7th Annual Bernie Russell Pool Tournament
Over a period of four days, approximately 200 competitors made their way to the Grand Lucayan Resort to participate in the 7th Annual Bernie Russell Pool Tournament on Grand Bahama Island (GBI).
The tournament, which honours Bahamian pool legend, Bernie Russell, kicked off on November 7th and ended on November 11th with players competing from Canada, the United States, Abaco, New Providence, Long Island, and Grand Bahama Island.
Nuvolari Chotoosingh, Niche Markets, Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, GBI, said, “We believe that this tournament has huge potential [and] if it wasn’t for the situation at the resort itself, it would’ve given us the opportunity to have more persons come in.”
He added that “Kevin Miller and his team have done a fantastic job once again this year and the Ministry of Tourism is pleased to assist him as best as we can, given the circumstances.”
With events such as this, resident players are given the unique opportunity to sharpen their skills, as well as act as ambassadors for the country during the competitive exchange.
Should more visitors travel to participate in the tournament, the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes that this event can eventually become a huge attraction and additional boost to the current economy.
As noted by Chotoosingh, pool tournaments are not events that take place on a regular basis throughout The Islands Of The Bahamas. However, with a growing platform, it is now an arena where the market can be expanded as it relates to sports tourism.
The tournament has seen tremendous growth since its inception, including expansion to a larger venue, more pool tables, professional scoring systems and referees, all in an effort to attract more prestigious players to the island.
Chotooisngh said if we are to elevate the tournament to a higher level, “We have to continue to support Kevin Miller [as, so far,] players from around the world want to come to this type of event.”
For further information on next year’s event, please contact the Ministry of Tourism & please contact the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation at 350-8600.