March 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

During the 2009 Annual Sports Awards, I was awarded a Sports Citation Award "in grateful recognition of my distinguished and sustained contribution towards the development of Track and Field in an administrative capacity". Unfortunately, there was insufficient time to thank all those who have supported me during the Awards Ceremony. It would be greatly appreciated if you could publish my "thank you" speech below:

"It has taken me over 20 years to reach this particular podium, so please bear with me for a few minutes while I thank those persons who have assisted and supported me along the way.

My special thanks to:

My first athletic family – The Bermuda Pacers Track Club executives and members for their support over the years and in particular to the current president, Mr. Wayne Raynor, and his executive for nominating me for this award.

To three former directors of BTFA – the late Randy Benjamin, Dr. the Hon. David Saul and Mr. Garry Wilkinson – for inviting me to run for president of BTFA in 1996 with the belief that I could: a) restore the creditability of the BTFA in the region; b) Improve administration locally; c) restore good working relations with the coaching staff and d) Improve and secure the financial status of the BTFA.

It goes without saying that all of these objectives were met and surpassed during my tenure as evidenced by being the first Bermudian to be elected to the regional boards of CACAC in 2002 and NACAC in 2003 – these regional bodies in addition to the BTFA also supported by candidacy for a seat on the IAAF World Governing Body Council in 2005 which was another first for Bermuda – the hosting of regional events like the 2001 CAC Cross Country Championships and the 2004 CARIFTA Games which showcased our collective talents in administration, organisation, technical knowledge and expertise.

Locally, the annual Bermuda International Race weekend while not a financial success for BTFA, can boast of attracting between 1,000 to 1,200 visitors to Bermuda each year during my tenure as president, thus boosting tourism and our economy during our off season.

The hard work and dedication of so many – national coach Gerry Swan, who with the help of assistant coaches Roger Dill and Sonja Showers, trained our CARIFTA athletes who achieved fourth place in the medal table with nine medals on Bermuda soil – Bermuda's highest position to date since the 1970s/80s; Gerry Swan single handedly trained our technical officials who executed their duties at the highest level during the 2004 CARIFTA Games setting the conditions for Bermuda's first world record set by Jamaican Usain Bolt, now regarded as the world's fastest man. Usain was and still is the only junior to run a sub-20 second 200m in the world and it happened in Bermuda at our CARIFTA Games – the only CARIFTA Games where a world record has been set in the entire history of the event!

Special mention must be given to Ms Gina Gibbons for her dedication and tenacity in raising sufficient sponsorship funds, with the assistance of the Hon. Zane DeSilva, which enabled us to cover all CARIFTA expenses, BTFA debts and still leave the association with over $200,000 at the end of my tenure in 2006.

This award is shared with the 2004 CARIFTA Organising committee, many of whom are present tonight, our BTFA directors, coaches, clubs, volunteers, family and friends. I give thanks to all those who have crossed my path and made me stronger and more determined to succeed.

To God be the glory for my parents the late Lillian James Trott and William Trott for instilling in me the values that have sustained me during this journey. To my husband Robin, sons Robin II and Damian for being there as my first three volunteers and for their unwavering love and support.

I leave you with Maya Angelou's words in her poem 'Still I Rise!'"

JUDITH E.A. SIMMONS