This was highlighted during the recent Annual Awards & Banquet, hosted in the Bronx, New York, on Friday 29th April, 2011.
The event which was organized and hosted by the St. Kitts Graduate Soccer Club of New York (SKGSC) was the designed to pay tribute to sporting personalities from St. Kitts who have excelled in various disciplines, including music and sport.
According to a spokesman for the group, the honourees for this year were Mr. Bruce Skerritt, for his years as an outstanding national goalkeeper, Mr. Vernon Benders for his contribution to his fellow Kittitians in the Diaspora thru his music and the Government Minister, Ms. Marcella Liburd for the overall development of netball.
Both Ms. Liburd and Mr. Skerritt reflected on how sports have influence their lives.
While thanking the club for recognizing her contribution, Ms. Liburd said “Being involved in sports helped shape my world view…out of athletics come team work, discipline, character, confidence and self-esteem.”
Mr. Skerritt meanwhile told the gathering, “I do not remember a time in my life when I was not involved in sports. Everyone talks about freedom but there is no freedom without discipline.”
Also receiving awards at the event were Mr. Devaughn Elliot of “the Village” who was presented with the Most Valuable Player, while team captain Julian (Woney) Bradshaw was recognized as the Defensive Player of the 2010 season.
Ms. Liburd, who is also the Minister of Health, Social Service, Community Development, Culture & Gender Affairs was the Feature Speaker. She eloquently expressed her appreciation of a group like the SKGC and their efforts towards bridging the gap between young people on the island and abroad through the game of football.
President of the club, Mr. Pelham Warner, in his opening remarks, highlighted the working relationship between the club and the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association (SKNFA), in helping to foster the development of young players both on and off the field.
Also present at the event to provide their support for the club, were the President of the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association, (SKNFA), Mr. Anthony Johnson and the General Secretary, Mr. Stanley Jacobs, as well as the executive members of Caribbean Cup Inc. of New York.
St. Kitts & Nevis’ Ambassador, Mrs. Jacinth Henry-Martin was among the list of specially invited guests who praised the group for their exemplary services to the Kittitian Diaspora.
The Vice President of the SKGSC Mr. Larry John gave the vote of thanks and closed the evening of a well-attended function that brought together old friends and new partnerships, while the invocation was rendered by Rev Dr. Mastine Nisbett.