Dear Editor,
During the month of January, I read many opinion articles on the possible winners for Sports Awards for 2010. While reading the pieces, I saw the name Hugh Ross. I said to myself, ‘Oh no, not again!’
It is a well-known fact in sports that a junior may win in a senior category (some sports call it open), while a veteran may also win an open category once entered in that category. The necessary prizes and awards are available once the junior or veteran wins in the said open category. However, a junior cannot win a senior award if results as a senior do not justify same. Likewise, a veteran cannot win a senior award if results do not justify same.
Now back to Mr Ross. This athlete won the Mr Universe title as a ‘Master’ or veteran. He did not win in the open category. So how can he become Sportsman-of-the-Year based on that?
A few years ago, cyclist Aubrey ‘Gibbyhead’ Gordon did extremely well at the World Championships as a veteran, but this mistake was not made. Now it has happened. Hopefully, I hope this can be corrected before presentation time.
When I read that the criteria had been circulated, I felt happy and didn’t expect an error of this nature, but then again this selection panel has a history over the last eight years of these errors.
Some which readily came to mind are Cleveland Forde being voted as Junior Sportsman when he was no longer a junior; Cleveland Forde being awarded senior sportsman above ‘world’ boxing champion Gairy St Clair; Nicolette Fernandes being awarded above world champion Shondell Alfred. I could go on but I think I’ve made my point.
Do not take this as an attack on Mr Ross. I have nothing against him, but a spade must not be mistaken for a shovel. He did not win in the open category and that’s a fact.
Shondell Alfred was absolutely correct when she said, “I should have gotten it since last year.”
Oh, I almost forgot, the disease is now spreading. Check the AAG awards. The coach of the year and the senior female awards are highly questionable. The female awardee did not even participate in the national championships. I again ask the Minister to solicit three or at a maximum five persons with the required knowledge, time and love for sport to perform this task for the national honour, or we will continue to see these mistakes. Further I say not.
Yours faithfully,
Keith Campbell
Asst Secretary/Treasurer GABA
Vice-President
Running Brave Athletics Club
