Championship team will hold one-day clinic for 150 Bahamian students

NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept. 26, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's about to get a few degrees hotter this week. The Miami HEAT arrives in New Providence later today for the start of their week long training camp, during which time the championship team will also hold a basketball clinic for 150 school children from across The Bahamas.

The Alonzo Mourning clinic will take place on September 29 at 12 p.m. at the Atlantis Ballroom, which has been transformed into a basketball court for the week.

The Miami HEAT previously held a training camp at the Atlantis ahead of its 2013/2014 season as part of its ongoing multi-year partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry is bringing in the top basketball students from various Islands of The Bahamas to benefit from the once in a lifetime opportunity.

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the opportunity for young players to work with such elite athletes is priceless.

"We'll have kids from several islands come down to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity," he said. "The kids watch these guys play on their televisions. Many of them look to these players for inspiration and many of them have dreams of someday making it to the NBA themselves. We know that it's not impossible. This opportunity will foster hope in some of our junior athletes. We are excited that our partner, the Miami HEAT, has agreed to put on this clinic in the middle of their training camp."

The camp, which will run from September 27 to October 1, 2016, will also be held at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. The team will conduct two-a-day practice sessions.

The HEAT's three-day training camp back in 2013 garnered much international attention for The Bahamas, and this year the NBA Team is extending its stay. Wilchombe is expecting even more priceless publicity for the destination.

"We are delighted to host them again. The Miami HEAT is still one of the biggest professional sporting fans with many loyal fans. They are also bringing media down with them again this year which will result in dozens of television, print and online stories mentioning The Bahamas. This organic advertising is priceless," Wichcombe said.

Also as a part of the Ministry's partnership with the HEAT, The Bahamas will take over the American Airlines Arena when the Miami HEAT takes on Buddy Hield and the New Orleans Pelicans on March 15. In the run-up to the anticipated matchup, the Miami HEAT is waiving ticket fees for Bahamians specifically for that game.

Tickets for the game can be purchased online at: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/heat/EN/link/promotion/home/ca476993194d641566a160b061df1dbc44783493. Bahamians are asked to use the password 'HEATBAHAMAS' to gain access to the discounted tickets. You can also access the link on TourismToday.com.

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook Twitter and YouTube
 

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CONTACT: Media Contacts:
         Krystel Brown
         Krbrown@bahamas.com
         (242) 397-2793
         
         Anita Johnson-Patty
         ajohnson@bahamas.com
         (954) 236-9292