Taking place from August 4-11, 2023 athletes from 71 nations will gather to compete for a podium finish at the Halsey Crawford Stadium.

Here is our team of athletes:

Athletics

Anesha Varus

Melique Evans

Ronaldo Registre

Swimming

Tajhari Williams

Alyssa Gardiner

We wish our young athletes all the best and look forward to witnessing their best performances yet!

The North Short Aquatic Complex, renowned for its certified 50-meter outdoor pool with ten long course racing lanes, will provide the perfect stage for these young athletes to showcase their swimming prowess.  The spacious ten-lane course will ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants.  Swimmers can take part in three events each day and a total of ten throughout the meet, offering them a chance to challenge their limits and excel in their chosen disciplines.

“This showcase not only presents an opportunity for the swimmers to compete against some of the nation’s best but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants,” said founder of Salt Rakers, Coach Benneth Williams.

The event’s format, with Prelims-Finals spread across Wednesday to Saturday, allows for intense competition and a chance to improve performances through each round.  The Salt Rakers Aquatic Club eagerly anticipates the thrill of watching their swimmers compete at their best in this highly regarded event.

“Moreover, attending this event annually can significantly contribute to the growth and development of the swimmers, nurturing their passion for the sport and honing their skills under pressure.  The exposure to a competitive environment will boost their confidence and motivation, ultimately benefiting their long-term swimming careers,” Williams added in a media statement.

In conclusion, the 2023 Summer Elite Showcase in Tampa, FL, serves as a crucial platform for the Salt Rakers Aquatic Club to showcase their rising stars.

The club’s commitment to making this an annual event highlights their dedication to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for their swimmers to excel.  With the support of their coaches, families, and teammates, these ten swimmers are ready to make a splash in the pool, leaving a lasting impression on the prestigious event and continuing their journey towards swimming excellence.

Staff Writer

July 31, 2023 – The Region of the Americas continues to excel in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup. The number 43-ranked Reggae Girls from Jamaica managed their first-ever win in a match against number 52-ranked Panama, ending the game one-nil.

Number 25-ranked Columbia pulled off a historic win against number two-ranked Germany, ending a nail-biting game two-one and moving up in the rankings.

Upcoming matches include Haiti versus Denmark on Tuesday, August 1st at seven a.m. and Jamaica versus Brazil at six a.m. on Wednesday, August 2nd.

The resounding success resulted in a change in age tiers from 12U and 16U to 13U, 15U and 17U. Boys showed up to the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Providenciales eager to show off their skillful prowess in the drills and scrimmages. As of 2022, the community-driven youth sports league facilitates Basketball for boys and Softball for girls.

The upcoming Softball Draft kicks off at 12:00 pm on July 22 at the Downtown Ballpark, Providenciales. Like the Basketball league, the players will take part in drills and scrimmages to be drafted by their prospective coach.

The team names remain the same as last year for both sports: Avengers, Badgers, Commanders, Guardians, Seaquest, and Skyhawks. These names are the namesake of RTCIPF vessels.

Minister of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Service Hon. Rachel Taylor, Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams were present and intricately involved in the festivities of the draft.

In 2022, The 12U Skyhawks and 16U Badgers came out as champions. This year with more age tiers, competition will be stiffer, especially for players who have moved up a tier.

Basketball and Softball games will take place every Friday and Saturday until August 26th as this is when the Playoffs begin. This all leads up to the Basketball Championships on Saturday, 9 September 2023 and Softball Championships on September 16, 2023. Fans can purchase tickets at the door Adults for $3 and Children for $1.

The full game schedule and results can be found at https://www.gov.tc/sports/news/police-action-league.

Over 100 players from around the Turks and Caicos Islands were selected for this exclusive opportunity to experience and learn from Real Madrid trainers. The training promises an active and fun experience for boys and girls.

An experience of a lifetime!

A press conference the Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Clinic was held at the Ritz Carlton TCI, on Thursday July 6th, 10:00am – providing in-depth insights into the soccer camp and its significance in promoting sportsmanship and skill development among young athletes.

Presenting, were (L-R) Dane Ritchie (TCIFA Technical Director), Roberto Stipa (Hotelco Group Director), Guti ( Real Madrid Ambassador and former professional footballer) Ruben Garcia (Coordinator at Real Madrid Foundation), and Jaime Palomino (Coordinator at Real Madrid Foundation).

The Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Clinic was held at the TCIFA National Academy from July 7-9, where a select group of 7-14 year old footballers from around the Turks and Caicos Islands were trained with highly qualified soccer trainers from the world renowned Real Madrid team.

“We are proud to partner with The Real Madrid Foundation and Desarollos Hotelco in this initiative, where participants will intensively learn the values and resources characteristic of the comprehensive coaching of the Real Madrid Foundation schools,” said the TCIFA.

José María Gutiérrez Hernández, widely known as Guti, is a Spanish former professional footballer who displayed exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder throughout his illustrious career.

Born on October 31, 1976, Guti showcased his unwavering dedication to excellence by representing Real Madrid in 542 official games, where he also served as vice-captain. His contributions played a pivotal role in the club’s success, including the triumphant clinching of three Champions League titles and five La Liga championships. Guti’s passion for the game extended beyond Spain, as he also showcased his talent in Turkey, playing for Beşiktaş. Additionally, Guti proudly donned the Spanish national team jersey, earning 13 appearances since his debut in 1999.

Photos courtesy of TCIFA

In the equally competitive 1/2 mile race, American Brecken Curren took first place followed by local swimmers, Dan Redmond and Sean Walters, with excellent second and third place finishes.  Americans Sarah Harrington and Anne Hart won the Women’s Division in the 2.4 mile and 1-mile races respectively, while Annika Curren took first in the 1/2 Mile Women’s Division.

Other TCI swimmers displayed competitive prowess in the 1-mile event.  In addition, twenty local youngsters 10 and under participated in a spirited 100 meters Children’s Swim.

A record 151 swimmers took part in the 13th annual event founded in 2010 by Co-Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann. Once more, Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe provided the venue for the start and finish on the beach.

Co-Director Stubenberg stated, “All of us were excited to see Tajari lead from the start and stay in front of the pack right to the finish.  And then to be followed up with superb showings by Dan and Sean in the 1/2 mile,” Zimmermann added, “We could not be more pleased with our TCI swimmers, as well as all the wonderful swimmers who flew in for the race.  TCI is only growing as a destination for international open water swim racing and providing an outstanding competition venue for local swimmers.”

Stubenberg and Zimmermann, expressed delight with the higher than expected turn-out. About half of the swimmers returned from last year, most from the US, but several from Canada, UK, and Latin America. Many of the swimmers have been returning year after year since the inception to enjoy the festive atmosphere, warm TCI welcome, and solid organization.

All swimmers received a conch medal carved by local artist Stanford Handfield, while the top three male and female swimmers in the 2.4 mile, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile races received handmade conch trophies embedded into wooden plaques created by local artist Lucie Stubbs.

The Race Directors pointed out that this race could not happen without dedicated volunteers who knew exactly what to do to make the race successful from transport and registration to buoy placement and timing and many other essential tasks.  They also complimented generous local sponsors and service providers who also made the race possible: Ocean Club East, Grace Bay Club, Projetech, SURFside Ocean Academy, Whole Health, Graef, Silver Palm Charters, Luxury Experiences, Hartling Group, Natural Trade Distribution, Finishing Touch, Marco Travel, Caicu Naniki Vacation Adventures, Stream2Sea sunscreen, Red Cross, Big Blue, LMNT electrolytes, Island Roasters Coffee, Business Solutions, Kix Creations, TC Crystal Water, the TCI Philippine Community, and Paradise Photography. Race Directors also expressed their appreciation to the TCI Sports Commission, DECR, Provo Ambulance Service, Marine Police, and Royal Police for their excellent support.

The “Race for the Conch” is a TCI registered non-profit. Proceeds from the race go mainly to the Provo Children’s Home, as well as Reef Fund, Hope Foundation, and Red Cross.

Next year’s race will take place on June 29, 2024.  Website for race information: www.ecoseaswim.com

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – Football Mega Star Club, Real Madrid is coming back to the Turks and Caicos and the goal in this visit is to train, specifically our boys in the sport which they dominate as world’s best.

Representatives from the Premier League team will arrive in the country for a three-day camp open to boys aged 7 to 14 years old, giving them an opportunity to be guided by some of the best in the sport of football.

The camp is as a result of an initiative by Desarrollos Hotelco, owners of the Ritz Carlton Turks and Caicos and a new development property on Dellis Cay.  They say the camp will provide an unparalleled experience.

Included in the Real Madrid delegation will be José María Gutiérrez Hernández “Guti”.

Guti is a Spanish former professional footballer and former vice captain of Real Madrid who represented the club in 542 official games through three Champions League titles and five La Liga championships.

Perpetually wearing his number 14, he’s described as the “headband wearing, killer assists king,” and is known for his extraordinary passes. Some football pundits describe him as a galactico (superstar) who came long before the era of Lionel Messi and Luka Modrić.

The TCI Football Association says a select group of players from  the U10 and U14 divisions from all TCIFA island-programs have been given a chance to participate in this one of a kind, exclusive experience.

NGB executives and TCI Sports Commission met to discuss the advancement of sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the time spent, fruitful discussions were held including topics such as sports regulations, policy and strategic plan development; sport funding and financial management; long-term athlete development; child safeguarding in sports; coaches and officials education; marketing and public relations; sports facilities development; hosting of international competitions; grassroots and youth sports programmes; community sport initiatives, anti-doping in sport; and athlete preparation for podium finishes.

In attendance were NGB Executives:

• Edith Cox – Executive – Turks and Caicos Commonwealth Games Association
• Godfrey Been – President – Turks and Caicos Commonwealth Games Association
• Paula Virgil – Vice President – Turks and Caicos Softball Federation – Vice President
• Edith Skippings – President – Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association
• Rosalie Ingham-Hall – General Secretary – Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association/Turks and Caicos Commonwealth Games Association
• Michael Pereira – President – Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association
• Brent Robinson – Representative – Turks and Caicos National Darts Association
• Oliver Smith – General Secretary – Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association
• Dane Ritchie – Technical Director – Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association
• Frazer Dodds – President – Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association
• Trevor Cooke – President – Turks and Caicos Islands Basketball Association
• Ezekiel Hall – Executive – Turks and Caicos Islands Swim Federation

Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission representatives included Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes, Deputy Director Alvin Parker, Compliance and Support Manager Joddy Harvey, Sports Programmes Manager Cheryl Obiakpani, Media and Communications Specialist Nandina Hislop and Head of Sports Performance Angelo Garland.

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon. Rachel Taylor was in attendance along with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education Youth, Sports and Social Services, Mrs Cherylann Jones. Hon. Taylor addressed a number of sports issues and challenges and reiterated her commitment to sports development. Hon. Taylor also discussed new projects coming on stream such as the construction of an Aquatic Centre and expressed gratitude to the NGBs for their intricate and collaborative work, resulting in the advancement of sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes shared, that “The Sports Commission has taken every effort to advance the agency as a new statutory body and to work collaboratively with the various National Sport Governing Bodies to strategically achieve consistent and sustainable growth and development in sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Mr Forbes emphasized that the Commission has been committed to delivering quality service to the islands through access to facilities, meaningful programmes and events, and proper regulation and support of sports federations.

“The government’s plan for sports includes: acquiring, managing, maintaining, and developing property for sporting purposes; providing oversight and support to National Sports Governing Bodies; and implementing fit-for-purpose sports programmes and events to improve the national sporting outlook to the benefit of both the Government and the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

Mr. Forbes further stressed the importance of National Sport Governing Bodies remaining athlete-focused and positioning our athletes to excel in sports. National Governing Bodies are conduits and gatekeepers for athlete development, and they must make every effort to empower our athletes toward sports excellence!

“Sports can play a critical role in strengthening national identity and pride, developing safer communities, improving the health of residents as well as creating a greater quality of life in local communities. It is the aim of the Commission to continue to work hand and hand with the National Sport Governing Bodies to deliver on shared objectives that will lead in the promotion and advancement of sports within the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Forbes also announced that this year the Sports Commission would focus more on Child Safeguarding and Anti-Doping.

Staff Writer 

#TheBahamas, June 29, 2023 – Congratulations are in order for TC-Bahamian resident Lenin Hamilton Jr, who swept the podium at the recent 50th Independence Bahamas Swimming Nationals Championships 4-day event, held in Nassau at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Stadium.

We are told LJ made the podium 10 times at the event and is now looking forward to participating in the upcoming Goodwill Games and The Bahamas Games.

LJ’s maternal grandfather is Charlton Alexander Saunders and his paternal grandfather is Arthur Wesley Hamilton Sr, the latter reported on LJs performance with joy at the spectacular show put on by the young swimmer.

His father, Lenin Hamilton Senior, is a swim coach in the Turks and Caicos responsible for training some of the country’s excellent junior performers.

Congratulations LJ.

The Ministry of Education and Inter Health Canada staff, parents, and supporters of the SNAP Center were in attendance. Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, brought greetings and declared the event officially open. Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospital, brought greetings as host on the special occasion, concretizing the relationship.

The sporting activity incorporated races with fine, gross motor, and cognitive skills; such actions are essential for development as fine motor skills are the coordination between a child’s small muscles, like those in their hands, wrists, and fingers, in coordination with their eyes. Other activities included self-help (catching the bus), getting dressed for school, putting on clothes and shoes, packing your bag, and off you go.

Hand and eye coordination (Fill it up), dipping water from a container with a cup to fill small bottles, and the Math Race – running and answering written math questions and then running to home base was engaging and fun.

Well-wishers had the opportunity to witness our students participating in sensory-enriching events. It was pleasing to see the incorporation of the student’s goals from their Individual Educational Plan included in the sporting events. There were several special races with the staff of the various entities SNAP Center, InterHealth Canada, and the Ministry of Education. Teacher Shantae, Dr. Braithwaite, and the Hon Taylor were first in their respective races.

Hon. Rachel Taylor – Minister of Education, commented: “The SNAP Center now falls under the remit of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services, and I was overly delighted to have had the opportunity to join in on the activities with our students, teachers, parents, and sponsors. The level of enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship demonstrated by our students was exceptional and filled my heart. I look forward to working collaboratively with all our stakeholders to address our Special Needs students holistically. 

Dr. Denise Braithewaite-Tennant – CEO InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, commented, “We are thrilled about our recent collaboration with the SNAP Centre to host a sports day. It was an incredible day filled with enthusiasm, energy, and, most importantly, inclusion. We believe that sports are an essential aspect of healthy living, and everyone deserves to enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork that comes with participating in sports.

Special thanks to InterHealth Canada team led by Ms. Takara Bain, Public Relations and Marketing Manager. The day was indeed a success!

For additional information, contact the SNAP Center at 649-941-3187 (PLS).