By Andrew Coakley

FN Sports Editor

Over 700 little league players are expected to flood the shores of Grand Bahama in June, as GB gets set to host the National Little League Championship.

In addition to the 700 players, hundreds of parents, coaches and fans are also expected to be in town for the prestigious sporting event. That will bring a big boost in domestic tourism and to the economy of Grand Bahama.

According to president of The Bahamas Baseball Federation, Craig "Salty" Kemp, this year's Nationals is expected to be the biggest one ever.

"That can only mean good news for Grand Bahama," said Kemp, during his address at the opening ceremonies of Little League baseball.

"This decision to hold the Nationals here in Grand Bahama shows the level of confidence that we in the Federation have for the local association here in Grand Bahama and in those executives who have made the program here a strong and viable one."

The Nationals are set to be held June 3-6. Players will compete in six age divisions.

This will mark the first time that the Little League Nationals will be held in Grand Bahama. The GB Little League Association has been lobbying for the nationals for a long time, but a lack of proper facilities and the lack of other amenities that was required to host such a big event, for a long time were missing in Grand Bahama.

The GB Little League last year completed its new baseball field at the Jim White Park, giving them a total of three diamonds on which games can be held.

Also, the YMCA has stepped on-board, constructing a brand new field, specifically for the Nationals. They also have other fields that can be used if neces-

sary. In addition, the St. Paul's playing field will be made available, as well as the new softball park that was built at the GB Sports Complex.

"With all of these venues in place, we feel that now is the time to give Grand Bahama the opportunity to host the nationals," added Kemp.

Although news of Grand Bahama hosting the event had began circulating about two weeks ago, Kemp, along with Federation vice-president, Teddy Sweeting, while in town over the weekend, officially launched the campaign that will promote Grand Bahama as the destination for this year's Nationals.

"All roads for little league baseball will lead here to Grand Bahama this year for the nationals," said Kemp.

"We hope that these nationals will generate some interest in the sport of baseball and at the same time help the local economy here in Grand Bahama. A lot has happened for Grand Bahama in the sport of baseball over the years, so they are well deserving of this opportunity."

The Nationals will not only attract hundreds of players, parents and fans from Nassau, but hundreds of players, parents and fans from various island associations will also make their way to Grand Bahama in June.

"This is an exciting day for Grand Bahama and for little leaguers," said Eddie Claude of the GB Little League Association.

"We've been waiting for this for a long, long time and it's good to see that the president of the Federation has seen fit for us to host the Nationals at this time.

"It's a big deal for us and a big deal for Grand Bahama."

President of the Grand Bahama Baseball Associa-tion, Bernard Aranah said that this opportunity was a long time coming. He said it would be an incentive for local players to prepare themselves for this year's tournament, simply because they would be playing at home and would not have to worry themselves about travelling.

"So, we're encouraging all of our players and all of the parents and fans here in Grand Bahama to come out to this event and give it their full support," said Aranah.

"We appreciate what the Baseball Federation is doing and hopefully this will be a boost to our local baseball program here in Grand Bahama."