OVER THE years, Caribbean sportsmen and sportswomen have distinguished themselves in the international arena.

Apart from recognition in their own territories, however, their efforts, much to the disappointments of many, have gone unrecognised.

That, however, may soon be changed. There is a move afoot to organise an annual Caribbean Sports Awards starting this year.

First function for Jamaica

According to the word going the rounds, Al Hamilton, a Jamaican residing in England, the founder of the prestigious 26-year-old Commonwealth Sports Awards and the man behind the four-year-old All African Sports Awards, is putting together the Caribbean Sports Awards with the first award function apparently scheduled to be held in Jamaica some time around late October and early November.

Hamilton was in Jamaica recently talking to potential sponsors as well as Mike Fennell - president of the Jamaica Olympic Association and head of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Fennell, it is understood, is quite enthusiastic about the awards.

If successful, the Caribbean Sports Awards, which will make awards in all the major sports in the region, including track and field, cricket, football, netball, boxing, and cycling, will be held in a different territory each year.