The longest serving president of the Bahamas Olympic Association now referred to as the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) Sir Arlington Butler was honored last evening at Government House.
Butler received the International Olympics Committee's (IOC) Pierre de Coubertin Award, the highest award given to any Bahamian outside of the Olympic gold medal. He was also president with the President's Meritorious Award. Butler served as president of the local Olympic committee for 35 years. "First, let me add my voice of congratulations to Sir Arlington on receiving the International Olympic Committee's Pierre de Coubertin Award," said Wellington Miller, current president of the BOC. "Sir Arlington is The Bahamas' own answer to Baron de Coubertin as an early and transformative leader of the Olympic Movement in The Bahamas.
"When I first sat down to think about what to say in tribute to Sir Arlington, I realized that I would be speaking amongst many colleagues and admirers. But I feel that I have a unique point of view, having served with Sir Arlington for four years as vice president at the Bahamas Olympic Association, and been around him for a further many more years. We in the Bahamas Olympic Committee thought it was very fitting to have this ceremony to honor Sir Arlington Butler for his wide involvement in sports and his long and unselfish service as president of The Bahamas Olympic Association, now committee.
"Sir Arlington has spent over 50 years in the service and administration of sports in The Bahamas. Any one of us in sports can testify that this kind of involvement will sooner or later become an annoyance to your family because you tend to be so passionate about sports and spend so much time in the exercise."
Representatives from eight national Olympic Committees were in attendance last evening, marking it as the largest Caribbean executive awards ceremony. Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Prime Minister Perry Christie, along with members of the BOC welcomed international guests like Mike Fennel, immediate past president of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Fortuna Belrose.
Belrose, area vice president of the Commonwealth Games Federation and president of St. Lucia Olympic Committee brought remarks. Also in attendance was Keith Joseph, area vice president of the Pan American Sports Organization. Joseph also serves as secretary general of St. Vincent and Grenadines Olympic Association.

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