Hampton honours stalwarts

THE 29th Hampton International Games Organising Committee hosted a fund raising award ceremony breakfast at the Savannah Terrace of the Hilton Trinidad in aid of the games and as an opportunity to honour the sporting elite of yesteryear.

Keisha and Kareem Codrington opened the morning with the National Anthem played on the National Instrument. The young pannists then set the mood with renditions of Black Orpheus, William Tell and Voices of Spring among others. After breakfast was served awards for dedication in sport were presented to Merlyne Reid Edwards, 100m and 100m Relay Gold Medallist, scorer/ recorder and Games Secretary; next was Aubrey Andrew Edwards, Hampton foundation member, Vice-President in 1963 and President in 1964 and 1965.

Ray Davis was next to be honoured and his impressive resume continued to roll in. Davis was a  TEXACO Sports Club athletics official before going over to the Hampton International Games and serving on the Organisation and Management Commitee Dawn Washington was honoured for her presence as an athlete from 1976 to the present where she now serves as a games official and due to her absence her mother proudly collected the accolade. Garth Davis was not present but his former coach received his award for him, and Kenrick Bernard, a 5k, 10k and road runner was also awarded for his long service from the late 50’s to the present.

Clyde James was honoured posthumously for his vibrancy, his caring character and his achievements in the athletic world. The proud group of stalwarts were called on to carry Trinidad and Tobago out of the current slump in the country’s athletic scene and as the foundation of the discipline locally they were also pleaded on to provide support for the up and comers. To end the morning, entertainment was provided by Mr Sarrant who began with extempo then gave those present a calypso history lesson from the 1930 road march winner to the present day queen Faye-Ann Lyons. His presentation was well received by the small gathering and it served as a fitting end to a morning of excellence.