The International Softball Federation will honour Bermuda's Michael Preece by inducting him into their Hall of Fame.

A well-known figure on the Island, Preece will recieve the award for his many years of service to the game at a local and international level.

Preece has been associated with the game since 1958, and it is the quality and consistency of his officiating that has attracted this latest accolade from his peers.

The Induction Ceremony will be held in conjunction with a black-tie dinner to be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on Saturday of next week, at which time visiting Guest of Honour Dale McMann, Vice-President of the International Softball Federation, will bestow the honour on Preece.

This unprecedented honour - not only for Preece, but also for Bermuda and its love affair with the sport - is considered a monumental one.

He will be joining a select few Bermudians, who have been so recognised by an international sports federation for services to their sport.

In 2001, he was recognised with a Special Achievement Award at the Government Sports Awards programme for his services to softball.

And in his work for the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, he has also made considerable contributions to the organisation of such events as the Bermuda Day activities, including the sports events and the parade; the Department of Tourism's College Weeks, the Island Jam, and almost every public event organised by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation since his first involvement with the department nearly 50 years ago.

Deputy Premier of Bermuda, Paula Cox, will be on hand to see Preece handed his award, and it is expected that sport personalities from past and present will also be present at the induction.

Tickets for the ceremony and dinner, costing $125, can be purchased from the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation offices on Church Street, and the Softball Diamond Canteen at Bernard Park, or by telephoning 294-7945 or 296-5888 ext 2107.