It's the ultimate internship for anyone aspiring to work in the world of athletics. For 17 local students, that aspiration is now a reality.
Over a four-week period (March 16 - April 16) these lucky youngsters will be making history as they make up the pilot program for the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational's (CBBI) Junior Shadow program. The project, conceived by Chris "The Fireman" Brown himself, aims to expose Bahamian students to the rigors and logistics involved in executing a world-class event, in this case the second CBBI, which will be held Saturday, April 16 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
"The participants will have the opportunity to gain real work experience, learning from professionals in the industry about the ins and outs of running an international meet, while having an opportunity to work in the capacity of a Local Organizing Committee's (LOC) post," said Margarita Wilson, the project coordinator.
The students have been assigned to one of eight divisions of the major areas responsible for the second edition of the CBBI. These include business administration, event management, field/stadium management, finance, new media, public relations and publishing, sports medicine and sports tourism.
As part of their assignments, they will each be required to spend six hours per week liaising with their assigned mentors leading up to the actual event where they will use what they have learned to help pull off what some are calling the start of the Olympic season.
"I expect the participants to seize the opportunity afforded to them to learn all aspects of organizing and executing a major track and field event," said Wilson. "I also expect professionalism, and that upon completion of this program they will be available to be of service to others."
For some students, the opportunity to work in the field of one of their future aspirations is a dream realized.
"Optics and sound are my passion and I really hope to learn about life from the officials," said Kavon Bastian, a 12th grade student at Mastering Yourself Institute. "I want to learn more about management and about the technology related to and surrounding an event like this and experience the physics related to the event."
For others, the experience will be great no matter what they are assigned to do.
"I signed up because I believe in taking opportunities," said Ebonique Taylor, and 11th grader at Government High School (GHS). "I like experience in learning and I hope to get as much as possible out of it. Just being here and experiencing everything is a big plus for me."
One thing is clear, the new team is happy about being a part of such a major event.
"The CBBI Junior Program is awesome," said Wilson, "but moving forward, I would like to see the program expanded to include the Family Islands. There are many talented young Bahamians out there in search of a forum where they can express themselves in a positive light. This program gives them an opportunity to do just that. It is my fervent hope that after the intense instructions they receive, one or more of the participants get a chance to work in an official capacity in future CBBI events."
The members of the program are Bastian; Taylor, Quentin Hanna and Jaquel Adderley from GHS; Tre Farrington from H.O. Nash; Vandia Williams from St. Andrew's; Alana Wilchcombe from St. Anne's; Kasie Evans, Torquel Forbes, Regina Thelusma and Kai Wilson from St. Cecilia's; Abrian Rahming from C.R. Walker; Alexis Thompson from C.W. Saunders; Asia Darville from St. John's; Kandeece Huyler and Laquisha Young from Kingsway; and college student Jewel White.
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