Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (6 April, 2016) History was made on Saturday, April 2^nd 2016, when the first ever Sports Awards Banquet was held in Little Cayman. More than 60 people, including the Minister of Sports, Hon. Osbourne Bodden and Director Sports, Mr. Colin Anglin, converged on the Little Cayman Beach Resort for the awards ceremony.

In his address Minister Bodden stated that he was honoured to be invited to the inaugural event and he spoke briefly about the importance of sports in everyday life. “Participation in Sport is essential for overall well-being and is a fun way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am pleased to add my congratulations to those who are being recognised and encourage all of the participants to continue striving for greater heights.” The Minister also stated that he was very happy to see the way that sports was being used to increase community spirit and bring people together in Little Cayman. He urged the community to maximise the use of the available resources and pledged that where possible, Government would continue supporting sports events and initiatives.

At the event, awards were given for various championships including Volleyball, Football and Basketball. Presentations were also made for Service and Appreciation,

Outstanding Services to Sports, Supporters of the Year, Community Team of the Year, and Top Male & Female Athletes of the Year.

Guest Speaker Colin Anglin delighted the audience with a captivating motivational speech which focused on the power of sports, team work, and his principles for winning and learning.

Other attendees included District Commissioner Mr. Ernie Scott, and Sports Instructor Mr. Harold Sanford who tendered apologies from the Deputy Premier, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, who was off Island at the time. “Little Cayman is truly a village of people and businesses all contributing to develop sports and provide sports entertainment, stated Mr. Sandford in his vote of thanks. “While many contribute in a variety of ways, businesses such as Little Cayman Beach Resort, Paradise Villas, Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman Liquor Store, Village Square, Conch Club Divers, Scooten Scooters, Solari Construction, and individuals including Johnny Johnson, Pia Hall, Bryan French, Betty Bua, and the Tibbetts family all deserve special mention for collectively helping to make Little Cayman the paradise that it unquestionably is.

After thanking the Cayman Islands Government, participants, sponsors and volunteers for their support. Mr. Sanford closed with a few remarks on behalf of the Honourable Deputy Premier, who pledged his support to the development of a recreational sports park in Little Cayman.

The sports awards banquet was hosted by the Little Cayman Social Sports Committee; a sub-committee of the Sports Association of the Sister Islands. The inaugural event was a culmination of two-years of recreational sports in Little Cayman and the emcee for the evening was Mr. Mark Knowlton.

Photo Caption(top): District Commissioner Ernie Scott presents awards at the Little Cayman Social Sports Banquet.