 3pm, the Brother John Seniors 50-and-over will play the Dencil Clarke Juniors 49-and-and-under.
Here’s a list of the players selected to participate: John Williams All-Stars, managed by Sandy Morley
THE New Providence Softball Association will keep the memory of their former president alive during the August Monday holi-
on Friday and wrap up on Sunday in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The action will get underway at 6pm each night.
TENNIS phenom Khai Rees with one of his many trophies.
Rashawn Hanna hits hole-in-one 37TH CARIBBEAN AMATEUR JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
place. Trinidad & Tobago is leading with +9. Kayleigh Rolle leads The Bahamas with a total of 175 for sixth place. She shot 85 (42-43) yesterday to add to her 90 (45-45) on day one.
Ra’Annah Hanna is in 10th place with 220. She shot 111 (55-56) yesterday after shooting 109 (56-53) on day one.
Darina Betschrt of Bermuda tops the list with 139.
After sitting in a two-way tie for first place on day one at +1, Team Bahamas’ +4 dropped them into second place with +5. Puerto Rico had a -1 to take sole possession of first place with an even score.
Madison Carroll is still holding onto second place for The Bahamas with 149. She shot 76 (37-39) yesterday after shooting 73 (35-38) on day one. Haley Hall is fifth with 156. Her score yesterday was 78 (3840) which she added to her 78 (39-39) on day one.
Amelia Santiago of Puerto Rico tops the list with 146.
And in the girls’ 18-andunder, Team Bahamas added a +8 to their first day tally of +10 for a total of +18 for fourth place. Puerto Rico is out front with +10.
Chemari Pratt is now in sixth place for The Bahamas with 162. Her score of 80 (39-41) was added to her opening round of 82 (42-40).
Team mate Anissa Robinson is in eighth place with 169 with 81 (42-39) yesterday and 88 (43-45) on day one.
Ava Seavedra of Puerto Rico holds the lead with 154. On the boys’ side, Team Bahamas had a +8 today to go along with their +7 on the day for their total of +15 for fourth place in the 1-13 category. Puerto Rico is even for the lead.
William West shot 80 (40-40) to go along with his
opening day score of 79 (3940) for a total of 159 to lead The Bahamas in seventh place. His team-mate Nai Kai Wilson shot 82 (41-41) to add to his opening day of 89 (44-45) for his total of 171 for 12th place.
Trebor Melendez of Puerto Rico leads with a total of 144 (73-71).
The boys’ 15-and-under division has Team Bahamas still in fifth place with +45. They shot a +18 to go with their first day of +28.
Puerto Rico again leads the way with +10.
Landry, coming off his big day on day one for The Bahamas with his hole-inone and 81 (40-41) score, posted a 83 (45/38) for a total of 164 for eighth place.
Hanna, in getting his spotlight today, had a 79 (37-45) to add to his day one score of 91 (48-43) for a total of 170 for 11th place.
Fernando Leduc of Puerto Rico is out front with 147.
And in the boys’ 8-andunder division, Team Bahamas moved up slightly in third place after they shot a +9 to add to their +12 for a total of +21.
Puerto Rico holds the lead in this division as well with -3.
Aidan Gorospe leads The Bahamas with his total of 152 for 10th place. He shot a 76 (37-39) yesterday to add to his opening day of 76 (38-38).
Kerrington Rolle is 14th with 157. He shot 77 (35-42) yesterday along with his 80 (41-39) on day one.
As they head into the final day of competition today, Gibson Sr said Team Bahamas just needs to stay focused and they will be able to put themselves in a position to secure some of the hardware that will be presented to the divisional and individual winners.
The team, managed by Lisa Gorospe, is scheduled to return to New Providence on Friday.
a free uniform. Interested persons can call 1-242-5448568 for more information.
Summer Camp is slated to be held 9am to 1pm August 11-13 at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex softball fields. The camp is designed for players between the ages of five and 12 years. The first 40 campers to register will receive
Players will receive instructions from former pro and college baseball players, including camp organiser Pheron Charlton, who played for the Florida Memorial University Lions.
TENNIS AID CLAYCOURT ENTRY DEADLINE AS the tournament start date of August 2
approaches, the organisers remind all local tennis enthusiasts that the entry deadline for the 31st AID Claycourt Championships is today.
Participants should ensure their entries are returned by email to aidclaycourts@hotmail.com or to the Gym Tennis Club before 6pm on Wednesday. The “AID”, as the tournament is commonly known, is the most popular
event on the local tennis calendar and is sanctioned by the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) for the awarding of national ranking points in each of 11 categories - Gentlemen’s & Ladies’ Open Singles & Doubles, Gentlemen’s & Ladies Junior Vets’ Singles & Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Additionally, Men’s & Ladies Doubles for 50 years and over have been added this year. Participants can
enter a maximum of three events. Attractive trophies and other prizes will be awarded to all finalists and all entrants will receive the usual commemorative goody bags of souvenir items.
TRACK BACK-TO-SCHOOL
GIVEAWAY
BAHAMIAN world
indoor women’s 60 metre hurdles world record holder and double gold medallist Devynne Charlton will be holding a Back-to-School Giveaway on Saturday at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Charlton, whose Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation has reached out to assist Bahamian athletes in providing assistance to come home this weekend to compete in the BAAA Senior Nationals, will be presenting computers, school supplies, school uniforms, books, school shoes and supplements.
There’s no specific time for the presentations, but it will be held during the Senior Nationals at the stadium.
BOXING FUNDRAISER
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex. The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for a donation of $15. Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan. “We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said.
The 15 members are expected to participate
in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3. The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team. They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors. They would remain in Guyana for another training camp until August 27. Then they are expected to head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships.
BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION
THE Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation is offering emergency assistance to athletes needing assistance with travel and/or accommodations for the upcoming Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Senior Nationals, scheduled for August 1-2. Interested athletes are urged to contact Laura Pratt-Charlton for more information and to apply for support. The email contact is dcbarrierbreakers@ gmail.com and the phone contact is 357-3109.
SPECIA OLYMPICS FUN DAY
SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold their annual raffle grill fun day fundraiser on Saturday, August 16 from 11:30am to 6pm at the Stapledon School Grounds on Dolphin Drive. Dinners will include chicken, steak, fish, hot dogs, burgers, pastries and soft drinks. Domino’s, Connect 4 and basketball games will be played during the day. Interested persons are urged to call 426-0233, 477-0304 or 359-3558 for information on ticket purchases.
White Dove Karate Club’s Summer Camp awards presentation in October
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
SENSEI Randy Johnson said he was pleased with the turnout and the performers from the participants in their White Dove Karate Club’s Summer Camp.
The camp climaxed on Sunday at Columbus Primary, but Johnson said the awards presentation will take place in October when White Dove brings its entire programme for the year to a close.
Hosted for the past month, Johnson, who was confirmed to a chair because of his disability, said he wanted to make sure that the 40-plus campers learned the importance of conflict resolutions and to teach them awareness of self defence.
“I was very pleased with what I saw. There were marked improvements,” he said. “There were some who made more progress than others, but they all improved.”
During the camp, the campers also engaged in some archery lessons from instructor David Rahming and boxing with former professional boxer Kito Ferguson.
“The White Dove programme is very important in that it directs the lives of the boys and girls and to keep them away from crime and violence,” Johnson stated.
“They are taught and made to understand that they can achieve high goals. They don’t have to follow the crowd, especially during the summer, smoking dope and drinking rum. They can achieve high goals for themselves.”
Mia Ash, a 13-year-old student of St Pedro International School, said she came
to the camp because of the “life lessons” she is taught by Johnson and the other instructors.
“It also teaches me about self defence and it teaches me more about patience towards others,” she said. “It’s been very nice, exhilarating and fun.”
Ash, who intends to continue to play volleyball as she enters grade nine in September, said she enjoyed herself so much that she’s sorry that the camp has come to an end.
Lorenzo Cash, a 12-yearold going into the eighth grade at the HO Nash Junior High School, said he decided to come to the camp to learn about self control and self defence.
“The camp has taught me when to attack and when not to attack,” said Cash, who also plays soccer. “The camp has been a lot of fun. We do a lot of things together and we study about God by reading the Bible. So we also engaged in our spiritual side of life.”
And Ayama Thompson, an eight-year-old who will
be entering grade four at Palmdale Primary School, said she came to camp to learn to “defend myself.”
To anybody who attacks her, Thompson said she’s now able to “defend herself and attack them.”
Ferguson, who fought sparingly on the local pro scene, came on board to assist in the boxing aspect. He was impressed with what Johnson was doing and he had to offer his assistance.
“This man is sitting down giving out instructions because he could barely walk,” said. “He’s one of our national treasures, who continues to give back to the youth of this country.
“So I’m just doing my best to help him out. It’s an amazing programme and so I just wanted to help him out in any way that I can. I like boxing and this is a good way for me to give back to the sport.”
Archery was a welcomed addition to the camp with members from the Yamacraw Archery, Men of Today, Men of Tomorrow Archery and the White Dove Archery.
According to David Rahming, they have decided to introduce a pilot programme that they intend to establish within the schools in the new year.
“The kids really like it. It’s a programme that we mirror from the United States, but it’s been very successful here,” Rahming said. “The kids get to score points and, at the end of the day, they will be awarded medals.”
Victoria Huyler, an 11-year-old graduate of Xavier’s School who will be enrolling at St Augustine’s College, said she was introduced to the sport during a family fun day at Grace Community Church her aunt attends and, ever
since, she’s been pushing her mom to get her involved in the sport.
“At first when I started, it hurt, but I realised that it was something that could get me somewhere,” Huyler pointed out. “It hurts because sometimes when I pull the arrow, it hits me.”
Philip LaFrance, a 12-year-old eighth grader at CH Reeves, said he was always interested in archery after watching movies with the actors shooting the bow and arrow. “It just gave me the adrenaline to just do it and when I got the opportunity, I just decided to go for it,” he said. “I just stayed committed and we learned a lot of discipline from it.”
Johnson said hopefully next year they can continue to expand the White Dove Summer Camp to include more aspects of sports to provide a well-rounded programme for the youngsters to participate in.
ELITE AND RENEGADES IN THE WIN COLUMN
THE Ballers Elite and the Renegades pulled off victories in the ladies and men’s matches in the two games played in the New Providence Softball Association’s regular season on Tuesday night.
In the women’s encounter in the Bankers’ Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, the Elite Ballers blasted the Platinum Pool Sharks 13-1, while the Renegades outslugged the Titans 23-17 in the men’s affair.
Renegades 23, Titans 17
Junel Bain went 1-for-2 with two runs batted in and three runs scored, Dylan Culmer was 2-for-5 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored and Lindero Hanna was 2-for-3 with a triple, three RBI and three runs scored to pace the Renegades’ offensive attack. Kevin Mackey went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a home run, two RBI and two runs and Rudy Pratt was a perfect 3-for-3 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored in a losing effort. Jakium Davis was the winning pitcher and Philip Johnson suffered the loss.
The Renegades scored three runs on three hits in the first inning, eight runs on three hits in the third and 12 runs on six hits in the fifth for the abbreviated win.
The Titans scored six runs on two hits in the first, one run on two hits in the second, two hits on one hit in the third, one run on one hit in the fourth and seven runs on three hits in the fifth.
Elite Ballers 13,
Platinum Pool
Sharks 1 Larikah Russell enjoyed a 1-for-3 night with a RBI and three runs scored to pace the winners offensively.
Pasha Johnson was the winning pitcher and Keishaana Coakley was tagged with the loss.
Elite Ballers scored a run in the first and blew the game open with just one hit in the second. They added four more runs on a hit in the third to preserve the abbreviated affair.
The Platinum Pool Sharks scored their only run in the third.
PRESS CONFERENCE HELD TO ANNOUNCE FINAL DETAILS OF BAAA OPEN NATIONAL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Jonathan Burrows
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) held a press conference yesterday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Stadium to announce final details for the highly anticipated BAAA Open National Track and Field Championships.
The big event is set to take place August 1-2 and promises to be one of the most exciting national track meets in recent history, featuring a lineup of some of the most prominent Bahamian athletes all competing together for the first time in a long time on home soil. Present at the press conference were BAAA vice president of technical operations, Tito Moss, and three standout athletes - Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Devynne Charlton, newly turned pro sprinter and long jumper Anthaya Charlton, currently the second-fastest woman in Bahamian history, and men’s triple jumper and former BAAA athlete rep Kaiwan Culmer, who recently jumped a
personal best of 17.00 metres at the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis Tennessee - one of only six Bahamians to do so.
All three athletes are participating in this weekend’s meet, with the common goal of qualifying for the 2024 World Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held later this year in Tokyo.
“It’s the showtime, this weekend will be the vehicle in which we use to select members for the Team Bahamas for Tokyo, Japan,” said Tito Moss.
“Competition gets started on Friday at 6pm, and on Saturday, we get started at 5pm. We have a little over 100 persons registered, and as indicated, the meet is a little later than normal, and that is due to the world championships being held later than it is traditionally held. That being said we are going to have a good time and we expect for you guys to be here in droves,” Moss added.
In addition to the athletes present at the press conference, Moss also confirmed that Olympic gold medallist Steven Gardiner and
Shaunae Miller-Uibo will be competing. Both athletes have been recovering from injury setbacks and are expected to use the Nationals as part of their final preparation for the World Championships.
“We are expecting tons more qualifiers this weekend, and we expect the stadium to be ‘ram jam’… We have few opportunities to see all of our senior athletes in the same place at the same time. We expect great competition in all of our events, particularly the sprints. Steven Gardiner and Shaunae are going to be here, whom we have not seen competing locally in a
little while, so we expect to see the stadium filled with support,” said Moss.
Devynne Charlton, who remains one of the top hurdlers in the world, also announced the official launch of her foundationDC Barrier Breakers.
The initiative will kick off this weekend with a back-to-school giveaway during the meet, providing supplies and support to the community.
Charlton also shared plans for her own youth athletic meet, scheduled for January 2026, aimed at inspiring and developing the next generation of Bahamian athletes.
“Just trying to do a lot of things within the space of providing opportunities to young Bahamian kids to discover their talents through sports. Just really give them the opportunities that I feel more people should have access to, because track has done so many good things in my life and I just want to see other people benefit from some things that I have is why I started the foundation to seek out those kids, connect with them, provide
them with the support that they need to excel in sports, track and field specifically, so we have some initiatives in the pipeline like the back-to-school giveaway on Saturday as well as my track and field meet for youth athletes in the works coming January 2026,” Charlton said.
Meanwhile, Anthaya Charlton’s presence was particularly notable as she prepares for her pro debut on home soil at this major national meet.
After turning pro in June, following a standout NCAA season with the University of Florida’s Gators, Charlton clocked a blistering new personal best of 10.87 seconds in the 100 metres at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, earning her the title of the second-fastest woman in Bahamian history.
“This meet is a pretty big meet for me because I haven’t competed since June, so I’m taking this meet as seriously as it should be taken. I also didn’t get a lot of highlevel meets in my collegiate season, so I’m coming out here to really showcase
everything,” said Anthaya.
“It is my official pro debut. I had one more year left of eligibility in the NCAA, but I chose to forfeit that after nationals in June, where I ran my big PB (personal best) of 10.87 by the way. And I have gone pro and signed with Puma, which is also really big and exciting,” she added. Anthaya now officially joins her big sister Devynne, not only as a pro but as an athlete signed to Puma. With a deep field of Bahamian athletes set to compete, the BAAA Open Nationals are shaping up to be more than a meet, but a celebration of national pride, athletic excellence and a glimpse of what Team Bahamas could look like on the world stage in Tokyo.
SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO
CAMPERS take advantage of White Dove Karate Club’s Summer Camp with sensei Randy Johnson. The camp ended on Sunday at Columbus Primary.
SENSEI Randy Johnson, right, gives instructions to the campers.
Shooting Stars Basketball campers learn skills and coping strategies
LLD Bahamas Company Limited, in collaboration with Urban Renewal Pineridge, hosted a successful Basketball and Mental Health Awareness Camp at the Urban Renewal Centre on Friday, July 25.
The initiative drew over 30 enthusiastic campers eager to develop critical life skills amid challenging times.
Lachae Charles, lead facilitator for the camp, worked alongside colleague Decarla Deveaux to deliver the programme. She highlighted the urgent need for positive interventions among youth. “LLD Bahamas Company Limited is geared toward launching a mental health programme starting in Grand Bahama and eventually expanding to the Family Islands.”
According to Charles, the initiative is designed to nurture structure, discipline and much-needed mentorship:
“With the escalation in local suicides, we recognise that young people - especially boys - require
guidance and structure.
We’re excited to partner with international coaches who are committed to giving back and mentoring our youth.”
The newly resurfaced and freshly painted basketball court was inaugurated by the Minister for Grand Bahama and MP for Pineridge Ginger Moxey.
“Thank you for participating. I’m delighted we could renovate the court to host this event. I also thank our international partners, who love helping kids.
“This effort supports mental health and provides structure, and I appreciate everyone - Lachae, the Urban Renewal team, parents, and campers - for engaging and having fun.” She encouraged continued respect for mentors and family guidance.
Sophia Williams, manager of Urban Renewal Pineridge, confirmed the presence of over 30 children and expressed pride in contributing positively to inner-city youth. Looking ahead, LLD Bahamas plans to extend its mental health and sports outreach beyond
NEW PROVIDENCE OLDTIMERS
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of Da Boyz and coached by Robert Cox, Divers and Peter Rahming, Corner Boyz.
Pitchers - Val Mu7nroe (Rebels) and Andrick John (Masqueraiders).
Catchers - Kevin Hinsey (Pokers) and Greg Smith (Divers).
First base - Raymond Rolle (Rebels) and Michel Saunders (Vipers).
Second base - William Delancy (Masqueraders) and Rivardo Major (Rebels). Third base - Marvin Wood (Da Boyz) and Balton Daxon (Pokers).
Shortstop - David Gardiner (KC Construction) and Ron Demeritte (Pokers).
Left field - Warfield Bain (KC Construction) and Garvin Williams (Divers).
Centre field - Garfield Bethel (Da Boyz) and Gerrino Saunders (Rebels).
Right field - Christipher Turnquest (Divers) and Simeon Dean (KC Construction).
Utility players - Nkomo Ferguson (Corner Boyz), Carvin Cummings (Masquraiders), Mivhael Smith (KC Construction) and Stephen Brown (Da Boyz).
Dencil Clarke All-Stars, managed by Gary Johnson (Masquraiders) and coached by Clelia Armbrister (KC Construction) and Stephen Sands (Poker).
Pitchers - Moses Johnson (Divers) and Vernon Bowles (KC Construction).
Catchers - John Lockhart *(Corner Boyz) and Everette Neely (Rebels).
First base - Philip Culmer (Masquaraiders) and Benson Young (Pokers).
Second base - Teran Wood (Da Boyz) and Stephen Beneby (Vipers).
Third base - Arthur Hamiltopn (Masquraiders) and Demot Charlow (KC Construction).
Shortstop - Brandon Major (Rebels) and Amngelo Dillet (KC Construction).
Left field - Kevin Smith (KC Construction) and Wayne Farquharson (Drifters).
Utility
Center field - Sherman Ferguson (Rebels) and Patrick Lockhart (Divers).
Right field - Jamaal Ferguson (Masquraiders) and Jamaal Johnson (Corner Boyz).
players - Charles Rolle (Da Boyz), Marcantel Pratt (KC Construction), Shawn Culmer (Pokers) and Audrial Farquharson (Masraiders).
Grand Bahama. Abaco is next on the itinerary, followed by a return to Grand Bahama with activities slated at the Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium.
OVER 30 enthusiastic campers attended the Bahamas Shooting Stars Camp this summer, where they embraced new skills and coping strategies while enjoying shooting hoops.
INTERNATIONAL guest coaches also joined in, mentoring young talents, helping establish structure, and teaching discipline through the fun and excitement of the game.
MINISTER for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey shoots during the Pineridge Basketball and Mental Health Awareness Camp.
‘World record breaker’
LEON MARCHAND, of France, competes in the men’s 200-metre individual medley semifinal at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, yesterday. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
LÉON MARCHAND BREAKS WORLD RECORD IN 200 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer
SINGAPORE (AP) —
Léon Marchand broke the world record in the 200metre individual medley yesterday at the world championships in Singapore, clocking 1 minute, 52.69 seconds to surpass the 1:54.00 set in 2011 by American Ryan Lochte.
The Frenchman set the mark swimming in the semifinals and, in theory, could break it again in today’s finals.
Marchand won four Olympic gold medals a year ago in Paris, but he’s swimming only the 200 and 400 medley – and relays – in Singapore.
Planning the lighter schedule in what he calls a “transition year” keeps him fresh to chase the world marks.
Marchand didn’t just break the 14-year-old record, he shattered it.
“What’s crazy is that it’s a whole second — and it’s still hard to believe,” he said. “1:52 on the 200 metres — that’s insane.”
Marchand will swim the 400 IM on Sunday, the final day of the world championships. He holds that record of 4:02.50 set in the 2023 worlds in Fukuoka, Japan. And it seems likely to go.
“Today I felt really good before the race,” he said. “In the water, I felt light, I was taking in a lot of water and technically everything felt clean.”
Asked about swimming a lighter schedule he replied in an understatement: “It was probably the right decision.”
Marchand was about 1.8 seconds under the world record after 150 metres and powered home with the final freestyle leg. Though this race did not yield a world title — that will come today in the final — it did win Marchand a check for $30,000.
“In the end I went out hard from the start,” he said. “But I stayed superrelaxed. I didn’t make many mistakes. I didn’t realise I was going that fast but I gave it absolutely everything. Arms at full speed all the way to the wall. At that point I wasn’t even thinking about technique anymore.”
More than Marchand
Despite being only a semifinal, Marchand overshadowed the five finals on Day 4 of the worlds — the halfway mark with four days more to go. Those finals produced medals for
the United States, Australia, Italy, Tunisia, and the Neutral Athletes.
American Luca Urlando picked up the third gold medal for the United States in the championships, winning the 200 butterfly in 1:51.87. Krzysztof Chmielewski of Poland was second in 1:52.64 with bronze for Harrison Turner of Australia in 1:54.17. Urlando has battled back from several surgeries for his first big title on the world stage.
“It was a great race – all great -- a great moment,” he said. “I’m trying to have as much fun as I can with it.”
He was asked how he overcame the setbacks and he replied: “The belief that I could get back to a moment like this. Internal belief.”
Mollie O’Callaghan of Australia, the defending Paris Olympic champion in the 200 freestyle, repeated her title in the worlds, pulling away in the last 50 to finish in 1:53.48. Li Bingjie of China was the silver medallist in 1:54.52, with bronze going to American Claire Weinstein in 1:54.57.
O’Callaghan has had a difficult time coming back after the Olympic victory, dealing with the stress and the post-games letdown.
“I’ve had an amazing coach Dean (Boxall) to guide me through this difficult time,” O’Callaghan said. “It’s hard for a lot of people to come back after the Olympics.”
Weinstein, like many of the Americans, has been dealing with what team officials call “acute gastroenteritis” picked up at a training camp in Thailand before arriving in Singapore.
A new name, missing name Ahmed Jaouadi of Tunisia won the 800 free, clocking 7:36.88 — the third fastest time ever swum in the event. Sven Schwarz of Germany claimed silver in 7:39.96 with fellow German Lukas Martens taking bronze in 7:40.19. American Bobby Finke, the three-time Olympic gold medallist, was fourth, far off the pace in 7:46.42. Sam Short of Australia, who had the second-quickest qualifying time in the 800, pulled out of the race with what the team said was food poisoning.
One big shock came in the men’s 100 freestyle semifinals where world-record holder Pan Zhanle of China
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22.05, which he lowered during the Bahamas Aquatics’ National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex last month. And making her debut at the championships, Victoria Russell will compete in the first of her two events in the women’s 50m butterfly. She will be in lane eight in the fourth heat.
Taylor will close out his three-race campaign on Saturday when he contests the men’s 50m backstroke, swimming out of lane seven in heat three. Also on Saturday, Russell will compete in her final event in the women’s 50m free. She will occupy lane seven in the sixth heat.
The other member of Team Bahamas is MarkAnthony Thompson, who competed on Monday and Tuesday in the men’s 50m breaststroke.
He didn’t advance in either event.
“There’s a lot of potential in this group, and I’m eager to see how each swimmer builds on their preparation throughout the competition,” McPhee said.
“We’re focused not only on results but on personal bests, confidence and gaining experience at this level. It’s all part of developing our athletes and pushing the sport forward back home.” The team at the championships, which wraps up competition on Saturday, is managed by Georgette Albury.
failed to reach the top eight for today’s final. American Jack Alexy had the best time of 46.81 with David Popovici across in 46.84. Pan finished in 47.81, far off his world-record time of 46.40 set last year in Paris. In the men’s 50 breaststroke, Simone Cerasuolo of Italy won in 26.54 with silver for Kirill Prigoda swimming as a Neutral Athlete, and bronze for Qin Haiyang of China.
McIntosh and Yu In the women’s 200 butterfly semifinals, Canadian Summer McIntosh qualified in 2:06.22. Yu Zidi, the 12-year-old Chinese, swam 2:07.95 to make the final eight. Her time was the eighth best. McIntosh has already won two gold medals and is trying for five in Singapore. Yu finished fourth earlier in the championships in the 200 individual medley. In the final event, the Neutral Athletes won the mixed 4x100 medley relay in 3:37.97. China was second (3:39.99) and Canada was third (3:40.90). The United States failed to reach Wednesday’s final after finishing 10th in qualifying. They were Olympic champions last year in Paris.
Britain and France also missed reaching the final.
after competing in the men’s 200-metre individual
semifinals at the World Aquatics Championships.
(AP Photos/Ng Han Guan)
LEON Marchand reacts
medley
LEON Marchand celebrates after receiving an award for creating a new world record yesterday.
Lions and Chargers have high expectations as they open NFL preseason in the Hall of Fame game
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
CANTON, Ohio (AP)
— Fifteen wins. No. 1 seed. Super Bowl betting favourites.
The Detroit Lions fell way short last season, going one-and-done in the playoffs after having the best regular season in franchise history.
They still have a loaded roster stacked with talent and plenty of unfinished business.
The Lions kick off their quest for their first Super Bowl title when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers tonight in the Hall of Fame game, which opens the NFL’s preseason schedule.
The Chargers are also coming off a season that ended with a loss in their playoff opener, a wild-card
game against Houston. But it was a different vibe in Los Angeles where Jim Harbaugh came in and led a six-win improvement.
Harbaugh, who led Michigan to a national championship before leaving for the NFL, guided the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl in his second season in 2012.
Can he do it again with the Chargers?
They haven’t won any titles since capturing the 1963 AFL championship.
Expectations are high for both teams but it’s a long road to the Vince Lombardi trophy.
It starts in the exhibition opener, two days ahead of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“It’s a new season, it’s a new beginning,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said as he enters his fifth season
in charge. “You understand what that road looks like and there’s going to be nothing easy about it.
“But I think it’s — every year you do this and you just realise, ‘Hey man, just get in.’ Win this division — that’s always going to be the goal. Find a way to win your division because now you’re automatically in and then once you’re in, it’s the matchup. And don’t worry about the — OK, maybe we have to go on the road, so be it, or if something happens.
“You take your best unit, you put your best practice that you can together, find the guys that you’re going to use to try to go win that game and then let it ride. No, I’m still as enthusiastic as ever. I know these guys are. There’s a price to be paid to get yourself back into the dance, back into the
tournament, and that will never change and if we let that slide at all, then we’re going to be sitting here at home in January and that’s not what we want.”
Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Penei Sewell and the rest of Detroit’s star-studded offense won’t see any action against Los Angeles.
Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen will play quarterback for the Lions as they battle to be Jared Goff’s backup.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ veterans also will watch from the sideline.
Trey Lance will start at quarterback for Los Angeles.
Lance, the 25-year-old third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, is on his third team after stops in San Francisco and Dallas.
“He’s had a heck of a camp,” Harbaugh said. “I just want to get Trey Lance game experience. With his career and then in college, he doesn’t have as much as most guys.”
Rookie DJ Uiagalelei, who signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent, is scheduled to play the second half. Veteran Taylor Heinicke will serve as the emergency third quarterback.
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton, selected by Los Angeles 22nd overall and wide receiver Tre Harris, a second-round pick, are expected to play.
But Detroit’s top two draft picks, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and guard Tate Ratledge, aren’t scheduled to play. The game features the debut of Detroit’s two new
coordinators. OC John Morton replaced Ben Johnson, who left to coach Chicago. DC Kelvin Sheppard took over for Aaron Glenn, who went to coach the New York Jets.
“I’ve said this before, it hurts to lose two guys that, man, have been here from the beginning, have a lot of trust and faith in,” Campbell said.
“There’s a lot of communication that goes that’s not even said because once you get to that, you understand each other. A look, a nod, body demeanour says it all. And that’s just a little bit of what we have to gain together between myself, Johnny Morton and Shepp. But that takes a minute, it takes time. We’ll get it, it’ll come. That’s what practice is about, that’s what preseason games early in the year, all of that. We’ll be good.”
LOS Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton carries the football during an NFL training camp Monday, July 28, 2025, in El Segundo, California.
(AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
TURTLEGRASS RESORT
STEPS UP TO SPONSOR BLACK POINT REGATTA
TURTLEGRASS Resort & Island Club, whose founder Bob Coughlin has been called “the single largest supporter of sailing in The Bahamas”, was today named title sponsor of the upcoming Black Point Regatta.
The regatta, set for July 31 to August 4 in the waters off the island in the northern Exuma chain of islands and cays, is expected to draw hundreds of spectators and nearly 20 native sloops in two classes.
Known for being the regatta that features the C-class sloop, this year’s regatta will include juniors in E-class boats, thanks to a separate Turtlegrass Resort donation. That gift of $20,000 allowed Black Point boat builder and sailing club president Leander Pinder to complete construction and equipping of several partially built E-class sloops.
“Bob has sponsored in George Town and Farmer’s Cay regattas before, but this is his first year for
Black Point,” said Danika ‘Love’ Rolle, who helps run the regatta. Her appreciation extends beyond the few days of races and activities to the overall impact the building of Turtlegrass Resort & Island Club has had on the economy of the Central Exuma cays.
Turtlegrass has announced it will halt construction at the end of Phase I due to unresolved environmental and safety issues raised by a proposed neighbouring project.
“I want to thank Bob, he has been wonderful to the Exumians,” said Ms. Rolle. “Because of Bob, people are able to make ends meet. We have many people that work for him and they were not able to do that before, but now they can because of him.”
Economics aside, the developer’s contribution will singularly take Black Point Regatta to a new level with the addition of junior sailors, considered the primary means of preserving
the national sport by providing opportunities for younger people to learn the art and skill of reading the wind and waves, working the sails, understanding the rules of racing and the power of the wooden craft modelled after the work boats of old.
“When the discussion came up and Bob (Coughlin) stated he wanted to help Black Point achieve more for their future, we said the best way to invest in the future is by way of the children of the community
and that is how the idea was born to support E-class sailing,” said Ms. Rolle. “Kids are the future and Bob’s donation took us a very long way.”
For Coughlin, a decadeslong Exuma visitor before making it his home and years later, becoming the second largest employer in the Central Exuma cays, supporting sailing is a natural.
“Sailing is not only the official national sport of The Bahamas, but also an incomparable part of the
nation’s history and culture,” said Coughlin. “The tradition of yesteryear is revived and more powerful than ever when you see regattas with native sloops in fierce competition in all their majesty with up to a dozen men or women on the pryboard, canvaslike sails flying full, boats heeled over driving on human and wind power and it’s a sight to behold.
“Turtlegrass is honoured to be supporting this sport.”
Held over the Emancipation Day holiday weekend,
Black Point Regatta features several races, food stalls, entertainment, Junkanoo rush out, trophy presentation and more. It is considered a major economic boost to the island and surrounding cays and follows an event on the island in March which drew hundreds of spectators with visitors on cruising monohulls and catamarans participating along with locals on sloops in a series of races punctuated by parties and entertainment hosted by a local restaurant.
BLACK Point Regatta sponsor Bob Coughlin, far left, pictured with Black Point Sailing Club president Leander Pinder and eager sailors as they check out one of the E-class boats that will be finished, suited with sails and readied to race, thanks to a donation by the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation.
Bankers’ Athletic Association holds annual golf tournament
THE Bankers’ Athletic Association held its annual golf tournament over the weekend at the scenic Blue Hills Golf Course, drawing spirited competition and strong camaraderie across the financial sector.
Eleven teams participated in this year’s event, including three teams from Fidelity Bank and three teams from Global Sun Integration Management, two teams from The Central Bank, and one team from RF Bank & Trust, Leno and RBC.
The tournament proved to be highly competitive with Global Sun’s “GSIM” Team 1 taking the overall victory, shooting 28 on the course.
RF Bank & Trust followed closely behind in second place, finishing with 29 and the Central Bank Team 1 rounded out the top three with 30.
Tournament director/ organiser Gina GonzalezRolle described the event as “an exciting day of golf and great sportsmanship.”
She noted that although the scores were tight, the winners truly earned their spots.
“It
was really good seeing new teams and players compete at what is now a growing event in the Bankers’ Association,” she summed up.”
THE Global Sun golf team.
THE Fidelity golf team.
THE RF Bank and Trust golf team.
THE Royal Bank golf team.
THE Leno golf team.
THE Central Bank golf team.