Marino and Friends Bahamas Weekend second year with new Flag Football Game addition
Bahamas Minister of Tourism the Honorable Obediah Wilchcombe quarterbacking Bahamian All Star team.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Miami Dolphins, Dan Marino and 14 alumni members held a memorable four-day weekend in The Islands of The Bahamas. Guests were treated to breathtaking views of The Islands while mingling with some of their football heroes.
The second annual event included a welcome party, golf tournament, a sunset cruise, Dolphins Academy Youth Football and Cheerleader Clinic, and an inaugural flag football matchup between the Miami Dolphins alumni and The Bahamas All Star team.
The Miami Dolphins Cheer-leaders greeted the arriving guests, followed by the Dolphins Welcome Reception complimented by a Bahamian steel drum band.
The golf tournament took place on a crisp morning perfect for the greens. Later that evening, guests gathered for a sunset dinner cruise on board the Yellowbird, and were ushered in by a live Junkanoo band sponsored by The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, included authentic Bahamian cuisine, fire dancing and Carnival girls.
More than 350 Bahamian children gathered at Thomas A. Robinson Stadium on Saturday morning to learn foot-balls skills and drills from the Legends. Meanwhile, a dozen girls learned dance moves and chants from the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, an added component to last year’s activities.
“There are a lot of very athletic kids and you could tell that they are excited about being out here and being part of it,” Marino said at the event. “There were a lot of Dolphins fans there; we love that. You could tell some kids had a lot of talent for sure.”
“The children that were out this morning – 360 of them – could you imagine a dream coming true?” The Islands of the Bahamas Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Obediah Wilchcombe, M.P. said. “Could you imagine they now have skills for tomorrow? They can think of the possibilities that they can play football. Some caught a pass from Dan Marino, one of the greatest ever. I’m sure that will inspire them to think about their lives and what they’re going to do in the future. Some will have athletic careers, but many will now focus on their academics and recognize those facts that if they work harder, opportunities are there for them.”
The well-practiced and speedy Bahamian team proved to be a tough match for a Hall of Fame quarterback teamed with 14 decorated icons in Dolphins history. “I’m very pleased for one of my guys who got an interception tonight,” said Minister Wilchcombe. “You know what it means to say, ‘I intercepted Dan Marino.’ Never tell them the year, but tell them I intercepted Dan Marino (laughing).”
Following the Legends’ victory, the teams and guests took part in a street party hosted by Minister Wilchcombe and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
“The tourism industry is important to The Bahamas, and we are pleased with Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins being here – it’s going to help us promote The Bahamas. Linking our brand with their brand is fantastic,” Minister Wilchcombe said.
