SVGCC Awards Ceremony well executed, take a bow

The brainchild and subsequently, the organisers of the first St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s Sports Awards must be highly commended for a well executed event.

Apart from the actual execution, the trappings, the décor, the precision, the attire of the nominees among other facets, when lumped proved to be an occasion worth attending.

It must be said that recognition of that kind is a compensation of one’s effort in all areas of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s sports programme.

The nominees had a second bite of recognition as they were already awarded at the respective events, save and except it was minus the pomp, as was the case on Thursday, June 23.

Surely, all the nominees’ spirit must have been lifted, as adjudicated were the Footballer of the Year, Netballer of the Year, Cricketer of the Year, Table Tennis Player of the Year, Basketballer of the Year, Volleyballer of the Year and Athlete of the Year.

Additionally, there was the Non- Affiliated Entity of the Year, the Division of the Year, the Most Promising Athlete, the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, and the Sports Personality of the Year.

Likewise, three corporate entities were recognized for their support to the college’s sports programme.

Staged in “Grammy Style”, whereby three nominees were called on stage, their respective citations read and the winner announced, added some flair and panache to the occasion.

Therefore, kudos are in order for the eventual winners, who were deserving to be nominated in the first instance.

Whilst praise is being heaped on Mr Roxell John and his team, there may be behind the scenes issues which did not come to the fore.

John may have put forward the idea, however, the college’s hierarchy must be lauded for its support for the event.

It must be noted that Director of the SVGCC, Nigel Scott in his brief remarks was quick to point out that the Sports Awards Ceremony cost a “ pretty penny”, but they are prepared to host it again.

Scott’s rubber stamping of the ceremony, has proved that it is worthwhile and a reward for the sportsmen and sportswomen who partake in the college’s sports competitions.

This column for years has been calling for national sporting bodies to have their internal awards ceremonies, thereby at least recognizing their efforts.

This is against the backdrop that the National Sports Awards are not a certainty. In addition, should the various sports associations host their individual award ceremonies it would be easier for worthy performers to advance to the wider National Awards ceremony.

It may now be a cue, as the college has done, others can follow suit. It is well known that some schools reward their top sports personnel at their Graduation Ceremonies, which is itself is a good get gesture.

But getting back to the SVGCC’s Sports Awards Ceremony, apart from the actual execution, the venue, the Hospitality and Maritime Training Institute at Diamond has been opened great potentialities.

The venue can now be looked at as one that can host similar events.

In addition, a leaf can be taken out of the organisers’ planning and execution and used by other organisations.

The event also brought to the fore what it means to have detailed planning, which would lessen the chances of pitfalls and faux pas.

To the organisers of the SVGCC’s event, you cannot rest on your laurels and not try to better the next occasion a similar awards ceremony.

For certain, there would have been things which did not go according to plan, as perfection is not always guaranteed.

You have a year to iron out the kinks and come stronger that ever when the 2023 ceremony is called.

For now, all who were responsible for the inaugural Sports Awards Ceremony, take a bow.