Hundreds of young people from communities across the island gathered at Evangelistic Temple Youth Centre, August 20, packing the hall to participate in Urban Renewal Commission's ‘Sporting League and Street Legends Summer Basketball Grand Championship Awards Ceremony’ and 'Back-to-School Outreach.’

Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie beamed with pride upon discovery that young men from his constituency were the victors of the coveted overall title in the Men's Basketball Championship. He said moments like this made him proud of the country's youth, and he thanked the leadership of the Urban Renewal Commission, senior government officials and the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their role in sustaining the programme.

“It is important that all of you realize that Urban Renewal is an important body of work in this country,” he said. “And for that reason, we must do our best to ensure that this programme is a success.”

The Prime Minister pledged the government's commitment to the Urban Renewal programme and said that the government will continue to take measures to strengthen it.

Also in attendance was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban development (Ministry responsible for Urban Renewal), the Hon. Philip Davis. Mr. Davis expressed his pleasure at seeing the large crowd and said that his heart sang 'joy' after seeing the young people, especially young men gathered together to create 'positive change' in their communities.

“This sampling of youth testifies the fact that there are so many more young people engaged in wholesome activities in The Bahamas than the few – the very few – who have decided to wreak havoc on society.”

The Grand Championship Awards segment recognized participants of the Urban Renewal Sporting League and the Street Legends 2015 Summer Basketball Tournament. In addition, youths participated in a 'Back-to-School' Outreach, which included donation of schools books and supplies.

Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie speaks to a packed audience of the nation's youth at the Urban Renewal Commission's Summer Basketball Grand Championship Awards Ceremony and Back-to-School Outreach. The event was held on the evening of Thursday, August 20, at Evangelistic Temple (Gary & Myrtle Youth Centre). (BIS Photos/Peter Ramsay)