An interesting sporting relationship was forged this past weekend in Long Island. Bodybuilding/Fitness expert Omar Daley has agreed to be the representative for the national pro boxing arm of the Government of The Bahamas.
The Bahamas Boxing Commission, answering the call of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for organizations to reach out into the Family Islands to build a foundation for the coming National Sports Industry, ventured into Long Island. Although with a boxing focus as the chief objective, the commission has determined to provide a general base for conditioning and health care for those mini sporting programs in the Family Islands that need assistance. The idea is to establish boxing programs or tie into other disciplines for mutual development.
The traveling group included Chairman Alvin Sargent, Deputy Chairman/Secretary Fred Sturrup, Medical Committee Chairman Dr. Patrick Roberts, Officials Committee Chairman Fernley Palmer, Alvin Davis and James Tynes. Now based in Long Island as the community dentist is commission member Dr. Munir Rashad.
It was Rashad who to set the stage for the commission's presence. He selected Daley as one of the key sports leaders in Long Island to be interacted with. On Friday past, at the Community Centre in Clarence Town, the Deputy Chairman/Secretary Sturrup presented the commission's concept to Daley and his sister Erica Knowles. Daley is the island's outstanding bodybuilding expert who now heads the Long Island Sporting Academy. He has agreed to expand his bodybuilding and fitness program to include boxing conditioning.
The commission on its part, has pledged to provide Daley, for his very comprehensive center in Stella Maris, heavy bags, speed bags, boxing gloves, boxing cups, head gears and mouth pieces.
"We have agreed to make this gesture to show how serious we are about projecting boxing across the country, but also in assisting in sports development. We are happy that Omar has bought into what we are doing. We make a promise also to help him as he works to provide wholesome development opportunities for the young boys and girls in Long Island," said the Chairman Sargent.
Daley and Knowles are adequate for this initiative. Daley plans to structure the academy more efficiently by merging his bodybuilding/fitness with that assistance to be afforded by the commission. He also intends to make education a major part of the entire operation.
"The Long Island Sporting Academy is headed by myself as president. The vice president is Donavon Whymns and the secretary/treasurer is Alexandria Bullard. The academy caters to young individuals, starting at the age of 12. We wish to enhance their development in skills in areas of sports, the teaching of sports, the importance of being dedicated and disciplined to become good athletes and strong academic individuals.
"Thus far, the academy has been strictly funded out of my pocket since February, 1997. I speak of training, travel, sporting outfits and other expenses. I have also assisted some of my students with school needs. I have absorbed the costs for national examinations and I am proud to inform that a past student is now studying medicine in China.
"I am a firm believer that the children are our future and we should invest in them for a brighter tomorrow. My wish is to continue running this program for the children of the Long Island community, but because of financial constraints, this is becoming quite difficult. The road has not been easy, but quite worthwhile," said Daley.
He represents those unsung heroes of the Family Islands who normally are not nationally given due credit. Daley is much more than a mentor of students. He is a father figure. There is the competitive side to him as well. Daley has formerly represented the country in bodybuilding successfully. His students have been awarded about 200 medals, 50 of the gold variety over the years. Knowles, who is a rap artist of note, has a strong martial arts background. She expressed excitement over the attention the commission is showing to Long Island.
"This is good. I like what you are doing. So often, people from New Providence come into the islands and just talk. The commission is serious and has impressed me. This is now a good way to elevate the young boys and girls in our island and keep them in a productive program," said Knowles.
The commission plans to revisit Long Island in the not too distant future. It will present boxing equipment to add to Daley's fitness center.
(To respond to this sports feature, contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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