Leap of Faith jumpers receive new uniforms

James Rolle, a level five International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF), now World Athletics (WA), jumps coach, has produced some of the absolute best jumpers in The Bahamas, but has never received that elusive sponsorship.

In his heyday, Rolle was an elite high jumper, and in the coaching ranks, he has proven himself as one of the top jumps coaches in the region. Through his Leap of Faith Club, Rolle has coached athletes at all levels, from CARIFTA straight up to the Olympics, and is looking for continued progression from his stable of jumpers this year.

Coming on board to provide new uniforms and gear for his club this year is avid sports fan and supporter of sports in The Bahamas George “Bommer George” Armbrister, owner and operator of Bommer George Trucking Service and Bommer Heavy Equipment Machine Rental. Armbrister is one of the more faithful and dedicated sponsors of sports in The Bahamas, and has been that way for quite some time. He has thrown financial support behind just about every major sporting discipline in The Bahamas, whether to individuals, clubs or associations.

“We’re just grateful for the consideration,” said Rolle. “This feels great. This is our first time getting sponsored, and it shows that ‘Bommer George’ is a man of his word and a man who is dedicated to the development of sports in The Bahamas. This is going to benefit the kids tremendously. They love it, and they’re ready to perform. Now, you can’t miss us when we perform. I’m looking forward to some great results this year.”

Rolle said he came up with the color and design of the uniforms himself and Armbrister facilitated the cost. They will be worn at local club meets and foreign meets that his athletes are invited to. The debut of the new uniforms will be this weekend at the T-Bird Flyers Track and Field Classic. That meet is set for Friday and Saturday at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

“When you look at these uniforms, you will see that they are of high quality. They’re just different from what we had before,” said Rolle. “In these tough times, with limited funding and sponsors cutting back, we are indeed grateful that ‘Bommer George’ has stepped up to give back to athletes in this Olympic year. I’m training Olympians home-grown. Everyone looks good – all of them will have good years. Once we get in meets you will see the high-quality performances.”

Collegiate standouts Daejha Moss, Charisma Taylor, Holland Martin, LaQuan Nairn, Stony Duncanson and Jyles Etienne are members of the Leap of Faith Club. Also, national record holder in the women’s triple jump Tamara Myers is a member of the club. Rolle coaches athletes in the high, long and triple jump events, and is a qualified coach for the pole vault as well.

He and his athletes had to make a difficult 

adjustment due to the arrival of COVID-19 and the ensuing national restrictions last year, limiting practices and training sessions, but said that he expects the year 2021 to be more accommodating.

“It was hard at the beginning, not able to put in any gym work and training, but we adjusted. We just worked out every chance that we had. We were determined to put in the work,” said Rolle. “Although we didn’t have the services of the weight room, we did a lot of hills and a lot of work online. I believe that 2021 will be a very productive year for the Leap of Faith jumpers.”

Some of the athletes from Leap of Faith are returning to their respective colleges this week. Others will continue to work out with Rolle locally. He said he is expecting a grand year from all of them.

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