The Bahamas and Olympism

Transcription

1 The Bahamas and Olympism We who have been called to serve this organisation look back with pride on the various achievements; we remember with affection and gratitude those who proceeded us in office and whose works and achievements are themselves monuments to be cherished by the Bahamian people. Arlington G. Butler President of the Bahamas Olympic Association. THE BAHAMAS 13,935 sq. km. 312,000 inhabitants. Role of the BOA The Bahamas Olympic Association ensures the country s representation at the Olympic Games. It seeks to uphold and nurture the Olympic spirit in accordance with the directions laid down by the IOC. It serves as a top criterion of achievement to other sporting bodies and encourages the preparation of Olympic athletes. It is recognised by the Bahamian government and maintains a close working relationship with the Ministry of Sport. THE BAHAMAS OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (BOA) Founded on 8th May Recognised by the IOC in President in office : Arlington G. Butler*. Secretary General in office: John Hedden. Address: Box No. 4916, Nassau, Bahamas. Telephone : Cable : Olympic Nassau. * See biographical notes. Creation The BOA was formed early in 1952 and was recoanised by the IOC later the same year. In 1948 Durward Knowles, a Bahamian sailor who was good enough for Olympic competition in the star class yachting category, was unable to take part in the Games of the XlVth Olympiad, held in London, because no National Olympic Committee yet existed in the Bahamas. As 1952 dawned, and it was learnt that the Olympic Games were to be held in Helsinki, local sports leaders determined that Knowles should sail in Helsinki for the glory and honour of his own country, instead of that of another. Hence the decision was taken to form the BOA. 458

2 The members of the NOC: Percy Knowles (VPT), Rudy Moultrie (VPT), Durward Knowles (VPT), John Hedden (S). Arlington Butler (President), Lawrence Davies (Assistant Secretary), Harcouri Rolle (VPT), Enoch Backford (VPT). On 8th May 1952, seven men met at the House of Myers : George Roberts, A. F. Adderley, James Robertson, Eustace Myers, Chris M. Brown, Roscoe Albury and Gerald Cash *. After a few preparatory meetings, a constitution was drafted by Gerald Cash *. The first officers were elected as follows: PT: A. F. Adderley ; MS: Godfrey Higgs, Roscoe Albury, Chris. Brown ; T: James Robertson ; S: Gerald Cash * ; Asst. S. : Eustace Myers. Development The Association has been fortunate in remaining an organisation to which members of the public have subscribed readily and, through their generous contributions, it has been able to send many teams to many countries to carry the banner of the Bahamas in sporting competition. It receives a subsidy from the government and works closely with the Ministry of Sport in developing the nation s athletic potential. Its frequent fund-raising activities have always been a tremendous success. Whilst the results obtained by its athletes in various competitions have not always been outstanding, the list of successes achieved over the years remains most satisfactory and includes gold, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic Games. In 1952, the BOA began with four affiliated sports bodies and 25 years later, there are now nine such organisations under its umbrella. Considerable work has been accomplished by the Association in the development of amateur sport in the last 25 years, as is evidenced by the regular and healthy growth in membership. The BOA has been fortunate to have had at its helm some very important, dedicated and capable men. In addition, presidents and chief executives alike have been strongly supported by their executive committee members. In the few years that Mr. Butler has been president, he has gained universal respect as an international sports leader. His election to the IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission is a great honour for a small nation like the Bahamas. Successive Presidents of the BOA : Sir George Roberts : Robert H. Symonette : Dr. Norman Gay. Since 1973 : Arlington G. Butler *. 459

3 THE BAHAMAS Representation of the Bahamas at the AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES Olympic Games from 1952 to Date of first participation : Since their first appearance in Helsinki, athletes from the Bahamas have taken part in each successive celebration of the Olympiad until They were absent in Moscou, They have yet, however, to participate in the Winter Games (1) (1) (1) (1) The figures in brackets represent the number of participants included in the first figure. Montreal 1976 : The delegation from the Bahamas. 460

4 The Olympic champions of the Bahamas The yacht GEM V of Know/es and Cooke in action. Titles obtained at the Olympics Games Name Christian Name Sport Event Year Born Died Notes Knowles Durward Sailing star Already 3rd in 1956 Randolph with his crew member Sloane Farrington Cooke Cecil G Sailing star lt must also be mentioned that the Bahamas also had finalists in athletics in the Games : in Tokyo (1964), Tommie Robinson gave a brilliant performance; in Montreal (1976), Fletcher Lewis performed an athletic feat of valour and was near to winning a medal. 461

5 PRESENT ORGANISATION OF THE BOA The statutes of the BOA currently in force were approved on 29th April Composition The BOA is made up of those amateur sports federations recognised in the Bahamas. The Annual General Meeting of the Association is attended by two representatives from each federation affiliated to the NOC. The meeting deals with matters of general interest to the Association including the presentation of the financial report and the election of officers. The Committee, which is responsible for the daily management of the Association s affairs, comprises a maximum of ten officials: a president, not more than six vice-presidents, a treasurer, a secretary and an assistant secretary. Present members of the Committee PT: Arlington G. Butler*; VPT's: Rudy Moultrie ; Percy Knowles ; Durward Knowles ; the 1964 Olympic champion, Harcourt Rolle ; S: John Hedden ; Asst. S. : Lawrence Davis. Federations affiliated to the BOA Federation IF affiliation Athletics 1952 Basketball 1962 Boxing 1970 Cycling 1970 Football 1968 Wrestling 1967 Swimming 1950 Volleyball 1968 Yachting - THE OLYMPIC FLAME When the Games of the XlXth Olympiad were held in Mexico City in 1968, the Bahamas shared in Olympic history when the Olympic flame passed we the island of San Salvador, one of Bahamas chain. The flame was transported from Spain to San Salvador aboard a Spanish warship. The Bahamas Olympic Association, under the presidency of Robert H. (Bobby) Symonette and the Government of the Bahamas, under the leadership of Lynden 0. Pindling, worked together splendidly to mark the occasion in true Olympic style amid great celebration. The flame. once taken off the ship. was entrusted to athletes from the Bahamas Amateur Association who made a circuit of the Island with if. It was then handed over to Rudolph Moultrie, vice-presrdent of the BOA who Iit the brazier in the specially constructed monument, Following this, Mr. Moultrie handed the flame to Lic Juan Manuel Gallastegui, a representative of the Organising Committee of the Games who then took it by sea on the final leg of Its journey to Mexico City, Arrangements for the government organised celebrations were handled by Senator Doris Johnson, who did a splendid job. A large ocean going liner was specially chartered to transport the many sports and government dignitaries, both local and foreign, and high-ranking government representatives from neighbouring Caribbean Islands to the Bahamas for this historic occasion. On hand to provide entertainment were colourful dancers and members of a local theatre from Nassau. To mark the occasion, the Organising Committee of the Games constructed a special monument and brazier out of bronze. The work on this landmark was undertaken by Mexican engineers and craftsmen. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES Arlington G. Butler President of the BOA since Head of the law firm Butler. Russell & Co., he was formerly an educator, Following training in the United Kingdom, he returned to the Bahamas in the early sixties and took up a position as mathematics and physical education teacher at the Government High School. He had previously served as headmaster on several neighbouring Islands in the Bahamas chain. Mr. Butler then left the public service to become involved in politics. Later he took up a position as deputy headmaster at Prince William Jordan Memorial School FolIowing his election to the House of Assembly, he served first es Deputy House Speaker and then, after the 1972 general election, as Speaker It was in this role that Mr. Butler made a commendable name for himself es an impartial and fearless Speaker who placed the duties of office above party politics. Sir Gerald Cash Governor-General. Founder member and first secretary of the BOA, Sir Gerald has remained an ardent supporter of the organisation. A barrister-at-law, he trained in the UK and, prior to his appointment as Governor, was head of the law firm, Cash, Fountain & Bowe. 462