RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Witnessing history for The Bahamas on Saturday morning was none other than Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson, primarily in the Brazilian city for meetings surrounding the hosting of the Commonwealth Youth Games in The Bahamas next year.
The Games of the 31st Olympiad are underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Already, three Bahamians have seen action in competition. The first, rower Emily Morley, made history as the first Bahamian to compete in rowing at the Olympic Games. Minister Johnson is taking it all in, joining in the support of Morley at the Lagoa Stadium - the venue for rowing - on Saturday morning.
"The experience has simply been fantastic thus far," said the minister. "You have to say hats off to the Brazilians for what they have done in transforming their city and presenting it to the world. Hats off to Team Bahamas as well. They are showing up in fine form.
"Today, we are here supporting Emily Morley, and it's historic in that she is here representing The Bahamas in rowing at the Olympics. That is a first for us as a nation. Ms. Morley is doing a great job, and we're here in support of her. She has made history for us, and she should be congratulated."
Given the rapid progression of 22-year-old Morley, and the availability of lakes in The Bahamas, and pending programs, Minister Johnson said there is no reason why the sport shouldn't experience more success in the country. He has a view of transforming lakes in New Providence alone to a haven for rowing on the weekends.
"We have big kids in The Bahamas who could do this - big, strong, durable kids with good hands and good legs. This is a sport that is coming on strong for us. I feel that we definitely have the talent to make our presence felt," he said.
Rowing joins a growing list of sporting disciplines that include athletics, swimming, sailing, tennis and boxing at the Olympic level for The Bahamas.
Morley, who comes from an Olympic family, is a late bloomer in rowing for The Bahamas. She competed in the heats of the women's single sculls on Saturday morning, and was sixth in her heat and 31st out of 32 competitors out of the heats in 9:22.12, but the experience gained alone could propel her to be back on the Olympic stage in four years time in Tokyo, Japan. She was granted a special invite to these Olympics after an impressive showing at the FISA (International Rowing Federation) Americas Olympic Qualification Regatta in Valparaiso, Chile, in March.
Morley had tremendous support from the Bahamian contingent here in Rio over the weekend. Minister Johnson said hopefully this is the beginning of things to come for The Bahamas in the sport.
As far as the issues regarding the games are concerned, borne out of fears of the mosquito derived Zika virus, chemicals in the water, and shoddy accommodations just to name a few, the multi-sport event continues on with much fanfare and enthusiasm.
"God is still in charge and he tends to bless His people who have been faithful to Him," said the minister. "The Brazilians really need these games in a time of political and economic instability for them. This is a shot in the arm for them, and it could bring the whole country together.
"It's warm in the day but cool at night, so that kind of sends the mosquito mating season away. There's also no rain and that is another positive thing. So as far as the Zika virus is concerned, they have been fortunate with the climate."
Minister Johnson is expected to remain in Rio de Janeiro for the games throughout the swimming session, and leading into athletics at the end of the week at the Olympic Stadium. He is optimistic about the collective performances of the 29-member Team Bahamas.
Sheldon Longley, Guardian Sports Editor
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