thebahamasweekly.com - (Photos) Results of the 2nd annual “Paddle for Potcakes”

Freeport, Bahamas - The sky was a bit overcast, a few drops of rain fell from time to time, but that did not dampen the fun at the Grand Bahama Humane Society’s 2nd annual “Paddle for Potcakes” swim race and family fun day on Saturday afternoon!

Thirty-two swimmers took to the open water at Taino Beach in 3 races, with the little ones swimming shortened courses while the 11-50+ year olds tackled the triathlon distance swim.

SLIDE SHOW

And the winners are:

Overall Winners: Ladies:
1st - Joanna Evans 11.55
2nd - Jasmine Gibson 14.31
3rd – Stacey Bradley 16.03

Men:
1st – Derek Gibbs, Jr. 12.34
2nd – Peter Farquharson 12.35
3rd – John Silvera 13.55

Shortened Courses:
Boys under 7: 1st Nigel Forbes (5 years old), beating out Malique Charlton (six years old) by only 15 seconds!
Girls under 7: Lillie Bethel (6 years old)
Boys 7-10: Sam Farquharson (10 years old)
Girls 7-10: Asher Percentie (10 years old)

Triathlon Distance:
Male 11-14: Dante Carey (13 years old) 14.17 minutes
Female 11-14: Joanna Evans (13 years old) 11.55 minutes
Male 15-24: Derek Gibbs, Jr. (16 years old) 12.34 minutes, beating out Peter Farquharson (15 years old)(12.35) on the sprint to the finish line
Male 25-49 Vince Turnquest 19.02 minutes
Female 25-49 Stacey Bradley 16.03 minutes
Male 50+: Robbie Butler 14.30 minutes
Female 50+: Terry McSharry 28.25 minutes

Joanna Evans, overall female winner stands with Erika Gates (right) and Julie Ryan (left) of Garden of the Groves.

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Once the serious races were complete, five teams hit the water for the relay, with supporters cheering them on from the beach. In the end Thomas Bates, Devin Butler, Jessica Waugh and Lauren Butler , aka the “Dang It, Tiffany” team , took the trophies home. A hard fought Tug-O-War pitted Team Humane Society against Team Garden of the Groves, with Team Humane Society finally emerging victorious.

Throughout the afternoon, spectators enjoyed the music of Steve Davies, chowed down on hamburgers, bratwursts , chicken burgers and roast corn prepared by grill master Desmond deGregory, sipped ice cold drinks served up by barmaids Colleen and Lauren Butler and Adrienne Maingot, and generally declared the afternoon a huge success!

Photo: Erika Gates

The Humane Society wishes to thank its major sponsor, Garden of the Groves, for making this event possible and in particular Julia Ryan, the driving force behind the event. They are also grateful for the support of all those who donated food and beverages or gave of their time to ensure the success of “Paddle for Potcakes”; in particular Junkanoo Beach Club (Venue), Steve Davies (Musician), Ivan Reid (Artist), Solo Rent-A-Tent, Kelly’s Bakery, BWA, Sunny Isles, Caribbean Bottling, Cost Right, G.B. Foods, Bahamian Brewery and Butler’s Food World.

Ivy Elden and Julia Ryan, co-organizers, said “Next year the “Paddle for Potcakes” swim race and family fun day will be even larger with more activities and more fun races…so, mark your calendars for the first Saturday in July 2012!”

SLIDE SHOW Photos: Erika Gates

Family Fun! Dr. Kevin Bethel with his children Photo: Erika Gates

And great fun was had by all! SLIDE SHOW Photos: Erika Gates