By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH 19 athletes already qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) is now hard pressed to secure the necessary funding to get Team Bahamas into London, England.

The BOC has a projected target of $300,000 to cover the expenses for the team, including a training camp that will be held in West Sussex, West London, July 16-25. The actual games is all set for July 27 to August 12.

Yesterday, Commonwealth Bank Limited presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount to the BOC at their office. Neil T Strachan, assistant vice president of mortgage and commercial lending, made the presentation on behalf their executive chairman William B Sands, president Ian Jennings, and board of directors, management and staff.

"As a fully owned Bahamian bank, Commonwealth Bank is a true community bank. Throughout our history, we have provided a bridge for Bahamians to find a foothold in this country and we are always privileged to make tangible contributions through donations and volunteerism that makes a difference in the lives of the people and organisations that do so much in service to the community."

Strachan, a former basketball player, said Commonwealth Bank's commitment to the community has never been as important as it is today as they support their team of gifted and talented athletes representing the Bahamas at the Olympics.

"The essence of the Olympic brand consists of three essential pillars - striving for success, celebration of community and positive human values," Strachan said. "These three pillars support a powerful, emotive brand that transcends sport and resonates strongly with the people of the world. Commonwealth Bank supports the Olympic Games and the Bahamas Olympic Association primarily because we share common values."

In addition to embracing the vision of a better and more peaceful world, Strachan said they also encourage the discovery of one's abilities and promote the spirit of competition, the pursuit of excellence and a sense of fair play.

"We not only support the Bahamas Olympic Association, but also the dreams, aspirations and preparation of the athletes who represent our country on the world stage," Strachan said.

Strachan, who attended the press conference along with Jeffrey Kerr and Lavardo Butler, brand managers at Wulff Road and Prince Charles respectively, and Gina Greene, marketing and customer service manager, said the bank is committed to making a positive difference in the Bahamas and athletics is just another area where they intend to provide their support.

"We share the passion and determination of our athletes as they take the lead and with courage and conviction, reach the highest goals, while acting as positive role models for the Bahamas" Strachan said.

"It is a privilege to support organisations like the BOC, as we recognise the vital role they play in the positive social development of Bahamians."

Accepting the cheque, BOC president Wellington Miller thanked Commonwealth Bank for stepping forward to help with the Olympic team's expenses.

"Commonwealth Bank is a Bahamian company and all our athletes are Bahamian, all our coaches are Bahamian, so this is a good thing with Bahamians working together," he said.

"I can tell you that when the athletes know that Commonwealth Bank is supporting them, I know they will be proud when we send them an email or they read it in the newspapers."

Miller revealed that it's a costly venture for the BOC to put the team into the training camp and then accommodate them at the games, so that is the reason why they seek the support from the public.

"When we go over there and the Bahamas is on their chest, that's all of us," he stated. "We want our country and our athletes to give us good representation."

So far, Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace is the only swimmer to qualify for the games. The others are all track and field athletes, some of whom will be joined by members who will be added for relay purposes, which should push the Bahamas' team close to 30 members.