Lots of golf, lots of good! Michael Jordan at his 8th Annual Celebrity Invitational from January 21st to 25th in Paradise Island, The Bahamas. Photo: Tim Aylen.
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Paradise Island, The Bahamas - Riding on the tailwind of the US inauguration, the 8th Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational took place from January 21st to 25th and took Paradise Island by storm. The tournament set out and accomplished what it was meant to; that being to raise money for the charities Michael Jordan and the event supports.
There was a slight decrease in numbers this year, likely due to the inauguration festivities I am sure most of the invitees were privy too, and also it could have possibly been the result of the economic slowdown; but those who were either involved or on the outskirts looking in at this fabulous event, got their eyes filled with celebrities-a-plenty!
I was fortunate enough to attend my second year in a row, and this time was able to take in almost the entire bounty of events, AND one of the best was being down at the Ocean Club Golf Course to watch the golf action, something that was open to ANY/ALL Bahamians or visitors of The Bahamas. Tickets were sold for anyone to come out on the greens and take in the all-star sights.
As our courtesy bus road up I was pleased to see school children loading up into a bus and they were donned with MJ hats and shirts and carrying goodies. One this Jordan is known for and that is his generosity! His many guests received suitcases full of his own clothing line and plenty of other gifts from the event sponsors.
SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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I was shocked when I DID NOT SEE floods of Bahamians enjoying such a stellar display. Those that did attend enjoyed awesome views, no crowds, and close encounters with the stars who most often engaged in a quick chat, an autograph or a photo. It did indeed make one feel like a celebrity themself!
The Ocean Club Golf Course is beautifully appointed and viewers were able to walk throughout the entire grounds via the paved walks, but most stayed near the 18th hole to cheer and gain a chance to interact with the celebrities leaving the greens. You could get so close that we had to dodge a flying golf ball as everyone yelled "heads up" missing my friend Diane and I by only 2 yards!
A big 'spotting' for me was to see past US president, Bill Clinton playing with Jordan, and if that was not exciting enough, they had actor James Caan along with them.
SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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Roger Clemens, John Smoltz, Ken Griffey Jr., Johnny Damon, Brandi Chastain, Ahmad Rashad, Mia Hamm, Kenny Lofton, Dwight Freeney, Chris Doleman, Bill Guthridge, Paul O'Neill, John Smoltz, Dan Jansen, Brian Baumgartner, Flex Alexander, Boris Kodjoe, Richard Dent, Toni Kukoc, Stuart Scott, Marcus Allen, Brett Hull, Aidan Quinn, Angie Everhart, Adrian Young, Stone Phillips, Alan Thicke, Alonzo Mourning, Lawrence Taylor, Joe Morgan, Samule L. Jackson, Charles Oakley, Vince Coleman, Chris Tucker, CC Sabathia, John Elway, Josh Duhamel, John Ventimiglia, Ozzie Smith, Mike Piazza, Phil Gordon, Chris Chelios, Adrian Young, Ryan Howard, and Mark Wood were the majority of those playing golf. Spike Lee and his lovely wife once again supported the event, eventhough he did not play golf.
Aside from the golf, the Jordan event is known for its fabulous parties! The opening night 'meet and greet' was held at One&Only's Versailles Gardens, a unique beautiful location set among tiered lawn and garden areas. Funky cozy sitting areas were set up on the lawns all embellished with zebra and black or white fabrics. The night was cold and many turned up in the clothes they would have worn from whatever winter home they came from, not expecting The Bahamas to be so chilly. An outside dance floor with a DJ blasting the latest tunes kept everyone moving around mingling between the many food stations and bars. The food was over the top sensational!
Michael Jordan arrived and graciously exchanged greetings and pleasantries with all those that approached him depicting qualities of a true host eventhough his bodyguard was never more than a yard away from him.
Nothing could compare to the Friday night Celebration Gala which is held each year in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis. One third of the ballroom was divided off for pre-dinner drinks and mingling. No expense was spared in decor and entertainment. Chris Tucker opened the show and none other than Fergie herself, who just popped in from her honeymoon with Josh Duhamel (who played in the golf tournament) to give a top notch 1-hour plus show to an appreciative audience.
Golf continued each day and wrapped up on Sunday with the awards presentation on the 18th hole. The finale party, MJCI After Dark, was sponsored by ESPN and Grey Goose at Aura Nightclub at Atlantis and was nothing short of spectacular as guests of the hotel lined up at the base of the entrance to the club with camera ready for star sightings. Those without invites tried everything to gain entrance for this exclusive party with the stars. Grey Goose also supported the night and the vodka was flowing. Even Bill Clinton showed up at the Club.
Golf, giving, gambling and gettin'-down on the dance floor is what the Michael Jordan event provides each year. MJ loves the casino and flocks of Atlantis patrons and guests stood gazing at Jordan and his friends playing there. Security guards had their fill of reprimanding tourists for taking photos as picture taking is not allowed in casinos, but many had their cell phones out anyway and were snapping away or calling their children at home to tell them who they were gazing at.
In the end, it is all about the giving and according to the MJCI info book, since 2001 this invitational has contributed nearly $4 million to worthy charitable organizations. The largest benefactors are the Make a Wish Foundation, The James R. Jordan Founcation, and the Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation.
A special sight was to see 7-year-old Donovan Russell of Sacramento, Calif. Russell, along with his family enjoying a number of activities at the resort and golf course as part of Donavan's wish experience, all thanks to Michael Jordan and the Make a Wish Foundation.
The Bahamas is fortunate to be the host country for such a fabulous event. If you missed the golf action and star sightings this year Bahamas, there is always next year!
SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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Two young Bahamian models help out in the Skybox serving Grey Goose and other treats. Photo: Robbin Whachell
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Former US President, Bill Clinton and Michael Jordan at the 8th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational in Paradise Island, The Bahamas. January 2009. Photo: Tim Aylen.
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SLIDESHOW Photos: Tim Aylen
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Michael Jordan Celebration - Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis. Performing was Chris Tucker and Fergie. SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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Michael Jordan Celebration - Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis. SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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The Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis sits ready for the Michael Jordan Celebration on Friday, January 23rd, 2009. Photo: Tim Aylen.
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Former US Ambassador to The Bahamas, John Rood and his wife. Photo: Tim Aylen
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Fergie performs at the Michael Jordan 8th Annual Celebrity Invitational at the Friday night's Celebration. Photo: Tim Aylen.
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Michael Jordan Celebration - Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis. Performing was Chris Tucker and Fergie. SLIDESHOW photos: Tim Aylen
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Two young members of Fergie's band stand with my friend Diane Johnson after the show at the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis. Photo: Robbin Whachell
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Michael Jordan After Dark event at Aura Nightclub, Atlantis. Sponsored by ESPN and Grey Goose. SLIDESHOW Photos: Tim Aylen
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Michael Jordan After Dark event at Aura Nightclub, Atlantis. Sponsored by ESPN and Grey Goose. SLIDESHOW Photos: Tim Aylen
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www.MJCIgolf.com
www.TimAylenPhotography.com
www.Atlantis.com
www.AuraTheNightClub.com
www.Bahamas.com
Special thanks to those that made this trip possible; Elite Loft for my evening attire; Candice at Aura Nightclub; Tim Aylen for amazing photos, the Atlantis hospitality which is first class, and all those that made my trip enjoyable!
The author Robbin Whachell seen here at the various events with Michael Jordan, Boris Kodjoe, Brian Baumgarter, Angie Everhart, Spike Lee, Brandi Chastain, Bahamian model Mary, and her friends.
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