The first day of the Frank 'Pancho' Rahming Track and Field Meet got underway with a bang yesterday at the old Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
The area was flocked with young children and parents who showed up for the opening day of the primary schools track and field championship. The attendance on opening day easily surpassed last year's number, as schools from all over the country were represented. A record 66 schools are taking part in the meet, and the schools from New Providence were actually out-numbered by schools from the Family Islands.
"We started late today. I think we had a mix-up because we were unable to have the scratch meet yesterday, but it seems to be running well since it started. It is important that all the Family Islands become involved because you want to give them the same opportunities that you give to young athletes in Grand Bahama and New Providence. You want to give to primary schools all over the country the same chance," said Rahming.
"I'm glad to see that Acklins is here this year, and Inagua sent a group of athletes out, so it's good to know that more of the islands are participating. It's good for them to just come and see what it's like and probably if they like it this year then next year you would have more schools entering and participating. The only thing about that is the meet will probably go longer because you will have more rounds to go through, but I guess that's what you want. It's a good dilemma to be in," he added.
After the first day, the Family Islands are in control. A combined team from North and Central Andros has a first day total of 30 points. Queen's College is tied for second place with Sts. Francis and Joseph, each with 23 points.
Hugh Campbell Primary and Temple Christian are tied for fourth with 20 points each, while the Eleuthera Destroyers are fourth with 15.50 points. Cleveland Eneas sits in fifth with 14.50 points; Abaco District is sixth with 11.50 points. St. Andrew's is seventh with nine points, and Walter Parker Primary and Kingsway Academy are tied for eighth with eight points apiece. Bartlett Hill Primary, Martin Town Primary and St. John's College are tied for 10th with six points each, and Yellow Elder follows with four points.
Lanqique Thompson from the Eleuthera Destroyers dominated competition in the 'C' category girls' 400 meter (m). She finished the race in a time of 1:14.09.
Oliver Deangelo from North and Central Andros took no prisoners as he blew by the competition in the 'A' division boys' long jump. He finished with a best leap of 5.08m (16' 8").
Competition will continue today, starting at 9 a.m.

Drawing everyone from the ultra-fit to those who run for fun, the 3rd Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend hosted them all at one of the world's most beautiful beaches in Treasure Cay, Abaco.
Bahamian and veteran of the local triathlon circuit, Simon Lowe, 30, and Laura Fijol, 46, of Massachusetts, came out triumphant in the Olympic distance triathlon event with times of 2:27:03 and 2:47:51 respectively. The sprint triathlon was dominated by Nassau's Dorian Roach, 37, with a time of 1:20:46, and Freeport's Vicki Stafford, 46, with a time of 1:28:02.
Lowe, 30, came out on top again in the 10 kilometer (k) run, in 44:57, along with Roberta Fontana, 44, of Nassau, who won the women's 10k in 48:14.
In the 5k run, Donovan Rolle, 35, of Nassau, ran a speedy 6.51 minute per mile pace to cruise to victory in just 21:15, while Jadot Cath of Freeport came in just behind in 22:34.
Among the swimmers in the one-mile open water swim event which kicked off the festivities, Mark Rutledge of Mount Pleasant, United States, swam a swift 19:01 minute race, while young Christina Pyfrom, 14, of Marsh Harbour was victorious in the women's swim, in a time of just 22:15.
A one-mile kids' fun run was enjoyed by 33 young ones, while the organizers also incorporated one of the latest crazes -- paddleboarding -- by inviting Nassau-based PappaSurf up to Treasure Cay to offer a paddleboard clinic, which was followed by a paddleboard race. A cheerleading/dance clinic also took place for the children, led by Michaud Abraham out of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
For the brave, there was the chance to enter and compete in more than one event, with some of those involved racing in the open water swim, taking part in the triathlon event, and also the road race. Overall, there were 230 race entries.
In the meantime, competitors, friends and family were invited to relax and wind down at the numerous awards ceremonies and a post-race happy hour. Inspiration was provided by double arm amputee and triathlete Hector Picard, who was flown in thanks to the Cable Cares Foundation, to speak to athletes and local schools about his experience overcoming life's obstacles.
Lee McCoy, the event's race director, said the weekend went well, drawing 35 percent more participants than last year. Bahamas Ferries put on a special service to help those in Nassau get to the event, many bringing their cars to make the drive from Sandy Point to Treasure Cay and one group chartered a flight from Freeport, Grand Bahama.
"We were looking to do an event in the Abacos that would be a destination event and also to provide a fun weekend for families and Abaconians to participate in. Triathlons and road races have been expanding throughout The Bahamas, and we've added to that portfolio with this event. It's grown substantially and we learn more each year," said McCoy.
The next Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend is slated for March 20-22, 2015. This event helped to raise money for two local organizations, the Rotary Club of Abaco and Friends of the Environment.

 

Castrol Quote of the day: May 29, 2014 Basic fact re. engine maintenance: What you put is in direct proportion to the performance that comes out of it. -"Doesn't it make sense to put Castrol in your engine?"

Castrol Quote of the day: May 29, 2014

Basic fact re. engine

maintenance:

What you put is in direct

proportion to the performance

that comes out of it.-"Doesn't it make sense to put

Castrol in your engine?"

Tip brought to you by Bay Street Garage. Visit our listing page on BahamasLocal.com.

THE Court of Appeal has delayed its decision in the appeal of two men contesting a conviction for their involvement in a $6m drug smuggling operation.