Members of the armed forces including their latest recruits suited up alongside community organizations for a day of sports and camaraderie at the 2nd Annual Family Fun and Sports Day hosted by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs under the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting. The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Immigration, along with athletic groups like the T Bird Flyers and Swift Athletics, went head-to-head in a day of races to prove who had the best athletes.
Officiated by the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials, the event was the grand finale to National Family Week, celebrated July 19-26, 2025. After a week featuring special family services including a recommitment service honoring the union of marriage and a day set aside to celebrate the love and support of colleagues and those in our work families, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs capped things off with a day of sportsmanship for all.
>From traditional track and field races like the 100m and 400m dash, to fun challenges like tug of war, the day was full of community spirit and even featured a Bahamian twist on egg and spoon with a men’s and women’s lime and spoon race.
Coming in as the defending champions, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force again won the overall competition with 175 points. Bahamas Immigration came second with 97 points, running stiff competition with the Royal Bahamas Police Force who finished third with a total of 96 points.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place were awarded in an official medal ceremony while winners of audience challenges like lime and spoon and couple’s trivia were awarded with day passes to Superclubs Breezes, and a stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian among other fun prizes.
Little ones also participated in the day’s activities with a 200m dash for 6-8 and 9-11yr olds, and a quick dance competition showcasing who could do the best “Reggie”.
In addition to the competitions, the day featured special entertainment with a liturgical dance presentation, and a stellar performance from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Marching Band. Children who attended with their families were able to enjoy the kids’ corner complete with bouncing castles and jumbo games. To round out the festivities, vendors provided fuel for the day with favorite Bahamian foods, and even locally made fruit-infused lemonade to keep everyone cool and hydrated.
The 2nd Annual Family Fun and Sports day was much anticipated after the success of last year’s event and is expected to be a staple of National Family Week in years to come. Blessed with fair weather and a cool breeze to offset the summer sun, the day was truly a delight for all involved — participants and spectators alike.
In giving comments to the press, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, the Hon Myles Laroda emphasized: “My job as the Minister responsible for Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, is to promote stronger families, because again, stronger families promotes a stronger community – stronger community, stronger country.”
For more information about the Department of Gender and Family Affairs call (242) 376-8412 or (242) 397-8600, or email genderandfamilyaffairs@bahamas.gov.bs.
The post Armed Forces Square Off at 2nd Annual Family Fun and Sports Day appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
