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SPORTS SECTION E

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017

NFL

Picks - Pages 2, 3

Spartans to assist Bahamas’ hurricane relief efforts By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

he Michigan State University men’s basketball programme has gravitated toward the leadership of Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn during his tenure in East Lansing and now, with their senior point guard in mind, the Spartans look to assist in the Bahamas’ hurricane relief efforts. The Spartans will get an early start to elite non-conference competition when they face the Georgia Bulldogs in a charity exhibition game 2pm Sunday, October 29, at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The charity exhibition game will help to raise awareness and financial support for hurricane relief efforts, specifically those in

Georgia and in the After leading Bahamas. and facilitating for According to the other players for Spartans, ticket the last three years, sales opened yesNairn said he now terday and will has a new perspecbenefit American tive as a senior in Red Cross – Interhis final campaign. national Services “My whole deal and American Red since I’ve been Cross – Georgia here because it was Region. instilled in me as a “It means a lot,” freshman, that you Nairn said to the send your seniors LOURAWLS NAIRN Detroit Free Press. out the right way. “Being a kid from the Baha- It’s emotional for me, being on mas, we have a lot of hurricanes the end of the spectrum now,” every year. he said. “It’s Tum’s senior year “We have something called hur- but I’ve always been playing for ricane season. Just to be able to my teammates, playing for the play in a game like that, to give guys that have been putting in the back — especially being a kid work for the programme, even from the Bahamas — it’s some- playing for the guys that I never thing special to be a part of.” even played with. Nairn averaged 3.7 points, 2.5 Both schools received a waiver rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a from the NCAA to hold the junior last season. exhibition due to its nature as a

charity event. NCAA rules mandate that Division I programmes schedule Division II, III or NAIA programmes during the exhibition period. The Spartans are ranked No.2 in the USA Today/Coaches poll. “This is a great opportunity for our programmes to help make an impact with the relief and rebuilding efforts in areas that were affected by this summer’s hurricanes,” Spartans coach Tom Izzo said. “We look forward to playing back in Grand Rapids where we have a strong fan base. They’ll see us play a very good Georgia team that is very well coached and features a great player in Yante Maten, who’s returning to his home state. Combining a competitive basketball game with a worthy cause makes for an outstanding event.” Hurricane Irma effected both the Bahamas and Georgia in

Sports tourism gaining momentum SPORTS tourism continues to gain momentum in The Islands of The Bahamas with several major sporting events on the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation’s calendar. The impressive list of events showcases the ability and diversity of the multi-island destination to host a wide variety of sporting events. They include: • Run for Pompey – October 7. Exuma, Bahamas. • Abaco Open Water Swim – October 8. Marsh Harbour, Abaco. • 31st Annual Conchman Triathlon – November 4. Freeport, Grand Bahama. • Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K – November 19. Nassau, Bahamas. • Battle 4 Atlantis – November 22 – 24. Nassau, Bahamas. • NCAA Women’s Junkanoo Jam – November 23 – 26. Bimini, Bahamas. • Hero World Challenge (PGA Golf) – November 30 – December 3. Nassau, Bahamas. • Atlantis Crown Gymnastics International – December 14 – 17. Nassau, Bahamas. • Bahamas Bowl – December 22. Nassau, Bahamas. • Bahamas Great Exuma Classic – January 10 - 16 2018. Exuma, Bahamas • Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas Weekend – January 13-14 2018. Nassau, Bahamas. • Bahamas Great Abaco Golf Classic – January 18 -24 2018. Abaco, Bahamas. • Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic – January 22 - 28 2018. Nassau, Bahamas Virginia Kelly, director of sports tourism marketing, said these events result in significant publicity for The Islands of The Bahamas and a boost to the local economy. “These events help us meet our core mandates of heads in beds and creating foreign exchange and jobs/opportunities for local stakeholders. Also, there is also a social component where our young people are given an opportunity to not only receive

early September. In the Bahamas, Mayaguana, Inagua, Acklins and Ragged Islands were the hardest hit areas. As the storm travelled north, it produced tornadic activity in Grand Bahama and Bimini. Once the storm reached the mainland United States, Georgia was one of three states on its path. In its aftermath, three people were dead and more than a million Georgians remained without power. “We had schools contact us about it, but adding a road game in short notice seemed more difficult than needed,” Georgia coach Mark Fox said in a release. “But this is an opportunity to help the people of the state of Georgia. Hurricane Irma had a significant impact on the DawgNation. I want to thank coach Izzo and the administration of MSU for helping to put this together so quickly.”

SIR DURWARD KNOWLES 100 REGATTA SET FOR MONTAGU By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

instruction from people who are the best at what they do, but they can showcase their skills and talents to these international coaches with an opportunity for college scholarships. In the past three years, Bahamas Bowl has provided as many as 16 annual scholarships,” Kelly said. The Bahamas Bowl, formerly known as Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, has injected $15.1 million into the local economy over the past three years. The college football game has attracted 6,795 visitors during that period. Competing schools and bowl organisers have donated more than $75,000 to the Ranfurly Home for Children’s youth development. The Mid-American Conference (MAC) has also provided $50,000 in hurricane relief for Hurricane Matthew which was matched by Atlantis for a grand total of $100,000. The bowl also contributes over $75,000 to the thriving cultural community including Junkanoo

THE Popeyes Bahamas Bowl (top) and Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge (PGA Golf) are two of the many upcoming major sporting events - set for November 30 to December 3 and December 22 respectively - in the Bahamas. groups and the Bahamas AllStar band. Last year, the Hero World Challenge held at Albany was seen in more than one billion households in 227 countries and territories. More than 100 international journalists visited the shores of The Bahamas to cover the golf challenge and everyone, including television

commentators, provided colourful commentary on the beauty of Albany and The Bahamas. Similarly, the largest gymnastics competition in The Bahamas, Atlantis Crown Gymnastics, drew more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and supporters from the United States, Panama and Canada for the three-day competition.

THE Montagu foreshore will be transformed into a sporting and entertainment spectacle this weekend with 100 boats in competition to honour one of the country’s greatest sporting icons. A joint effort by the National Family Island Regatta, the Bahamas Sailing Association and the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources with responsibility for regattas, will host the Sir Durward Knowles 100 Regatta, October 26-27 at Montagu Bay. Racing begins 8am Saturday in the sloop sailing segment with Class C and Class E, followed by Class B at noon and Class A at 3:30pm. Following the races on Saturday, there will be an awards presentation at 4pm. Sunday’s race schedule will begin at 9am, with a two-hour window between the start times of the following division. There will also be sailing featuring international Olympic-style boats in the regatta with participation from all of the clubs across the country. This field will feature Optimist sailing for children aged 8-15, Sunfish, Laser, International 420s and Snipes. Following each day of sailing there will be a concert series featuring an all-Bahamian lineup. Saturday will feature VISAGE, Geno D, Veronica Bishop, Scorch Conch and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marching Band. Sunday’s lineup will feature the Spank Band, Lady E, Nat Bailey, Qpid, Lassie Doh Boys and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band.

SEE PAGE 4

Bahamas’ top volleyball players go head-to-head in Greece By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE country’s top volleyball players went head-to-head in the professional ranks as their teams squared off in international competition. Byron Ferguson and Shonari Hepburn are both on the rosters of Greek clubs this season and their respective teams faced off in the opening round of the Greek Volleyball League Cup. Ferguson’s Iraklis Thessaloniki took the win in straight sets (2523, 25-18, 25-21), over Hepburn’s AOP Kifissias. Iraklis improved to 1-1 while Kifissias remained winless. Of the 12-club field, both aforementioned teams are in Group B with Olympiakos, the perennial champions who have won the cup four

out of five years and three consecutively. AEK broke the streak in 2013. Neither Bahamian player fared better against Olympiakos. Kifissias went on to face Olympiakos but again lost in three sets 25-20, 25-20, 28-26. The defending champions also squared off against Iraklis earlier in the round and won in three sets - 25-21, 25-19, 25-20. The Greek Volleyball League Cup is one of three local tournaments and began in the 2011–12 season and is now named in honour of the late iconic Greek volleyball player Nikos Samaras. Iraklis is regarded as one of the best teams in Greece and Europe as they have won the Greek League five times (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012) and reached the final of the CEV Champions League three times (2005, 2006, 2009).

BYRON FERGUSON

SHONARI HEPBURN

Kifissias ranked 6th in the 200708 season, while in 2013-2014 it ended up in the third place of the league, the best result in its history. They also took second place in the Balkan Championships and were a Greek Cup finalist in 2014 and 2016. It is the second season for both players in the A1 Greek Volleyball League. Ferguson played the 2015-16 season with Foinikas Syrou and helped the team reach the league finals where they lost the best-ofseven series to Poak 4-1. Hepburn followed one season later and joined Kyzikos for his first professional season. The club finished in ninth place out of a field of 12 teams with a 10-20 winloss record as they participated in the top league in Greece for the first time.

PAGE 2, Thursday, October 26, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Week 8: NAUGHTY’S NFL PICKS THIS has been a busy, hectic week, but also a very rewarding one as a professional stand up comedian. To this end, I’m off to a show in West Palm Beach. Now taking into consideration all the poking and prodding and pat downs I go through in any airport around the world, I have very little time to break it all down. This week you get then rapid fire. I’ve started my usual mid-season surge, with Clint J, Leo B and AP’s Barry Wilner in my sights. They let me hang around, a two-game lead is nothing for me to overcome. It starts this week, here we go.

Thursday DOLPHINS

SEASON STANDINGS

Sunday VIKINGS FALCONS PANTHERS EAGLES SAINTS PATRIOTS RAIDERS BENGALS SEAHAWKS COWBOYS LIONS CHIEFS

• Here’s how we look going into Week 8: LAST WEEK SEASON 1. Clint J

11-4

66-40

2. Leo B

12-3

66-40

5. AP 12-3 65-41 3. Naughty 11-4 64-42 4. Santxo Z

11-4

64-42

6. Stevie J

7-8

58-48

LEO B’s PICKS DOLPHINS VIKINGS RAIDERS BENGALS CHARGERS

STEVIE J’s PICKS: Baltimore Ravens Minnesota Vikings Buffalo Bills Cincinnati Bengals New England Patriots Chicago Bears Atlanta Falcons Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seattle Seahawks Washington Redskins Detroit Lions Denver Broncos

SAINTS JETS EAGLES BUCCANEERS SEAHAWKS COWBOYS STEELERS CHIEFS SANTXO Z’s PICKS DOLPHINS VIKINGS FALCONS PANTHERS EAGLES SAINTS PATRIOTS RAIDERS COLTS SEAHAWKS COWBOYS STEELERS CHIEFS

CLINT J’s PICKS Dolphins, Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Falcons, Bengals, Eagles, Panthers, Saints, Seahawks, Cowboys, Steelers and Chiefs.

VOLS’ KELLY, IGNONT SUSPENDED AFTER RECEIVING CITATIONS By STEVE MEGARGEE Associated Press KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee running back John Kelly and linebacker Will Ignont have been suspended for the Volunteers’ Saturday game with Kentucky after they were cited on misdemeanour drug-related charges this week. “Members of our football team have a responsibility to represent the University of Tennessee in a first-class manner,” Tennessee coach Butch Jones said yesterday in a statement. “I met with John and Will, and they understand their actions were unacceptable.” Knoxville police say they stopped a car that had a headlight out Tuesday at about 10:46pm. Police said they searched the vehicle with Kelly’s consent after smelling marijuana, and that 4.6 grams of marijuana

IN this August 1, 2017, file photo, Tennessee linebacker Will Ignont watches during NCAA college football practice in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP)

IN this September 30, 2017, file photo, Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) walks off the field after their 41-0 loss to Georgia in an NCAA college football game in Knoxville. (AP) and a glass pipe were found in the console. Kelly was driving the car and Ignont was a passenger. Police said neither Kelly nor Ignont said they owned the items in the console. Police said that since the items were located between

Kelly and Ignont, they decided to cite each person in the car with one of the items found. Kelly, the Volunteers’ leading rusher and one of their top overall players, was cited for possession of Schedule VI. Tennessee

law defines marijuana as a “Schedule VI” drug. He also was cited for having no proof of insurance and for his car having a non-working headlight. Ignont was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Police said both Kelly and Ignont were cooperative and were permitted to drive off after the traffic stop. They are scheduled to turn themselves in to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for booking November 7.

The loss of Kelly is a major blow for a Tennessee offence that hasn’t scored a touchdown in its last 14 quarters . Tennessee (3-4, 0-4 SEC) has lost three straight games heading into its matchup with Kentucky (5-2, 2-2). Kelly, a junior from Detroit, has rushed for 615 yards and six touchdowns on 125 carries. He also has a team-high 26 catches for 255 yards. Kelly averages 87.9 yards rushing per game to rank fourth in the SEC. On his

Wednesday night “Vol Calls” radio show, Jones mentioned freshmen Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan and sophomore Carlin Filsaime as players who could have larger roles in Kelly’s absence. Chandler has run for 118 yards on 27 carries. Jordan has seven carries for 36 yards. Fils-aime has run 11 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Ignont, a freshman from Huntsville, Alabama, has played four games and has made four tackles this season.

DECEMBER 22, 2017 | 12:30 P.M. ET - THOMAS A. ROBINSON NATIONAL STADIUM

< CONFERENCE STANDINGS > EAST DIVISION * Marshall Florida Atlantic WKU FIU Middle Tennessee Charlotte Old Dominion

TICKETS ON SALE NOV. 1 AT THE THOMAS A. ROBINSON NATIONAL STADIUM BOX OFFICE OR ONLINE AT NSA-BAHAMAS.COM

For more info, contact the Stadium Box Office at 325-0376

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: CONFERENCE USA Saturday, Oct. 28 * FIU at Marshall * Louisiana Tech at Rice * Florida Atlantic at WKU * Old Dominion at North Texas (ESPN3) * UAB at Southern Miss * UTSA at UTEP

MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE Thursday, Oct. 26 * Toledo at Ball State (ESPN3) * Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois (ESPN3) Saturday, Oct. 28 * Buffalo at Akron Tuesday, Oct. 31 * Bowling Green at Kent State (ESPN2/U) * Miami at Ohio (ESPN2/U) Wednesday, Nov. 1 * Central Michigan at Western Michigan (ESPN2) * - conference games

C-USA 3-0 3-0 3-1 2-1 1-3 1-3 0-3

EAST DIVISION Overall 6-1 4-3 5-2 4-2 3-5 1-7 2-5

C-USA 3-1 3-1 2-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-3

MAC 3-1 3-1 2-2 1-3 1-3 1-3

Overall 4-4 6-2 3-5 3-5 2-6 1-7

WEST DIVISION

WEST DIVISION North Texas Southern Miss UAB UTSA Louisiana Tech Rice UTEP * - bowl eligible

Akron * Ohio Miami Buffalo Kent State Bowling Green

Overall 4-3 5-2 4-3 4-2 3-4 1-6 0-7

* Toledo Northern Illinois Western Michigan Central Michigan Ball State Eastern Michigan * - bowl eligible

MAC 3-0 3-0 3-1 2-2 0-3 0-3

Overall 6-1 5-2 5-3 4-4 2-5 2-5

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRETT FAVRE (SOUTHERN MISS) Former star NFL quarterback Brett Favre played his college career at Southern Miss from 1987-90. Favre started as a 17-year-old freshman, and he became one of the school’s alltime greats. He led the Golden Eagles to 29 victories including road wins over Alabama, Auburn and Florida State during his career. He ranks second at Southern Miss in passing yards (7,695), is tied for second in touchdown passes (52) and is second in total offensive yards (7,606). He had five 300-yard passing games and five three-TD games, while his 7,695 regular-season pass yards ranked him among the top 30 of all-time NCAA passers. Favre was MVP of the 1990 All-American Bowl in a loss to N.C. State, and he was also named MVP of the 1991 East-West Shrine Game. He was a second-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and was traded to Green Bay before the 1992 season. Favre played 16 seasons from 1992-2007 with the Packers. He was a three-time consecutive Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player (1995-97), a three-time All-Pro, an 11-time Pro Bowl participant and he led the Packers to the Super Bowl XXXI title. He holds NFL records for completions (6,300), pass attempts (10,169) and passing yards (71,838). His 508 passing touchdowns, a NFL record at the time of his 2010 retirement, is now second in league history. He also holds the NFL mark for consecutive starts with 297 in the regular season (321 including playoffs). He finished his career with the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 26, 2017, PAGE 3

Dolphins looking for more from backup QB Matt Moore By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

ON a short week, having a backup quarterback start usually means trouble. Not so for the Miami Dolphins, who saw Matt Moore come on for the injured Jay Cutler — to cheers at Hard Rock Stadium — and rally the troops past the Jets. Right now, the Ravens aren’t as good as the Jets, either, which isn’t saying much. For Miami, no deficit seems to be intimidating. The Dolphins came back from a 17-point hole at Atlanta to win. Then they overcame a 14-point Jets lead in the fourth quarter for a victory last Sunday. “A lot of it has to do with the personality of the players,” coach Adam Gase says. “Guys around here seem to embrace it more than worrying about failing. They enjoy being in that moment, and when they get opportunities, somebody seems to step up and make the play.” That’s been true for a while now: Miami is 13-4 under Gase since starting out 1-4 with him in 2016. The Ravens have a terrific coach in John Harbaugh. What they don’t have is anything near a healthy roster, with receiver a particularly thin unit now. “I don’t know how many other teams have had this many injuries on offence,” Harbaugh says. “We’ll just see how it plays out. We have a lot of tough guys. It’s about mental toughness. “You have to put everything aside, ignore the noise and go out there and fight. We have a bunch of guys I know who will do that.” Miami, tied for 15th in the AP Pro 32, is a 3½-point underdog at No. 25 Baltimore. We don’t see that. UPSET SPECIAL: DOLPHINS, 20-10 KNOCKOUT LEAGUE TIP Rams were a very solid choice last week. This choice is so obvious: MINNESOTA in game at London. No. 6 (tie) Minnesota (minus 8) vs. No. 32 Cleveland at London It’s gotten so ugly in Cleveland we’re surprised Browns were allowed to leave U.S. BEST BET: VIKINGS, 24-9

No. 11 Dallas (minus 2 1-2) at No. 15 (tie) Washington One of the NFL’s great rivalries. Go with home side. REDSKINS, 30-28 No. 20 Denver (plus 6) at No. 4 Kansas City, Monday night One of the NFL’s great rivalries. Go with home side. CHIEFS, 24-16 No. 10 Houston (plus 5) at No. 6 (tie) Seattle Tough matchup for Seahawks, whose offence remains sporadic. SEAHAWKS, 20-17 No. 4 Pittsburgh (minus 3) at No. 18 (tie) Detroit Rested Lions will give Steelers plenty of trouble. LIONS, 28-27 No. 23 Chicago (plus 8) at No. 8 New Orleans Somehow, this game has lots of meaning in Week 8. SAINTS, 23-9 No. 14 Atlanta (minus 7) at No. 24 New York Jets Time to worry in the ATL if Falcons fall here. FALCONS, 24-20

IN this October 1, 2017, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Jay Cutler (6) and Matt Moore walk onto the field to warm-up before a game against New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium in London. Having a backup quarterback behind centre on a short week usually means trouble. Not so for the Dolphins. Moore came on for injured Jay Cutler to cheers at Hard Rock Stadium and rallied the troops past the Jets. Now he starts at Baltimore. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

No. 13 Carolina (plus 2) at No. 28 Tampa Bay Really disliked what we saw from Panthers at Chicago. BUCCANEERS, 23-19 No. 21 (tie) Los Angeles Chargers (plus 7) at No. 2 New England Really liked what we saw from both teams on threegame winning streaks. PATRIOTS, 26-17 No. 31 San Francisco (plus 11) at No. 1 Philadelphia Niners got exposed by Dallas last week. More of same ... EAGLES, 30-10 No. 21 Oakland (plus 2 1-2) at No. 9 Buffalo Raiders haven’t here since 2002. BILLS, 22-20

won

No. 30 Indianapolis (plus 10) at No. 26 Cincinnati When Bengals are this big a favorite, we know how bad Colts are. BENGALS, 23-14

RIVERA NOT WORRIED ABOUT NEWTON’S SUDDEN DIP IN PRODUCTION By STEVE REED Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers coach Ron Rivera isn’t the least bit concerned about Cam’s Newton’s sudden dip in production. He believes most of it is not his quarterback’s fault. The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player has completed just 57 per cent of his passes for 450 yards with five interceptions and one touchdown in losses to the Bears and Eagles. That’s a dramatic dip from Newton completing 77 per cent of his passes for 671 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in Carolina’s previous road wins over the Patriots and Lions. Rivera is quick to point out that Carolina’s recent turnover

problems and offen“We’ve had a sive struggles can’t couple of bad things be pinned solely happen and I’m not on Newton, espesure you can directly cially considering point those at the his receivers have quarterback,” Rivera bobbled two passes said. “... I think that’s resulting in intercepwhy we don’t need tions and another to start pushing the pick was tipped at the panic button.” line of scrimmage. Newton said “I just think there Wednesday that his NEWTON (AP) is more to it,” Rivera focus is to win footsaid. “People look at numbers and ball games, regardless of the start saying one thing or another.” numbers. The Panthers have had four The Panthers (4-3) are a halfweeks in a row where they have game behind the Saints in the gained at least 300 yards on NFC South entering their game offence, but there is concern Sunday at Tampa Bay. among the fan base after they “When we’re playing Panther were held to just a field goal in a football it’s pretty exciting and turnover-plagued 17-3 loss to the when we’re not it’s just a lethargic Bears. team out there that’s motionless,”

Newton said. “That has to change. We have to give ourselves reasons to celebrate and be enthusiastic while out there on the football field. When you do that, that’s contagious.” Part of that lethargy can be attributed to the lack of big plays. Since speedy wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr left in free agency, the Panthers haven’t been able to find a reliable deep that can stretch the field and open things underneath. They did, however, reacquire wide receiver Kaelin Clay off waivers Tuesday from Buffalo, about a little more than a month after trading him to Buffalo. Rivera is hoping that Clay, who could be active on Sunday against the Bucs, can help an offence that recorded just one pass play of longer than 20 yards in the last two

games. When asked Wednesday if the Panthers have the wherewithal to pick up “chunk plays” on offence on a consistent basis, Newton appeared agitated by the question. He rolled his eyes and said “next question.” He paused for a brief second and abruptly excited the news conference. Newton’s frustration is felt by most of the players on offence. “Two weeks ago we were looking like the high-powered offence. We were looking the team that nobody could stop,” Panthers wide receiver Russell Shepard said. “The last two weeks we shot ourselves in the foot, turning the ball over and not playing our style of football, so everybody is worried.” But Shepard said things can change with one play.

PAGE 4, Thursday, October 26, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

THE YOUNGSTERS drawn from three local schools will benefit as part of the YESi (Youth Empowerment Through Soccer International) programme.

Aspiring soccer stars take advantage of YESi programme SOME aspiring soccer stars will get the opportunity to hone their skills on the field and in their classrooms as well. The youngsters drawn from three local schools will benefit as part of the YESi (Youth Empowerment Through Soccer International) programme, which was started at Gambier School in western New Providence by former professional player and national team standout Happy Hall in 2010, and now includes kids from Carmichael and Adelaide schools.

Nassau’s Palmdale and Sandyport branches of CIBC FirstCaribbean recently pooled their charitable budget and made a donation to the non-profit organisation as part of the bank’s Adopt-A-Cause programme. The donation supports YESi’s efforts to positively impact the community at large by teaching life disciplines to children through soccer training regimes, competitive game play and a scholastic incentive scheme that has seen grade point averages rise. The programme provides professional-level soccer

training, competitions, recreational soccer, and the opportunity to travel overseas to play other teams. To help achieve YESi’s youth empowerment goals, scholastic help is also provided after school to assist the kids with their homework, special projects and in English and math. “If kids don’t achieve a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) they may be placed on what we call ‘academic probation,’ meaning they can’t play until they get their GPA up,” said Happy Hall. “It works! It’s a great incentive as they love to play soccer, we’ve

seen grades rise across an entire school. YESi also has a rewards programme for those sustaining a 3.0 or higher average, and to date, 15 kids in grades five to 11 have received funding for private schools here in The Bahamas, and abroad.” Stacy Johnson has two boys enrolled in YESi, aged 11 and 14. “My boys started soccer with YESi when they were youngsters at Gambier school, and because they loved the soccer training so much they were motivated to do well in school and both boys got scholarships,

my youngest, Nahum, is at Meridian and Joshua is at Aquinas College,” said the proud mom. Paul Bartlett, manager at CIBC FirstCaribbean Palmdale branch, said their Adopt-A-Cause committee chose to donate funds to YESi because they know the programme to be community-minded and geared toward building kids both athletically and academically. “We felt it important to support Happy and his team in their efforts to reach out and assist our nation’s youth. We see the

difference his programme is making for the kids and their families.” Hall said that the original purpose of starting YESi in The Bahamas was to create an opportunity for kids who may never have had a true experience with organised sport. “It is often overlooked how a sports team can become a family, where life lessons are learned that are essential to a child’s education, where an avenue for growth develops and mentorship opportunities arise that can lead to the development of influential and productive citizens.”

SIR Durward Knowles is flanked by his wife Holly and two of his children Randy and Charlotte Knowles.

Sir Durward Knowles 100 Regatta all set for Montagu Bay FROM PAGE 1 The legendary Olympic sailor will celebrate his 100th birthday on November 2 and competition in the free-for-all regatta serves as a means of “giving back and saying thank you” to Knowles, the oldest living Olympic champion in the world. At the time the event was originally announced, Danny Strachan, commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee, said that while they will be honouring Knowles for his exploits at winning the Bahamas’ first Olympic gold medal with the late Cecil Cooke in Tokyo, Japan in 1964, they will also recognise him for his generosity as a philanthropist

to just about every cause in the country. “When the history of this country is written, he will not only be recognised as one of the greatest Bahamians, but also as one of the greatest philanthropists,” he said. “I don’t know of any other Bahamian who has taken a personal interest and has done so much to improve the lives of his fellow men. “His promotion of One Bahamas is evident of his pride, love and endurance towards his country and its people.” He offered suggestions on other means of improving the national recognition of Knowles and his lifelong exploits, including naming sailing as the national sport

of the Bahamas, place Sir Durward’s image on the $100 bill and name that span of water east of Montagu Bay the Sir Durward Knowles Harbour. Strachan said they will also honour his wife Lady Holly for the tremendous support she has given to her husband, not just locally, but globally as he competed for the country. “We cannot honour Sir Durward by paying prize money,” Strachan said. “These guys are grateful for what he has done, so they are prepared to sail. Prize money in this regatta is a thing of the past. I think Sir Durward would have my head if I attempted to pay prize money for sloop sailing or any other class to honour him.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 26, 2017, PAGE 5

Milan and Juve win, as Serie A condemns anti-Semitism By DANIELLA MATAR Associated Press MILAN (AP) — AC Milan and Juventus swept to comfortable victories on a night in Serie A that will be remembered for readings from Anne Frank’s diary and a minute’s silence before every match as Italian soccer sought to condemn anti-Semitism yesterday. The nationwide action came three days after Lazio fans had littered the Stadio Olimpico in Rome with images of Anne Frank — the young diarist who died in the Holocaust — wearing a jersey of city rival Roma. An extract from her diary was read out, and the silence observed at each match, as part of a wider initiative by Italian football authorities to distance the national game from the weekend’s events in Rome. On the pitch, AC Milan ended a lean spell in spectacular style with a 4-1 win at Chievo Verona. It hosts Juventus on Saturday. Juventus also recorded a 4-1 victory, against struggling Spal, while Napoli won 3-2 at Genoa to move back to the top of the table. Napoli has two more points than second-placed Inter Milan, which beat Sampdoria 3-2 on Tuesday. Juventus is a point further back along with Lazio after the capital side won 2-1 at Bologna. • Here’s a look at yesterday’s games:

ANTISEMITISM Lazio players walked out wearing white T-shirts printed with a photo of Anne Frank and the words “no to anti-Semitism.” They also warmed up in the same shirts. The team struggled to find its usual game, with Ciro Immobile missing a penalty and the capital club hitting the woodwork four times. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Senad Lulic netted for Lazio in the first half. Lulic also scored in the wrong net early in the second period. RELIEF FOR MONTELLA Milan coach Vincenzo Montella was feeling the pressure after a draw and three defeats, including a loss to city rival Inter. Suso broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a fantastic strike into the far side of the net from the edge of the area. He also had a hand in Milan’s second, six minutes later, when his cross towards Nikola Kalinic was headed into his own net by Bostjan Cesar. Hakan Calhanoglu finished off a rapid counterattack 10 minutes after the break and, although former Milan winger Valter Birsa got one back for Chievo in the 61st, Kalinic restored the Rossoneri’s three-goal advantage four minutes later following another assist from Suso.

AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates after scoring a goal yesterday during the Italian Serie A soccer match against Chievo at the Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy. (Filippo Venezia/ANSA via AP) “The result gives us strength, conviction and ambition,” Montella said. “I’m very happy with our performance but we have to immediately think of our next match. I want to see the real spark against Juve. I hope the Bianconeri will underestimate us a bit.”

He thought he had completed his hat trick on the hour, but his cross-shot was turned in by Ervin Zukanovic and went down as an own goal by the Genoa defender. Armando Izzo headed in for Genoa to set up a nervy final 15 minutes for Napoli.

MAGICAL MERTENS Dries Mertens narrowly missed out on a hat trick as he steered Napoli to its ninth win in 10 league matches. Mertens curled a free kick into the top right corner to cancel out Adel Taarabt’s early opener and gave Napoli the lead on the half hour. The Belgium international showed great control to bring down Amadou Diawara’s long ball over the top and fire in off the crossbar. It was Mertens’ ninth goal of the season.

BRILLIANT BERNARDESCHI Federico Bernardeschi made the most of his rare start for Juventus with a magnificent opening goal. The Italy forward controlled Douglas Costa’s flick with his right foot before volleying it in with his left. Paulo Dybala doubled Juve’s lead with a trademark free kick but Alberto Paloschi got Spal back into the match before the break. Juventus survived a scare early in the second

half when Marios Oikonomou had a goal ruled out because Paloschi was offside. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri was so angry with his team that he threw his jacket to the floor. It seemed to wake the Bianconeri up as they stretched their advantage through Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado. “We won’t underestimate Milan at all,” Allegri said. “On the contrary, if we have a performance like tonight’s, we will come away aching all over and having lost. “We did well to kill the contest off after 20 minutes, but then we let them back into it. It’s one thing to know that we’re strong, it’s another to be arrogant about it and we mustn’t be arrogant. I hope it’s the first and last time I throw my jacket.”

TONY PARKER PRACTICING WITH SPURS’ G LEAGUE TEAM By TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press MIAMI (AP) — Tony Parker is taking another step toward returning to the San Antonio lineup. The Spurs’ point guard, who hasn’t played since rupturing a tendon in his left quadriceps during last season’s Western Conference semi-finals, practiced yesterday in San Antonio with the team’s G League affiliate. The Austin Spurs are holding their training camp at the Spurs’ facility, which gave Parker the chance to get a workout. It is unclear how many times Parker will practice with Austin. The Spurs, who formally assigned Parker to Austin on Wednesday, say he will work out with the G-League club again Friday. “He wants to come back immediately,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said Wednesday in Miami, where the Spurs are playing the Heat. “But he knows he’s got to be prepared for it, be 100 per cent before he can come back. It’s

not an injury where you can come back too soon.” Parker has been able to play some 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 in recent days, but the team has not released any timetable for when they expect to get their longtime starter back on the floor. Parker was quoted Sunday in the San Antonio Express-News saying that his return will come “when Dr Popovich says so.” Parker was one of three Spurs players out for Wednesday - neither he nor All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard (right quad) have played yet this season, and Joffrey Lauvergne (right ankle sprain) is also sidelined after getting hurt Monday. “I just don’t spend a whole lot of time thinking about when somebody’s going to come back,” Popovich said. “They’re going to come back when they’re ready, when the docs say they’re ready. When it happens, it happens.” When Parker does return, this will be his 17th NBA season - all with San Antonio. He’s a six-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, who averaged 10.1 points and 4.5 assists last

IN this file photo, San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with guard Tony Parker (9) in the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) season. For his career, Parker has averaged 16.2 points and 5.8 assists. He and Popovich have won 831 games together, the second-most for any

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player-coach combination in NBA history behind only the 1,001 victories that Popovich had with Spurs legend Tim Duncan.

WEST HAM STUNS SPURS, CHELSEA OUSTS EVERTON IN LEAGUE CUP LONDON (AP) — West Ham scored three times in 15 minutes to fight back to eliminate Tottenham, while Chelsea ousted Everton to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup yesterday. Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli sent Tottenham into a halftime lead but Andre Ayew’s double levelled the match and Angelo Ogbonna sealed a remarkable 3-2 win to stun the home fans at Wembley Stadium. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger headed in his first goal since joining the club in the offseason in the 26th minute and Willian doubled the lead in the second minute of stoppage time. Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back but Everton lacked time to equalise and Chelsea held on to win 2-1. Chelsea, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham made a combined 30 changes from the 44 players who started their weekend Premier League games. The draw for the quarterfinals is today. Bristol City of the second tier is the only non-Premier League team still in the competition. Arsenal, Bournemouth, Leicester, Manchester City and Manchester United also advanced on Tuesday.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, October 26, 2017, PAGE 7

THREE-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION WAWRINKA NEEDS NEW COACH

Wozniacki beats Halep, reaches semis at WTA Finals SINGAPORE (AP) — Caroline Wozniacki advanced to the semi-finals at the WTA Finals by beating top-ranked Simona Halep 6-0, 6-2 yesterday. The former No. 1 from Denmark, who made only seven unforced errors in the match, took advantage of the slow court, using the time to set up her shots and cover more ground. In the first set, Halep won only 10 of the 35 points played, and Wozniacki never faced a break point. “I don’t think it’s ever easy when you play a world No. 1,” Wozniacki said. “I think this court is great for the all-around player who can play both aggressive and defence,” she added. The sixth-seeded Wozniacki saved the one break point she faced in the fifth game of the second set. She broke Halep’s serve twice in the second set. “I think it was one of my bad days,” Halep said. “I made too many mistakes and she didn’t miss.”

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI, of Denmark, advanced to the semis of the WTA Finals yesterday by defeating top-ranked Simona Halep 6-0, 6-2. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Wozniacki improved her career record over Halep to 4-2. She won both of their meetings this season, although the other was a three-setter in the quarterfinals at Eastbourne. Wozniacki is now 2-0 at the season-ending

tournament, while Halep is 1-1. There was a much tougher match for eighthseeded Caroline Garcia of France, who outlasted Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-7 (7) 6-3, 7-5 in a gruelling encounter. “It was a battle on every single point

and I’m just happy to be through,” Garcia said. “Even when I was down, I keep believing.” Svitolina served for the match at 5-3 in the final set, but lost the last four games. “I missed my chances,” said Svitolina, struggling

By The Associated Press (AP) — Three-time Grand Slam title winner Stan Wawrinka needs a new coach, because Magnus Norman is moving on. Norman announced yesterday that he was quitting after 4½ years as Wawrinka’s coach, saying he wants to spend more time with his two young children. Wawrinka had never been past the quarter-finals at a major tournament before hiring Norman, a former player, in 2013. During their time together, Wawrinka won the 2014 Australian Open, 2015 French Open and 2016 US Open. He was runnerup at this year’s French Open. He also reached a career-best ranking of No. 3. Wawrinka ended his 2017 season in August because of an injured left knee that needed surgery. He did not defend his US Open title.

to keep her composure. “I wish I knew what was happening today with my game, because even though it’s 7-5 in the third, my game was completely off.” Garcia and Halep stand at 1-1, while Svitolina is 0-2 in the round-robin.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 73° F/23° C Low: 54° F/12° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Breezy in the morn‑ ing; sunshine

Mainly clear

Mostly sunny; breezy in the p.m.

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Mostly sunny and breezy

High: 85°

Low: 72°

High: 87° Low: 75°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 87° Low: 75°

High: 85° Low: 74°

AccuWeather RealFeel

86° F

75° F

88°-76° F

95°-79° F

97°-76° F

87°-74° F

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 57° F/14° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 73° F/23° C

7‑14 knots

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 65° F/18° C

7‑14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 68° F/20° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 68° F/20° C

MIAMI

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 66° F/19° C

8‑16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 76° F/24° C

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

12:36 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

2.3 2.8

6:37 a.m. 7:34 p.m.

1.0 1.0

Friday

1:28 a.m. 1:53 p.m.

2.3 2.7

7:30 a.m. 8:28 p.m.

1.1 1.1

Saturday

2:26 a.m. 2:49 p.m.

2.3 2.7

8:29 a.m. 9:22 p.m.

1.2 1.0

Sunday

3:24 a.m. 3:45 p.m.

2.4 2.7

9:30 a.m. 1.1 10:14 p.m. 0.9

Monday

4:20 a.m. 4:38 p.m.

2.6 2.8

10:29 a.m. 0.9 11:02 p.m. 0.6

Tuesday

5:11 a.m. 5:28 p.m.

2.8 2.9

11:24 a.m. 0.7 11:48 p.m. 0.4

Wednesday 5:59 a.m. 6:16 p.m.

3.1 3.0

12:15 p.m. 0.4 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:14 a.m. 6:33 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

12:52 p.m. 11:58 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Oct. 27

Nov. 4

Nov. 10

Nov. 18

CAT ISLAND

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 76° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 84° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 72° F/22° C Last year’s high ................................. 83° F/29° C Last year’s low ................................... 75° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 33.12” Normal year to date ................................... 34.26”

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

4‑8 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday:

WINDS NW at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 7‑14 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots WSW at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots NNW at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots NNW at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots SW at 4‑8 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots SW at 6‑12 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 7‑14 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots

WAVES 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 78° F 78° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 83° F