Coming soon is the extravaganza known as the Catholic Games!
The Catholic Church in The Bahamas, headed by Archbishop, Most Reverend Patrick Pinder, is about to unfold another chapter in its storied sporting history. The first Catholic Games will be staged on April 6, at the Aquinas College Grounds on Gladstone Road. The marquee Catholic sports organization, St. Bernard's Club, is legendary for a continuity of success over the past decades going back to the 1930s, in cricket, track and field, basketball and baseball.
On the high school scene, the Catholic system has been virtually incomparable. Some institutions, primarily Government High, during the glory school sports years of the 1960s and 1970s, rose to the level of the Catholic's premier entity, St. Augustine's College, at times. However, there has been no real equal to the dynastic character of Catholic sports in the history of this country.
Now, another dimension has been crafted. Bulletins issued throughout the Catholic churches on Sunday past, heralded the event.
"Continuing to celebrate the 'Year of Faith', the Family Life Commission and the Youth Council of our archdiocese have partnered with the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocesan Catholic Church Men's Association to host the very first Catholic Games (TCG 2013)."
The program is geared for all members of the Catholic faith, inclusive of tots who will have a diaper race scheduled for them. Novelty activities such as fathers racing with a child "aback" will add to the excitement. Traditional track and field events, volleyball and basketball will be the collective base of the games.
There will also be "children" games, rides and contests for prizes. Of course, bingo will be in the mix, but only for adults. It's a fun format, but understanding the competitive sports spirit that is synonymous with the church, it's a safe bet that during the Catholic Games, the desire to excel will be quite evident.
A large collection of outstanding sports men and women have emerged out of sporting events within the Catholic system. Very likely, during the track races and field events of the Catholic Games, surfacing will be some runners and jumpers with extraordinary raw talent. This is a grand initiative indeed.
I congratulate the Catholic system through Archbishop Pinder. At a time when social decay is all around us, activities such as the Catholic Games (and preparing to be ready for such), provide that wholesome option.... thank goodness.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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