Sponsorship for the 2015 Bahamas National High School Track and Field Championships got off to a great start when well-known Olympic gold medalist Sir Durward Knowles presented the National Sports Authority (NSA) with a check, showing his support.
The Government of The Bahamas is now responsible for the annual high school classic, and Senator Greg Burrows heads a committee that works in conjunction with the NSA to host this event at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) has sanctioned the event and all parties are devoted to making this year's classic the best ever in Bahamian history.
"We're trying to get back to 'school pride' that we had back in the 1960s and 70s," said Senator Burrows. "Back then the young people didn't have as much distraction as they do now, with the smart phones, I-pad and so on, so our work is to get them back into their school activities and allow them to understand what 'school pride' is once again. We know that this will develop into 'national pride' and give us more compassion for our country."
Sir Durward has helped just about all sporting disciplines in this country, especially sailing. He has a passion for athletics. Both he and the late Thomas A. Robinson were the stars for The Bahamas at the Olympics 51 years ago. The National High School Track and Field Championship is still special to Sir Durward, and he wanted to do what he could to help.
"I know that there are challenges in getting the Family Island schools to Nassau for this event and accommodations, so I want to do what I can to help alleviate that burden," said Sir Durward. "I know they need much more, but hopefully my gesture will encourage others to want to help this national event for our young people. After all, most of our olympic athletes come through these championships."
The National High School Track and Field Championships take place March 5-7 this year. The opening ceremony is set for March 4 at the national stadium and during that time, the NSA and the organizing committee will honor nine outstanding principals and coaches who have made a difference over the many years to the success of this event. In addition, some key people will be recognized.
The organizing committee thanks Scotiabank for its many years of sponsorship of these nationals. Many outstanding athletes came out of the national high school championship. A number of them went on to star in the CARIFTA Games and made national headlines. This year, big things are expected from newcomers.
This year almost all of the high schools in The Bahamas are expected to participate.

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