Basketball Smiles and Surrey Horses

 

This past Thursday, the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise was the place to be if your need was ‘a listening ear and a heart of compassion’. The members of the early morning meeting club were engaged in two passionate presentations. Mr. Sam Nichols of Basketball Smiles was the first presenter.

 

“Basketball Smiles” was birthed in the spring of 1999, when Coach Sam Nichols from McMurry University and Coach Patty Johnson from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas met in San Jose California at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Convention. A mutual love for basketball and children between these two coaches led to the first Basketball Smiles basketball camps in June 1999.

 

The vision of Basketball Smiles was born: to conduct free basketball camps for boys and girls of all ages, and, along with basketball instruction, conduct a life skills program for these disadvantaged children emphasizing citizenship, education, and self-discipline.

Mr. Nichols encourage the club, which has supported the program in previous years, to continue doing so. It is Mr. Nichols’s belief that the organization is truly making a positive difference in the lives of inner city boys and girls.

 

With saddening news, he informed the club that one of the victims of the recent shooting on Freedom Park, Fox Hill was a member of the Basketball Smiles program – Shaquille Demeritte Kelly.

 

The second presenter, Chris Gregory was also passionate, although his forte was not about children or people for that matter, but horses. Chris Gregory is a professional horseshoer; and is one of the most trusted names in Farriery and Hoof-care education. He is esteemed in his vocation – academically and with years of experience. He operates Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Missouri.

 

Invited by Patricia Wood of The Bahamas Humane Society, Chris and his wife Kelly shod some thirteen horses in New Providence. Chris and Kelly remarked that among several complex challenges observed while they shod these horses, among them was the owner’s inability to properly care for these animals. Evidence of bruising and abscess to some of the horses’ legs and hoofs were realized. Suggestions to ensure the animals are properly maintained included an increase of fees to be charged by the surrey operators and inviting civic groups or organizations to adopt a horse. Chris admitted that maintaining these animals are costly and the operators are doing the very best they can considering the various challenges they face – costly feed and shoes; a less than desirable operating costs, and the absence of a trained farrier in The Bahamas. The Surrey horse provides a unique experience for tourists, one that is getting unique day by day. With proper attention, it can become a good draw for tourists, as well as a good way for a Surrey owner to make a living.

 

Once again, with hearts of compassion, Rotarians listened in and pledged their assistance.