SPORTS
TUESDAY,AUGUST12,2025
Bahamas on medal hunt after Xavion’s historic judo bronze
By BRENT STUBBS
After getting its first medal on thefirstdayof competition, Team Bahamas was back in full swing for another medalatthesecondJunior Pan American Games in Asuncion,Paraguay. In the pool at the Asunción’s Olympic Aquatic Centre, Team Bahamas placed sixth in the final of themixedmedley4x100m
By Jonathan Burrows
DOZENS of young athletes gathered at the BaillouHillsSportingComplex yesterday morning in anticipation of day one of Pheron Charlton’s inaugural TM Baseball Academy baseballsummercamp.
The three-day camp aims to provide young baseball players in The Bahamas with baseball training and development.
Day one began with registration and the designation of jerseys and practiceequipmentforeach athlete.
relay in a time of three minutesand37.23seconds.
Elyse Wood, who was a part of the mixed relay team, competed in an individual event as well where shecameineighthplacein the women’s 100m butterflyin1:03.37.
Wood secured her place in the final with a personal best of 1:03.14 - a thirdplacefinishinherheat.
Also in action yesterday was marksman Leron Rollewhofacedoffagainst Colombia’s Sebastian Villegas in the men’s archery quarterfinals.
Rolle, however, fell to his opponent 126 to 144. With the loss, he does not advance in the medal rounds.
by winning the bronze medal in the men’s -66 kg category. Johnson made his debut with a stunning victory in the quarterfinals against Mexican Ian Aguirre, whom he defeated by ipponinjustafewseconds.
In the semifinals, he lost to Brazilian Bruno Nobrega, but recovered with determination in the bronze-medal match, where he defeated Peruvian Mateo Cóndor by ipponat3:06minutes.
The four-member track team has yet to see competition in the games that is scheduled to wrap up on August23. KEVIN DALEY
The Bahamas is still holding onto its first medal from judoka Xavion Johnson, who made history
The Bahamas still has a few more swimmers to compete in individual events at the games, including Olympian Lamar Taylor.
After the registration period, the camp officially began with a warm-up session, followed by intense baseball drills aimed at developing players’ athleticism, speed, agility, base running, sliding techniques, and batting and fielding techniques.
“Everyone gets the same training, everyone gets to develop the same. At the end of the day, the goal is for everyone to go home and be able to say that they worked on something today,”saidCharlton.
Charlton, a Bahamian baseball standout athlete and current senior at the Florida Memorial University,alsoexpressedwhathis plans are for the camp in thenearfuture.
“This is the first one I’m hosting, and I do plan on having future camps like this. I do look forward to having something in December for Christmas, so stay tuned for that but, as far as summer camps, I definitelydoplanonhaving more summer camps as I transitionoutofcollegeand
BPL SPONSORS
NATIONAL YOUTH TEAM FOR THE FIDE UNDER-16 CHESS OLYMPIAD
By BRENT STUBBS
BAHAMAS Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) president Perry Newton was impressed with the performance of Team Bahamas at the American Zone IV Davis Cup Tie in Trinidad & Tobagoovertheweekend.
The team of Denali Nottage, Michael Major Jr, Donte Armbrister and Kofi Bowe, captained by John Antonas, emerged undefeated in their five games, including the final on Saturday against host Trinidad & Tobago, to get promoted back to Zone III. As he watched the week-long competition at the National Racquet Sports Centre in Tacarigua, Newton said it was extremely tough, but the playersstucktotheirgame plan, which was to return toZoneIII.
“It was a very thrilling week and just watching theteamperform,wewere very excited,” Newton said. “We always knew that our team would do very well. But these guys went out and proved that
theywerefocusedandthey had a job to accomplish and they had a goal for us to perform and they did it. So after each victory, the underlying theme was it wasagoodday,butwestill havesomuchmoretodo.”
As long-time teammatescomingupthejunior ranks, Newton said the four players had a cohesivenessthatenabledthem to bond together and get thejobdone.
“The captain did a marvelous job of keeping
everybody together every day,” Newton said. “So we’re just hoping that these players can continue to stick together and continue to blossom in their careers.” Looking back at the matches, from day one when Major Jr went down with an ankle injury after Team Bahamas won 2-1 over Cuba, Newton said the other players stepped upandfilledinthegap. He noted that Nottage played extremely well as the top seeded player on the team and Armbrister got the job done in the No.2 spot with Major Jr not able to continue to play. Newton was just as impressed with Bowe, who made his debut on the team, but performed extremely well in
IN a landmark moment for Bahamian chess, Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) is proud to sponsor the national youth chess team as they prepare to represent the nation at the FIDE World Youth Under16ChessOlympiad,August 16-23 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
This marks the highesttier international chess event that a Bahamian youth team has ever attended-bringingtogether elite young athletes from 40 national federations with 207 teams, comprising
powerhouses like China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Italy,GeorgiaandCuba.
Previously, The Bahamas’ youth team has made its mark in regional competitions such as the Pan-AmericanYouthChess Festival and the Central American and Caribbean ChessYouthFestival.
This global leap forward offers Bahamian athletes thechancetotesttheirskills against the world’s best under-16 players and gain invaluable international
BASKETBALL BBSF
TOURNAMENT
THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is scheduled to hold a meeting 6pm Thursday, August 28 at its office upstairs in the Bahamas Baptist College, Jean Street, for all churches interested in participating in the 2025 BasketballTournament.
The tournament is scheduled for the
weekend of September 26-27 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium for the 12-and under and open divisions.
Each team will consist of 12 players. Trophies sponsored by AID will be distributed to the champions and runnersup in each category as well as medals for the third-place teams. Interestedpersonscancontact
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BAHAMAS executives greeting Team Bahamas on their return home from the Davis Cup tie
Trinidad & Tobago.
SWIMMER Zoe Williams and archer Leron Rolle, right, in action at the 2025 Jr Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Kevin Daley wins FYP Road Cycling Race Challenge
THE New Providence Cycling Association hosted its FYP Road Cycling Race ChallengeonSunday.
The Challenge A was eight laps of a 5.82 miles loop around Clifton Pier, equalling46.56miles.
Kevin Daley won the event in a time of one hour, 56 minutes and 26 seconds. He was also the open male winner. The others behind Daley in order were Barron Musgrove, Levi Capron, Felix Neely, Ricardo Smith, D’Nacko Parker,TristanJohnsonand Paul De Souza. Challenge B was a six-lap race, which was won by Sienna Culmer Mackeyintwohoursand23 seconds.
Nathaniel Adderley won the five-lap race for boys in two hours and 57 seconds and Anjaleah Knowles was the girls’ winner in two hours,nineminutesandfive seconds.
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Sean Bastian at seanbasbastian@gmail.com or call 826-8535 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@gmail.com or call 426-7265 for more information.
BASEBALL
SUMMER CAMP THE inaugural Pheron
Charlton TM Baseball Academy’s Baseball SummerCampisbeingheld 9amto1pmAugust12-13at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complexsoftballfields. The camp is designed for players between the ages of five and 12 years. The first 40 campers to register will receive a free uniform. Interested persons can call 1-242-544-8568 for more information. Players will receive instructions from former pro and college baseballplayers.
TRACK THE Baptist Sports Federation is slated to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic during the Baptist month of activities on Saturday, October 25 at the ThomasA.RobinsonTrack andFieldStadium.
Odd distance events will be staged for competitors in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under-17, under20, under-40, under-60 and 60-and over categories for menandwomen.Therewill also be a Pastors/Ministers category. Trophies will be presented to the divisional champions and medals to the top three finishers in each event. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at ann87609@ gmail.com or call 4253667 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@gmail,com or call 426-7265 for more information.
SPECIAL 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 DolphinDrive.Dinnerswill include chicken, steak, fish, hot dogs, burgers, pastries andsoftdrinks. Domino’s, Connect 4 and basketball games will be playedduringtheday.Interested persons are urged to call 426-0233, 477-0304 or 359-3558forinformationon ticketpurchases.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
Chisholm Jr homers in eighth to help Yankees top Twins 6-2
By LARRY FLEISHER
Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Will Warren gave up three hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings to become the first New York Yankees starting pitcher to get an out in the seventh inning in a month ina6-2winovertheMinnesotaTwinslastnight.
Warren (7-5), who allowed homers to Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach, struck out seven and walked none before Luke Weaver and David Bednar finished off New York’s 23rd win in its last 30 regular-season meetings withMinnesota. It was the first time the Yankees won a series opener since the All-Star break.
The last Yankees pitcher to get an out in the seventh was Carlos Rodón, who pitched eight innings July 11 against the Chicago Cubs.
Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton and Ben Rice homeredagainstMinnesota starter Zebby Matthews (3-4).
Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. homered in the eighth after Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge hit RBI singles in the seventh. Warren took a shutout into the fifth
until Buxton homered. He was one strike away from finishing the seventh until Larnachhomered.
Bellinger ended a 12-game homerless drought inthefirst. Stanton and Rice homeredinthethird,marking the eighth time the Yankees hit back-to-back homersthisyear. Matthews allowed three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out nine and tied a career high by allowing threehomers.
Key moment Matthews got the first two outs of the third before Stanton hit his fastball into theYankeebullpeninrightcenter and Rice hit a slider torightfield.
Key stats The Yankees are 10-3 whenhomeringatleastfour timesthisyear. Stanton hit his 10th homer in his last 25 games and his first when playing the field since Aug. 3, 2023 againstHouston.
Up next Rodón (11-7, 3.35 ERA) starts for the Yankees on Tuesdaynight. The Twins are expected touseabullpengame.
YOUNG ATHLETES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PHERON CHARLTON’S
free up more time, which will allow me to be able to host more camps,”hesaid.
Charlton, who is returning to Florida Memorial University for his senior year, has
high expectations of being named the Player of the Conference this year. After finishing his senior year, Charlton has aspirations to enter the MLB draft in hopes of followinghisdreams.
Charlton offered his advice to young athletes following in his
footsteps in pursuing a professionalbaseballcareer.
“For guys that are looking up to me, taking the college route to play baseball, I would say to go forit.
“You get more experience when you take the college route.
Newton: ‘We’re just hoping that these players can continue to stick together and continue to blossom in their careers’
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The team didn’t have to play the final doubles match on Saturday after Nottage and Armbrister sealed the victory in the singles against Trinidad & Tobago.
“After MJ went down, the team really picked it up and they got the job done,” Newton said. “It justshowedthedetermination of the team. It wasn’t easy, but they performed
exceptionallywell.Onthat lastday,everybodywanted to get promoted, but our teamdidit.”
Now that The Bahamas has been promoted, Newton said the BLTA will try to find a way to keep the players fit and readytogoagainwhenthe time comes around next year.
UpnextistheBillieJean King Cup team of Simone Pratt, Sydney Clarke, Sapphire Ferguson and Jalisa
Clarke, captained by Kim O’Kelley, that will be headingtoElSalvador.
The team leaves on Saturday for the competition thatstartsonMonday.
“We think they have the potential to go up,” Newtonsaid.
“They just have to go out there and leave it on the court because every time The Bahamas steps out there to play, everybodyisgunningforus,”he added.
You still get to play, you still get to develop, just don’t try to rush something that you want to be in longterm,youreallywanttotrust the process and trust the people who’re going to get you to the places you want to be. Don’t just trytogofromAtoZ,takeallthe
CHESS - from page E1
exposure.The2025team includesthreeoftheisland nation’stopratedunder-16 youth chess athletes and thestrongestprimary-level femaleathlete.
steps and appreciate the people alongthewaywhoaresupporting you,”Charltonsaid. The camp is expected to continue through Wednesday, with upcoming days set to focus on advanced hitting strategies, game simulationsandmentalstrength.
friendship through the powerful language of chess. The Bahamas joins 22 other nations including Canada, Italy, Ireland, Mongolia, Venezuela, Zambia and Saint Lucia, demonstrating that even small nations can make powerful moves on the worldboard. For media inquiries or sponsorship support, please contact: bahamaschessofficial@gmail. com
NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., right, slides past Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Fitzgerald (53) to steal second base during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photos/Frank Franklin II)
JAZZ Chisholm Jr. celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning.
NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. follows through on a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins last night in New York.
NEW York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins last night in New York.
Wenty Ford Sports Foundation wraps up
THE WENTY Ford Sports Foundation wrapped up its first annual Winners’ Summer Camp. Our Winners had a blast rotating through baseball stations, including hitting, throwing, catching and fielding. Campers sharpened their skills with infield drills and position rotations, building confidence and teamwork with every play. With regard to mentorship, volunteer Travis Harrison of the Core Development Houston prayed with the campers. Campers put their S.T.E.A.M. skills to the test as they presented and raced their recycled cars.
first annual Winners’ Summer Camp
ON THE REPLAY: The Winners’ Camp concluded with a day of celebration and discovery. Campers were recognised for teamwork, leadership and growth, and the winners of the Recycled Race Car Showcase were announced, including awards for Fastest Car and Furthest Distance. During the camp, the campers proudly showcased their inventive creations and the volunteers’ dedication and hard work made it a success.
EASTWOOD JUDO CLUB ATTENDS ANNUAL US OPEN JUDO CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
EASTWOOD Judo Club, headed by sensei “Mickey” Munnings, attended the Annual US Open Judo Championships at the Greater Fort Lauderdale, Broward County ConventionCentre.
Participating judokas from Eastwood Judo Club were: Baylee Mackey (Bantam 5/ (F)/ Advanced/U-25 kg, James Knowles Int. (M) Advanced/over 52 kg, Int. (M) W,Y,& Or. belts/Over 52kg,TianaDavis,Int.(F) W, Y,& Or. Belts/ U 42-kg & U-47 kg, Leah Michelle Campbell, Int., (F) W, Y,& Or. Belts / U-52 kg, Kevin Sterling2nd,Juvenile/(M)/ Advanced/U-58/64-kg, Charles Thompson, Juvenile (M) W, Y, & Or. / U 48-kg,DanielSaunders,W, Y, & Or. Belts / U-64 kg, Robert Burrows, Cadet/ Advanced U/60 kg, and (IJF) Advanced U-60 kg, Jabez Armbrister, Cadet/ Advanced, U-90 kg, and Keilesha Saunders, Cadet Advanced, U-52 kg, U -57 kg, IJF, Junior/Advanced, U-52kg Cadet Advanced/ Senior Advanced, U-52, Tara Bain, Senior Advanced, U-57 kg, and
Bovair Davis, Senior Advanced/U-90,kg.
The event marked its 36th year with over 93 countries and 556 athletes participating. Eastwood Judo Club’s judokas had outstanding performances. They represented The Bahamas with distinguished performances and capturing two gold, three silver and two bronze medals.
Leading the team was Kevin Sterling with one gold and one silver medal, James Knowles with one gold medal, Charles Thompson with one silver medal,BaileyMackeywith one silver medal, Tianna Davis bronze and Keilesha Saunders with one bronze medal.
Keilesha now prepares for the Junior Olympics in Qatar,2026,andispowered by Superior Productions, Rhythm in Motion, Bain’s Electric, Mitre Court GroupofCompanies,andJ &POfficeSupplies).
The team hopes to close outtheyearwithonemore competition at the Dallas Invitational on November 22.
SHOWN, front row from left to right, Chelia Burrows, Kemuel Sterling, Robert Burrows, Ryan Archer, Tara Bain, Kevin Sterling, Angela Saunders, Inga Saunders, Jonathan Gay, Sean Campbell, Sterling Campbell. Back row, from left to right, sensei “Mickey” Munnings, Kevvanna Hall-Percentie, C. Keith Saunders, Leah Campbell, Keilesha Saunders, Daniel Green, Reysa Campbell, (Bro.) Campbell. Missing: Tianna Davis, Baylee Mackey, Bovair Davis, Jabez Armbrister, James Knowles and Charles Thompson.
KEVIN STERLING with his medals.
KEILESHA SAUNDERS
LEAH CAMPBELL, BAILEY MACKEY and TIANA DAVIS.
JAMES KNOWLES