First Bahamian CARIFTA Gymnastics Team Named

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas selected its first CARIFTA Gymnastics Team this past weekend after hosting a three-week training clinic at Bahamas Star Gymnastics with visiting Azerbaijanian Coaches, Samira Gahramanova (Artistic Gymnastics) and Laman Goyushova (Rhythmic Gymnastics).

Coaches and gymnasts from local clubs participated in the clinic whose primary focus was stretching techniques, strength training and skill execution.

Clubs represented at the clinic included Airborne Fitness and Gymnastics Club (Rashad Cunningham and Toni Johnson), Bahamas Star Gymnastics (Nicola Thompson, Tenille Deslume, Alia Elliot and K’lyssa Knowles) and Paradise Gymnastics Academy (Kachara Marshall). 

At the completion of the grueling clinic, an evaluation was conducted, by the FIG certified Azerbaijanian Judge/Coach and the gymnasts that qualified for the GFB’s CARIFTA Team were named.

Federation President Cora Hepburn was thrilled to witness the participation of some 30 gymnasts from which 23 were selected including four gymnasts from Island Dance (Ashley Knowles), Spanish Wells, Eleuthera.

She praised the athletes for their tenacity and dedication and congratulated all of the participants for being identified by their clubs as athletes well capable of representing their country and the Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas. 

Gymnasts named to the first Bahamian Gymnastics CARIFTA Team include:

1. Aubrey-Skye Munnings

2. Aliyah Pinder

3. Arianna Johnson

4. Chanelle Hepburn

5. Chole Johnson

6. Cordiesha Pierre

7. Nina Belton

8. Paulina Blenman

9. Syara Moss

10. Amelia Francis

11. Anai Ingraham

12. Kaylie Bynoe

13. Skai Campbell

14. Rielle Whylly

15. Daelyn Jones

16. Abigail Hamilton

17. Charis Edgecombe

18. Maleah Miller

19. Rhianna Smith

20. Kia Bazzard

21. Mikala Cartwright

22. Sade Hall

23. A’Niyah Williams

National Team Coaches: Rashad Cunningham, Kachara Marshall, Ashley Knowles, Toni Johnson, Alia Elliot and K’Lysa Knowles. Team Manager: Olivia Culmer Assistant Team Manager and Team Physiotherapist: Dr. Miquela Rolle.

Federation President Cora Hepburn thanked the host club Bahamas Star Gymnastics for the use of their facilities and the Azerbaijanian Gymnastics Federation for extending their coaches as clinicians for three (3) weeks.

The Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas extends its gratitude to all of the parents and gymnasts that participated in the clinic.

The GFB wishes the team much success in Kingston, Jamaica November 28^th, 2024 – December 1^st, 2024 and looks forward to the continued growth and development of sport locally.