FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Philip Davis said he would like the next edition of the World Relays to return home to the Bahamas.
In fact, the prime minister added that negotiations for this possibility are already underway, stressing that it was no coincidence that the CEO of the World Athletics Organization was in the Bahamas.
NACAC Open Track Championships at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex on Friday, August 19, 2022. BIS Photos/Lisa Davis
The prime minister’s remarks came during the opening ceremony of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Open Athletics Championships at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Friday, August 19.
“As many of you are aware, this small but mighty country is no stranger to hosting world-class sporting events, having hosted the World Relays three times in a row, in 2014, 2015 and 2017,” Davis said.
Davis said the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) is the most dominant in terms of performance of the six regional associations under the world athletics umbrella.
“This union of 35 members, including five associate members, has produced some of the best athletes in the world,” he said.
Davis told fans gathered for the opening ceremonies that over the next three days of the meet, more than 400 athletes representing their respective countries will compete in 45 events, where the chances of setting new world championships and records are up for grabs. personal good will be even greater. ; further strengthening the dominance of the region.
He noted that the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is also home to NACAC as well as world 400m champions Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner.
“We’ve also produced better sprinters, hurdlers, long jumpers and high jumpers,” Davis said.
“This country is only one piece of the puzzle in terms of regional dominance. There is Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Canada and the United States, just to name a few.
(eighth from left) and Grand Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey (sixth from left) enjoy the opening ceremonies of the 2022 NACAC Championships on Friday, August 19, at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. BIS/Lisa Davis photos
“Of the three world records set at the World Championships recently held in Eugene, Oregon, one came from the NACAC region. A number of championship records were also set by athletes from the region at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games held a few weeks ago in the United Kingdom. We can’t forget the performances of other athletes from this region at the meets earlier this year, who will be looking to return to better times, heights and distances this weekend.
“This newly renovated facility, the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, is the perfect place to make your mark as it is internationally certified, thanks to Mondo. As we prepare to witness some fierce competition in track and field, we want to express our gratitude to those who worked to bring us this competition. Special thanks to NACAC President Mike Sands and his executive team for trusting The Bahamas to host this event. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Minister Ginger Moxey and her team for hosting the meeting here in our nation’s second city. A special thanks goes to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Minister Mario Bowleg and his team, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
“As you may have seen when you landed on this beautiful island, Grand Bahama is still rebuilding from the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Dorian. We are finally on the road to recovery and renewal, and we thank you for being part of the revitalization of this special place.”
At the opening ceremony, Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey said it was an honor to host the Anita Doherty NACAC Championships 2022 on Grand Bahama Island.
“Today, we are witnessing history – the beginning of this world-class event in Grand Bahama,” said Moxey.
“An event renamed in honor of a woman who was a legend in our community and who made significant contributions to youth, education and athletics in the Bahamas, the late, great Mrs. Anita Doherty.”
Moxey said the collaborative effort between NACAC, BAAA, World Athletics, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Culture and the team at the Ministry of Grand Bahama has made hosting the international track a reality.
“We all know that Grand Bahama Island is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. However, over the past ninety days, through collaboration, we have worked diligently to bring this world-class event to life on our beautiful shores. The Davis/Cooper administration is grateful to all visiting teams for participating in this event and we are committed to supporting the brand of sports in paradise and Grand Bahama Island as the home of events and entertainment.
“The 2022 Anita Doherty NACAC Open Championship will be a wonderful boost to our economy and the island’s tourism numbers. Thank you for supporting Grand Bahama and have a great weekend in beautiful Grand Bahama.”
