BOC expectations for London 2012 pt. 3

Mon, Apr 2nd 2012, 09:53 AM

Previously in this series that concludes today, Bahamas Olympic Committee Secretary General Romell Knowles' overview for the London 2012 Olympics focused on what is expected of those who will represent The Bahamas.
Knowles informed that the expectations are a goodly number of finalists in athletics, swimming and boxing. Just one other discipline is likely to have Bahamian participants. Tennis is a possibility if afforded a wild card status by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
So, there is a possibility of the flag of The Bahamas being flown over four areas of competition. That total represents the largest ever for this country. Are we to be satisfied with that amount?
Hardly.
That has to be the response to such a question when one considers that there is sailing, rowing, gymnastics, judo and basketball among the multitude of sports contested during Olympic Games.
No doubt Knowles' expectations, and those of his BOC colleagues, would be much higher if Bahamians qualified in more disciplines.
"It is always hopeful to have more sports participate in the Olympics. The first steps begin with a dream. We believe our athletes are amongst the best in the world. What we lacked in the past was facility usage and the technical aspects to sports. We are closing the gap quickly, although we need more funding and we need to find ways whereby the athletes are taxed less financially and then it will all come together," said Knowles.
"More funding" is the constant cry being heard from the Bahamian sporting fraternity. Thus far, the plea has not been responded to anywhere near the dividends volume that comes our way through sporting performances.
We have lakes that are as suitable for 'rowing' training as anywhere else in the world.
Sailing is a large part of this country's sporting legacy and should be represented at every Olympics The Bahamas takes part in.
When one considers the fact that the Olympic movement in The Bahamas came about because of the stellar world performances of Sir Durward Knowles and Sloane Farrington, it is almost unthinkable for an Olympic delegation to leave The Bahamas with no sailing representatives.
An appropriate national sports fund would fix that.
Our judo and gymnastics organizations continually show encouraging signs.
In basketball, this country has produced players who have performed at a high level in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and on the collegiate circuit in the United States.
The view here is that, given the proper funding a basketball team can qualify for the Olympics.
According to Knowles, the BOC is doing its party to enable The Bahamas to fully realize its sports potential.
"The BOC is satisfied that we are providing the opportunities for all of our member associations/federations to do well. If we are successful in our next term, we will, together with our members, develop a strategic plan and hold each other accountable to future success," pledged Knowles.
There is no doubt at all that the federations are putting forth efforts despite operating against world peers at a distinct disadvantage.
"More funds for sports!"
That plea must continue to go forth.
To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com.

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