T&T, on Saturday, lost one of its sporting icon, pioneer Alexander B Chapman. He was 93.
Chapman was an honorary life member of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), an honorary vice-president of the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) and a lifetime vice-president of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
Yesterday, in a combined release, the TTOC and the T&T Commonwealth Games Association, expressed their sympathy on the passing of the former TTOC president from 1989-1997.
"The TTOC and the TTCGA extends deepest condolences to the family of Mr Alexander B Chapman. Mr Chapman's contribution and service to the Olympic and Commonwealth Sports Movements in T&T, the Caribbean region, Americas continent and Commonwealth was immense, tireless, dedicated and unwavering. He epitomised the mean of volunteerism and patriotism.
"His passion for sports, the joy found in effort and striving for excellence was boundless. A patriot who took immense pride in seeing T&T athletes give of their best.
"A long-serving sports administrator. His wit, sense of humour, dignity and decorum stood out. Mr Chapman's contribution to the TTOC and the TTCGA and the Caribbean Olympic Movement in the early days can be best described as pioneering. May he rest in peace."
The Alexander B Chapman Award was introduced at the FCB Sports Foundation Sports Awards in 2017. The award recognises outstanding contribution to sport and Olympism, particularly in the promotion of Olympic ideals. It highlights achievements or contributions in any sport by individuals or groups which epitomise the fundamental principles of Olympism as found in the Olympic Charter.
Anthony "Dada" Wickham was the inaugural recipient of the honour when the ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain. David Lamy (deceased) was the recipient, last year.
Chapman, who was TTOC's secretary general for 25 years (1964-1989), leaves to mourn his daughter Alison Chapman.