Having staged what they consider a successful 2009 National Sports Awards the Department of Ministry of Social Youth and Sports has again team up with the firm Accela Marketing.
From all accounts it was “Cool Runnings” last year and with Acella on board once again it seems the department has adopted the old American adage “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
With that in mind you can expect only a few changes when this prestigious event takes place February 19 at the Gaiety, Rodney Bay. Once again this prestigious event is under the patronage of Her Excellency, Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy.
On Thursday, at the Ministry of Social Transformation Conference Room, the media received an update on plans for the staging of the 2010 National Sports Awards. Officials present included Deputy Permanent Secretary in Department of Youth and Sports; Joanna Raynolds Arthurton; Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Claudia Jn Bapiste; Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Patrick Mathurin along with Saralee Williams and Ligorious Marquis. Schools Curriculum officer Michael “Midget” chaired the proceedings.
During his brief remarks, Mathurin pointed out that so far nomination forms have been submitted by the following sports associations for their Sports personality of the Year which in turn makes their eligible for the following prestigious awards: Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Junior Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sportsman of the Year. So far nomination forms have been received from the following sports associations: Athletics, boxing, basketball, cricket, darts, dominos, football, moto cross, netball, sailing, swimming and volleyball. The deadline for nomination forms to be turned in was January 14.
For associations who did not meet the deadline and turned in late nomination forms there is a penalty. While their Sports Personality of the Year will be recognized during the National Sports Awards they will not be eligible for the prestigious awards previously mentioned.
While there have been several outstanding performances by individual and teams in 2010 off the field it has been somewhat of a turbulent year as we said farewell to three well known individuals who left a lasting impression in the field of sports.
“Last year was a tragic one literally speaking as far as sports in St Lucia is concerned,” said Pierre. “It would be remiss of me if I did not mention here the passing of some stalwarts who contributed immensely towards the development of sports in St Lucia.”
He mentioned camera man Francis Tobias formerly of Helen Television System (HTS) who covered sporting events throughout St Lucia and has been honoured on more than one occasion at these National Sports Awards which he attended regularly.
He also acknowledged the contributions in basketball by the late Morgan George known to all as Mr Magic and by Kenneth “Wriggler” King who on Tuesday had the new Multi-Purpose Sports Complex at the Gardens named in his honour. (see separate story on the back page).
They will be remembered and recognized at this year’s National Sports Awards.
