The People's Choice Award honoured Bermuda's only Olympic Bronze medallist on the steps of City Hall yesterday.

Former boxer Clarence Hill went to the 1976 Montreal Olympics and won a Bronze medal and became the Island's only Olympic medal holder.

Yesterday he was met at the Bermuda International Airport by a group of friends and supporters. He was driven in a five car motorcade and was taken through his old neighbourhood, past his alma mater, Victor Scott School, and arrived at City Hall at just after 12.15 p.m.

The organisers, Brendelle Hall and Fresh TV president Elmore Warren, said the day was held to correct the past and to do what should have been done 28 years ago when he first returned to the Island. The event was opened by the Hamilton Town Crier Edward Christopher. .

Mr. Hill was touched by the generosity that was shown by everyone involved.

Mr. Hill, who for many years was addicted to drugs, said his aim in life was to help others, who had fallen into the same trap.

"Some people forget where they've come from," he said, "But I am not one of those people.

"I may have accomplished more than some, but I am no better than anyone. It shows that if I can fall anyone can fall."

Bishop Vernon Lamb of the First Church of God said he considered it a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of this celebration.

"If I were to preach a message I would sign it better late than never," he said, "The whole Bermuda should be out here today, because when he won that medal, he didn't win it for the Hill family, he won it for Bermuda, for the country, and he is the only individual that has ever reached that status.

Bishop Lamb said there were too many in the community who will look at the past.

"But I'll tell you something everyone of us has something in their past that they don't want the public to know about," he said as he urged the people of Bermuda to see the young people as champions.

"God help us not to make the same mistake again, because of whatever political convenience or whatever, deny the celebration of one who has achieved so much."

Boxing coach Allan (Forty) Rego thanked Mr. Hill for allowing him to be a part of his life saying that every country should have a Clarence Hill.

Minister of Housing Ashfield reminisced about attending boxing matches in his youth.

"The recent controversy (over the Hall of Fame) raises many issues," he said.

"On a personal note I am proud to say that I am happy to see Clarence as he is today and I look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength.

Photographer Ras Mykal, who made a poster with the help of the Bermuda Sun, said it was so Bermuda would never forget.

BLESS Bermuda Laser Engraving Systems Services owners Tim Olden, Kurt Ming and Juan Mello designed and presented a plaque to Mr. Hill on behalf of the Bermudian people.

Victor Scott School head girl Myrtia Eberley commended Mr. Hill for both performing at the 1976 Olympics and for achieving the 2004 People's Choice Award.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton said he was very happy that people came together to do this.

"I just think it just shows what people think about him and like many other people I am sorry that he wasn't in the Hall (of Fame) for the first year, but he will be there in the future," said Mr. Horton.

Ms Hall said Mr. Hill is a great inspiration for athletes Island wide.