Those in attendance dubbed it the ultimate face-off between Wendall Jones, host of the Love 97 programme, “Jones and Company, and Jeff Lloyd, who hosts “Issues of The Day.
And it was clear that anticipation was building as the two popular radiomen prepared for the 50-yard dash at Saturday’s Love Games at Clifford Park.
Within seconds of the start of the race, Mr. Jones was forced to accept defeat, limping off the field with a pulled muscle as Mr. Lloyd raced to victory amid a cheering crowd of spectators.
But it was not all defeat for Mr. Jones.
Earlier in the day he proved that he had what it took to win an egg and spoon race, beating out Love 97 salesman, John Saunders, who had been hot on his trail.
Mr. Jones also walked away with at least two other races, one of which saw his ‘Jones and Company’ co-host, Godfrey Eneas, unable to make it even beyond the starting point as he tripped and fell. It sent the crowd of spectators roaring with laughter.
Mr. Jones was a stiff talker as he had jokingly declared at the official opening ceremony that Mr. Eneas was a geriatric case incapable of winning any race at the popular event.
Many Bahamians had flocked to Clifford Park to participate in the corporate initiative designed to promote community spirit – they ate, jumped, ran, and hoola-hooped their way to victory – and defeat.
Many remarked that it had been a long while since they had seen kites flying or seen anyone participate in the three-legged race.
It was a time of enjoyment – they were quick to point out – and it’s precisely what organizers had in mind.
Under the patronage of Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont, the Love Games, sponsored by Jones Communications, turned out to be what company officials termed a smashing success.
During a brief opening ceremony, Mr. Jones, the company’s CEO, pointed to the significance of the event in cementing the relationship fostered between the Love 97/Bahama Journal media house and the Bahamian public.
“When we thought of these games more than seven years ago we thought of an idea of bringing our community together for community bonding and we thought that with all of the problems that beset countries like ours, developing countries around the world, there is a need for a love games,” he said.
“-We have planned a whole variety of events so our people can come together and show some love.”
In her remarks, the Governor General noted that the event meshed perfectly with three personal goals she aims to achieve while in office.
“The first (goal) is to continue to relate to school children and to youth groups. The second is to encourage those persons in our community who volunteer service and so many, many people do. And, thirdly to encourage friends and relatives to maintain close relationships and to emphasize the importance of family,” she noted.
“Now sometimes I know that all family do not get along very well, but God made us so that we have family for times of stress, for times of distress, for times of enjoyment, for times of encouragement. We need to be close to our family members and this is an occasion when that can be demonstrated.”
It was a sentiment that some in attendance endorsed.
Adrian Pinder, who was among those at Clifford Park on Saturday, said, “I think the games are important because it promotes a family type atmosphere and it’s a very positive environment. It’s a good social event for families to bring their kids out and have a good time.”
Davina Darville agreed.
While watching her two daughters – Alexia, 6, and Ashley, 3 – have fun on the park, she said, “The event is very nice. It is something fun for the children and it is very well organized with a lot of events the children can participate in. The only complaint is the heat.”
The 2005 Love Games featured a battle of the bands with the Bain and Grants Town Band facing off against the Church of God of Prophecy Band.
Some members of the Full Throttle Bike Association were also in attendance, providing motorcycle rides for anyone who dared attempt them.
There were also representatives of Fifth Avenue Models. They capped off the event with a fashion show that sported several colourful Androsian pieces.
Activities held during the day included the egg and spoon race, a sack race, the 35-meter run, the 100-yard dash and the hoola hoop, tug a war, pool, pizza-eating and dominoes contests.
There was a bouncing castle for younger children and a spinner ride for older kids, who seemed to be thrilled by the dizzying effect of the machine.
Unable to resist the urge, several adults, including Jones Communications managers, got on for a spin, proving that the Love Games was a time to bring out their inner child.
Before the day of activities was all over, a strong-willed team of Love 97 and Bahama Journal staff went face to face with representatives of Donald’s Furniture in the tug-o-war competition.
It was not long before the Jones Communications team proved its strength forcing the competitors to concede defeat.
By: Tosheena Robinson-Blair, The Bahama Journal
