BFSA To Present Annual Cup Match Award
On August 14, 2014, The Bermuda Friendly Societies Association [BFSA] will hold its 11th Annual Cup Match Sportsmanship Award ceremony at Manchester Unity Lodge Hall in Hamilton, opposite the People’s Pharmacy, commencing at 7.00pm, with doors set to open at 6.30pm.
A spokesperson said, “The decision by the Association to put a focus on good sportsmanship in the annual cricket classic arose from a desire on the part of the Founding Fathers of the Friendly Societies movement to emphasize that particular character trait, being one which, at the same time, epitomizes the principle of “playing the game hard, but playing it clean.”
“The recipient of The Good Sportsmanship Award is, thus, an individual who has demonstrable cricketing skills, but who also clearly projects the values of fair-play, team-work, leadership and self-respect.
“The active membership of the Association consists of seven Lodges – the Loyal Mayflower Lodge, The Flower of the Day Lodge, the Princess Royal Union Lodge, the Somers Pride of India Lodge, Alexandrina Lodge and its Sister Lodge, the Household of Ruth, and the Loyal Irresistible Lodge.
“The recipient of this year’s award is Mr. Terryn Fray [pictured above] of the Somerset Cup Match Team who, in the opinion of the Cup Match umpires, best exemplified the principles of good sportsmanship and fair play throughout the 2014 Annual Cricket Classic.
“In his second innings, Mr. Fray thrilled cricket fans with his chanceless 122, not out, which feat also earned him the 2014 Most Valuable Player Award.
“This year, the ceremony at Manchester Unity Hall will feature former St. George’s Cup Match player and cricket commentator, Mr. Wendell Smith, as the guest speaker and former Somerset Cup Match player, Mr. Joe Bailey, as the guest presenter.
“Amongst those expected to attend the awards ceremony are Cup Match Umpires Mr. Emmerson Carrington and Mr. Oscar Andrade and the President of the Umpires Association, Mr. Walisford Manders, and the Association’s Vice-Resident, Mr. Steven Douglas.
“It is also anticipated that Cup Match Team members from both the East and the West will also be in attendance for this signature post-Cup Match event as well as representatives from both the Bermuda Government and the Opposition and other distinguished guests.
“Amongst those expected to attend are the Minister of Community, Cultural Affairs and Sport Wayne Scott, the Speaker of The House of Assembly and former Somerset Cup Match star Randolph Horton, the Shadow Minister for Sport Michael Weeks, and Mr. Zane DeSilva.
“Also expected to attend are former St. George’s Cup Match team Captain Calvin “Bummy” Symonds and veteran Somerset Cup Match team members Mr. John Tucker and Mr. John Stovell.
“The Good Sportsmanship Award was instituted in 2003 by the Association and the winner is presented with a number of prizes which include a Shield, the Emancipation Cup, the Clarence Darrell Cup, a keepsake cup and other gifts.
“It will be recalled that the precursor to Cup Match followed the abolition of slavery here in Bermuda. Men from the Albert and Victoria Lodge in Somerset and the Somers Pride of India Lodge from St. George’s met in friendly rivalry on the cricket pitch and celebrated Emancipation Day by holding annual picnics to mark the occasion.
“One of the highlights of the picnics was a friendly cricket match played between the Lodges from the East and West ends of the Island.
“In 1901, during the cricket match between two major Friendly Societies, it was suggested by Mr. John Hotter Symonds that the teams play for an Annual Trophy. Members of the Friendly Societies and Lodges raised funds and, in 1902, a silver cup to be played for annually was introduced. The first Cup Match was played in St. George’s.
“History buffs will recall that, in 1947, two official public holidays were introduced to be observed every year on the Thursday and Friday closest to 1st August. The first day of Cup Match was officially designated as Emancipation Day in 1999 while the second day, Somers Day, commemorates the arrival here of Admiral Sir George Somers who colonized these islands in 1609.|
Congratulations Terryn