Former president Carmona remembers 'patriot' Chapman

FORMER PRESIDENT Anthony Carmona has offered his condolences to the family of former TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Alexander B Chapman, who died on Saturday at the age of 93.

Carmona, in his tribute to Chapman (who served as TTOC president from 1989-1997), said, "We have indeed lost an iconic, inspirational stalwart of the sporting fraternity. Chapman is internationally recognised for his unstinting, passionate and committed service to the Olympic Movement and its hallowed ideals for genuine human development and the paramountcy of a sustainable culture of peace through the fundamental principles of Olympism."

Carmona remembered the 2017 TTOC's Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year award ceremony as he presented the Alexander B Chapman Award to Trendsetter Hawks football club coach Anthony "Dada" Wickham "for his phenomenally successful and selfless work in the sport among young people in our challenging communities."

The former president continued, "Chapman was a class act, firm but genteel and civil in disposition and action, with a sincere, deep concern and genuine support for those who represented TT in the world of sport. Administratively, he represented us internationally with distinction."

Carmona noted, "My deep felt condolences to his loving family and dear friends, to (TTOC president Brian Lewis), the TTOC executive and members, and all our athletes who benefitted from his guiding and motivational stewardship."

Also extending tributes to Chapman was the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO).

According to CACSO president Luis Mejia Oviedo, "On behalf of all members of CACSO, I send our deepest condolences to the Chapman family on the passing of our honorary vice-president, a great sports leader and friend Alexander Chapman."

Oviedo wrote, "May his legacy continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of all and may God keep him close to his heart and bring peace to his loved ones."