Don Saunders Jr competes in Carifta Swim, tribute to slain father
In a tremendous display of resilience and determination, the son of slain Bahamian politician Donald “Don” Saunders took to the starting line today for the boys five-kilometre swim at the Carifta Open Water Championships.
Don Saunders Jr was cheered on by family, friends and teammates as he entered the water at Goodman’s Bay in Nassau for the gruelling swim.
He finished eighth in the boys 16-18 category.
Don Jr was the second Bahamian to complete the course.
Speaking with reporters after his tremendous effort, Don Jr said he swam in memory of his father, who was gunned down last week during a botched armed robbery.
“I swam for my dad. I know he’s proud of me and I just wanted to make him proud. I know he would have been out on the boat cheering me on,” Don Jr said.
Don Jr said he had a tough race, but he was confident in his abilities to complete the course.
The young swimmer said the kind words of Bahamians meant a lot to him as he battled with grief.
Last evening was particularly emotional for the teen, as he was commended by Prime Minister Philip Davis for his determination to bring pride to his family and the Bahamian people.
Meanwhile, Don Jr’s mother, Tiffany Saunders, beamed with pride as she greeted him shoreside after the race.
She told reporters that Don Jr “exuded much courage” throughout the race.
She noted that swimming today was all her son’s decision and she was proud of him for doing his best in the face of adversity.
