Memorial Awards.

The awards recognise prominent student/athletes and will see the Bermuda Schools Sports Federation (BSSF) hosting a reception next Thursday at the Stonington college campus, starting at 2 p.m.

This year marks the ninth annual presentation of the awards, created in honour of the late Denton Hurdle, a former physical education teacher, Bermuda international rugby player and one who was highly regarded in the community.

Said BSSF administrator Clint Smith: "These awards are considered to be the most prestigious awards in the BSSF programme and are designed to recognise, to highlight and to reward the most positive characteristics exhibited by our student/athletes.'' Each school is requested to nominate one boy and one girl for the awards. To be nominated for the awards, students must be active sports participants and must display the following qualities: leadership, sportsmanship, self discipline, determination, dedication and cooperation.

Additionally, students must demonstrate positive attitudes in school, be good scholar-athletes and good role models.

Expected to be on hand at the awards is the Minister of Education, Clarence Terceira, as well as other education department officials.

Remembering Hurdle as an excellent role model for today's youth, Smith provided the following profile: "Denton Hurdle was a keen sportsman and after finishing his education at Warwick Academy and the Bermuda College he enrolled in the Physical education Department at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. As an athlete Denton played soccer, cricket, volleyball and rugby.

"While at university, Denton's main involvement in sports was as a soccer player. He was considered to be the gentle giant on the team because of his massive physique and his unwillingness to intentionally intimidate or injure opponents. His calm sporting demeanour earned him a lot of respect and many, many friends both on and off the field of play.

"Although soccer could be considered as his main sport during his university days, rugby was always his first love and upon his return to Bermuda, he quickly made a name for himself in the sport. He joined the Teachers Rugby Club and later captained the team. In recognition of his outstanding skills he quickly became a regular on the Bermuda National team.

"Throughout his sports career Denton typified all of the characteristics that the BSSF now use as criteria for students to be nominated for the Denton Hurdle Memorial Awards, leadership, sportsmanship, self-discipline, determination -- whether winning or losing -- dedication to training, cooperation with players and officials and above all Denton was a first class role model to all.'' Nominations -- See Page 14