Even the weather paid tribute to the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA).
When the BAAA scheduled Sunday May 27 for its anchor event of the 60th year anniversary celebrations, organizers had no thought of gloomy, severe weather conditions that were experienced over the weekend. All week leading up to Sunday, the rain came down heavily. Early Sunday, into the 10 o'clock hour, rain poured down in the Oakes Field area, location of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre and the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium venue of the ceremony.
Then, as though planned by fate, the rain stopped, the clouds dissipated and the sun emerged. The stage was set for the BAAA's event and it was a grand affair. As far as milestone anniversary events go normally, the hall at the stadium was decorated in a modest fashion. The ceremony though was elegant in history, the backdrop being the connection of the eras, from the founding fathers to the new age BAAA shining stars of CARIFTA Games fame.
Families of six of the founding fathers (Sir Randol Fawkes, Edwin Davies, Fred Moultrie, Edward Mitchell, C.V. Bethel and Cyril Richardson) were on hand to accept the tributes on behalf of those pioneers in track and field. Eight of the 11 living presidents of the BAAA were present.
There, looking as venerable as ever, was Harold Munnings, the third president who presided over the organization from 1958 to 1963. Sir Arlington Butler, who led the BAAA from 1964 to 1968, was on hand. Present also were Winston Cooper (1972-1976), Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage (1976-1989), Alpheus Finlayson (1989-1997), Senator Desmond Bannister (1999-2006), Mike Sands (2006-2008, 2009-present) and Curt Hollingsworth (2008-2009).
Cyril 'Peepsight' Johnson, a member of the 1954 team that competed at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada, represented that group. Eldece Clarke and Pauline Davis-Thompson of the Original Golden Girls attended, as did Stephen Newbold, the sensational CARIFTA sprinter who helped to bridge the eras from 1952 to 2012.
The most prominent figure of the 60 years, Tommy Robinson, was not there but his role in the development process of the BAAA was well-documented in the special anniversary supplement and the video produced and presented by Stanley Mitchell, son of founding member Edward Mitchell.
The significance of the event was born out by the fact that two ministers of government showed up despite the fact that a very important Cabinet meeting was held on Sunday. The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Daniel Johnson stopped in before the Cabinet session. He greeted the gathering, and in his remarks, praised the organization and pledged ongoing support.
Dr. Nottage gave the official response for the past presidents and delighted listeners with exciting bits from his 13-year presidency. It was a crowning moment for Sands and his executives. Sands is growing in status as president. He had one of the great competitive careers during the 60 years, as the nation's most versatile sprinter, ever, (in my view).
Sunday's event enriched the legacy of the BAAA and for Sands and company the future certainly looks bright. Congratulations BAAA and best wishes this Olympic year and well beyond!
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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