CUT team departs today for regional meet

7/22/2010

By KELSIE JOHNSON

NG Sports Reporter

kelsie@nasguard.com

The cry of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) for additional funds apparently did not go unheard. The association was able to secure funds at the last minute to ensure that the 24-member Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) team travel to St. Kitts and Nevis today.

Assistance was given to the association after BAAA President Mike Sands revealed that about $50,000 was needed to fund the team's departure. Even though Vice President of the association, Shervin Stuart, revealed that that grant promised to them by the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) was insufficient, the lack of funds is not putting a damper on the team's spirit.

At a press conference yesterday evening, the jubilant squad was ready to compete and improve on the third place finish from the last meet. Team Manager Andrea Lockhart thanked all for assisting with the team's preparation and travel. She believes that this year's squad will out-perform previous teams, as it is the strongest team submitted by the BAAA.

She said: "It was a challenge for us, but we our grateful to all who have assisted us. This team is definitely going to make us all proud. This is talented group of young athletes. They have been competing well all year round and their hard work here will pay off when they step on the track to compete. They had a few days to train with each other."

A full squad is representing The Bahamas at the meet. The team consists of 26 athletes from New Providence, 13 from Grand Bahama and one athlete from South Andros. A total of 11 members have returned to the team from last year.

Team Captain Danielle Gibson also likes the squad's chances. She is confident that they can win the championship.

"I am going to do my best to lead the team," she said. Gibson also competed at this year's CARIFTA Championships. "I am competing in four events, the strongest is long jump. I am not scared, but confident that I can win. I know that my teammates are going to do just as well, they are all talented," she added.

The team, which departs today, was accompanied by more than 41 parents who have pledged their commitment to assisting the BAAA with raising funds. Kas Jones, mother of team member Kai Jones, admitted that it even though it was a struggle to raise the funds to assist the team, parents took pleasure in lending a helping hand.