The?National?Sports Council (NSC)?has saluted former Barbados all-rounder George Linton for helping to shape the development of future national players while he was employed as a cricket coach with the state-run body for the past 23 years.
In a tribute to Linton, who died suddenly early Thursday at his home in Friendship Gap, Hothersal Turning, St Michael at the age of 57 after a brief illness, acting Director of Sport Neil Murrell said he was an extremely dedicated coach.
“In this capacity, he was not only an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner keen on passing on his considerable skills to his younger charges, but a committed, sincere and at most times jovial team member of staff,” Murrell said.
Murrell said as a past national cricketer, Linton lent his skills to the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA)?as manager and coach of the Combined Schools teams “helping to shape the development of future Barbados stars.”
“George was loved by all at the council to the extent that he was the resident master of ceremonies at the council’s various functions, his considerable wit adding on most occasions to extending camaraderie among staff. He will surely be sorely and sadly missed by all both at the local level and wider regional level,” added Murrell.
Murrell offered condolences on behalf of the NSC’s board, management and staff for “a much loved comrade” to his entire family circle.
Meanwhile, NSC’s senior coach and leading sports administration Adrian Donovan has urged all clubs which have teams playing in the BCA or Barbados Cricket?League competitions, to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Linton before the start of play today.
Donovan also said he would like to see a long-lasting honour given to Linton posthumously to perpetuate his memory.
“This is a man who has served his community, the society and the country with the greatest dedication that anyone could ask for,” Donovan said.
“We are accustomed giving emblems to people who have done us proud and George Linton is in this calibre of all those who have been honoured. I hope an ordinary fellow like ‘Georgie’ would be given his due,” added Donovan. (EZS)