The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Olympic Committee, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, officially kicked off the public campaign to commemorate one of the greatest feats in Bahamian sporting history.

Legendary skipper Sir Durward Knowles and his crew member, the late Cecil Cooke, will be honoured by the organisations on the 50th anniversary of their gold-medal performance at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Tickets went on sale yesterday for the gala banquet, under the theme ‘Celebrating 50 years of glory in the Bahamas,’ to be held in the Crown Ballroom of Atlantis resort on Paradise Island on October 23 - 50 years to the day the duo won the medal.

The luncheon, to be hosted noon to 3pm, will be held under the patronage of Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

BOC president Wellington Miller said the public should be galvanised to support the icons who changed the way sports was viewed in the Bahamas.

“This is something wonderful that took place 50 years ago at the Tokyo Olympic Games and has transformed the lives of every Bahamian. We are grateful for this accomplishment and that results, even 50 years later. We are acknowledging this feat and invite you to be a part of history,” he said.

“We are kicking off our ticket sales for this event and we are encouraging you to get your tickets early as many of our top corporate sponsors are purchasing tables for 10 of their staff, family and customers. This event is historic and many of us would like to tell our children and grandchildren that we were there. We expect a sold out event and a memorable time. Please spread the word and get your ticket early. We want every Bahamian to rejoice in this occasion.”

According to Miller, there will be a number of dignitaries coming in from all over the world, including a senior member of the International Olympic Committee, who will present the President’s medal.

“We have several visiting sports dignitaries of the highest order coming to join us in this celebration. There will be door prizes, a commemorative booklet to mark the occasion, special tribute and gift to Sir Durward Knowles and the family of the late Cecil Cooke. This will be an occasion that will forever be etched in Bahamian history as we share this moment with the world,” Miller said. “The Japanese Olympic Committee, they are using the month of October to celebrate their country hosting the Olympics that fateful year. All we are asking the Bahamian public to do is to come out and celebrate for three hours and I don’t think that’s asking too much.”

Tim Munnings, director of sports, heralded the celebration as bigger than sports, but is a true national event.

“Because of the significance of the achievement and the significance of the persons involved, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture Dr Daniel Johnson has graciously agreed to let the ministry partner with the BOC because this is not just a sporting event, this is not just a sailing event, this is a national event,” he said. “This milestone was a catalyst for all the athletes that are now winning medals because it set the benchmark for athletes saying ‘if that was done then, we can do it now.’”

The witty Knowles, a former vice president of the Bahamas Olympic Association (before it was changed to Committee), said although he’s been fortunate to get all of the recognition as the skipper, he knew that he could not have succeeded without the support of Cooke, who along with his wife was unfortunately killed in a car accident.

“I really think this is a great, great honour that will be held on October 23, recognising the first gold medal that has ever been won by the Bahamas,” Knowles said. “To be fair, I try to be fair in anytime I say it. I always try to be fair with everybody because I didn’t do it all by myself.

“At that time, Cecil Cooke came to sail with me in Tokyo and he asked me what was important to have a crew that keeps you on the edge. It’s amazing how Cecil and I sailed together, but he was the joy of the party. He kept the people in the hotel amused. I’m very sorry that he could not be here today.”

On the recognition for both of them, Knowles said he’s thrilled that all of the sporting bodies and the minister of sports will be there for the ceremony.

“I appreciate Cecil being in the boat with me,” Knowles said. “Without Cecil, the medal would not have been won. That’s how far it goes. I’m not taking full credit for sailing the boat. But the first people the reporters talk to is the skipper. I take the responsibility.”

Interested persons can contact the BOC office at the Quantam Plaza, Soldier Road Nort, at 394-8143 or e-mail: nocbah@coralwave.com