Giving Jack his jacket

Although the second Awards of Excellence of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association did not come off last Saturday evening, that organisation must be commended for having planned a signature event.{{more}}

Unfortunately, the ceremony had to be postponed because of the death of one of the honourees Owen Cuffy. It is expected that Cuffy’s award will be granted posthumously, while George “GT” Browne and Mike Findlay will have their moment of glory soon.

The thought of rewarding excellence in such a manner must be complimented as it gives younger cricketers and other contributors to sports the hope that one day they will get a memento in recognition of their input one way or the other.

The nostalgic atmosphere that clothes such occasions leaves lasting memories on those who witness them.

Better late than never, the SVGCA has seen it fit to do so while the honourees are alive so that they can really savour the limelight.

The cricket association is the focus of attention at this time, but other sporting bodies have chosen this route to pay homage to their stalwarts.

National associations though need to embark on extensive research on past players and others who contributed to the development of sports here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Far too often when ceremonies of recognition are held there is a lack of information or photos of the honorees past achievements. Many of our past greats have passed on carrying with them living tales that were never recorded and stored.

Maybe the Ministry of Sports can appoint a research officer for this purpose, so that the experiences of persons who served before us can be properly documented and kept for posterity. The time has come too for a broad based committee to be set up to induct persons into a local Hall of Fame catering for the selected few whose contribution was exceptional.

Keeping in the vein of recognition, Earl “Ole George” Daniel and Joel Butcher, who have chosen distance walking as their field of endeavour, must be hailed as heroes in their own right.

Irrespective of the egoism that is sometimes glaring, Daniel especially has shown that any unthinkable feat can be achieved once you have that will power.

Whilst Daniel and Butcher have had the national and to an extent regional spotlight, among us there are some unsung heroes whose efforts go unnoticed. This column will take time out to salute some persons who have given valuable service to various sporting disciplines. But before I am chastised, let me say this list is a personal one.

For example, there is Bethel Ollivierre who for 18 years single handedly manned the gates of the Nutricia Centre renamed the Kingstown Netball Centre before giving it up in 2004. No ordinary perseverance, Ollivierre’s input was yeoman.

So too was that of Loretta Walker of the Marriaqua Netball competition. Of her own volition, she sits religiously at each match taking statistics and sometimes rivals the official scorers. What a hobby!

Over the years several sporting competitions here have been blessed by persons who day in and day out are “present please” at these events and are like walking encyclopedias. Some never missed a ball or a blink and can recall the date and time and what colour shirt or pants members of the crowd were wearing among other minute details. We salute the gentlemen and women who ensure that the shows go on.

However insignificant they may appear, and even though they do not get mentioned at the closing ceremonies, they often keep organisers on their toes. They form the unofficial bunch of selectors and worthy critics.

Whilst everyone else will be well clad, the LOC will have to go bare back for its continued lusty rendition of the “Sound of Silence” over the unavailability for general use of the Stubbs, Sion Hill and Arnos Vale Playing Fields.