Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise this honorable House about the recent block party that was held at the formerly named Angle Street Centre. The event was held to celebrate two members of our Community: Mr. Sammy Wilson and Mr. Clarence Hill and show our appreciation for the contributions of both of these gentlemen.
Mr. Speaker, The late Sammy Wilson was an avid sports enthusiast, tennis player and youth community activist during his time. He wanted only the best for the children and individuals living in the surrounding Pembroke neighbourhoods.
Mr. Speaker, he envisioned a place where the community could come together and thrive, so he created The Centre. Since its inception it has become a place where seniors, community groups, budding entrepreneurs and of course our young people can all come together at a venue that is welcoming and supportive.
Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting to honour his memory by renaming the Centre to The Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre and this was done with his family present on the 17th November 2019.
Mr. Speaker, A sporting legend that is also associated with the Centre is Mr. Clarence Hill who is well known for the success that he has had in the boxing arena both locally and internationally.
Mr. Hill has the distinction of being the only Bermudian in history to win a Bronze medal at the Olympics. He achieved this in the 1976 Games in Montreal Canada. As an inductee into our Bermuda Sports Hall of Fame, without a doubt, Clarence Hill is considered one of our greatest athletes of any genre. Through his bronze medal win in 1976, Mr. Hill helped to put Bermuda on the map.
Mr. Speaker, Clarence first started training at the Pembroke Youth Centre under Stanley Trimm and then went on to pursue a prolific boxing career. It is only fitting therefore that on the 17th November we also recognised Mr. Hill’s contributions to boxing, to sports and his commitment to the development of our young people with the naming of The Clarence Hill Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.
Mr. Speaker, In addition to the naming of the gymnasium, and on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, I also had the pleasure of presenting to Clarence a cheque for $10,000 in honour of his international achievements in boxing.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.