The Tribune

THE Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of the late Kingsley Poitier, who passed away on April 19.

Son of the soil and bodybuilding champion, Mr Poitier is remembered as a sporting giant and trailblazer having achieved among his many accomplishments the title of The Bahamas ‘‘1965 Mr World odybuilding Champion’ and induction into the National Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

In our early era of sports development in the country, Kingsley was already demonstrating the tenets of what it took to become a champion.

Dedicated and committed to his unique ability to sculpt his body, Kingsley would go on to establish himself as one of the top, elite bodybuilders of the world, evidenced when he would win the ‘Most Muscular’ award at the 1962 Mr Universe competition in New York.

Two years later, in 1964, Kingsley would go on to again win the ‘Most Muscular’ award at the Mr World competition in Montreal, Canada. These tremendous performances alone broke new ground for Bahamian bodybuilding and marked the first time that a Bahamian had achieved any kind of international recognition in the sport of bodybuilding.

In 1965, before a large audience which filled the Paul Sauve Centre in Montreal, Canada, Kingsley would give the performance of his life. He dominated the stage and captured the prestigious international title of Mr World.

In 1966, along with eight other sports trailblazers (Thomas Robinson, Durward Knowles, Sloan Farrington, Cecil Cooke, Gomeo Brennen, Timothy Barrett, Fr Marcian Peters, and Andre Rodgers), Kingsley was recognised for his outstanding achievements during the official opening of the Sports Centre (currently known as the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre).

Later, attaining the title of Hall of Famer, Poitier was recognised as a national builder for his outstanding accomplishments and contribution to the development of our national sports landscape, and in particular the sport of bodybuilding.

A sportsman worthy of honour, Mr Poitier has served as an inspiration to many, and has left an indelible mark on the Bahamian sports brand.

On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture we extend condolences to the bereaved family, the Bodybuilding Federation, and the entire sports community as we mourn his passing. May his soul rest in peace.