‘Peace Tree’ Campaign Begins In Sports Clubs
A ‘Peace Tree’ campaign has gotten underway among the island’s sports clubs, aiming to promote “peaceful interaction, as well as fostering an appreciation amongst current generations for their roots.”
A spokesperson said, “On Sunday, March 27th, the campaign promoting peace both locally and globally – which began with the March 10th presentation to the Acting Governor – commenced, engaging the island’s sports clubs. This at the PHC’s final home game of the season, with the Zebras facing the Somerset Trojans.
“It is fitting that PHC be the initial club to participate in the Peace Tree campaign, because it is one of the oldest of Bermuda’s football clubs, especially if the legacy of the Key West Rangers – from which PHC evolved – is taken into account.
“The campaign with the clubs is looking to promote nurturing an atmosphere that promotes peaceful interaction, as well as fostering an appreciation amongst current generations for their roots.
“Involved in the simple ceremony was the PHC President Mark Trott [son of the local icon of football and cricket, Winston ‘Coe’ Trott] and his VP, who were pleased to join the campaign.
“Also included was Neville Tyrell, MP for the bordering constituency who happened to have served as the BFA President for two years in the 2000s. This provides him with a unique perspective regarding the role of the sporting clubs across the island.
“MP Tyrell expressed support for the initiative and noted that this is an opportunity for older generations to reflect on how they serve as examples to upcoming generations. This is especially the case in the sporting arena.
“Rev Charles Alex Smith – the pastor of Bright Temple AME in Warwick, where he has served for the past eight years – wished to let his presence speak for itself.
“This was also the case for William ‘Bumble-Bee’ Richardson, the 92-year-old former Devonshire Lion footballer. Mr. Richardson had taken the former Lions into the Devonshire Recreational Club, where they were re-named Cougars.
“Also present was Cal Symonds Jr, the son of the iconic Cal ‘Bummy’ Symonds, who was unable to attend given current circumstances. Young Cal had just returned home in anticipation of his father’s 90th birthday, which, given circumstances, will be a very quiet event.
“Cal Jr pointed out that it was vital that initiatives such as the Peace campaign be pushed, so as to promote awareness for the upcoming generations. He went on to suggest that involving local artists in the community collaboration could leverage the push.
“Glenn Fubler – coordinator of the initiative – reported that he was personally donating the olivewood tree to PHC in memory of his long-time friend, the late Clinton ‘Amos’ Smith, who once played for PHC. Clint was a member of PHC’s Crystal Palace Championship Team in 1967 and subsequently served on the PHC executive.
“He served as a teacher of Warwick and Sporting Coordinator for the Department of Education, who optimized the East-West football games and also served with the group that launched the Spirit of Bermuda project.”
