KEITH GRIFFITH’S CIRCUMSTANCES are special and it is clear why the benefit evening was held at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Following recent surgery, a group of friends nobly came together and decided to stage an event to raise funds to help with his aftercare and other expenses.
In essence, though, we were really coming together to celebrate his enormous contribution to football in Barbados, albeit that it may not have happened were it not for his situation.
We were placing the spotlight on a man who was a player, a former national coach and technical adviser, a mentor to dozens, commentator and columnist. His standards have been high.
It’s instructive that we should be doing things of this nature for our sporting icons right across the board in good times or bad times.
I am of the general view that society doesn’t owe any of us anything extra and usually those who live with that expectation end up despondent and broken-hearted.
Something special
However, it is still an option for those that govern to consider the possibility of doing something special for individuals who have given extraordinary service to their field of endeavour for a sustained period.
Griffith definitely falls into category and it is commendable that members from his own fraternity want to ensure that he will be comfortable in time of need.
The need to which I refer has to do more with the moral support which has been forthcoming in rivers since his amputation more so than the financial assistance which is also critical. In times like these you need to know your friends and other associates are there with you to help you through what is certainly a period of transition.
Truthfully, Griffith has demonstrated a remarkable sense of resilience and strength during his illness, which in turn has been an inspiration to me. Down but not out has been his firm philosophy and that spirit has contributed to the healing process.
I remember strolling through Swan Street to do some chores the day after his surgery, when a friend told me what had happened. Not too sure, I later confirmed the news through the president of the Barbados Football Association, Randy Harris. It stopped me in my tracks and I abandoned what I had set out to do. It virtually ended my day.
I wasn’t old enough to play with or against Griffith in his heyday and even if I was, I don’t think I would have been good enough to do so anyhow. My time as a footballer was limited to representing Spooner’s Hill and coaching two of their youth teams in the mid 1970s and early 1980s.
Clearly, there wasn’t much to write home about, but I do remember how Griffith motivated me in my first year of coaching the Under-13s.We lost our first game 6-0 and the second 6-1. On each occasion he encouraged me not to lose hope. Eventually, after enduring our baptism of fire, we placed third and the following year the Under-16s had a similar result.
Versatile player
Prior to that alliance, I had seen him as a versatile player but I believe he was most outstanding as a sweeper, the best I have seen in covering the sport for over 40 years even though the likes of Ricardo “Cracker” Goddard and Everton Harris weren’t far behind.
We didn’t always see eye to eye when he was the national coach but that was accepted as par for the course as journalists have to put objective analysis above friendship.
However, it was working with him as a commentator that truly cemented our friendship and lasting bond. We not only covered first division and Premier League games for the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation but it was historic as we also worked as a team in doing live coverage of some of the the parish leagues, particularly the St Peter League.
A privilege
It was not only a privilege to work with Keith but a learning experience as a commentator. I often referred to him as the best in the world because he has amazing skills in this respect and given the opportunity, he would have become the equivalent to what the late Tony Cozier was in cricket.
Apart from his fluency and unique turn of phrase like “Daisy” Clarke “playing with flair and panache, turns on a penny and leaves his marker for dead”, I admired how well researched he was and his ability to pick up players is second to none.
This body of work was duly recognised on Sunday and it was like going down memory lane seeing the stars of old entertaining the crowd as they did back in the day.
The Barbados Football Association should use the occasion to select a beneficiary every year for similar treatment whatever their circumstances. I know that in the past they have helped Ricky and Jerry Goddard, but it should become a deliberate ploy to select someone who has been outstanding and shower them with the pleasantries they deserve.
It is extremely important to show people how much we appreciate them while they are still around. I propose that starting next year Philip Blaggrove be given a benefit.
I believe wherever possible other associations can do the same. We have to end the out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality and give our sporting icons their due.
• Andi Thornhill is a veteran sports journalist. Email andithornhill1@gmail.com