Now it’s Queen’s College who’ve decided to give back to their “Superman”.
Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Ramon Harewood continues to receive acclaim for his team’s recent run to the Super Bowl after his alma mater hosted a reception in his honour at Lucky Horseshoe.
An initiative by Queen’s College’s Give Back Committee, the reception was in recognition of Harewood’s accomplishments in the NFL, where the 26-year-old guard started the first five games last season for the eventual Super Bowl champions.
“He acts as an inspiration for all the students,” said Queen’s College principal Dr David Browne.
“I have recognized that achievement is more than academic achievement, so at Queen’s College we try to enhance other things like music and sports, and his achievements will encourage the others to look beyond Barbados, beyond academic success.
“But to break into the NFL from the Caribbean is a real accomplishment and breakthrough, not only for Barbados but all the surrounding countries so I’m really proud of him,” he added.
It’s just the latest praise reserved for Harewood’s accomplishments, which saw the Paddock Road resident rise from relative obscurity to become an opening-day starter for one of the most respected NFL franchises.
And this was after the 334-pound former CARIFTA star was recruited to play for Morehouse College despite never having played a single snap of American football.
“It’s a great privilege and honour that he chose to come here this afternoon and share the afternoon with us,” said Paul Johnson, chief executive officer of Paul Enterprises Limited, owners and operators of Lucky Horseshoe.
“We haven’t had any talks yet about a future partnership but Lucky Horseshoe does have good steaks so I think we’ll be seeing him back,” he joked.
It was an evening of drinks, food and relaxation as Harewood and fiancée Asha Hughes interacted with the Lucky Horseshoe staff, members of the Give Back Committee and a junior Queen’s College student.
The reception was also in recognition of Harewood’s efforts in giving back to his alma mater through an address at morning assembly a couple weeks ago – the second such speech he has given in two years.
“When I was younger, I used to see all the guys come back and talk to the school and believe it or not that impacts a lot of people,” Harewood explained.
“And I feel that with the position that God has put me in, if I didn’t do that then it would really be selfish because it was done for me, and way too many people had a hand in my life growing up.
“It’s only fair and right that I give back the same way,” he added.
Harewood also confirmed that his four-day American football camp will start on April 4.
