The Bahamas Global Sports Foundation (BGSF) looks to kick off its 2015 schedule with a bang by hosting Bahamian-born Andy Thompson, who is the vice president of development for NBA Entertainment and winner of the 35th Annual Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary for his team's production of "The Doctor" on the life and times of Julius "Dr. J" Erving. Thompson is expected to arrive on March 9, and during his time on the island he will visit several high schools speaking about the opportunities surrounding the game of basketball both on and off the court.

"What we are trying to do along with the Ministry of Education, is to get him to the schools, and to meet with players and inform them of the opportunities around the game," said BGSF representative Edgar Pickstock. "As far as employment and careers, you don't have to be a player or a coach, because he was able to attain the position that he has as a Bahamian, being in charge of their documentaries."

Later in the month, the BGSF plans to announce the names of the players who will be a part of its Top 50 basketball camp this summer, and on March 27, it will host a Basketball Fun Day as its annual fundraiser. The location of the fun day will be announced sometime this month.

The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tourism are partnering with the BGSF to market and secure sponsorships for the success of the programs. Last year, the organization partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Nassau and the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) for the inaugural Top 50 Camp that resulted in 11 of the 40 participants receiving scholarship offers to attend U.S. colleges.

"I expected the execution and experience of the Bahamas Top 50 Camp to be very good, but I must say that we came very close to making the experience for the coaches, players, and spectators close to exceptional" said chairman of the Bahamas TOP 50 Ranking Committee and owner of the CSA Basketball Academy Marvin Henfield.

Another addition this year is the Top 50 female athletes to attend camp in July. Basketball legend, Hall of Fame inductee and Head Women's Coach for Miami-Dade College Susan Summons will serve as the ambassador and head trainer for the women's program. Local coaches Shantell Penn and Jurielle Naim will assist Susan. Later in the year, the BGSF will host its annual coaches' clinic, followed by a Thanksgiving basketball tournament.

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