A pleasant good evening to each of you.
It is a magnificent day to celebrate the 31st National High School Track and Field Championships!
I’ve always been an avid fan of many different sports – basketball, swimming, baseball, and, of course, track and field.
In each of these sports, we have Bahamians performing at the highest levels around the world.
I always take the time to ensure that I am keeping up with the latest news on our athletes and showing support in whatever way I can.
Just last night, our own Kai Jones put up 18 points in the Mavericks game against Indiana. Jazz Chisholm hit his second home run of the pre-season.
We’re doing big things internationally, and it is truly a joy to be here supporting you, right here at home, today!
It makes me proud to see our young athletes shining.
I can’t help but feel more motivated.
It also makes me reminisce on my days as a young athlete playing baseball, softball and track, and how the lessons taught in the realm of sports guided me throughout my career.
Those lessons never truly leave you. And neither does the love for sports.
Sometimes I still get the urge to throw on a jersey and hit a home run or two! On the field and in life, I still try to swing for the fences.
Ultimately, that is what it is all about – not the medals and trophies, but simply running your best race, making your best throw, putting your all into each hop, skip, and jump.
As long as you are trying your best and pursuing self-improvement, you are already winning at life.
I am advised that there are more than 2,800 of you, representing 82 schools from across our beloved Bahamas, gathered here to give your all to each event.
You have come to test your limits, engage in friendly rivalry, and discover new possibilities.
The theme — “Breaking Limits, Achieving Greatness” — could not be more fitting.
As athletes, you know all about pushing yourselves beyond your perceived limits to work toward a personal goal.
This year is especially historic. We always strive to include as many of our talented athletes as possible.
And now, for the first time, I welcome student-athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents.
They will compete in over 15 events, showing us all the amazing feats they are capable of.
Another bright spot is the increased participation of our girls, especially among our Family Islands.
We applaud the dedication of our young women who’ve trained relentlessly and the women coaches who guide them to victory.
I’m sure have a few future Golden Girls in our midst!
Of course, it takes more than passion and athletic ability alone to power such a grand occasion.
Our sponsors — Super Club Breezes, title sponsor of this year’s event; IL Cares; Insurance Management; Superior Waste; Bahamasair; and several others — have provided essential support to make these championships a reality.
We owe them all a round of applause for investing in our youth and fueling the dreams of our young champions.
To our athletes: No matter which lane you run in or which field event you tackle, remember this.
You are the future.
You are the reason we gather, ready to cheer and rejoice for every event.
Yes, championships bring medals, trophies, and accolades.
But, more importantly, they reveal character.
Through competition, you learn a bit more about who you are, and you are also challenged to grow beyond your current perspectives and limitations.
I stand proud today to witness the future of our nation striving to be their very best.
After all, that is all anyone can ask of you – to put your best foot forward.
May you all compete to the best of your ability on the track and field and also in your lives.
I look forward to seeing the greatness that will emerge from this amazing group of young, talented Bahamians!
Now, ladies and gentlemen, let the games begin!