NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than 1,000 cruise passengers participated in the 12th Annual Ohio State University Buckeyes Cruise for Cancer Run/Walk held downtown, Nassau on Wednesday.
Director-General at The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, welcomed the visitors participating in the Run/Walk to New Providence, adding that their participation “spoke volumes” of their personal commitment to engage in the fight against cancer in the United States and in The Bahamas.
“First of all, congratulations are in order. I would like to commend each of you who registered for the Buckeye Cruise, to participate in this 3-mile run/walk that takes place in Nassau this morning. Since the first year of this great fundraising event in 2008, your numbers have grown from 400 to 1,000 this year. That is impressive,” Jibrilu said.
“Your participation in this run/walk speaks volumes of your personal commitment to engage in the fight against cancer in the United States and here in The Bahamas. We sincerely appreciate your contribution to the work of the Bahamas Cancer Society.
“I would like to give special thanks to the organizers of the Ohio State University Buckeye Cruise for cancer run/walk, and to the executives of the Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club who collaborated with the state-side organizers on logistics locally to make this event a reality today.”
Director-General Jibrilu encouraged participants to use the opportunity as a “quick introduction to our destination.”
“As you make your way west on the Run/Walk route, you will pass scenic vistas of the Bahamian sea, and lovely strands of white sand beach. This is just a quick introduction to our destination. Your cruise ship, the Independence of the Seas, is in the Port of Nassau just for a day. There is so much more to experience in our islands. I invite all of you to come back for a longer stay, to explore all that our islands have to offer.”
Jibrilu used the opportunity to continue the Ministry’s marketing strategy of promoting the Islands of The Bahamas as a 16-island destination – a strategy that has resulted in double-digit growth Stopover Visitors overall and double-digit growth in Family Islands such as Abaco (up 17 per cent) and Eleuthera (up 28 per cent). San Salvador and Andros just missed recording double-digit growth at 8 per cent growth each.
“The Bahamas is comprised of sixteen island destinations,” Jibrilu said. “Outside of the island you’re on, Nassau, and Paradise Island across the bridge, there are island gems that go by the name of Abaco, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Freeport, Exuma, Bimini and many others. Each island has a personality of its own, and each offers a unique vacation experience.
“As you get set to hit the road, I wish you all an invigorating run/walk. Enjoy the scenery along the way, and make haste to come back and visit us again in The Islands Of The Bahamas,” Jibrilu added.
The Run/Walk covered three miles, beginning at Pompey Square to Arawak Cay and back to Festival Place. Alumni and fans of Ohio State University raise funds for cancer research annually through the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, which concludes in Nassau with a run/walk (1 or 3 miles run or walk). Part of the funds raised from the event, are donated to The Bahamas Cancer Society.
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This article was written by Matt Maura – Bahamas Information Services
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