Wellington Miller, the quiet leader, who heads the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) and the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB), is the Rodney Dangerfield of the nation's sports fraternity.
The late American comedian Dangerfield coined the phrase "I get no respect" and rose to new career heights in his unique self-depreciating style. Wellington Miller is one of the low-key sports leaders, but actually, the most powerful of them all. However, he gets no respect, for the most part.
In the past, he has had to deal with BOC executives who felt they were better suited to lead. All he did was beat them at every turn. He made inroads quietly, that connected him to those who made a difference and enabled him to remain in the top chair of the most significant sports organization in the country.
In other world areas, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) President is appropriately appreciated and allowed to have a significant presence at any sports event that takes place and also most of the social affairs. He/she is thought of in that way and afforded priority consideration. Sometimes Miller gets that kind of treatment. On other occasions, he does not. Nevertheless, he just moves along, cementing the respect of the BOC around the world. He has become a comfortable fit for NOC colleagues wherever the Olympic movement is prominent.
Also, he is building a reputation for adhering to the mandate of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A case in point is the Grand Bahama Youth Olympic Games. A priority item on the IOC's agenda is the establishment of the Youth Olympic Games in the jurisdictions of all NOCs. Around the world, some NOCs are just getting around to putting this new arm of the Olympic Movement in place. Others have been more proactive.
The BOC is in the proactive category. On Monday past, with patron Churchill Tener-Knowles officially lighting the torch in the Ranfurly Circus circle, the Grand Bahama Youth Olympic Games got underway. It was a historic occasion, a first for The Bahamas and perhaps for the region.
With BOC Vice President Iram Lewis charged with the Chief Coordinator responsibilities, the Grand Bahama Youth Olympic Games look to become a signature happening, certainly for Grand Bahama. The sports leaders in Grand Bahama rallied around Lewis and his associates. The enthusiasm is sky high. Community leaders such as James Vega openly predict victory.
The format of the games is built around communities competing in seven disciplines for superiority and of course, bragging rights. Vega goes off loudly for Eight Mile Rock.
All in all, the BOC has brought something very special to Grand Bahama. Competition in softball, baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, swimming and track and field will continue throughout the weekend at various locations, the YMCA Field, the Grand Bahama Sports Complex, the Lucayan Tennis Centre, the St. Georges High School and Jack Hayward High gyms.
It's a fabulous sports time in Grand Bahama! Miller and his BOC executives are to be congratulated.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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