‘Forever Jilly’ legacy empowers Bahamian youths at Marathon Bahamas
Honouring late Jill Stewart
Published:Saturday | January 27, 2024 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/ Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Fifty exceptionally talented Bahamian youths were the recipients of the inaugural ‘Forever Jilly’ legacy project, launched in honour of the late Jill Stewart during the Marathon Bahamas two weekends ago in Nassau.
Stewart, a Bahamian native who became a naturalised Jamaican and lived here for 14 years until her passing in July 2023, was remembered through this initiative.
Launched under the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers programme, similar to the Jamaican cadets, the majority of these youngsters hail from inner-city communities and are part of two legacy projects aimed at making a positive impact in Stewart’s birthplace.
Adam Stewart, Jill’s husband, explained the Ranger programme’s focus on youth development, emphasising mentorship in sports and academics. Stewart had a passion for running and ran marathons and 10Ks worldwide.
The Ranger programme aims to nurture character and leadership qualities to mould future leaders in The Bahamas.
Speaking at a pre-race reception attended by nearly 150 ‘Run for Jilly’ supporters at Sandals Royal Bahamian, Adam Stewart shared the initiative’s broader goals, stating, “We not only encouraged them to join us on the run on Sunday, but we are also working alongside them to assess their needs, whether it’s training equipment, computers, etc. We are now collaborating to provide donations of these items to help build the programme in Nassau and the family islands.”
The second legacy project involves a significant contribution to the expansion of the Cancer Society of Bahamas care centre.
Adam Stewart informed the gathering, which included the ‘Forever Jilly’ team representing Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Florida, Canada, and the United Kingdom, that the care centre supports Bahamians from the family islands who travel to Nassau for treatment. The initiative will not only provide comfort to families during a stressful period but also collaborates with the cancer society programmes to educate on healthy lifestyles.
The father of three, who spoke passionately about the love he shared with his late wife, received high praises from Marathon Nassau’s founder, businessman Sir Franklyn Wilson, who described him as a model for other Caribbean men. “If we could get more Caribbean men to love their wives the way you do, we would be setting better examples across the region,” said Wilson.
After completing the half marathon on Sunday, Adam Stewart expressed amazement at how his wife’s spirit carried him through the race, saying, “I never stopped for a minute. I ran the entire thing. I also saw dozens and dozens of people who have never run before, running out there on the course today for Jilly, and it was amazing.”
Throughout the course, signs marked ‘Forever Jilly’ paid tribute to a courageous woman who valiantly fought for her life against sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Now in its 12th year, Marathon Bahamas showcases the destination’s focal points.
The event included a 5K Pink Run for cancer, a half marathon, a four-person relay, and a full marathon of 26.2 miles, with runners from 19 countries participating in the event.
The Forever Jilly team won the largest corporate team, while Jamaican Kemar Leslie of Rainforest Caribbean won the half marathon in fine style.