By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

Having been in the diving profession for 22 years, Ollie Ferguson says that Jeff Rice's Diving Legends event coming to Grand Bahama can only bring further light to the sport.

Ferguson, who thoroughly enjoys diving and "interacting with nature" noted that what Rice has done with the program is "super."

"Because, there are so many unsung heroes - in so many aspects of business, sports and recreation that people don't ever get the chance to hear about - but have contributed in many ways to the success of that particular activity," he added.

Ferguson said that Rice is giving those people the opportunity for recognition, "so he must definitely be complimented for that.

"However, having said that, many of the people, myself included, that are mentioned weren't doing it for the recognition. It is a lifestyle, it was something we did, because we did it.

"But, now for many of us who are out of the industry, to finally be recognized is always nice."

Ferguson noted that he is looking forward to the event, "I think it is a great event and the preceeding events at the Portage Quarry have been very successful."

It is Ferguson's belief that Rice's program has done a lot to put diving out in the public eye and this event will be a great continuation to compliment the hard work and efforts already made internationally.

"Sure that this will be an ongoing part of diving that people look forward to on a regular basis, continues to promote and put diving in the public eye in the best way," said Ferguson.

Having worked with the team of UNEXSO to develop a number of its experiences, Ferguson said that his time with the diving company is hard to communicate to people.

"It was so incredible, it was a lifestyle, it was something that many people would have done without being compensated for financially," he added.

Personally, noted Ferguson, "I had incredible opportunities and great experiences ... to be out on the water six, seven days a week and interacting with nature was absolutely incredible."

It was because of those underwater experiences Ferguson said, he was able to do it for 22 years.

"I've had people ask me when I was going to get a real job, when was I going to really do something ... and that was such a hard question to answer, and I often thought an unfair question because I couldn't even begin to share with them the rewards or the satisifaction that I experienced on a daily basis."

Sharing his love of diving with the rest of the world and coming across incredible encounters, whether it be with a 'Minky Whale or a Manta Ray' or being a part of bringing the dolphins to the Dolphin Experience, or being a part of the team that set up the 'Shark Dive' with UNEXSO, "those were all things that some people only dream of or pay great amounts of money to be a part of."

But, said Ferguson, he was fortunate enough to be able to do it.

"So my time at UNEXSO was truly an odyssey in the best way, that I found very hard to put into words."

As a result of his experiences, Ferguson said that Diving Legends coming to Grand Bahama in April will be a great experience for local diviers.

'Legends of Diving' is held annually in Bowling Green since 2006. Jeff Rice is the managing director of the Portage Quarry and organizer of the fast growing event.