Much talk has been made recently over National Heroes Day, with a holiday on Monday created to celebrate the occasion.

And once again the day will recognise the achievements and contributions of Lois Browne Evans, who undoubtedly had a major impact on the way Bermuda developed.

She was a major force within the PLP, and outside the party.

Having travelled once abroad with Mrs. Browne Evans, I was struck by her wicked sense of humour and her ability to embrace all sections of the community whether they agreed with her political views or not.

Certainly her integrity would put to shame many of those who now occupy the House of Assembly.

If we were to celebrate National Villains Day, there'd be no shortage of candidates. We'd be spoilt for choice, both past and present.

However, as the debate continues as to who should be our next 'hero', isn't it odd how the names of politicians dominate the discussion almost exclusively?

The fact remains that many of those outside the political arena are far more deserving of the recognition, in particular those who have graced the international sporting stage.

Our top sportsmen and women have proved to have been far better ambassadors overseas than any politician.

It's their achievements that have put Bermuda on the map.

If the criteria for choosing a National Hero dictates that the nominee be deceased, one has to look no further than Alma (Champ) Hunt, a cricketer whose contributions to the game are still recognised in the hallowed halls of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He was given honorary life membership.

As both a player and administrator, he was applauded more on foreign soil than within his own country.

He remains the only player who has ever been considered worthy of a place in the West Indies' Test team.

In 1933 he spent two months in the Caribbean attending trials where he made a huge impression with bat and ball, but for reasons still unknown was never selected, even though it had been previously agreed a Bermudian would be eligible to play for the Windies.

It was not much longer before he travelled to Scotland where he became a dominant figure in the development of the sport.

He became a true Bermuda legend.

And much the same could be said about WF (Chummy) Hayward, another who played a significant role in not only supporting cricket but many other sports. He donated much of his fortune to further the cause. He even purchased a plot of land on which he hoped Bermuda's first Hall of Fame would be built. Sadly, the project never came to fruition before his death, nor since.

Surely there are more out there whose contributions outweigh those of any politician.

Of the sporting heroes still alive, Clyde Best, might be the most prominent.

He played a major role in breaking down the racial barriers which existed in the world of football. He played alongside England's World Cup heros, Hurst, Moore and Peters.

And he's still fondly remembered by the West Ham faithful. On a visit to Upton Park last year, he received a standing ovation.

Yet, he's never earned the same recognition in his own country.

Hopefully, whoever chooses our next National Hero, will look beyond the House of Assembly.

Politicians may shape the way the country is run. But they'll never instill the same kind of Bermudian pride than those who have excelled in the world of sport.

* * * *

Congrats to Bermuda Broadcasting Company for the way they have improved their coverage of the World Cup. As noted in a previous column on the opening day of the competition there were a few hitches, all of which have been resolved.

I take back the criticism meted out in that article.

Every game has been televised live with excellent commentary and pre-match build-up, and commercials limited to the half-time break. The annoying Digicel 'football' which appeared on the top left of the screen has been removed

It's no wonder that so many local football fans are now watching the games in the comfort of their own home, where the breakfast, lunch and beer are about three times cheaper than in the pubs!

Keep up the good work guys.

– ADRIAN ROBSON