A fair playing field for all Bahamian athletes is the dream of Gregory 'Greg' Burrows, the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) candidate for St. Anne's.Burrows has devised a plan which he believes will not only improve sports in The Bahamas, but create and provide better opportunities for all athletes, coaches and officials. Topping his list is the refurbishment of all sporting facilities and the consistent upkeep of them. Burrows would also like to see federations and associations provided with the necessary tools and equipment needed to improve their respective sporting disciplines.
The founder of the Freedom Farm Baseball League would like to take a national stance to ensure that The Bahamas is a better place for all.
"The decision to offer myself in public life was made in 1989 when I formed the Freedom Farm Baseball League and began to mentor young people in our nation," said Burrows. "This group has grown to over 700 young people who play during January to June of each year. I am now taking the success of these 23 years and offering it to a greater audience who will impact our country for its future success. It is certainly the right time because of divine providence and a national need."
The Freedom Farm Baseball League is one of the premier baseball organizations in the country. Six divisions are contested each season by more than 600 young men and women. In 2010, the under-12 team from Freedom Farm won the Cal Ripken World Series, defeating Visalia, California, 7-1. The league has also captured the most divisional titles in the Bahamas Baseball Federation's (BBF) Andre Rodgers Championships.
Even though Burrows is an avid sportsman, there are other issues he believes need to be addressed, when it comes to creating a better Bahamas. The devoted father was awarded the'Man of Distinction'award from the Kiwanis Club of Nassau, in 2001, and received the JCNâEUR^Civil Society and'Person of the Year'award for sports and community services, last year. Burrows was also recognized for his outstanding services by the Rotary International Club.
"The sporting community will be impacted when I become a member of Parliament," he said."Difficulties are the greatest opportunities to be creative with solutions. History reflects the ability that I possess to impact the sporting community, and with the help of God, this will continue.
"I am of the view that there will be no conflict of interest as both responsibilities (sports and politics) would have national responsibility. The need to step in, in my view, is a moot point due to the structure of my sporting discipline. There are scores of dedicated men and women who have joined me and pledged their time, talent and resources and are committed to the development of youth through baseball. My victory would allow for these persons to continue serving in the capacities that they presently hold and perhaps take on additional responsibilities. As a member of Parliament, if I am required to step down to effectively carry out my duties, I will be more than willing to do so."
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