Guadalajara, Mexico – All systems are go for the Bahamas team scheduled to compete in the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
After meeting with the Organising Committee for more than four hours Friday, Don Cornish, Chef de Mission for the Bahamas contingent confirmed that The Bahamas will have a 22 member athletic squad, and some 15 officials travelling with the team.
The Bahamas will be competing in Track and Field, Swimming, Boxing, Tennis and Bowling.
While Mr. Cornish spent most of Friday having the team fully registered, on Saturday he inspected the rooms and other facilities, ensuring that everything is in place for the athletes, coaches, and medical personnel.
The Government of Jalisco, Mexico spent millions of dollars ensuring that new housing facilities were constructed for the athletes as well as a new stadium for the Games.
“I visited the site in April for the preliminary meetings and I must say they did a great job getting things ready, and they are well organised,” Mr. Cornish stated.
The Bahamas squad will reside on the 18th floor of Building #1 at the Games Village. All facilities and rooms at the Village are newly constructed and built specifically for the Games, Mr. Cornish noted.
“I believe the athletes and coaches will be pleased with their accommodations and food being provided, as well as the overall sports complex,” he said.
As Chef de Mission, Mr. Cornish is being provided with a local staff and a car, a private room for meetings and entertaining, among other perks.
He noted that while The Bahamas’ contingent is smaller than usual they are a talented bunch of athletes.
“We have been well received and recognised! I get the impression that they are eager to see our team perform. It’s a good feeling. Being a small a nation as we are, when it comes to athletic competition we are recognised among the top countries in the world. You walk around the Games Village and you hear “Hey Bahamas,” he stated.
In addition to inspecting the Track and Field Stadium, Tennis and Swim Centres on Saturday, he was able to secure room assignments for all athletes and coaches.
“I want the athletes and coaches to come here and have no headaches. I want them to come, relax and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the competition. That is why I am here early in the Games, to make sure everything is in place,” he stated.
The Pam Am Games officially gets underway on October 14th with a lavish opening ceremony and concludes October 30th with the closing ceremony.
Listed below is the full contingent representing The Bahamas.
By SIMON LEWIS
Bahamas Information Services
BAHAMAS Team Pan Am 2011
Athletics
Athletes
Adrian A. Griffith
100m/4×100 Relay
Jamial S. Rolle
100m/ 4×1 100m
Christopher D. Brown
400m/4×100 Relay
Katrina Seymour
400m Hurdles
Ramon Miller
400m/4×400 Relay
Michael W. Mathieu
200m/4×1 Relay/4×4 Relay
Oneil Williams
5000m
Donald A. Thomas
High Jump
Laverne Eve
Javelin Throw
Petra McDonald
100m Hurdles
Wesley Neymour
4×4 Relay
Rudon Bastian
Long Jump
Rodney A. Green II
4×1 Relay
Officials
Kem Stuart – Team Manager
Peter Pratt – Coach
Rupert Gardiner – Coach
Ronald Cartwright – Coach
Aquatics
Athletes
Alana K. Dillette
100m Back/100m Butterfly/
200m Indv Med/4×1 Free/
4×2 Free/4×1 Medley
McKayla M. Lightbourne
200m Back/100m Breast/200m Breast/200m Indv Med/ 4×1 Free/4×2 Free/ 4×1 Med
Alicia Lightbourne
100m Breast/ 4×1 Free/4×2 Free/ 4×1 Med
Ariel Weech
50m Free/100m Free/4×1 Free/ 4×1 Med
Elvis V. Burrows
50m Free
Officials
Lionel Moreau – Coach
Boxing
Athletes
Valentino S. Knowles
Official
Andre Seymour
Tennis
Athletes
Marvin S. Rolle
Official
Sean Cartwright
Bowling
Athletes
Justina Stirrup
Official
Monique Leary
