NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg said at the press conference to announce the 1st Annual Potcake Golf Tournament, on November 8, 2021, that it was an honour to be apart of the launch, which brings awareness to a very important topic: the rights of animals.

"This initiative also proves that sports plays a vital role in various aspects in this country," Minister Bowleg said, as the press conference held at the Club House of the Ocean Club Golf Course, on Paradise Island.  "This first annual international Potcake Golf Tournament will assist BAARK (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness) with executing their spay/neutering programme."

Also speaking at the press conference were Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting; CEO of golf tournament Title Sponsor ALIV John Gomez; Tournament Chairman Mario Carey; Laura Kimble of BAARK; and stakeholders Hope Sealey and Louisa Holowesko.

The tournament also has a number of corporate sponsors.

"Pets are a major part of The Bahamian family," Minister Bowleg added.  "I, too, was once a pet owner of a Potcake named Sally.

"I am happy to know that these lovely animals are now finding homes in Canada and United States."

Minister Bowleg pointed out that every hole-in-one and shot participants sink will bring BAARK closer to its goal of raising $100,000 to support the BAARK Mobile Clinic.

"I am proud to learn that BAARK will be going into the communities, where they’ll be able to operate five days a week, preforming as many as 5,000 spay and neutering surgeries a year, where needed," he said.

"As Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, you have my full support and I encourage business owners, all golf lovers and supporters to be apart of this inaugural event."

Various prizes will be awarded, and persons wishing to sign up are asked to contact 427-SPAY.   (BIS Photos / Eric Rose)