On the heels of his much anticipated and lively homecoming, Chavano “Buddy” Hield and the likes Jonquel Jones and their successful sports stories have sparked the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to give back to the athletic world in the form of an $100,000 five year scholarship to a deserving high school athlete from the Eight Mile Rock or West End, Grand Bahama communities.

During a lively press conference held at the BTC headquarters on Thompson Blvd, hundreds of employees and various special guests including BTC CEO Leon Williams, Minster of Youth Sports and Culture Daniel Johnson, Mario Bowleg from the Basketball Federation and Bradley Roberts.

“There are so many athletes that unfortunately do not get the chance to show their talents on the world stage because of funding and support,” Mr. Williams said.

“Obviously there is major talent in our country and we need to find opportunities to harness and develop our young people.”

The interest in the development of young athletes does not stop at the scholarship stage however as $25,000 was also donated to renovate and update a local park in the Pine dale, eight Mile Rock community.

This park was where the Bahamian NBA drafted Buddy Hield used to play.

“We have been watching Buddy’s career over the last year,” he said.

“Without a doubt we knew that he would be where he is today. Our investment in the Eight Mile Rock Park, will serve as a symbol of hope for other youngsters aspiring to greatness.”

BTC Also presented a cheque to those person show will represent the country at this year’s upcoming Olympics in Rio, Brazil next month.

“In every sphere and sector of the country, BTC gives back and we have lent our support to so many organization and we are deeply entrenched in youth, community and sports,” he said.

“Over the years the company has supported track and field, flag football, basketball and swimming.”

The donation of $125,000 to The Bahamas Olympic Committee is not out of the ordinary as BTC has sponsored the Olympic team for the last three years.

Excluding the scholarships and donations awarded during the announcement BTC will be announcing the endorsement of a major athlete later in September of this year.