NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Newly elected Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer is looking to establish several corporate and private partnerships to assist with the cost of hosting events and providing greater assistance for athletes.
In an interview with Eyewitness Sports, Archer says he and his team have already explored several avenues to help to enhance the BAAA’s profile.
“Immediately we began having discussions with prospective partners. We are looking for strategic partners in a cross-section of areas,” he said. “We want to talk to the financial sector. We are also in talks with partnering with a water company. So, in the future, if we can have people purchasing water with the BAAA’s attached to it, the extra 10-15 cents that they spend can be their donation to us.
“We don’t only want the giants with the deep pockets. We also want to connect with mom and pop stores that want to support this new movement and feel like they are a part of what is happening with the BAAA.”
Archer added that creating a greater presence on social media would also help to connect the BAAA with its fans and athletes.
“Right now, the people that come to the track on the weekends are people that truly love the sport. We want everyone to come out because we want everyone eventually to fall in love with the sport,” he added.
“I think the success of this federation will rely on futuristic planning. It’s an event, and we have to treat it as such. Our big event next year will be the senior nationals in Freeport, and we want to ignite that island so that planning starts now. We also have a few other signature events we want to bring to The Bahamas, and also a wine and dine race we plan to host during our family weekend. There is also some talk of the World Relays returning to the Bahamas. Certainly, it’s not a decision the federation makes in isolation. We will have to go back to the government and petition to them why we think the World Relays is so important to The Bahamas.”
Archer was voted in as BAAA president over the weekend at the federation’s annual general meeting and election of officers. He defeated incumbent president Rosamunde Carey, 41-26.
