From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamas Information Services Updates
Sports Minister encourages Bahamian MLB player to continue to give back to his community
By Andrew Coakley
Oct 2, 2018 - 4:06:38 PM


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KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK – Chavez Young, MLB player with the Toronto Blue Jays (second from left) paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle (centre), on Friday, September 28, 2018. Also on hand for the courtesy call were Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (Grand Bahama), Harcourt Brown (second from right); Rowena Poitier Sutherland, Director of Culture (right) and Clayton Young, Chavez’s father (left). (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Bahamian professional Major League Baseball player, Chavez Young, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, during her recent visit to Grand Bahama.

Minister Rolle received Young and his father, Clayton Young, at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday, September 28, 2018, during which time Minister Rolle announced her Ministry’s intention to initiate an Athletic Ambassador Program to encourage the support, representation and ongoing interaction of Bahamian-born and bred athletes.

“I am told that Chavez has set out to give back to the community of Grand Bahama by assisting young, upcoming Bahamian baseball players by providing a positive influence and motivation for those who aspire to pursue athletic career paths,” said Minister Rolle.

“Chavez’s journey began right here in our second city, Freeport, Grand Bahama. Through rigorous training and discipline, under the guidance of his parents Clayton and Marinetta Young, local coaches, former Bahamian athletes and other facility councilors, coupled with his early preparation as a member of the Jack Hayward High School Wildcats track club and basketball team, Chavez learned the importance of teamwork.  “Through these experiences, he developed his aspiration to become a professional athlete.”

Chavez Young is an outfielder/designated hitter, who was drafted in the 39th round of the 2016 Major League June Amateur Draft, from Faith Baptist Academy in Ludowici, Georgia.  He is currently signed to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chavez said that he has some big plans in store to help bring professional baseball to Grand Bahama, his hometown. He said he want to give those youngsters who may be interested in the sport an opportunity that he did not have when he first started in the game – and that is a chance to be seen and receive advice from professional baseball players.  Within his plans, Chavez is proposing a baseball camp for youngsters between the ages of seven and 16 and he also wants to host an All-Star, celebrity baseball game that would not only bring pro baseball athletes to Grand Bahama, but celebrities as well.

“We recognize and applaud Chavez Young for his efforts to give back to the community that helped raised him,” added Minister Rolle. “It is always a pleasure to see Bahamians use their success and platforms to empower other Bahamians to do the same.

“I wish you all the best in the coming baseball season and in your athletic career. Continue to excel, remain humble and know that The Bahamas is cheering you on.”



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