By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

Friday night Rev. Lindy Russell and the executives of the West Grand Bahama Community Basketball League (WGBCBL) made special presentations to several very talented athletes.

Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy Falcons' Garth Brown, Astin Lewis and Jason Stubbs, and the Eight Mile Rock High School Blue Jays' Erwin Lewis were all presented with plaques for contributions to their teams in the recent Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic.

The presentations were made during the official opening ceremony of the WGBCBL at the Eight Mile Rock High gym.

Chief councillor for West Grand Bahama Majorie Darville; MP for Eight Mile Rock, Verna Grant and president of Reach Out Ministry, Dudley Seide – all encouraged the young men to be good sportsmen.

Featured speaker for the event was Hon. Neko Grant, Minister of Works and Transport.

"This league is a means for you to display your talents, enhance your skills and develop discipline," said Grant.

He told the young men that the court is not a "boxing ring and you should not engage in wrestling matches and using obscene language."

Grant reminded the players to listen to their coaches, play team ball "and whether you win or lose be good sportsmen.

"That is what it is all about," said Grant, noting that Russell continues to contribute to the Eight Mile Rock community, by finding positive activities for the young men.

"So," he added, "take advantage of this avenue, learn all you can, put what you've learned to work on the court and I am sure you will reap good results."

Grant commended the coaches for taking time from their busy schedules and families to assist with the development of the young people of Eight Mile Rock and the surrounding settlements that compete in the league.

"You are not being paid for what you are doing," said Grant, "but your contributions and positive influence on these young men will go a long way."