GBPA, in conjunction with the Freeport News and The Nassau Guardian, pledged their full support behind outstanding Bahamian athlete, Delroy Boothe. On hand for a cheque presentation by GBPA were (left to right): Ollie Ferguson, General Manager, Freeport News; Geneva Rutherford, Director of Community Relations – GBPA; Delroy Boothe; and Fred Stirrup, Acting Managing Editor, Freeport News.
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Freeort, Bahamas - The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) publicly presented a cheque to outstanding Bahamian athlete Delroy
Boothe who recently captured the inaugural Marathon Bahamas
International title.
Making the presentation was Geneva Rutherford, Director of Commodity
Relations - GBPA. "It is an honor for us to recognize one of Grand
Bahama's silent outstanding athletes. His humility and
dedication touches us all," stated Rutherford.
Boothe began running seriously after leaving college, but from then
until now, he has done this without the motivation and support of
a trainer. The noticably quiet athlete recalled how he qualified for
the 1996 Olympic Games at a meet in Naples, Florida, only to be left off
of the official Bahamas Olympic team.
Despite years of wanting to give up because of a lack of financial
support and recognition, his passion for the sport and love for his
children propelled him to continue.
"I am thankful to God for the opportunity to sit with executives at
GBPA and express my concerns. With similar backing and support, I know
I can achieve much more," Boothe said graciously.
Rutherford also commended the Freeport News and the Nassau Guardian
for bringing Boothe's achievements to the fore. "By means of your
efforts his future accomplishments will not go unrecognized as you
herald his message to the country," she added.
Boothe is seeking additional sponsorship towards his training as he
turns his attention to possibly qualifying for the 2010 Olympics in
London. "Additionally," as Rutherford noted, "his achievements can act
as a catalyst in promoting sports tourism on our island."
