Bahamas Bash Lacrosse Tournament Returns

In an effort to promote the game of lacrosse, approximately 100 players, parents, and coaches from Florida, USA returned to Grand Bahama Island to host the second consecutive Bahamas Bash Lacrosse Tournament.

The tournament, which took place over the course of three days (June 29th- July 1st), was dedicated to the late "Mama Rose" whose mission was to ensure that there was diversity and inclusion where underprivileged students received the same opportunities as the privileged students around them.

With a mixture of boys and girls’ teams who travelled to compete in this year's tournament, Bo Lamont, Director, Bahamas Bash Lacrosse Tournament, said, "It's a pleasure to come here; we really enjoy spending time and interacting with the people."

Known as the "healing game," due to the Native American origination and belief that the game was given to them by the Creator for enjoyment and to promote healing, to settle disputes, and to help their spiritual development, the venue for the tournament was especially fitting due to Grand Bahama Island's tranquil atmosphere. As this year's event was primarily focused on giving back, the 2018 tournament added a humanitarian dynamic to the prestigious sport.

The game of lacrosse has a long history. It was invented by the Native North Americans. The indigenous people believe the game was given to them by the Creator for his enjoyment. Native people played the game of lacrosse to promote healing, to settle disputes, and to help their spiritual development.

Nuvolari Chotoosingh, Manager, Niche Markets, Ministry of Tourism & Aviation (MOTA), said, "I'd like to thank Bo Lamont for returning to Grand Bahama Island once again this year for the second consecutive year. This tournament represents another event on the island that brings in a number of athletes. This year he practically doubled the number of athletes and that represents growth where there are more booked hotel rooms and vendors benefitting from the event."

He added that "We'd also like to thank the Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture for their assistance in facilitating this event and that's one of the things that we're continuing to do — working with our partners to give them the best rates."

Players were able to learn from professional players, team coaches and from each other as they were further taught about the sport of lacrosse.

Bahamian athletes were also able to take advantage of the tournament atmosphere where they learned basic skills and participated in a game.

Twelve-year-old Kodia Rolle who knew nothing of the sport prior to the tournament, however, found the game to be fun and a great way to keep in shape.

As the main goal of the tournament is to grow the sport of lacrosse, organizers hope to continue bringing the sport to The Bahamas while garnering attendance from other teams around the United States.

"We'd like to grow. More people came this year who are excited and want to spread the word when they go back and tell people that they should come to The Bahamas to play lacrosse, so I would imagine next year we'll have certainly more boys and girls’ teams in both divisions, so we hope to at least double in size," said Lamont.