By Brent Stubbs

Chief Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IT wasn’t the kind of support they expected, but newly formed ANOO and The Sports Fellowship Institute made good on its promise to assist the Bahamas Diabetic Association.

Last week, ANOO’s founder Clinton Minnis made a cheque presentation to Eugene Thurston, the president of the BDA. It was from the proceeds of the inaugural “Walk It Off” event on Saturday, January 5, at RM Bailey Park.

The event kicked off the year and highlighted the need for corporate Bahamas to lend their support to various community organisations.

In accepting the donation, Thurston said the funds will go a long way in assisting the BDA with their varied programmes that they have to offer.

“It was really a honor for the association to come forward and to do this walk for us. It was a certainly a blessing in a time when we need more financial donations,” he said. “From what I’ve seen at the walk, this event will only get better and better in years to come and we look forward to working closely with the association in years to come.”

Minnis said ANOO and the SFI wish that they could do even more to assist.

“ANOO wants to be true to form,” Minnis said.”We are legitimate and we will follow through in whatever we commit ourselves to doing. The walk was facilitated by the Sports Fellowship Institute, a branch of our organisation.

“We have gotten the endorsement of Commonwealth Drugs Supplies. They want to be a permanent sponsor and we want to thank them for assisting us as we try to become a permanent partner and sponsors of the Bahamas Diabetic Association.”

Minnis thanked Thurston and the BDA for having the confidence in his organisation and Commonwealth Drugs for coming on board as a major sponsor.

While the initial event was just a way for ANOO and SFI to get their feet wet, Minnis said they plan to make the event an annual one and the next onewill be much bigger and better. It’s already scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2020.

In the meantime, Thurston said with more than 25,000 persons in The Bahamas affected by diabetics, any assistance they can receive will benefit them. He said persons wishing to make their contribution can contact 242-356-2349 or email bda2020@hotmail.com.