star Shaun Goater and record-breaking marathon runner Kavin Smith.

Politicians heaped lavish praise on the international striker, describing him as a role model for young Bermudians.

United Bermuda Party Senator Mark Pettingill said: "Anyone reading what Shaun Goater has done has to have welling within them a high regard for what this young man has accomplished.

"His accomplishments are significant not just for football but for Bermuda as a role model for young Bermudians.

"There is no question that Shaun Goater would have had to suffer a lot to get through what he has done at Manchester City.

"Having observed English football fans and they way they conduct themselves, its not something to be proud of, and again when they decide to pick on someone it is not something to be proud of.

"He suffered some insults but he never rested on excuses and silenced the critics, and now these people adore him.

"He has conducted himself with an incredible sense of grace and character.

"He is not the most graceful player on the park, but he has conducted himself with such grace and character to be a role model for everyone.'' Government Senate leader Milton Scott, who supported sending the letter, said he collected newspaper headlines about Goater's succecss when he was in England at the end of the season.

Sen Pettingill, a former schoolmate of Smith, said he was "a shining example of what can be done with hard work'' and predicted he would go on to even greater things.