A big Christmas tree lighting bash happened this past Saturday at the Flamingo Gardens Community Center on Bahamas Boulevard, off Carmichael Road.
The Christmas spirit was in high gear as a large number of the area's young boys and girls flocked the center for an enjoyable time. In attendance were many of the older residents of the community and a good bit of others from outside the constituency. A refreshing day unfolded, and as for Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson, he was able to experience one of those special moments devoid of politics. On Saturday, I observed a scenario that should be emulated throughout the island of New Providence.
The center is a multi-purpose sports compound, actually. There is the park at the front that accommodates softball and baseball. Adjacent is a court where basketball and volleyball can be played. The building situated in the middle of the complex, houses the new office of the Bahamas Boxing Commission (BBC) and will be utilized also by the amateur boxing and judo programs.
Plans are ongoing to install conditioning equipment for athletes and others who are just primarily interested in health and physical care. At the rear of the building are the tennis courts. On Saturday, the Bahamas Judo Federation (BJF) staged an exhibition on the tennis facility. Dr.
Johnson was in his element, delightfully soaking up the atmosphere and the excitement of the hundreds who came out.
"This is amazing, and this sort of situation, it would be good, if we could have in as many communities as possible. Just to see the young boys and girls enjoying themselves is special. I would like to see the center grow to the point whereby it is used daily," said Dr. Johnson.
The center certainly is the exact template that is appropriate to assist with the development process of sports for community youngsters. On the other hand, the older boys and girls of the community now have right in their backyard, facilities that will enable them to train and develop different skill sets. A challenge goes out to the country's leaders of programs in boxing, judo, tennis, softball, volleyball, baseball and basketball.
Presently, the judo federation, the Amateur Boxing
Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB), and the Bahamas Boxing Commission are working closely with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to grow the sports scene at the Flamingo Gardens center. The view here is that executives of all organizations related to facilities at the center are indeed obligated to make contact with the ministry with a strong view to coming up with plans for exhibitions and actual competitions in the respective disciplines.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture seems to be very serious about making the center a leading location for sporting activities. In place as the administrator of the facility is Clayton Fernander who is ably assisted by Leevan Hinsey. They are at the center daily and can be reached at 676-5995.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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