Dear Sir,

When the committee of the annual RO Smith Old Boys Match (St George’s/Wellington Rovers v Somerset CC Trojans/West End Rovers) contacted me to inform me I was being honoured, I did not know why I was being honoured. I simply thought it was the Old Boys game — and that was it.

At the event, and having received the honour, I am pleased and humbled to have accepted the award and to join current and past recipients who I have long admired and respected.

Very special thanks is extended to Larry “Muscles” Hunt and David “Goat” Brangman for selecting me. And, of course, thank you to my extended family, friends and community sponsors for supporting me and the other recipients for being there that evening.

As I reflect back to those early years of Ireland Island Rangers, Somerset Cricket Club and North Shore Boys, what was so quickly noticeable were the multiple family networks, inter-club and neighbourhood developments. The growth in the number and quality of organisations giving service was of the highest quality.

The event put on by the RO Smith committee, I am pleased to acknowledge, demonstrated the same high standards — the successful learning curve for all of the participants in how to manage themselves and be responsive to the public was very evident.

I applaud all of you serving the development of our youth. It is my hope that the RO Smith Old Boys match builds on the legacy of the event by serving the quality development of our young people. This will be our greater legacy.

We must continue to work together as a united group in making the spiritual and cultural community a significant player — with respect to education, economic development, sport, health and human welfare as we rebuild Bermuda’s communities. Thank you.

EDWARD H “ICE WATER” SMITH