All-Bahamian athletes honored

Pictured at Government House, from left (seated), Permanent Secretary Nairn, Governor General Hanna, and Association president Curt Hollingsworth, (standing) Shonel Ferguson, Warren Fraser, Karlton Rolle, Nejmi Burnside, Marcus Thompson, Sparkyl Cash, Kenneth Wallace Whitfield, Kristin Hepburn, and Thomas A Robinson. (BIS photo/Kristaan Ingraham)

Seventeen track and field athletes were presented the 2008 All-Bahamian Award for outstanding accomplishments during ceremonies at Government House, June 23.

Legendary track star Thomas A Robinson and Olympic long jumper Shonel Ferguson were also honored by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.

Awards were presented by the Governor General, His Excellency Arthur D Hanna. The ceremony also heard from Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture's Permanent Secretary Archie Nairn, and Curt Hollingsworth, president of the Association.

The All-Bahamians athletes for 2008 are Nivea Smith (200 metres), Shellyka Rolle (400 metres), V'Alonee Robinson (long jump), Sparkyl Cash (long jump), Warren Fraser (100 and 200 metres), Marcus Thompson (100 metres) Karlton Rolle (200 metres), Jeffrey Gibson (400 metres and 400 metres hurdles), Chris Nesbitt (800 and 1,500 metres), Kenneth Wallace Whitfield (800 and 1,500 metres), Laquardo Newbold (1,500 metres), Kristin Hepburn (110 metres hurdles), Nejmi Burnside (400 metres hurdles), Jaquan Williams (110 metres hurdles), Dennis Bain (110 metres hurdles), and Raymond Higgs (high jump).

To qualify as an all-Bahamian, athletes must be high school students with grade point averages of 2.5 or better.

They must compete in and place in the top four in the finals of their event at the National High School Track and Field Championships.