For most people going to Hawaii is a dream holiday. For George Bodden, he will going to the pacific nation for school.
Bodden, 17, is slated to attend Hawaii Pacific University next year to pursue an undergraduate degree related to marine biology. The young man is an avid darts player and is the son of deceased sportsman Vivian Rankine.
The annual tournament in Vivian’s honour concluded recently and George states he plans to continue playing the sport his father loved.
“Hawaii Pacific has one of the best marine biology programmes out there,” Bodden said. “It’s going to be weird but with family friends already over there it should be pretty good. I plan to keep playing darts when I’m there. I’m going to take my dart board up there.”
For the record, Hawaii Pacific is located in Honolulu and is relatively new, having started in 1965. The private institution has almost 9,000 students representing about 100 countries. The school has an Oceanic Institute that offers research programmes in the marine and oceanic sciences.
Bodden threw out the first few darts of the Vivian Rankine competition, held as usual at Corner Pocket. Some 25 competitors took part this year. Filipino star Mel Tagalog retained his title as overall tournament champion for the second straight year. A number of his countrymen earned trophies including Eugene Deguzman, Randy Cruz and Rodan Asuncion.
The tournament, in its 12th year, is in memory of Vivian Rankine, who passed away in 1999. Bodden, who came out with his aunt Rosa Echenique and in the past with his mum Mavita Rankine, states he is pleased the event has honoured his dad for so long.
“I’m really happy, it shows so many people love him and the game. My dad had some good friends.”
The competition has directly benefitted Bodden over the years. Every year the proceeds of the event go towards a scholarship fund in his name. Heading into this year, the account had a balance of over $13,000.
Organizer Martin Bodden, who used to be a police officer for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service alongside Vivian, states George’s journey to school will close the tournament and the fund next year.
“Last year we raised about $1,464 and we’ve averaged roughly $1,000 a year,” Martin said. “Next year we have big plans and a nice send-off cheque will be handed over to George. I’m thrilled and happy to play a part in his education.
“George has grown over the years and we’ve watched him develop. We’re happy to see George come out consistently to honour his dad and that inspires us to keep playing. We’re very supportive of him. We’re always happy to see him open the tournament.
“It should also be noted that the rest of the family has been very supportive as they have sold food during the tournament over the years. We’re grateful for their support.”
This year’s event took on an extra sombre tone as fellow darts figures Trevor Lloyd (who passed away last November) and Archie Dixon (who died this month) were also honoured. Martin states both men were notable parts of local darts.
“We’re grateful for George’s presence and we know the darts fraternity has taken some licks. We did a moment of silence for Trevor and Archie. As you know Trevor was instrumental in the tournament over the years and his memory will always live on. Francine Lloyd, Trevor’s widow, was unable to attend but passed on her regrets and expressed her thanks for everyone’s support.”
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