The 2008 National Sports Awards with the theme “Honouring our Heroes and Heroines Past and Present,” occurred on Saturday, April 26 at 8 pm at the ALHCS Campus B auditorium. Cocktails were served at 7:15 with entertainment provided by Dumpa Martin and Company. The honourees and dignitaries took their seats after walking in a procession style format promptly at 8 pm.

All the awardees

The long ceremony had two sections with different chairpersons. The first session was chaired by Keith Stone-Greaves and Michelle Queely-Roberts. The night began with protocols being established as well as the National Anthem and Song, followed by a prayer by James Richardson. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Mr. Rodney Rey gave the welcoming remarks and, upon completion, Keith Stone-Greaves introduced the Cricket Legends and read a biography of each of the four.

Governor George congratulates the winners

The first session featured the youth awards sponsored by Cable and Wireless and the senior awards sponsored by National Bank of Anguilla. The night’s second session was chaired by Anita Ruan and Ras B in which the awardees for volunteers of the year and former sportpersons (legends of Anguilla) were recognized. The names of the awardees were previously mentioned in past editions of The Anguillian. There were surprise awards given in various categories in which there were three nominees. The association of the year award went to the Anguilla Cricket Association, official of the year was Michel Morton, sponsor of the year was Caribbean Commercial Bank, administrator of the year was Patricia Hodge, team of the year was the Anguilla Cricket team, coach of the year went to Cardigan Connor and media personality of the year was awarded to Keith Stone-Greaves. The final award of Sportsperson Personality of the Year went to Omari Banks.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by the Director of Sports Mr. Alkins Rogers. Finally, His Excellency The Governor Mr. Andrew George raised a toast to the winners of the awards.

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