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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Sports
NASSAU, Bahamas - He is known as one of the most decorated track and field athletes of all-time, but what many people may not know about former American sprinter Carl Lewis is that he is a big soccer fan. The nine-time Olympic Champion said as much during a visit to the National Beach Soccer Arena at Malcolm Park on Saturday. Lewis admired the brand new beach soccer facility that will be the legacy of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 and spoke to the positive impact that beach soccer has had on the Bahamian community. “I think it’s amazing,” Lewis said. “I’m a big [soccer] fan, I played growing up and my brother played professionally, and to see how the evolution of a new sport is reaching out to the community that’s the best thing about it.” Bahamas Football Association President, Anton Sealey, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson and Executive President of Beach Soccer Worldwide, Joan Cusco explained the beach soccer concept to the soccer fan. They also presented him with an Official Match Ball, the adidas Praia.
“This is tough to go through a soccer game on sand non-stop. I really love the challenge and I would really love to see the athletes do it,” Lewis said. With just days to kick-off the Olympic legend encouraged Bahamians, particularly the track and field community, to attend the event that takes place April 27 to May 7. “I hope a lot of people from within athletics come and watch these fast-paced exciting games so that they can get some ideas for our sport.” The tournament kicks off on Thursday at 3:30pm with Iran taking on Mexico, Ecuador facing off against Senegal, Nigeria will play against Italy and for The Bahamas will go up against Switzerland in the final game of the opening day, General admission is free and VIP tickets are still available at a cost. For more information visit BahamasFA.com
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