MIAMI'S BAHAMA ALL PRO SHOW DEDICATES 2007-2008 SEASON

26-Nov-2007
Nassau, Bahamas -- There was silence in the room at the Bahama All-Pro Show meeting last Tuesday night in Nassau, Bahamas when Owner/GM Ricardo Smith made the announcements that the season will be dedicated to two people who gave their heart and soul to the game of basketball in the Bahamas, one deceased, the other a living legend.

"I know of nowhere else in the world that a man will neglect family, leave important business unattended and make personal professional sacrifices without monetary compensation for a game he loves; it was simply said only in the Bahamas and only Coach Godfrey McQuay and Steven 'Stretch' Culmer," said Smith.

"They gave everything they had, everything for the love of the game and I mean everything," added Smith. "Coach McQuay died on a mission for his high school basketball team...now, that's dedication, that's commitment. When this mortal body of ours is saying to us that it's tired and can go no further, you give it that final push to complete a game you started. It's okay now. And Coach McQuay has captured that final victory, he has won his final game. Every game the Bahama All-Pro Show plays this year will be played in remembrance of Coach McQuay." A thunderous round of applause exploded in the room when the season was dedicated to him.

"When I look around I see many deserving of accolades and recognition, but it is very rare that we give these persons their just due while they are still alive," commented Smith. "So tonight I want to give someone his just due - Steven 'Stretch' Culmer, a 47-year old veteran came out to every tryout and ever practice in an effort to realize his dream that he has always had to play professional basketball. he has represented this country on national teams, played for three decades actively in the New Providence Basketball Association and other leagues always passing knowledge on to some up and coming youth and always making a good showing. Today, I want to make that dream come true for him to play pro ball - and 'Stretch' will be the newest member of our team. He will go down in history as one of the oldest active players in the ABA."