Today, the launch of the Bahamas Basketball Federation's '40 Greatest' celebration is to take place at Floyd's on East Street South, just across from the C.V. Bethel High School. A starting time of 9 a.m. for a breakfast press conference was scheduled.
With the planning already structured, BBF Secretary General Clifford Rahming informed "the time had come to get all of the factors out there for the public to digest".
"There is a lot involved with this event," said Rahming.
"Quite frankly it has mushroomed beyond our expectations. There are now other dimensions to the '40 Greatest' that will stand up on their own and we need to get it all out there so that public will be able to take it all in and become partners with us actually, as we set out to achieve a milestone in Bahamian life, not just in sports."
According to Rahming, the definite time lines for nomination, the selection process and other highlight events connected to the '40 Greatest' will be detailed to members of the media.
The Ministry of Tourism will be playing a leading role. Rahming informed that BBF President Charlie 'Softly' Robins was approached by Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, and support was pledged.
This is typical of Wilchcombe. He has always been very close to sports and he well understands the value of the various disciplines, in molding quality citizens. I've seen him at events and it is clear that the minister grasps the sports tourism concept like few others.
The BBF '40 Greatest' will be a landmark accomplishment. An added aspect will be the decision to officially name the event in memory of one of the greatest, the late Cecil Rose. Perhaps this is an element that should be kept as a part of the template for the future. It seems fitting that each year, the event be held in honor of one of the great ones.
By having the event "in memory of Rose" without having planned as much, the BBF has brought his friends and associates in Houston into the picture. Rose was revered in Houston, the city that became his second home. Connecting with Houston is a sports tourism plus.
I understand a Bahamian tourism office is soon to be opened in Houston. Thus, the BBF could have some assistance in driving its '40 Greatest' event. Something similar could happen in Florida, where there is a sizeable concentration of former star players and their friends and families.
Indeed the '40 Greatest' has great potential.
Floyd's, a restaurant/lounge facility, with quite a pleasant environment, has been designated the secretariat for the '40 Greatest' affair. From there, the event will be anchored and managed.
"We thought to go with a place that is comfortable, kind of centrally located and a haven for sports enthusiasts. We have come to a mutually sound agreement with management and Floyd's will be our secretariat base going forward," Rahming divulged.
BBF President Robins is expected to be on hand at the press conference, along with Rahming and other elected officers.
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