The Bahamas’ National Hero, Gold Medalist and the oldest living Olympian, Sir Durward Knowles was honored at a luncheon last Friday by Rotarians from Rotary Club East Nassau at the Nassau Yacht Club in celebration of his 100th birthday on November 2nd.
All smiles, Sir Durward accompanied by his wife, Lady Holly Knowles and their children, he gleefully stated to the Journal , “I feel exceptionally good and life is great. I feel 100 percent perfect.”
A well-known humanitarian and philanthropist, Sir Durward Knowles has been involved in almost every aspect of Bahamian society. The Rotary Club in collaboration with the One Bahamas Foundation and ALIV came together to celebrate the momentous occasion.
The Journal spoke with Fred Munnings Jr. and Chief ALIV Champion Johnny Ingle about their roles with One Bahamas as the countdown to Sir Durward Knowles’ Birthday on November 2nd moves forward.
Starting a subcommittee in Sir Durward’s honor ‘100 days to the 100 years of Sir Durward’s life’, Mr. Munnings detailed the events which have taken place up to this point.
“We were responsible for organizing that activity on a 100 day countdown. We started 100 days ago and we are now down to 14 days. We have also planned a series of activities.
“In the last month alone, we have done a virtual essay competition where we included primary school children and junior and senior high school children, so they may know about this great man, a Bahamian icon.”
Detailing ALIV’s contribution, Mr. Munnings expressed thanks to ALIV for partnering with the subcommittee and flying in any of the family island contestants who are among the winners into Nassau for the final competition.
The One Bahamas Foundation partnered with ALIV one year ago. Since then, ALIV has sponsored all activities and endeavours of One Bahamas Foundation.
Mr. Munnings also shared the debut of his song “Throughout my lifetime” he released on Friday specially written for Sir Durward Knowles which depicted the contribution he has made to the world.
Mr. Ingle sharing his thoughts about partnering with the One Bahamas Foundation said, “One can never forget the tradition of the One Bahamas Foundation and we must always acknowledge the work they have done over the many years in this phenomenal country.
“We are coming out from a position of respect and humility. We support One Bahamas because it is an organization that has one central theme and goal, which is the unification through character, humility and respect of everyone in The Bahamas.
Extolling ALIV’s contribution to Bahamian communities, Mr. Ingle stated, “in our own small way, ALIV is doing the same thing; connecting communities and connecting Bahamians with the best value, choice and network. We are making an investment in The Bahamas’ community.”
Sir Durward Knowles is a successful businessman and one of the driving forces behind the One Bahamas Foundation which strives to unite all Bahamians.
Also unveiled during the luncheon was a statement Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis commemorating November 2nd, Sir Durward’s Birthday, as Sir Durward Knowles Day.
