By Gerrino Saunders
At the beginning of each year The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations begins
its track and field season with an annual church service.
This year was no different,
and on Sunday 11th of January executives members of the federation led by interim
president Curt Hollingsworth, worshiped at The Church of St. Christopher, the Martyr
in Lyford Cay where The Venerable Keith N. Cartwright is Rector and the Reverend
Fr. Peter A.G. Scott is the associate priest.
Many of The Bahamas’ top athletes follow the standards set by the federation and often times begin their interviews by giving thanks to God.
Father Scott delivered the message and during his presentation thanked The BAAA for its “commitment to track and field and to the country’s young people.”
“Running a federation is a very involved job, so we start every year giving God thanks
for the past year and to seek his grace and continued guidance and blessings as we
start the new season,” said BAAA public relations officer Kermit Taylor.
The BAAA
is proud of its strong relationship with the local church community. In addition
to the Baptist Sports Council which hosted its own track and field competition each
year the various church denominations have formed their own track and field championship
that takes place biannually with churches from around the country assembling in the
capital to determine which church and denomination has the best track and field team.
In the past, church based track and field championship have been sanctioned by the
BAAA and additionally, officials from The Bahamas Association of Certified Officials
(BACO) have been used to conduct the technical aspects of the meet.
The first competition for the BAAA for 2009 will be its annual Odd Distance meet at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium January 17th.
(Front)Father Scott, Frank Rahming BAAA exec, Kermit Taylor BAAA exec, Curt Hollingsworth BAAA interim President, Mrs. Hollingsworth, Arch Deacon Keith Cartwright, Rosemund Carey BAAA exec, Tyrone Burrows BAAA exec, Ronald Cartwright-Fields coach, Julie Wilson BAAA exec, Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth grand daughter. (Back Row) Alpheus Finlayson BAAA past president, Anita Doherty GBAAA president, Ralf McKinney BAAA.
