Awards were presented to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and the Presidents of the West Indian Association and Vasco de Gama Club on Saturday in recognition of their community work.The ‘Salute to Service’ ceremony was the eighth annual event hosed by CableVision.The theme of the evening was “Unity in Diversity Growing a Stronger Community Together”.Awards presenter Danilee Trott praised the three winners and she handed the honours out.“In keeping with the Unity in Diversity theme, Bermuda CableVision has carefully selected winners that have played an integral role in promoting cultural diversity in Bermuda,” she said.“We start with the presentation of the annual Rollin Nathan Community Award.“Named in honour of the coordinator of this programme, this award is designed to highlight an organisation delivering community-building services.“The 2013 award goes to Bermuda Sloop Foundation for the development opportunities it provides to hundreds of young Bermudians from all social and economic backgrounds.“Founded in 1998, the charity offers ocean sail training in the most inspiring and dynamic of classroom environments, the 118-foot purpose-built ship, Spirit of Bermuda.“Not only does the charity’s programme allow youth to explore careers in the maritime industry, it is also designed to build character and to supplement young people’s academic curriculum with hands-on, experiential learning.“Bermuda Sloop Foundation has exciting plans of training programmes and overseas voyages in the year ahead.”In addition to the trophy, Cablevision handed the Sloop Foundation $1,000 towards its ongoing activities.Turning to the two Community Service Awards, Ms Trott said: “Here tonight, we recognise two individuals for their leadership in advocating for cultural diversity on the island and making our community the socially rich environment it is today.Firstly we honour Andrea Moniz-DeSouza, President of the Vasco da Gama Club.“This establishment on Reid Street in Hamilton is widely recognised as the focal point on the island for the Portuguese Bermudian community.“Formed in 1935, Vasco da Gama is dedicated to the development and preservation of the Portuguese language and culture and to assist its members in times of need.“Mrs. Moniz DeSouza joined the club’s Executive Board in 2009, and in 2011 she became its first female President. In this role, she is keen to build the club’s appeal with the younger generation and the female population.“For her work to date in cementing Vasco da Gama’s place as a cultural centre of which the Portuguese people and the entire community can be proud, Bermuda CableVision gives her this award.”Ms Trott said the second award winner, Susan-Moore Williams, “works with an equally important section of the community” as President of the West Indian Association.“Ms Moore-Williams has been an integral part of the organisation’s management committee since 2002.“The association runs numerous projects aimed at promoting a better understanding of Bermuda’s cultural and historic ties to the Caribbean region,” she said.“Most recently, in October 2012 it partnered with the Department of Community and Cultural Development to host a Caribbean Day in Victoria Park.“The West Indian Association has also joined forces with the Government of Bermuda and other community organisations in fundraising when natural disasters have affected Caribbean countries.”In addition to the trophy, CableVision gave Ms Moore-Williams $2,000 towards the work of the Association.In addition to the three awards, CableVision handed out a total of $35,000 to community-building organisations.CableVision General Manager Terry Roberson said: “This year, we have selected Unity in Diversity as the banner under which we will be celebrating Bermuda’s rich culture and its people who are consciously working hard to strengthen our community.“The island is itself a tribute to the ability of people from a wide mix of origins, nationalities and ethnicities coming together as one.”He said of the winners, past and present: “Our alumni of winners represent our theme of diversity very well.“They have each volunteered their time and energy to a wealth of causes ranging from education and sports, through health and welfare, to historical, social and environmental preservation.“We take this opportunity to salute them all for their community service.”Current Premier Craig Cannonier and former Premier Sir John Swan both touched on the theme of unity and diversity in their speeches.Mr Cannonier described it as “one of the most wonderful things humankind can take part in”.Sir John said: “When we look at Bermuda today, we need to be able to see the future with clear vision”.Thanking CableVision for hosting the awards, he added: “There is a brighter tomorrow — there is a brighter future”.The event was also attended by a range of dignitaries including Governor George Fergusson and Minister of Community and Cultural Development Wayne Scott.