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Bernard Nottage, former president of the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Confederation, died on Wednesday (28) at the age of 73 after a brief illness.
A former sprinter, Nottage participated in the 1962 Central American and Caribbean Games in Kingston, the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg and the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, where he formed part of the team that clocked a Bahamian record of 39.45, a mark that stood for 25 years.
Nottage finished his athletics career at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland.
After qualifying as a physician in 1969, he returned to The Bahamas in 1974. He concentrated in obstetrics and gynaecology, one of the first Bahamians to do so.
While in Aberdeen, Nottage participated in athletics and was head of the Scottish Athletes body.
He was provided the opportunity to be the chairman of the 1976 Carifta Games, the first international athletics event held in The Bahamas. Nottage later became president of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association and went on to become the longest-serving president of The BAAA, retiring in 1989.
Elected to the presidency of the Central American and Caribbean Athletics Confederation in 1982, Nottage was the first Bahamian to head a regional sporting association. His presidency was known for the introduction of technical and coaching education. The IAAF adapted some of the CAC’s ideas for coaching education. He served two terms, retiring in 1990.
At the 1987 IAAF Congress in Rome, Nottage was awarded the IAAF’s Veteran Pin, the first one awarded to a Bahamian.
In November of 1988 NACAC was formed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Nottage was elected vice president, along with Neville ‘Teddy’ McCook from Jamaica.
Nottage brought knowledge, passion and energy to sports administration. After many years away from the sport, he is still remembered warmly.
He is survived by his wife Portia, son Bryan, brothers Kendal and Phillip, and sister Sandra Sherman.
Alpheus Finlayson for the IAAF
