Peter Nygard, a well known philanthropist and contributor to sports in the country continues to impact the communities in The Bahamas with meaningful donations.
For more than 25 years, Nygard has sponsored the annual Acklins Regatta. He came on board once again when the call was made by 'King' Eric Gibson for the August 3-6 event. The two-day race will be held August 4-5 while the homecoming festivities will take place during the Emancipation Holiday weekend.
Gibson said: "Thanks once again for sponsoring the Acklins Regatta and the Cat Island and Andros. What he (Nygard) is doing is a clear gesture to help people that need help. I have a lot of admiration for people like Peter. What we need on this island is a couple more Peters. If we get about three more Peters on this island, then we will be straight."
The annual regatta, being held in 'King' Eric Gibson's honor also received funding from Palm Cay Marina Living and CEO Richard Browning. His contributions were made public on Thursday, as he pledged his continuous support to the sport in the country.
Nyard's donations were made earlier in the month, just before the annual Andros Regatta and homecoming festival. "I just wanted to do something good for the islands and for the sport of sailing, which I really love," said Nygard. "The sport in itself is so great. It is easy to support the islands they are wonderful treasures of The Bahamas so it makes it very, very easy to support. I am a nature lover. I love all the nature of The Bahamas; this is a very easy mix for me. I want to give recognition to the sport and to call out on many other people to support these wonderful activities that the people of Acklins and all of the other islands are putting together. We need to bring attention to it and attention to the sport. Highlight it and really motivate more than just me to get behind them. I really want to act as a catalyst to make this thing happen."
Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local government V. Alfred Grey, who also is responsible for regattas thanked Nygard for his generous donations on annual basis.
Noting that regattas are very important to the Family Islands and their developments, Gray described Nygard as a tower of strength to the various communities.
Minister Gray added: "I want to say that Mr. Nygard has been and continues to be a tower of strength to the regatta community. Every island has been touched by his generosity and the government and the people of The Bahamas appreciate your constant giving. My view is that you have done more for sailing than any one person that I know and that speaks to your kindness."

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