Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (right) presents a special trophy to former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer James 'Jimmy' Adams (left) who is the first receipient of the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence in sports. The $500,000 award was announced by Patterson in 2003 and is funded by CHASE. The award was presented at a function held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge UWI on Tuesday. - CONTRIBUTED
FORMER WEST Indies captain James 'Jimmy' Adams was on Tuesday night awarded the first Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence.
The award function, which was held at the Mona Visitors' Lodge and Conference Centre, University of the West Indies, saw Adams presented with a glass bowl and $500,000 by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who also delivered the main address.
Tuesday night's award was the first of what Prime Minister Patterson said would be an annual award to a sportsperson who "had shown a high level of integrity, national pride, dedication, decorum and humility on and off the field. One who is dedicated to constantly improving himself, or herself as a competitor, one who exhibits hard work in competition, one who shows quality of leadership," Patterson said.
The PM said when looking at the criteria to select the person - apart from Walsh - "there is one person who immediately qualifies, and if I may say so, is uniquely suited to be the recipient of this, the first award.
FIRST AWARD
"There could not have been a better choice for the first award," the Prime Minister said.
Patterson also hinted that the next recipient could be a woman.
"I have no doubt our women, who have performed so brilliantly over the period of time, will very shortly - perhaps at the next awards, be the deserving recipient," he said
According to the citation, which was read by Audrey Chin - director of CHASE Fund, Adams possessed all the qualities required.
On the field, the left-handed batsman scored 3,012 Test runs at an average of 41.26 from 54 matches, during which time he notched up six centuries and 14 half centuries with a top score of 208 not out against New Zealand. He also took 27 wickets at 49.48 with best bowling figures of 5-17.
He also played 127 one-day internationals, scoring 2,204 runs at 28.62 with 14 half centuries.
Adams expressed delight at winning the award.
GLORY GOES TO GOD
"First of all, I just want to give thanks where thanks is due - I think whatever I am today, wherever I end up tomorrow, wherever I have been, whatever I have accomplished, all the honour, all the glory goes to God almighty for everything he has given me," Adams, 37, said
"It is from him I get strength every day, it's from him all good gifts come," he said.
"I really say this from the bottom of my heart - to be given anything, anything at all in Courtney's name, is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life Courtney, thank you very much," he said.
However, Prime Minister Patterson tried to explain why Adams was chosen "At first, the person should not exceed the age of 30, but Courtney showed, they are some people who come on in the passage of time and therefore the committee asked to extend the age group to 35," he said, though Adams is two years older.
The Prime Minister said the function would in future be held annually between August 2 and 5 to celebrate the period between Emancipation and Independence.
The function was attended by Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, Information Minister Burchell Whiteman, Jamaica Cricket Board president Jackie Hendriks and Walsh.
