More than a month ago, the Bahamas Deaf Sports Association (BDSA) first appealed to the general public and Corporate Bahamas for assistance in helping the organization raise funds so that members can travel to the United States to participate in the Southeast Athletic Association of the Deaf (SEAAD) Regional Basketball Tournament in Roanoke, Virginia. That tournament is set to be held March 5-7. However, with the tournament less than two weeks away, the association finds itself thousands of dollars short of its earmarked target.
President of the BDSA Ricardo "Ricky" Farquharson said that the association has had a hard time raising funds since it was first formed in January 2011, and recalls that on their first trip, they were forced to squeeze more than 10 people into one hotel room due to limited funds.
"These trips, although they are to sporting events, they mean more than that to us," said Farquharson. "I want to push the other deaf people in the country to aspire for more. I want The Bahamas to know that there are a lot of deaf people in the country, and that they play an active role in society. When you look at the news, you see other disabled persons, and everybody is doing something for them, but as for the deaf adults, there is nothing being done. We also want people to think about the young deaf children growing up, and think about their futures as well. This could be a good opportunity for all involved."
The team got a taste of international competition when the members participated in the tournament last year.
"We played in the elimination round against a United States team," said Head Coach Lathen Ferguson, who was asked by Farquharson to coach the team about three years ago. "There were about 50 teams in the tournament, all of which, players are deaf. It was very costly on us and we were not able to take all of the players, so this year, we want to involve more of the deaf and give them more exposure because some of them feel left out. We practice about twice a month with our physical fitness, but right now, our practices (on Christie Park) are geared toward going through our plays that we hope to execute when we go to the tournament."
Although there was not an exact number given as to how much the association will need to cover their expenses, inclusive of airfare, hotel, transportation, meals and uniforms, Farquharson said that they would be appreciative of any donation, no matter the amount.
Persons wishing to make a contribution can make a deposit to the association's bank account - Bahamas Deaf Sports Association at the Royal Bank of Canada, Palmdale Branch 05745, and account number 7318850. The public could also contact coach Ferguson at 436-0694 or e-mail address bahamas_deafbasketball@hotmail.com.
Players expected to travel on the team this year are Robert Albert, Jamaal Henfield, Gerald Perittier, Ricky Farquharson, Kenny Gentle, Kamaria Johnson, Dwane Knowles, Elvis Woodside, Johnathan Cooper, Linc Winston, Ralph Gray Jr., Roland Noel, Rayon Nelson, Dwayne Duncombe, Tyrone Babbs, Desmond Coleby, Maya Sands and Anton Brown.
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