GB Port Authority becomes first major Conchman sponsor in 30 years

The organisers of the 30th Annual Conchman Triathlon have seen a huge boost in registrants with the news that The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has stepped forward as a major sponsor for the historic event.

The GBPA has recognised the competition’s significance not just at home but abroad by becoming the first Conchman sponsor since the island’s premier sporting event launched in 1986.It was the right time for us to take this event on,” GBPA Chairman Sarah St. George said. “We have always been strong supporters.”Moving forward, the event will be known as the GBPA Conchman Triathlon.“

We are absolutely delighted that the GBPA has recognised the importance of this event by becoming the first really major sponsor,” Conchman Chairman Christopher Baker said. “This is something that touches so many people on the island and worldwide. We are proud to have their support.”In addition to this sponsorship milestone, Conchman organisers have enjoyed an increase in early registrants, a number of whom are US-based athletes. Mr Baker noted that, since its early years, the Conchman Triathlon has had an international reach with participants flying in from North America and Europe. This year, he said, the committee is pleased to see these competitors signing up almost two months ahead of the November 5th event.

“This is a major sports event not just for Grand Bahama but also further afield,” Mr Baker said. “The Conchman triathlon has an impeccable athletic reputation. This year, we want to take it to the community and provide a day of fun and entertainment for all the family.”

He said the organising committee has been hard at work to ensure that this year’s triathlon would be groundbreaking, not only to mark its 30th anniversary, but also celebrate Guy Fawkes Day, which also falls on November 5.

For the first time, competitors will be able to participate in Olympic-distance events: swimming – 1.5km, biking – 40km and running – 10km. There will also be separate categories for high school teams and companies.

The sporting event will last all day with a transition into family entertainment during the evening at Taino Beach – the event’s traditional start point and finish point. The event will culminate with a Junkanoo rush-out, a bonfire on the beach and a big firework display.Registration is now open for all areas of the event.