by Bahamas Athletics

Track and field in The Bahamas has always been one of the most loved and chased after sport for many years. Due to the excellent performance of our athletes particularly track athletes, The Bahamas has certainly secured its spot as one of the countries who produces nothing but ‘top notch’ track athletes.

But the question can be asked, why is The Bahamas not producing the same caliber of field athletes? Is it due to the lack of training facilities?

Coaches of throwers would argue that it is in fact due to lack of training facilities. According to reports, decisions have been made to ban the throwing events from all track meets held at the stadium.

This obviously would result in challenges for the throwers and limited advancement ultimately; it also results in development of the sport.

As a result of those decisions, at track and field meets being held at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium, the throwers event must either not occur or for the most part, that segment of the meet would have to be held at the College of The Bahamas now University of the Bahamas (UB) if available.

This matter has angst many coaches; many according to them have been voicing their concerns regarding this. Despite recent promises by the NSA that plans would be made to prepare throwing facilities at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium for upcoming track and field meets, a press conference is nonetheless being organized for this Saturday January 14th, 2016 at UB’s field.

It is hoped that this press conference would give throwers and coaches an opportunity to voice their concerns and have some action to this vexing issue.

It is anticipated that answers to the following questions are provided:-

1. Why is it that we are being alienated from the rest of the track and field family?

2. Why are we not allowed to use the stadium but other non-track events can take place on the field and do more damage to the field than the throwing implements ever will?

3. Is the field at the University of the Bahamas an IAAF sanctioned field? Can throwers make qualifying standards for Carifta, Commonwealth Youth, World Youth etc. on this field?

4. Who was the stadium built for?

It is our desire that in due course, field athletes particularly throwers are given the same respect and appreciation as any other sporting discipline.