Sport-historical events leading to the South African Amateur Athletics and Cycling Board of Control

Abstract

The South African Amateur Athletics Board (SAAAB) is a forgotten memory in South African history. Yet, it provided many athletes an opportunity for recognised participation in sport that was denied them by the Apartheid regime. Established in 1946, it was part of the post Second World War efforts by black sport administrators to provide grassroots participation and to gain international recognition. Central in this effort was Reverend Bernard Sigamoney who was a prominent figure in uniting cricket, soccer and other sports. Evidence exists that proves black sport administrators were influenced by international events, such as the 1936 Olympic Games, to organise themselves nationally. Initially, the two major provinces that spearheaded the SAAAB were Western Province and Natal. Both provinces relied on schools as feeder systems for athletic competitions. However, poor facilities and the absence of qualified physical education teachers at schools, as was the case in the US, hampered athletic development. Nevertheless, the SAAAB left a legacy footprint of efficient administrators and administration that is accessible to historians to create narratives of events leading to its establishment. These developments are captured through a sport-historical narrative that utilises media sources and the author's private collection.