NSC Chairman defends venue for national sports awards

Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC) Jules Anthony believes that despite misgivings by some about the 2013 National Sports Awards being held at Spring Garden, the ceremony, set for February 15, 2014, will surpass previous years.{{more}}

After the absence of two years, the event returns, however, there has been opposition to the venue, with some feeling that the venue, is “too far out of town” and has been “taken away from the people,” but Anthony differs.

Spring Garden is located at Spring Estate in the South Windward area, about 13 miles from capital Kingstown.

“…The venue provides an ambience which befits the occasion and I can assure you that it will be bigger and better,” Anthony told SEARCHLIGHT.

Anthony revealed that the organizing committee, headed by Julian Burgin, will provide a shuttle bus for the nominees who may have difficulty in getting to the venue.

The NSC chair revealed that they just wanted to do something different from previous years and the change of venue was one such variance.

“It will be different, because after the ceremony, there will be a ball, where the awardees and other invited guests can have a night of toasts and celebration,” Anthony proffered.

The then Lyric Cinema, the Peace Memorial Hall, the Methodist Church Hall and the Media Centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field are some of the venues which hosted the awards in recent times.

With the 2013 awards set to take place as planned, Anthony noted that most of the elements needed to stage the event are in place.

He added that one former Sports Personality of the Year – Saska Diamond, who has benefitted through sports, will be the featured speaker.

Anthony said that the entertainment package will see reigning calypso monarch Shernell “Skarpyon” Williams adding variety to the pomp and pageantry.

But Anthony reaffirmed that the night will be for the awardees.

The categories to be awarded are: Junior Sportsman of the Year, Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Senior Sportsman of the Year, Senior Sportswoman of the Year, Coach of the Year and the Association of the Year.

The big prize, however, will be that of Sports Personality of the Year.

Apart from the accolades, the winners of the categories will receive cash awards, which reflect an increase over previous years. The junior awardees will get $1,200 each, while the seniors are in line for $2,500 per person. The Sports Personality of the Year pockets $4000.

Also to be revealed on the night are Sports Journalist of the Year and Sports Photographer of the Year. The theme for the awards ceremony is : “Achieving sporting greatness through fair play”. (RT)