Former Prime Minister Patterson Honoured By CHASE Fund
By: October 17, 2014 ,The Key Point:
The Facts
- Mr. Patterson was presented with a special commemorative trophy by CHASE Fund Chairman, Dr. Carlton Davis, during the 10th Courtney Walsh Award presentation ceremony.
- Making the presentation, Dr. Davis cited Mr. Patterson’s admiration for the former Jamaica and West Indies cricket legend and pace bowler, in whose honour the award is named.
The Full Story
Former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, has been honoured by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports, and Education (CHASE) Fund, for his role in establishing the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in Sports.
Mr. Patterson was presented with a special commemorative trophy by CHASE Fund Chairman, Dr. Carlton Davis, during the 10th Courtney Walsh Award presentation ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on October 16.
Making the presentation, Dr. Davis cited Mr. Patterson’s admiration for the former Jamaica and West Indies cricket legend and pace bowler, in whose honour the award is named.
“He admired the monumental performance of Courtney Walsh in getting 519 Test wickets…most of them against teams with good batsmen. But he also admired Mr. Walsh’s sportsmanship…and his demeanor and conduct, on and off the field. That is the context in which he made this proposal of the Courtney Walsh Award. I think it is deserving that CHASE should recognize Mr. Patterson’s contribution, in this regard,” the Chairman said.
In his reply, Mr. Patterson said the decision to initiate the award arose out of the fact that, aside from his phenomenal feats on the field of play, “there is something about him which made it… appropriate that we should find a suitable way of perpetuating his memory.”
“There are many things (about Courtney Walsh) that, to my mind, left an indelible impression. Courtney Walsh is one of those persons of sterling character, of commitment to country, and one who believes in fair play and integrity at all levels,” he added.
Mr. Patterson argued that the high regard in which the esteemed Award is held, “is something that we should take stock of,” adding that “we should thank Courtney Walsh for his exemplary service, and to express the confidence that he will continue to contribute to the development of sports and to the pride of our nation, in the years to come.”
Mr. Patterson also commended the CHASE Fund’s management, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Davis, and Chief Executive Officer, Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven, pointing out that “they have managed the affairs well.”
The former Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the wide cross-section of corporate sponsors “who have supported sports in a variety of ways…we thank you very much.”
The Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence is presented to a sports man or woman who has a history of outstanding achievements; demonstrates a spirit of sporting goodwill and national pride; is a model of sporting endeavour; and displays appropriate deportment and a high level of discipline and integrity within and outside the sports arena.
Olympian, Michael Frater, is this year’s recipient of the Award.