The contestants with Korath Wright at the YMCA on June 20th for the first annual Bahama Snow Kids Camp. Contestants in Grand Bahama were: Clevon Cox, Andrew Hindley, William Russell, John Silvera, Brandon Rowland, Justin Rowland, Adam Bethel, Kenyon Bowe, Onassis Williams, Matthew Armstrong, and Franchescio Duncombe. Photo: Robbin Whachell
Justin Rowland is the proud winner of the tryouts in Grand Bahama. He stands here with Korath and the first sponsor in Grand Bahama, Michael Lerch. Photo: Robbin Whachell
At least ten teens from The Bahamas to enjoy a summer snow experience!
Oregon, USA – The Bahamas Snow Kids Camp is presently underway in Mount Hood, Oregon. The camp was designed by Korath Wright, the first winter Olympian to represent The Bahamas as an opportunity for Bahamian youth to see snow, perhaps for the first time, and try snowboarding.
Selections for this once in a lifetime experience took place last month in Grand Bahama and New Providence. On June 20th, 13 teens turned up at the YMCA in Grand Bahama to battle it out for a place in the camp. The weather did not cooperate as a huge storm rolled in and the skateboarding portion of the tryouts had to be put off and replaced with sprints and basketball in the gymnasium while the storm passed for about an hour. Skateboarding had to resume in the gym as the storm never let up. Miss Grand Bahama, Garelle Hudson; youth activist Nevar Smith; and Bahamas national swim team member, Vereance ‘Elvis’ Burrows attended to show their support for Korath.
Justin Rowland was the winner selected from Grand Bahama, and amazed all those in attendance with his excellent skateboarding skills. He was able to clear ever obstacle that Korath set out for the kids to jump. Not only was he skilled at skateboarding, he was the fastest in the sprints and played extremely well in the basketball match. Via sponsorship, Matthew Armstrong is at the camp in Oregon this week, and John Silvera and Stephan Anglade’s parents have paid for their place in the camp.
Other contestants who tried out in Grand Bahama were Clevon Cox, Andrew Hindley, William Russell, Jonathan Miller, Brandon Rowland, Adam Bethel, Kenyon Bowe, Onasiss Williams, and Franchescio Duncombe.
SLIDESHOW: Korath stands with the four contestants from Nassau on June 22nd at NPCC. Left to right in first image with Korath is Tony Vaga, Matthew Konstantakis, Timothy Smith, and Kendora Lightbourn. Photos: Vaughn Scriven
Nassau winner, Matthew Konstantakis. Photo: Vaughn Scriven
In Nassau, Timothy Smith, Matthew Konstantakis, Tony Varga, and Kendora Lightbourn turned out to compete at the New Providence Community Centre (NPCC) on June 22nd. The winner that evening was Matthew Konstantakis.
All entrants walked away with an autographed poster of Korath and their photo with Korath will be emailed to them as a keepsake.
Although initially the tryouts were advertised to select 5 teens from each island, funding was still not secured by the tryout dates. However now that the first camp is underway in Oregon and persons have been assisting Korath with bringing in funding, it has been determined that at least 10 teens have been confirmed at the camp.
Sponsors who have helped make this camp a reality are ABC Construction Ltd, Environmental Projects Ltd., Frecon Construction Ltd, Mr. Michael Lerch, Wendy’s, and anonymous others. Through this kind support, 10 teens (or more) will experience the Bahama Snow Kids Camp. High Cascade on Mount Hood has in kind offered their facility for Korath’s training. Having access to the hill and the half pipe will be one of Korath’s major training opportunities on the snow during the summer months, and leading up to the winter Olympics in Vancouver in February 2010.
Confirmed to attend July 17th to 25th at round two of the Bahama Snow Kids Camp is Justin Rowland, Matthew Konstantakis, Tony Vaga, Kendora Lightbourn, plus two others (or possibly more as funding comes in).
SLIDESHOW: Tryouts in Freeport brought out 13 contestants, supporters and parents on June 20th at the YMCA. Photos: Robbin Whachell
Teens aged 13 to 17 can still get in to the July 17th nine-day camp, and may do so at the special Bahama Snow Kids Camp rate of $2500 US which includes flights, accommodation, food, lift tickets, chaperon, and coaching.
Korath wishes to thank all the sponsors, The Bahamas Weekly, the Pelican Bay Hotel, the YMCA in Grand Bahama, the New Providence Community Church, and all the kids and parents who came out.
The kids line up to get an autograph from Korath Wright at the end of the tryouts at the YMCA in Grand Bahama. Photo: Robbin Whachell
Justin Rowland easily clears an obstacle in the Snow Camp tryouts at the YMCA on June 20th. Photo: Robbin Whachell
This young man just happened to be at the YMCA when the tryouts began and generously offered his ball for the competition. Korath sends a THANKS! Photo: Robbin Whachell
